labourlist--2020-01-07--Labour’s deputy leadership election – runners and riders

Labour isn ’ t only electing its next leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn – there is also a vacancy for the deputy leader post as Tom Watson stepped down from the role and as an MP at the general election last month .
The contest began officially today , with Labour MPs and and there are six figures who have put themselves forward for the job .
They first need the support of 10 % of the parliamentary parties – 22 , including themselves .
The ruling body of the Labour Party met on Monday to set out the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and leadership selection processes , which will conclude on April 4th .
Here are the Labour MPs who have officially announced their candidacy .
Conor McGinn is now confirmed as being out of the running , and it is unlikely that any others will declare bids at this stage .
Following initial speculation that she might stand to be the next Labour leader , Rayner announced on Monday that she would be running for the deputy job .
She ’ s been backed by her friend and flatmate , Rebecca Long-Bailey , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leadership .
Rayner took a moment in her launch speech to repay the favour and endorsed Long-Bailey for leader .
The Shadow Education Secretary started her campaign in Stockport , where she gave a stark warning about the future of the Labour Party , saying the choice facing Labour is to “ win or die ” .
She has long been considered the frontrunner , despite having only just declared .
She is in a strong position with the backing of the main Corbynite candidate for leader , combined with a broad-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At her launch , she said : “ I don ’ t consider myself to be of one political persuasion or another .
I ’ m not a Blairite , I ’ m not a Corbynite , I ’ m not a Brownite.
” She is certainly on her way to securing more MP/MEP nominations than any other deputy leadership candidate , and as a UNISON MP should easily pass the next stage of the process too .
Rayner nominated Andy Burnham in the 2015 Labour leadership election process , but backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 contest .
She has served as Labour ’ s shadow education spokesperson since 2016 and led the development of the key National Education Service policy .
Known for her barnstorming speeches , during which she often likes to sing Something Inside So Strong , Butler somewhat controversially announced that she would be standing for the deputy leadership position during the general election campaign .
She confirmed her intention by posting the hashtag # DawnforDeputy last month .
Butler nominated Corbyn in 2015 .
She was appointed shadow minister for diverse communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote against triggering Article 50 in 2017 .
The Brent MP was then brought back into the cabinet when she became the shadow equalities minister later the same year .
She is close to the leadership and could do well , with a strong record on standing up for BAME and LGBTQ communities .
But she has been fairly quiet since deciding to run .
She tweeted on Tuesday morning telling members to “ join me ” , adding “ let ’ s prepare for power ” .
But she has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d do in the role .
Given that the process started today , we assume that further detail is on its way – watch this space .
The Shadow Justice Secretary declared that he would be standing for deputy on New Year ’ s Eve .
The MP for Leeds East tweeted and shared a Tribune article giving his thoughts on why Labour lost last month .
In the piece , Burgon highlighted that 50 of the 60 seats lost were Leave-voting constituencies and said that “ this became the Brexit election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ Change is going to be needed , but we need to ensure we don ’ t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
” He reiterated this position in a letter to Labour colleagues on Tuesday morning , in which he said that Labour should not abandon the policy positions of the past manifestos – and instead adopt better messaging .
Seen as the most Corbynite contender in the deputy leadership race , Burgon is in the slightly awkward position of having endorsed Long-Bailey for leader – who has in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group in parliament , of which Long-Bailey is also a member .
Burgon has been a key ally of Corbyn ’ s throughout his leadership and nominated the Islington North MP for leader in 2015 .
He has received the endorsement of John McDonnell in his deputy leadership bid .
Mahmood has been the MP for Birmingham Perry Barr since 2001 , and a shadow Europe minister since 2016 .
He announced his candidacy shortly after the general election on December 12th .
He served as a parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year from 2005 but resigned along with several other MPs calling for the resignation of Tony Blair as Prime Minister .
He is an outsider in the race , with little name recognition .
Labour ’ s only remaining Scottish MP has today thrown his hat in the ring .
Writing in the Daily Mirror , Murray said Labour “ must change ” in order to become a “ credible alternative government of the future , not a protest movement of the past ” .
The avowed Corbynsceptic has been an MP since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland .
However , he resigned in 2016 – and has been one of the most vocal critics of Corbyn ’ s leadership .
Shortly after the exit poll came out , Murray took to social media to place the blame the election result squarely on Corbyn .
He said the result was down to “ not Brexit but Corbyn ” , adding : “ I ’ ve been saying this for years.
” The MP for Tooting also declared her candidacy on Tuesday morning .
Launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which she explained her reasons for standing to be the next deputy leader .
The south Londoner has been an MP since a by-election in 2016 saw her replace the current mayor , Sadiq Khan .
She has served as the shadow minister for sport since October that year .
She is an interesting candidate : new to the parliamentary Labour party , an amateur boxer and a good media performer , who still works night and weekend shifts as a doctor .
As a less than high-profile candidate , she will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise will help boost her profile .
And if her Love Actually-inspired general election campaign video is anything to go by , her campaign should be an innovative one .

Labour isn’t only electing its next leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn – there is also a vacancy for the deputy leader post as Tom Watson stepped down from the role and as an MP at the general election last month.
The contest began officially today, with Labour MPs and and there are six figures who have put themselves forward for the job. They first need the support of 10% of the parliamentary parties – 22, including themselves.
The ruling body of the Labour Party met on Monday to set out the rules and full timetable for both the deputy and leadership selection processes, which will conclude on April 4th.
Here are the Labour MPs who have officially announced their candidacy. Conor McGinn is now confirmed as being out of the running, and it is unlikely that any others will declare bids at this stage.
Angela Rayner
Following initial speculation that she might stand to be the next Labour leader, Rayner announced on Monday that she would be running for the deputy job. She’s been backed by her friend and flatmate, Rebecca Long-Bailey, who has confirmed that she is running for the leadership.
Rayner took a moment in her launch speech to repay the favour and endorsed Long-Bailey for leader. The Shadow Education Secretary started her campaign in Stockport, where she gave a stark warning about the future of the Labour Party, saying the choice facing Labour is to “win or die”.
She has long been considered the frontrunner, despite having only just declared. She is in a strong position with the backing of the main Corbynite candidate for leader, combined with a broad-based support more generally in the labour movement.
At her launch, she said: “I don’t consider myself to be of one political persuasion or another. I’m not a Blairite, I’m not a Corbynite, I’m not a Brownite.” She is certainly on her way to securing more MP/MEP nominations than any other deputy leadership candidate, and as a UNISON MP should easily pass the next stage of the process too.
Rayner nominated Andy Burnham in the 2015 Labour leadership election process, but backed Jeremy Corbyn against Owen Smith in the 2016 contest. She has served as Labour’s shadow education spokesperson since 2016 and led the development of the key National Education Service policy.
Dawn Butler
Known for her barnstorming speeches, during which she often likes to sing Something Inside So Strong, Butler somewhat controversially announced that she would be standing for the deputy leadership position during the general election campaign. She confirmed her intention by posting the hashtag #DawnforDeputy last month.
Butler nominated Corbyn in 2015. She was appointed shadow minister for diverse communities in October 2016 but resigned from the role to vote against triggering Article 50 in 2017. The Brent MP was then brought back into the cabinet when she became the shadow equalities minister later the same year.
She is close to the leadership and could do well, with a strong record on standing up for BAME and LGBTQ communities. But she has been fairly quiet since deciding to run. She tweeted on Tuesday morning telling members to “join me”, adding “let’s prepare for power”. But she has yet to share anything else on what she’d do in the role. Given that the process started today, we assume that further detail is on its way – watch this space.
Richard Burgon
The Shadow Justice Secretary declared that he would be standing for deputy on New Year’s Eve. The MP for Leeds East tweeted and shared a Tribune article giving his thoughts on why Labour lost last month.
In the piece, Burgon highlighted that 50 of the 60 seats lost were Leave-voting constituencies and said that “this became the Brexit election that Boris Johnson wanted”. He added: “Change is going to be needed, but we need to ensure we don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
He reiterated this position in a letter to Labour colleagues on Tuesday morning, in which he said that Labour should not abandon the policy positions of the past manifestos – and instead adopt better messaging.
Seen as the most Corbynite contender in the deputy leadership race, Burgon is in the slightly awkward position of having endorsed Long-Bailey for leader – who has in turn backed Rayner. He is the secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group in parliament, of which Long-Bailey is also a member.
Burgon has been a key ally of Corbyn’s throughout his leadership and nominated the Islington North MP for leader in 2015. He has received the endorsement of John McDonnell in his deputy leadership bid.
Khalid Mahmood
Mahmood has been the MP for Birmingham Perry Barr since 2001, and a shadow Europe minister since 2016. He announced his candidacy shortly after the general election on December 12th.
He served as a parliamentary private secretary to Tony McNulty for a year from 2005 but resigned along with several other MPs calling for the resignation of Tony Blair as Prime Minister. He is an outsider in the race, with little name recognition.
Ian Murray
Labour’s only remaining Scottish MP has today thrown his hat in the ring. Writing in the Daily Mirror, Murray said Labour “must change” in order to become a “credible alternative government of the future, not a protest movement of the past”.
The avowed Corbynsceptic has been an MP since 2010 and initially served in the shadow cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland. However, he resigned in 2016 – and has been one of the most vocal critics of Corbyn’s leadership.
Shortly after the exit poll came out, Murray took to social media to place the blame the election result squarely on Corbyn. He said the result was down to “not Brexit but Corbyn”, adding: “I’ve been saying this for years.”
Rosena Allin-Khan
The MP for Tooting also declared her candidacy on Tuesday morning. Launching her bid, she tweeted a video in which she explained her reasons for standing to be the next deputy leader.
The south Londoner has been an MP since a by-election in 2016 saw her replace the current mayor, Sadiq Khan. She has served as the shadow minister for sport since October that year.
She is an interesting candidate: new to the parliamentary Labour party, an amateur boxer and a good media performer, who still works night and weekend shifts as a doctor.
As a less than high-profile candidate, she will be unlikely to win, but this exercise will help boost her profile. And if her Love Actually-inspired general election campaign video is anything to go by, her campaign should be an innovative one.


labourlist--2020-01-07--Clive Lewis sets out pitch for leadership in email to Labour colleagues

Below is the full text of an email that Clive Lewis has sent to Labour MPs ahead of the parliamentary Labour party hustings tonight .
I look forward to seeing you at the hustings this evening , and to speaking with you all over the next week .
I have entered this leadership contest to tell the truth and to set out the transformation we must undertake so that we can win .
I am running as a unity candidate from the left of the party .
My aim is to learn from colleagues and from the other candidates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a renewal – not just to beat everyone else .
Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour , and that includes how we work in parliament .
Members are not foot soldiers to be called upon at election time and then brushed aside , and MPs are not lobby fodder .
We need a leadership that listens to everyone in the PLP , and brings on board the wealth of talent and expertise that has too often been neglected .
In the coming days , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would approach working with the PLP .
I am proud to have played a role in the creation of the Labour party as a mass movement over the past four years .
I ’ m a socialist from the same broad tradition of the party as Jeremy but I ’ m also strongly opposed to the pointless factional warfare and culture of command and control , that has crippled our party and our collective creativity .
As Labour leader , my aim will be to take the best of the Corbyn project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
The crisis we face as a party is existential , and we can ’ t solve the problems of the 21st century with answers from the 1950s .
People ’ s concerns around insecure work , lack of opportunity , automation and globalisation are absolutely real and legitimate but we can ’ t solve them by being nostalgic about a by-gone time .
As a party , we face a choice .
Do we triangulate and attempt to mimic right wing frames around migration and a distorted view of patriotism that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , isolationist and inward-looking ?
Or do we champion the benefits of internationalism and build solidarity between our diverse communities through greater social and economic equality ?
Yes , we have to listen , but the onus must also be to lead – especially if what we hear is racist , sexist or runs counter to our values .
We must counter the rise of the far right not only by urgently restructuring our economic model to fit the needs of the modern workforce and impending climate crisis , but also by putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of the union .
A vision of Britain that is inclusive and tolerant , that listens to the needs of its local communities and believes in building bridges between them .
A vision that is built from the bottom up so every part of our society feels it has ownership over its destiny .
My lived experience , as a mixed-heritage black man , helps provide me with some possible answers .
In many ways , the story of my family is the story of Britain .
My dad came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last bastions of the British empire .
Along with my English mum , we lived on a council estate in Northampton where , nearby , my dad worked in a food processing factory and over time became increasingly involved in his trade union , eventually becoming a full-time trade union official for the Bakers , Food and Allied Workers Union .
Alongside him in the factory worked my English granddad , a white working-class veteran of the allied invasion of Normandy in the second world war .
On paper , you couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with more different lives .
But it was their shared values that made us work as a family and taught me that people , no matter what their differences , have so much in common .
I don ’ t have all the answers .
But I do know that the Labour Party can ’ t do this alone .
For years , I ’ ve championed the need to build progressive alliances both inside and outside the Labour Party , to construct the broadest coalition of people to work together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global rise of the far right is facilitated in part through their exceptional organisation .
Progressive forces in the UK need to modernise and do the same .
Just like in my life , diversity makes progressives stronger , not weaker .
As Labour Party leader , I would prioritise building these alliances and putting aside our futile tribalism .
This is how we can win .
The Labour Party has rescued the country from great crises before and we can do it again .
But only when we are brave enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Labour movement that was the first to stand against fascism , and in 1945 , when our country was broken after the end of the war , it was a Labour government that had a vision to rebuild the UK by creating shared public institutions such as the welfare state and the NHS .
Today , the crisis we face , after a decade of austerity , and 40 years of failed neo-liberal policies is just as severe .
The Green New Deal offers us a toolbox through which we can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create jobs , invest in the regions , build vital local infrastructure and crucially , introduce pioneering local participatory democracy initiatives .
This is how we can build a collective vision of what identity means in modern Britain – through collective action and empowerment .
I love this country and it angers me that those in power are stretching it to destruction .
That ’ s why I ’ m standing to be Labour Party leader .
I want to lead a country that truly serves all its people and is a beacon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .

Below is the full text of an email that Clive Lewis has sent to Labour MPs ahead of the Parliamentary Labour Party hustings tonight.
Dear colleagues,
I look forward to seeing you at the hustings this evening, and to speaking with you all over the next week.
I have entered this leadership contest to tell the truth and to set out the transformation we must undertake so that we can win.
I am running as a unity candidate from the left of the party. My aim is to learn from colleagues and from the other candidates, and to initiate a process of debate and a renewal – not just to beat everyone else.
Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour, and that includes how we work in parliament. Members are not foot soldiers to be called upon at election time and then brushed aside, and MPs are not lobby fodder. We need a leadership that listens to everyone in the PLP, and brings on board the wealth of talent and expertise that has too often been neglected. In the coming days, I will lay out in more detail how I would approach working with the PLP.
I am proud to have played a role in the creation of the Labour party as a mass movement over the past four years. I’m a socialist from the same broad tradition of the party as Jeremy but I’m also strongly opposed to the pointless factional warfare and culture of command and control, that has crippled our party and our collective creativity. As Labour leader, my aim will be to take the best of the Corbyn project, unite the party and unite the country.
The crisis we face as a party is existential, and we can’t solve the problems of the 21st century with answers from the 1950s. People’s concerns around insecure work, lack of opportunity, automation and globalisation are absolutely real and legitimate but we can’t solve them by being nostalgic about a by-gone time.
As a party, we face a choice. Do we triangulate and attempt to mimic right wing frames around migration and a distorted view of patriotism that contributes to the country becoming more xenophobic, isolationist and inward-looking? Or do we champion the benefits of internationalism and build solidarity between our diverse communities through greater social and economic equality? Yes, we have to listen, but the onus must also be to lead – especially if what we hear is racist, sexist or runs counter to our values.
We must counter the rise of the far right not only by urgently restructuring our economic model to fit the needs of the modern workforce and impending climate crisis, but also by putting forward an alternative, positive vision for the future of the union. A vision of Britain that is inclusive and tolerant, that listens to the needs of its local communities and believes in building bridges between them. A vision that is built from the bottom up so every part of our society feels it has ownership over its destiny.
My lived experience, as a mixed-heritage black man, helps provide me with some possible answers. In many ways, the story of my family is the story of Britain. My dad came to the UK from Grenada, one of the last bastions of the British empire. Along with my English mum, we lived on a council estate in Northampton where, nearby, my dad worked in a food processing factory and over time became increasingly involved in his trade union, eventually becoming a full-time trade union official for the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union. Alongside him in the factory worked my English granddad, a white working-class veteran of the allied invasion of Normandy in the second world war. On paper, you couldn’t have come up with two people with more different lives. But it was their shared values that made us work as a family and taught me that people, no matter what their differences, have so much in common.
I don’t have all the answers. But I do know that the Labour Party can’t do this alone. For years, I’ve championed the need to build progressive alliances both inside and outside the Labour Party, to construct the broadest coalition of people to work together on issues we can agree on. The global rise of the far right is facilitated in part through their exceptional organisation. Progressive forces in the UK need to modernise and do the same. Just like in my life, diversity makes progressives stronger, not weaker. As Labour Party leader, I would prioritise building these alliances and putting aside our futile tribalism. This is how we can win.
The Labour Party has rescued the country from great crises before and we can do it again. But only when we are brave enough to change. In the 1930s it was the Labour movement that was the first to stand against fascism, and in 1945, when our country was broken after the end of the war, it was a Labour government that had a vision to rebuild the UK by creating shared public institutions such as the welfare state and the NHS. Today, the crisis we face, after a decade of austerity, and 40 years of failed neoliberal policies is just as severe.
The Green New Deal offers us a toolbox through which we can do this; to regenerate the country, create jobs, invest in the regions, build vital local infrastructure and crucially, introduce pioneering local participatory democracy initiatives. This is how we can build a collective vision of what identity means in modern Britain – through collective action and empowerment. I love this country and it angers me that those in power are stretching it to destruction. That’s why I’m standing to be Labour Party leader. I want to lead a country that truly serves all its people and is a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.
See you tonight.
Clive


labourlist--2020-01-07--He is scared to stand up to Trump – Corbyn’s response to Iran statement

Below is the full text of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s response to the government ’ s statement on Iran in the House of Commons today .
I thank the Secretary of State for an advance copy of his statement .
Could he tell us where the Prime Minister is and what he is doing that is so much more important than addressing parliament on the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani , an extremely dangerous and aggressive act that risks starting yet another deadly war in the Middle East ?
On Friday I sent the Prime Minister a letter posing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not answered any of them .
Instead , today he is hiding behind his Defence Secretary .
Isn ’ t the truth that he is scared to stand up to President Trump because he has hitched his wagon to the prospect of a toxic Trump trade deal ?
Instead , at this highly dangerous moment , we find the government giving cover and even expressing sympathy for what is widely regarded as an illegal act , because they are in hock to Trump .
This assassination puts British troops and civilians , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in danger .
Mr Speaker , I have long spoken out against the Iranian government ’ s human rights record .
This is not a question of Suleimani ’ s actions or record in the region .
Whatever the record of any state official , the principle – and the law – is that we don ’ t go around assassinating foreign leaders .
Without the clear demonstration of an immediate threat , it is illegal .
So does the government regard the assassination as legal under international law ?
If so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the foreign office and the ministry of defence regard it as legal ?
If he really believes this was an act of self defence what evidence has he or the Prime Minister seen of the imminent attack on the US ?
He says that the US is “ confident ” attacks were imminent but US officials have been quoted in the press saying the evidence is “ razor thin ” .
How would he describe it ?
In the past few days , the US President has threatened to target Iranian cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , to quote him directly , “ disproportionate ” .
Both of these actions would be war crimes and yet still the government refuses to condemn such threats .
On Sunday the Foreign Secretary said the onus was entirely on Iran to de-escalate .
I wonder , if Iran had assassinated an American general , whether the British government would be telling Washington that the onus was entirely on the US to de-escalate ?
Mr Speaker , we talk about this as a conflict between the US and Iran but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Iraq , a country on the brink of further terrible violence and instability .
President Trump has threatened Iraq with “ sanctions like they ’ ve never seen before ” after its elected parliament voted to ask US and other foreign forces to leave their country .
And he has said he will not withdraw entirely unless the US is compensated for an “ extraordinarily expensive air base ” that was actually built by Saddam Hussein in the 1980s .
This is outrageous .
The Prime Minister , when he finally resurfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to the sovereignty of Iraq .
So will the Secretary of State confirm that the government will respect Iraqi sovereignty if the Iraqi government asks British forces to leave ?
Mr Speaker , we know the British government wasn ’ t consulted by the Trump administration in advance , despite the British interests at stake .
What is the government doing to secure the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals currently in detention in Iran ?
This must be a terrifying time for them and their families .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to escalate to all-out war .
All sides should exercise maximum restraint and allow for meaningful dialogue led by the UN Secretary General ’ s office .
To prevent war we need a strong plan for diplomacy .
So is the government in contact with the UN secretary general ?
And let ’ s not forget , Mr Speaker that there was a diplomatic plan – the Iran nuclear deal .
It was working until President Trump ripped it up .
Mr Speaker , time and again over the last two decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wrong call on military intervention in the Middle East .
Many of us opposed the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the failed invasion of Afghanistan in 2003 .
And I opposed the catastrophic bombing of Libya in 2011 .
Have we learned nothing ?
This House must rule out plunging our country into yet another devastating war at the behest of another state .

Below is the full text of Jeremy Corbyn’s response to the government’s statement on Iran in the House of Commons today.
I thank the Secretary of State for an advance copy of his statement. Could he tell us where the Prime Minister is and what he is doing that is so much more important than addressing parliament on the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, an extremely dangerous and aggressive act that risks starting yet another deadly war in the Middle East?
On Friday I sent the Prime Minister a letter posing a series of questions. He has not answered any of them. Instead, today he is hiding behind his Defence Secretary. Isn’t the truth that he is scared to stand up to President Trump because he has hitched his wagon to the prospect of a toxic Trump trade deal?
Instead, at this highly dangerous moment, we find the government giving cover and even expressing sympathy for what is widely regarded as an illegal act, because they are in hock to Trump. This assassination puts British troops and civilians, as well as the people of the region, in danger.
Mr Speaker, I have long spoken out against the Iranian government’s human rights record. This is not a question of Suleimani’s actions or record in the region. Whatever the record of any state official, the principle – and the law – is that we don’t go around assassinating foreign leaders. Without the clear demonstration of an immediate threat, it is illegal.
So does the government regard the assassination as legal under international law? If so, how? And do the lawyers in the foreign office and the ministry of defence regard it as legal? If he really believes this was an act of self defence what evidence has he or the Prime Minister seen of the imminent attack on the US?
He says that the US is “confident” attacks were imminent but US officials have been quoted in the press saying the evidence is “razor thin”. How would he describe it? In the past few days, the US President has threatened to target Iranian cultural sites and attack Iran in a manner that is, to quote him directly, “disproportionate”. Both of these actions would be war crimes and yet still the government refuses to condemn such threats.
On Sunday the Foreign Secretary said the onus was entirely on Iran to de-escalate. I wonder, if Iran had assassinated an American general, whether the British government would be telling Washington that the onus was entirely on the US to de-escalate?
Mr Speaker, we talk about this as a conflict between the US and Iran but the worst consequences are likely to be felt by Iraq, a country on the brink of further terrible violence and instability.
President Trump has threatened Iraq with “sanctions like they’ve never seen before” after its elected parliament voted to ask US and other foreign forces to leave their country.
And he has said he will not withdraw entirely unless the US is compensated for an “extraordinarily expensive air base” that was actually built by Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. This is outrageous.
The Prime Minister, when he finally resurfaced from his trip, said he was committed to the sovereignty of Iraq. So will the Secretary of State confirm that the government will respect Iraqi sovereignty if the Iraqi government asks British forces to leave?
Mr Speaker, we know the British government wasn’t consulted by the Trump administration in advance, despite the British interests at stake.
What is the government doing to secure the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals currently in detention in Iran? This must be a terrifying time for them and their families.
It is not in anyone’s interests for this to escalate to all-out war. All sides should exercise maximum restraint and allow for meaningful dialogue led by the UN Secretary General’s office. To prevent war we need a strong plan for diplomacy. So is the government in contact with the UN secretary general?
And let’s not forget, Mr Speaker that there was a diplomatic plan – the Iran nuclear deal. It was working until President Trump ripped it up. Mr Speaker, time and again over the last two decades the political and military establishment has made the wrong call on military intervention in the Middle East.
Many of us opposed the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the failed invasion of Afghanistan in 2003. And I opposed the catastrophic bombing of Libya in 2011. Have we learned nothing? This House must rule out plunging our country into yet another devastating war at the behest of another state.


labourlist--2020-01-07--Labour leadership rules and NEC by-elections – Alice Perry’s latest report

Labour ’ s national executive committee met on Monday , January 6th , to discuss the process for electing a new leader and deputy leader , as well as by-elections for vacant NEC places .
Jennie Formby and Jeremy Corbyn gave brief reports but questions and discussions on the general election and future plans are being saved for the NEC away day at the end of January .
NEC members asked that this meeting also discuss tackling antisemitism and any plans for organisational restructure .
European Parliamentary Labour Party leader Richard Corbett and party chair Ian Lavery were both celebrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting was focused , positive and short by NEC standards .
The leadership elections begin on January 7th , today , with the results being announced at a special conference on April 4th .
This is the first time that the leadership elections have taken place using the new rules agreed by Labour conference in 2018 .
There are very important local government elections taking place in May , so it is crucial that the contest is as quick as possible and does not detract or distract from the upcoming polls .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee who will oversee the process .
This will include oversight of new members and new registered supporters , checking that they share Labour ’ s aims and values .
In 2015 , when the price of becoming a registered supporter was only £3 , this was a big issue .
This is less of an issue when the fee for registered supporters is set at £25 .
This was one reason the NEC agreed to keep the fee for registered supporters set at £25 this time .
A number of NEC members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in some cases cheaper , to join the party .
There has been a surge in membership since the general election defeat .
Labour now has over 550,000 members .
Work will take place to encourage affiliate members and registered supporters to join the party as full members .
The NEC discussed the nominations process .
Colleagues from Wales raised the fact that there is no formal role in the process for Welsh Assembly Members or Members of the Scottish Parliament .
I raised that fact that councillors and Labour groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the enormous contributions made by local government .
Labour groups can make supporting nominations but these are not an official part of the process .
Ballots for the forthcoming internal elections will be sent out electronically .
If people do not have a valid email address , they will receive their ballot by post .
This method saves money and is better for the environment than a full postal ballot .
The NEC also agreed the process for NEC by-elections for the two vacancies in the CLP section , the vacancy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trade union section .
The BAME place will be elected using an electoral college of 50 % self-identifying BAME members and 50 % trade unions .
The CLP place will be a one-member-one-vote ballot of members , and the trade union place will be a ballot of affiliated unions .
Nominations open in the CLP and BAME sections in January , with the online ballot opening in February .
The ballots close on April 2nd , with the results set to be announced shortly after .
The next NEC meeting will include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
Get in touch if you have any feedback or comments about your experiences in the general election that you would like to share .
( You can contact me through my blog . )

Labour’s national executive committee met on Monday, January 6th, to discuss the process for electing a new leader and deputy leader, as well as by-elections for vacant NEC places. Jennie Formby and Jeremy Corbyn gave brief reports but questions and discussions on the general election and future plans are being saved for the NEC away day at the end of January. NEC members asked that this meeting also discuss tackling antisemitism and any plans for organisational restructure.
European Parliamentary Labour Party leader Richard Corbett and party chair Ian Lavery were both celebrating birthdays at the NEC meeting. The meeting was focused, positive and short by NEC standards. The leadership elections begin on January 7th, today, with the results being announced at a special conference on April 4th.
This is the first time that the leadership elections have taken place using the new rules agreed by Labour conference in 2018. There are very important local government elections taking place in May, so it is crucial that the contest is as quick as possible and does not detract or distract from the upcoming polls.
The NEC agreed the members of the procedures committee who will oversee the process. This will include oversight of new members and new registered supporters, checking that they share Labour’s aims and values. In 2015, when the price of becoming a registered supporter was only £3, this was a big issue. This is less of an issue when the fee for registered supporters is set at £25. This was one reason the NEC agreed to keep the fee for registered supporters set at £25 this time. A number of NEC members made the case that it is better, and in some cases cheaper, to join the party.
There has been a surge in membership since the general election defeat. Labour now has over 550,000 members. Work will take place to encourage affiliate members and registered supporters to join the party as full members.
The NEC discussed the nominations process. Colleagues from Wales raised the fact that there is no formal role in the process for Welsh Assembly Members or Members of the Scottish Parliament. I raised that fact that councillors and Labour groups do not have a formal role, despite the enormous contributions made by local government. Labour groups can make supporting nominations but these are not an official part of the process.
Ballots for the forthcoming internal elections will be sent out electronically. If people do not have a valid email address, they will receive their ballot by post. This method saves money and is better for the environment than a full postal ballot.
The NEC also agreed the process for NEC by-elections for the two vacancies in the CLP section, the vacancy in the BAME section and the vacancy in the trade union section. The BAME place will be elected using an electoral college of 50% self-identifying BAME members and 50% trade unions. The CLP place will be a one-member-one-vote ballot of members, and the trade union place will be a ballot of affiliated unions.
Nominations open in the CLP and BAME sections in January, with the online ballot opening in February. The ballots close on April 2nd, with the results set to be announced shortly after.
The next NEC meeting will include a full discussion about the general election campaign. Get in touch if you have any feedback or comments about your experiences in the general election that you would like to share. (You can contact me through my blog.)


labourlist--2020-01-08--Rolling list: MP/MEP nominations for Labour leadership candidates

Labour leadership candidates need nominations from 10 % of MP and MEPs in their party – a total of 22 – in order to progress to the next stage of the election .
Each Labour MP has received nomination papers and those choosing to participate must cast their vote by 2.30pm on Monday , January 13th .
Candidates are allowed to nominate themselves and this will contribute to their total number of nominations .
Nominations are valid once submitted unless the candidate in question formally withdraws from the race by writing to Labour ’ s general secretary .
Those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can then submit a new nomination ( before the deadline ) .
Those candidates who secure enough nominations to enter the second stage of the contest will then have to gain nominations from either 5 % of local parties – 33 – or 5 % of affiliated members including three affiliated organisations of which two must be trade unions .
If candidates meet both of these requirements , they will be included on the ballot paper .
Below is the list of candidates and the MPs nominating them .
It will be refreshed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominated that particular candidate .
The italicised names have not yet cast their ballot but have declared support for that candidate .

Labour leadership candidates need nominations from 10% of MP and MEPs in their party – a total of 22 – in order to progress to the next stage of the election. Each Labour MP has received nomination papers and those choosing to participate must cast their vote by 2.30pm on Monday, January 13th.
Candidates are allowed to nominate themselves and this will contribute to their total number of nominations. Nominations are valid once submitted unless the candidate in question formally withdraws from the race by writing to Labour’s general secretary. Those who have nominated the MP who has withdrawn can then submit a new nomination (before the deadline).
Those candidates who secure enough nominations to enter the second stage of the contest will then have to gain nominations from either 5% of local parties – 33 – or 5% of affiliated members including three affiliated organisations of which two must be trade unions. If candidates meet both of these requirements, they will be included on the ballot paper.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Keir Starmer all reached the threshold for MP/MEP nominations, and Emily Thornberry eventually scraped through too. Clive Lewis withdrew from the race.
Below is the list of candidates and the MPs nominating them. The non-italicised names have already nominated that particular candidate. The italicised names have not yet cast their ballots but have declared support for that candidate. They are numbered but listed in alphabetical order.
Clive Lewis – 5 nominations
Clive Lewis Rachael Maskell Lloyd Russell-Moyle Julie Ward Nadia Whittome
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 33 nominations
Diane Abbott Tahir Ali Paula Barker Apsana Begum Olivia Blake Richard Burgon Ian Byrne Dan Carden Peter Dowd Mary Foy Barry Gardiner Margaret Greenwood Rachel Hopkins Imran Hussain Kim Johnson Ian Lavery Rebecca Long-Bailey Andy McDonald John McDonnell Ian Mearns Navendu Mishra Grahame Morris Kate Osborne Angela Rayner Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lloyd Russell-Moyle Cat Smith Zarah Sultana Sam Tarry Jon Trickett Claudia Webbe Mick Whitley Beth Winter
Lisa Nandy – 31 nominations
Jon Ashworth Kevin Brennan Feryal Clark Rosie Cooper Stella Creasy Jon Cruddas Tan Dhesi Jack Dromey Yvonne Fovargue Vicky Foxcroft Gill Furniss Kate Green Lilian Greenwood Louise Haigh Mark Hendrick Sharon Hodgson Dan Jarvis Ruth Jones Mike Kane Stephen Kinnock Emma Lewell-Buck Tony Lloyd Justin Madders Lisa Nandy Alex Norris Abena Oppong-Asare Taiwo Owatemi Sarah Owen Stephanie Peacock Graham Stringer Derek Twigg
Jess Phillips – 23 nominations
Tonia Antoniazzi Chris Bryant Liam Byrne Ruth Cadbury Neil Coyle Seb Dance Rosie Duffield Julie Elliott Colleen Fletcher Margaret Hodge John Howarth Darren Jones Liz Kendall Peter Kyle Holly Lynch Siobhan McDonagh Pat McFadden Alison McGovern Catherine McKinnell Ian Murray Jess Phillips Rachel Reeves Wes Streeting
Keir Starmer – 88 nominations
Debbie Abrahams Rushanara Ali Mike Amesbury Fleur Anderson Margaret Beckett Hilary Benn Clive Betts Paul Blomfield Tracy Brabin Ben Bradshaw Nicholas Brown Karen Buck Alan Campbell Bambos Charalambous Yvette Cooper Richard Corbett Judith Cummins Alex Cunningham Janet Daby Wayne David Geraint Davies Thangam Debbonaire Marsha de Cordova Anneliese Dodds Stephen Doughty Angela Eagle Maria Eagle Clive Efford Chris Elmore Flo Eshalomi Bill Esterson Chris Evans Neena Gill Preet Gill Mary Glindon Theresa Griffin Andrew Gwynne Emma Hardy Carolyn Harris Helen Hayes John Healey Mike Hill Kate Hollern George Howarth Rupa Huq Diana Johnson Sarah Jones Kevan Jones Jackie Jones Barbara Keeley David Lammy Seema Malhotra Chris Matheson Steve McCabe Kerry McCarthy Conor McGinn Jim McMahon Anna McMorrin Ed Miliband Claude Moraes Jessica Morden Stephen Morgan Rory Palmer Matthew Pennycook Toby Perkins Bridget Phillipson Luke Pollard Steve Reed Christina Rees Ellie Reeves Jonathan Reynolds Marie Rimmer Virendra Sharma Barry Sheerman Tulip Siddiq Andrew Slaughter Jeff Smith Nick Smith Karin Smyth Jo Stevens Mark Tami Nick Thomas-Symonds Stephen Timms Karl Turner Valerie Vaz Alan Whitehead Mohammad Yasin Daniel Zeichner
Emily Thornberry – 23 nominations


labourlist--2020-01-08--Starmer becomes first leadership candidate to win required MP nominations

Labour leadership frontrunner Keir Starmer has become the first candidate to pass the threshold set for MP and MEP nominations , with 23 ballots already cast in his favour – one more than needed .
Rebecca Long-Bailey has secured seven nominations so far , with Jess Phillips coming in just behind at six .
Lisa Nandy has received the formal support of two , while Emily Thornberry has one .
The party has offered no information on Clive Lewis .
These figures do not include declared supporters – the list of nominations consists only of those MPs who have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred candidate .
Candidates are only able to progress to the next stage of the process if they can gain 22 nominations from parliamentary party colleagues .
They can nominate themselves , though none have opted to do so yet .
Those running for the leadership have until 2.30pm on Monday , January 13th , to reach the 10 % threshold before MP and MEP nominations close .
The race will then move on to local party and affiliate nominations .
Below is the full list of current nominations in the leadership race @

Labour leadership frontrunner Keir Starmer has become the first candidate to pass the threshold set for MP and MEP nominations, with 23 ballots already cast in his favour – one more than needed.
Rebecca Long-Bailey has secured seven nominations so far, with Jess Phillips coming in just behind at six. Lisa Nandy has received the formal support of two, while Emily Thornberry has one. The party has offered no information on Clive Lewis.
These figures do not include declared supporters – the list of nominations consists only of those MPs who have already cast their ballots in favour of their preferred candidate.
Candidates are only able to progress to the next stage of the process if they can gain 22 nominations from parliamentary party colleagues. They can nominate themselves, though none have opted to do so yet.
Those running for the leadership have until 2.30pm on Monday, January 13th, to reach the 10% threshold before MP and MEP nominations close. The race will then move on to local party and affiliate nominations.
Below is the full list of current nominations in the leadership race.
Rebecca Long-Bailey – 7
Paula Barker
Apsana Begum
Kim Johnson
Navendu Mishra
Angela Rayner
Zarah Sultana
Mick Whitley
Lisa Nandy – 2
Rosie Cooper
Yvonne Fovargue
Jess Phillips – 6
Tonia Antoniazzi
Neil Coyle
Julie Elliott
Holly Lynch
Siobhan McDonagh
Wes Streeting
Keir Starmer – 23
Debbie Abrahams
Tracy Brabin
Ben Bradshaw
Bambos Charalambous
Judith Cummins
Alex Cunningham
Janet Daby
Thangam Debbonaire
Stephen Doughty
Clive Efford
Preet Gill
Emma Hardy
Carolyn Harris
Sarah Jones
David Lammy
Chris Matheson
Kerry McCarthy
Stephen Morgan
Marie Rimmer
Nick Smith
Bill Esterson
Jo Stevens
Daniel Zeichner
Emily Thornberry – 1
Fabian Hamilton


labourlist--2020-01-08--Starmer seeks union support, as Nandy wins hustings – but faces a challenge

Labour ’ s parliamentary party in Westminster was treated to a hustings last night , where leadership candidates set out their pitches to those MPs who currently have nomination powers .
Official figures have not yet been released , but we know that Keir Starmer is way ahead in terms of MP/MEP nomination numbers for the leadership race while deputy leadership candidate Angela Rayner is sailing through this round with plenty lining up to publicly announce their support .
It looks so far as if Emily Thornberry will be knocked out of the contest at this stage , and Clive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he were to move forward .
Rebecca Long-Bailey and Jess Phillips won ’ t have much trouble here .
So far , so predictable .
Starmer ’ s popularity among MPs and MEPs means he is likely to secure the highest number of nominations , and far more than the 22 required by the rules , which makes it more difficult for outsiders to get a look-in .
It also means he can start planning ahead for the next stage of the process , when candidates can either get through with 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of affiliated members .
The latter option is trickier than the former : for that route , candidates need the backing of two trade unions .
With the understandable desire to back a winner , most unions will get behind one of the two frontrunners – Starmer or Rebecca Long-Bailey .
To firm up that support , Starmer has cleverly written a piece for LabourList that pitches to unions .
It leans left , naming five big players – UNISON , Unite , GMB , CWU , Usdaw – and endorsing their campaigns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s broadband policy ( though he describes the offer as “ affordable ” rather than “ free ” ) .
The Holborn MP says “ some of our strongest and most dynamic campaigns and policies came from our trade unions ” in the 2019 election , which is notable because they were the most radical in the manifesto , from public ownership to a four-day week .
Sources say performances at the PLP hustings were above expectations , but the consensus – certainly among swing voters – was that Lisa Nandy impressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ many in Rhyll feel just as distant from Cardiff as they do from Westminster ” ) , celebrated local government ( “ what Preston Council is doing rebuild the economy , how Plymouth is providing clean energy , how Luton is building homes ” ) and criticised the election strategy ( “ never again can we let factions and friends of the leader dictate where resources go ” ) .
These are all remarks that prove popular with Labour MPs , which is very good news for her nominations .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to my reports of Nandy ’ s soundbites – particularly “ how dare we tell working-class people what ’ s good for them ” – showed opinion was deeply divided among members .
Many replied something along the lines of , ‘ isn ’ t that the point of the Labour Party ?
’ .
Labour Twitter isn ’ t reflective of the wider party , but this does tap into a weakness .
There has been criticism of her approach from those who worry that “ listening to working-class voters ” could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without questioning their origins or implications .
Nandy has shown in the past that this is not what she means , with a robust defence of LGBT rights for example , but appealing to members will require further work from her campaign on that front .
Labour ’ s deputy leadership race is fairly quiet at the moment , and you may not have heard much about it .
The contest became a little more interesting yesterday when John McDonnell backed Richard Burgon over the other shadow cabinet members running .
Do check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And you might also want to watch the most remarkable interview clip of either contest so far , which shows Rosena Allin-Khan setting out plans for a “ Ministry of Fabulosity ” .
Yes , you read that right .
She also sings .

Labour’s parliamentary party in Westminster was treated to a hustings last night, where leadership candidates set out their pitches to those MPs who currently have nomination powers. Official figures have not yet been released, but we know that Keir Starmer is way ahead in terms of MP/MEP nomination numbers for the leadership race while deputy leadership candidate Angela Rayner is sailing through this round with plenty lining up to publicly announce their support. It looks so far as if Emily Thornberry will be knocked out of the contest at this stage, and Clive Lewis would need the dynamics to change if he were to move forward. Rebecca Long-Bailey and Jess Phillips won’t have much trouble here. So far, so predictable.
Starmer’s popularity among MPs and MEPs means he is likely to secure the highest number of nominations, and far more than the 22 required by the rules, which makes it more difficult for outsiders to get a look-in. It also means he can start planning ahead for the next stage of the process, when candidates can either get through with 33 local party nominations or with 5% of affiliated members. The latter option is trickier than the former: for that route, candidates need the backing of two trade unions.
With the understandable desire to back a winner, most unions will get behind one of the two frontrunners – Starmer or Rebecca Long-Bailey. To firm up that support, Starmer has cleverly written a piece for LabourList that pitches to unions. It leans left, naming five big players – UNISON, Unite, GMB, CWU, Usdaw – and endorsing their campaigns, with an explicit mentions of CWU’s broadband policy (though he describes the offer as “affordable” rather than “free”). The Holborn MP says “some of our strongest and most dynamic campaigns and policies came from our trade unions” in the 2019 election, which is notable because they were the most radical in the manifesto, from public ownership to a four-day week.
Sources say performances at the PLP hustings were above expectations, but the consensus – certainly among swing voters – was that Lisa Nandy impressed most. She talked about decentralisation (“many in Rhyll feel just as distant from Cardiff as they do from Westminster”), celebrated local government (“what Preston Council is doing rebuild the economy, how Plymouth is providing clean energy, how Luton is building homes”) and criticised the election strategy (“never again can we let factions and friends of the leader dictate where resources go”). These are all remarks that prove popular with Labour MPs, which is very good news for her nominations.
But it was interesting to see how the responses to my reports of Nandy’s soundbites – particularly “how dare we tell working-class people what’s good for them” – showed opinion was deeply divided among members. Many replied something along the lines of, ‘isn’t that the point of the Labour Party?’. Labour Twitter isn’t reflective of the wider party, but this does tap into a weakness. There has been criticism of her approach from those who worry that “listening to working-class voters” could mean taking on board socially conservative views without questioning their origins or implications. Nandy has shown in the past that this is not what she means, with a robust defence of LGBT rights for example, but appealing to members will require further work from her campaign on that front.
Labour’s deputy leadership race is fairly quiet at the moment, and you may not have heard much about it. The contest became a little more interesting yesterday when John McDonnell backed Richard Burgon over the other shadow cabinet members running. Do check out our piece on the six candidates. And you might also want to watch the most remarkable interview clip of either contest so far, which shows Rosena Allin-Khan setting out plans for a “Ministry of Fabulosity”. Yes, you read that right. She also sings.


labourlist--2020-01-07--“He is scared to stand up to Trump” – Corbyn’s response to Iran statement


labourlist--2020-01-08--Barry Gardiner reportedly set to enter Labour leadership race in surprise move

Barry Gardiner is reportedly preparing to announce his entry to the Labour Party ’ s leadership contest in a surprise late bid for the top job .
The Brent North representative and shadow cabinet member is set to become the seventh Labour MP to join the contest , according to an exclusive story by HuffPost UK tonight .
The BBC has also reported that Gardiner was approached to run by Len McCluskey , but the influential Unite the Union general secretary has issued a strong denial in response to this claim .
The London MP has been a key media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and has served as Labour ’ s international trade spokesperson since 2016 .
Gardiner also served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown .
He nominated David Miliband in Labour ’ s 2010 leadership contests and declined to nominate anyone in 2015 or 2016 .
First elected in 1997 , he is a former chair of Labour Friends of India and former vice-chair of Labour Friends for Israel .
He voted in favour of the Iraq war – still a key issue for many members – and for maintaining the UK ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy , Jess Phillips , Clive Lewis and Emily Thornberry in the main leadership election , which officially kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on April 4th .

Barry Gardiner is reportedly preparing to announce his entry to the Labour Party’s leadership contest in a surprise late bid for the top job.
The Brent North representative and shadow cabinet member is set to become the seventh Labour MP to join the contest, according to an exclusive story by HuffPost UK on Wednesday evening.
The BBC has also reported that Gardiner was approached to run by Len McCluskey, but the influential Unite the Union general secretary has issued a strong denial in response to this claim.
Gardiner’s office has confirmed that he is considering a bid, though not at the encouragement of McCluskey, and the shadow cabinet member will reveal his decision shortly.
The London MP has been a key media performer under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, and has served as Labour’s international trade spokesperson since 2016.
Gardiner also served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He nominated David Miliband in Labour’s 2010 leadership contest and declined to nominate anyone in 2015 or 2016.
First elected in 1997, he is a former chair of Labour Friends of India and former vice-chair of Labour Friends for Israel. He voted in favour of the Iraq war – still a key issue for many members – and for maintaining the UK’s nuclear programme.
Gardiner would be joining Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips, Clive Lewis and Emily Thornberry in the main leadership election, which officially kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on April 4th.


labourlist--2020-01-08--Leadership frontrunners both appoint pro-Corbyn figures to campaign teams

Both frontrunners in Labour ’ s leadership race – Rebecca Long-Bailey and Keir Starmer – have appointed key Corbynite figures to senior positions in their campaign teams .
Rebecca Long-Bailey has started to make progress in putting her campaign team together after a slow start .
LabourList understands that Jon Lansman is now officially Long-Bailey ’ s campaign director .
The new appointee co-founded Momentum and still chairs the organisation , which grew out of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign .
He is also a member of Labour ’ s ruling national executive committee .
Matt Zarb-Cousin has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications .
He was most recently a spokesperson for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling , having led the the successful campaign against fixed-odds betting terminals along with other Labour figures such as Carolyn Harris MP .
Between 2016 and 2017 he was a spokesperson for Corbyn as Labour leader , and he has been vocal as a left-winger on Twitter since then .
Frontrunner Keir Starmer has chosen to release his appointments to the press .
The campaign is proud of its team because appointees cover the broad spectrum of the party – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who both worked on Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign , to Liz Kendall 2015 organiser Morgan McSweeney and Ben Nunn who worked on Owen Smith ’ s bid .
His key campaign team appointments are as follows : former MP Jenny Chapman as chair , Simon Fletcher as strategic campaign adviser , Morgan McSweeney as campaign manager , Kat Fletcher as director of field , Chris Ward as deputy campaign manager , Ellie Robinson as head of stakeholder engagement and Ben Nunn as director of communications .
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the talent , energy and enthusiasm of activists from across the Labour movement .
It will be about making the positive case for why another future is possible for our country and our party .
”

Both frontrunners in Labour’s leadership race – Rebecca Long-Bailey and Keir Starmer – have appointed key Corbynite figures to senior positions in their campaign teams.
Rebecca Long-Bailey has started to make progress in putting her campaign team together after a slow start. LabourList understands that Jon Lansman is now officially Long-Bailey’s campaign director. The new appointee co-founded Momentum and still chairs the organisation, which grew out of Jeremy Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign. He is also a member of Labour’s ruling national executive committee.
Matt Zarb-Cousin has become Long-Bailey’s head of communications. He was most recently a spokesperson for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, having led the the successful campaign against fixed-odds betting terminals along with other Labour figures such as Carolyn Harris MP. Between 2016 and 2017 he was a spokesperson for Corbyn as Labour leader, and he has been vocal as a left-winger on Twitter since then.
Frontrunner Keir Starmer has chosen to release his appointments to the press. The campaign is proud of its team because appointees cover the broad spectrum of the party – from Kat Fletcher and Simon Fletcher, who both worked on Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign, to Liz Kendall 2015 organiser Morgan McSweeney and Ben Nunn who worked on Owen Smith’s bid.
His key campaign team appointments are as follows: former MP Jenny Chapman as chair, Simon Fletcher as strategic campaign adviser, Morgan McSweeney as campaign manager, Kat Fletcher as director of field, Chris Ward as deputy campaign manager, Ellie Robinson as head of stakeholder engagement and Ben Nunn as director of communications.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer said: “This campaign will draw on the talent, energy and enthusiasm of activists from across the Labour movement. It will be about making the positive case for why another future is possible for our country and our party.”


labourlist--2020-01-08--We need a broad debate – and Lisa Nandy’s voice must be heard

All voices must be on that ballot paper .
Anything less is a mistake we can not afford to make .
I was one of those long-chastised members who called for a broad debate back in 2015 .
My god , if we needed it then , we need it even more now .
I ’ m still heartbroken by the scale of last month ’ s defeat and our inability to move any closer to forming a government that can make a shred of difference to anyone ’ s life .
I ’ m doing my best to ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I ’ m devastated we don ’ t hold the power to have any influence over either .
The talent that has come forward for both leader and deputy leader of our great party gives me hope .
I once again feel that sense of excitement that comes with the prospect of fighting to win power , not to hold onto , but to give away and better life chances in the process .
I feel the contagious determination that we will never , ever have to suffer another Friday 13th like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all play a part in driving our great vehicle of change over the finish line , as opposed to over that looming cliff .
I drove past my old campaign shop today ; the one in which my baby spent so much time being told to move away from the windows , for fear they would be smashed as she played beneath them – turns out they were instead smashed to smithereens while the building was empty .
Phew .
Seeing those windows again reminded me of the hatred thrown at our great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life for the better and so many others with it , yet now association with that same party guarantees verbal – and risks physical – abuse .
Retreating permanently to my non-violent , quiet life and watching politics from afar without comment is so bloody tempting .
However , I speak up as I feel a responsibility to fight to ensure the messages voters sent so loudly during this election aren ’ t lost during our leadership debate .
The doorstep conversations were no surprise to Lisa Nandy when she came to Ashfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them loud and clear in our seat and hers .
All too typical were the views of one ex-miner and trade unionist ; he hated the Tories but had just voted Conservative for the first time .
Like far too many , he felt we were a party of cities and students , that saw the working class as one big group to be saved or condemned .
He saw our manifesto as unbelievable and unaffordable , but most of all , could not forgive us for ignoring his vote to leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ashfield voters that couldn ’ t support us this time , she laid out her commitment to help lead Labour to a place voters could both connect with , and trust .
That ’ s something that our party must allow to be heard .
As a city-dweller-turned-townie and champion of our heartlands , there is many a meme to be had , yet the fundamental point is a serious one .
Lisa deserves a chance to set out her vision for a united country ; a path to power that travels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as widely as our cities .
As a northern , BAME woman , having been a London councillor , Lisa understands the disconnect .
I want to hear her plans to rebuild our great party ; unite left , right and everything in between .
As a Remain-campaigning MP representing a Leave-voting seat ; she understands how let down all sides feel over our handling of Brexit .
We must hear her plans to heal the Leave-Remain divide that risks destroying our party , as well as our country , long after we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to acknowledge and address it .
Devastated as I continue to be about the collapse of our ‘ red wall ’ , I ’ m excited to hear more about Lisa ’ s plan to build and lead us across Labour ’ s red bridge .
Candidates like me , communities like ours , need our MPs and MEPs to make sure Lisa Nandy is on that ballot paper .
It ’ s time to amplify those left behind voices .

All voices must be on that ballot paper. Anything less is a mistake we cannot afford to make. I was one of those long-chastised members who called for a broad debate back in 2015. My god, if we needed it then, we need it even more now.
I’m still heartbroken by the scale of last month’s defeat and our inability to move any closer to forming a government that can make a shred of difference to anyone’s life. I’m doing my best to ignore news of climate change and looming war as I’m devastated we don’t hold the power to have any influence over either.
The talent that has come forward for both leader and deputy leader of our great party gives me hope. I once again feel that sense of excitement that comes with the prospect of fighting to win power, not to hold onto, but to give away and better life chances in the process. I feel the contagious determination that we will never, ever have to suffer another Friday 13th like that, and instead, we can all play a part in driving our great vehicle of change over the finish line, as opposed to over that looming cliff.
I drove past my old campaign shop today; the one in which my baby spent so much time being told to move away from the windows, for fear they would be smashed as she played beneath them – turns out they were instead smashed to smithereens while the building was empty. Phew.
Seeing those windows again reminded me of the hatred thrown at our great party. The party that changed my life for the better and so many others with it, yet now association with that same party guarantees verbal – and risks physical – abuse.
Retreating permanently to my non-violent, quiet life and watching politics from afar without comment is so bloody tempting. However, I speak up as I feel a responsibility to fight to ensure the messages voters sent so loudly during this election aren’t lost during our leadership debate.
The doorstep conversations were no surprise to Lisa Nandy when she came to Ashfield shortly after our defeat; she heard them loud and clear in our seat and hers.
All too typical were the views of one ex-miner and trade unionist; he hated the Tories but had just voted Conservative for the first time. Like far too many, he felt we were a party of cities and students, that saw the working class as one big group to be saved or condemned. He saw our manifesto as unbelievable and unaffordable, but most of all, could not forgive us for ignoring his vote to leave the EU.
As Lisa listened and apologised to Ashfield voters that couldn’t support us this time, she laid out her commitment to help lead Labour to a place voters could both connect with, and trust. That’s something that our party must allow to be heard.
As a city-dweller-turned-townie and champion of our heartlands, there is many a meme to be had, yet the fundamental point is a serious one. Lisa deserves a chance to set out her vision for a united country; a path to power that travels through all our nations, our towns as widely as our cities.
As a northern, BAME woman, having been a London councillor, Lisa understands the disconnect. I want to hear her plans to rebuild our great party; unite left, right and everything in between.
As a Remain-campaigning MP representing a Leave-voting seat; she understands how let down all sides feel over our handling of Brexit. We must hear her plans to heal the Leave-Remain divide that risks destroying our party, as well as our country, long after we have left the EU if we fail to acknowledge and address it.
Devastated as I continue to be about the collapse of our ‘red wall’, I’m excited to hear more about Lisa’s plan to build and lead us across Labour’s red bridge. Candidates like me, communities like ours, need our MPs and MEPs to make sure Lisa Nandy is on that ballot paper. It’s time to amplify those left behind voices.


labourlist--2020-01-08--Former rep Angela Rayner secures UNISON backing for deputy bid

Former trade union rep Angela Rayner has secured the formal support of Labour-affiliated UNISON for her deputy leadership campaign .
Widely seen as the clear frontrunner in Labour ’ s secondary leadership race , the endorsement was expected to go to Rayner as she was a UNISON representative before after training as a care worker .
The union became Rayner ’ s path into the Labour Party , which she joined during her time as a rep before being elected as the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015 .
The decision to nominate both Rayner as deputy and Keir Starmer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNISON ’ s Labour Link committee that is made up of party members .
Commenting on the news , UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : “ Angie has a long association with UNISON as a member and a union rep and has an intimate understanding of the day-to-day struggles facing working people and their families across the UK .
“ Angie ’ s popularity across the party means she is the right person to handle the challenges of this job .
Angie will make a great deputy leader if elected.
” Rayner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the nomination for deputy leader of the Labour Party from my union @ unisontweets .
I have been a representative of Unison and they have supported me over many years , right from being a member , steward , convenor and now a candidate ” .
Vice chair of UNISON ’ s Labour Link committee Linda Hobson added : “ Angela Rayner has been a care worker and a dynamic campaigner for UNISON , representing the needs of workers , before entering Parliament .
“ Unlike so many out-of-touch career politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a real life and has faced the sort of difficulties experienced by millions of people in communities across the country .
She ’ s not someone who has spent their career in the Westminster bubble .
“ If elected , Angie will be a powerful passionate voice at the top of the party to win back voters and create a brighter future .
”

Former trade union rep Angela Rayner has secured the formal support of Labour-affiliated UNISON for her deputy leadership campaign.
Widely seen as the clear frontrunner in Labour’s secondary leadership race, the endorsement was expected to go to Rayner as she was a UNISON representative before after training as a care worker.
The union became Rayner’s path into the Labour Party, which she joined during her time as a rep before being elected as the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015.
The decision to nominate both Rayner as deputy and Keir Starmer in the main leadership race was taken by UNISON’s Labour Link committee that is made up of party members.
Commenting on the news, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Angie has a long association with UNISON as a member and a union rep and has an intimate understanding of the day-to-day struggles facing working people and their families across the UK.
“Angie’s popularity across the party means she is the right person to handle the challenges of this job. Angie will make a great deputy leader if elected.”
Rayner tweeted: “I am absolutely honoured to get the nomination for deputy leader of the Labour Party from my union @unisontweets. I have been a representative of Unison and they have supported me over many years, right from being a member, steward, convenor and now a candidate”.
Vice chair of UNISON’s Labour Link committee Linda Hobson added: “Angela Rayner has been a care worker and a dynamic campaigner for UNISON, representing the needs of workers, before entering Parliament.
“Unlike so many out-of-touch career politicians, Angie has had a real job, a real life and has faced the sort of difficulties experienced by millions of people in communities across the country. She’s not someone who has spent their career in the Westminster bubble.
“If elected, Angie will be a powerful passionate voice at the top of the party to win back voters and create a brighter future.”


labourlist--2020-01-08--How Labour’s 2020 leadership elections will work – party rules in full

The basis of Labour ’ s process for holding leadership and deputy leadership elections can be found in Chapter 4 of the party rulebook .
But that ’ s just the outline .
Labour ’ s national executive committee , which is responsible for ensuring that proper procedures are followed , has drawn up guidance that offers essential reading for anyone wanting to get to grips with the finer details .
The first stage for both contests will be MP and MEP nominations , of which they must gain 10 % .
The candidates who pass that threshold proceed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 5 % of local parties or three affiliates comprising 5 % of affiliated membership .
Local parties are compelled to hold all-member meetings – rather than general committee ( GC ) ones – where paid-up members will vote in rounds for their preferred leader and deputy leadership candidates .
The first to win 50 % of the vote is nominated by that local party .
For the first time ever , this nomination really matters .
The final stage of the process sees full party members , affiliated members and registered supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round .
If nobody receives more than 50 % of the vote on first preferences , the candidate with the lowest number of votes has theirs redistributed .
This is repeated until the winner reaches the threshold .
Read the full procedure and timetable guide for Labour ’ s leadership and deputy elections 2020 in full .

The basis of Labour’s process for holding leadership and deputy leadership elections can be found in Chapter 4 of the party rulebook. But that’s just the outline.
Labour’s national executive committee, which is responsible for ensuring that proper procedures are followed, has drawn up guidance that offers essential reading for anyone wanting to get to grips with the finer details.
The first stage for both contests will be MP and MEP nominations, of which they must gain 10%. The candidates who pass that threshold proceed to the second stage, which requires nominations from 5% of local parties or three affiliates comprising 5% of affiliated membership.
Local parties are compelled to hold all-member meetings – rather than general committee (GC) ones – where paid-up members will vote in rounds for their preferred leader and deputy leadership candidates. The first to win 50% of the vote is nominated by that local party. For the first time ever, this nomination really matters.
The final stage of the process sees full party members, affiliated members and registered supporters vote by preferential ballot in a single round. If nobody receives more than 50% of the vote on first preferences, the candidate with the lowest number of votes has theirs redistributed. This is repeated until the winner reaches the threshold.


labourlist--2020-01-08--Starmer wins UNISON backing in major boost for leadership campaign

Keir Starmer has won the backing of Labour-affiliated trade union UNISON in a major boost for his leadership campaign .
The UK ’ s largest union backed the frontrunner , who has already received enough MP nominations to get through to the next stage of the process , on the basis of a decision by its Labour Link committee .
Starmer is now on track to fly through the second stage of the leadership election , which requires candidates to secure the nominations of either 5 % of local parties or three affiliated organisations including two trade unions .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also back Angela Rayner , the clear frontrunner in Labour ’ s deputy leadership race , as the MP was a trade union rep of theirs – despite her running on an informal ‘ joint ticket ’ with Rebecca Long-Bailey .
UNISON endorsed Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 leadership election , with Yvette Cooper as a second choice , and backed Corbyn again in 2016 over challenger Owen Smith .
But its endorsement of Starmer did not come as a big surprise – particularly because the affiliated union had supported the policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an all-out Remain stance ahead of the 2019 election .
Responding to the news , Starmer said he was “ honoured ” , adding : “ UNISON members represent some of the best of our movement and our country… I want to lead a Labour Party that will stand side-by-side with trade unionists .
United we can rebuild our party , take the fight to the Tories and win.
” Commenting on the decision , UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : “ This is a pivotal time for Labour .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month .
“ Unions created the Labour Party to give working people a voice in Westminster .
But it can only achieve for them , their families , their communities and the country ’ s public services when in government .
“ Keir has a clear vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past .
He is best placed to take on Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people ’ s lives for the better.
” Vice chair of UNISON ’ s Labour Link committee Linda Hobson said : “ Under Keir Starmer ’ s leadership Labour could move forward and learn the lessons from – and understand the reasons for – the party ’ s terrible defeat last month .
“ With Keir , Labour could also move the country on from Brexit and start to heal the painful divisions created by the referendum .
”

Keir Starmer has won the backing of Labour-affiliated trade union UNISON in a major boost for his leadership campaign.
The UK’s largest union backed the frontrunner, who has already received enough MP nominations to get through to the next stage of the process, on the basis of a decision by its Labour Link committee.
Starmer is now on track to fly through the second stage of the leadership election, which requires candidates to secure the nominations of either 5% of local parties or three affiliated organisations including two trade unions.
It is thought very likely that UNISON will also back Angela Rayner, the clear frontrunner in Labour’s deputy leadership race, as the MP was a trade union rep of theirs – despite her running on an informal ‘joint ticket’ with Rebecca Long-Bailey.
UNISON endorsed Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 leadership election, with Yvette Cooper as a second choice, and backed Corbyn again in 2016 over challenger Owen Smith.
But its endorsement of Starmer did not come as a big surprise – particularly because the affiliated union had supported the policy of holding a fresh referendum on EU membership and an all-out Remain stance ahead of the 2019 election.
Responding to the news, Starmer said he was “honoured”, adding: “UNISON members represent some of the best of our movement and our country… I want to lead a Labour Party that will stand side-by-side with trade unionists. United we can rebuild our party, take the fight to the Tories and win.”
Commenting on the decision, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is a pivotal time for Labour. We believe – if elected by the membership – Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month.
“Unions created the Labour Party to give working people a voice in Westminster. But it can only achieve for them, their families, their communities and the country’s public services when in government.
“Keir has a clear vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past. He is best placed to take on Boris Johnson, hold his government to account and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people’s lives for the better.”
Vice-chair of UNISON’s Labour Link committee Linda Hobson said: “Under Keir Starmer’s leadership Labour could move forward and learn the lessons from – and understand the reasons for – the party’s terrible defeat last month.
“With Keir, Labour could also move the country on from Brexit and start to heal the painful divisions created by the referendum.”


labourlist--2020-01-08--Leadership candidate Clive Lewis invites Greens to work on cross-party project

Clive Lewis has extended an invitation to Green Party parliamentarians to work on a green new deal transformation project , should he be elected as Labour leader .
The leadership candidate has initiated cross-party talks so that Labour and the Greens might work together on a project to prepare the groundwork for a green new deal .
He has said that the parties would work with campaigners , local authorities , and companies to explore ways to take action ahead of a general election .
Commenting on the proposal , the MP for Norwich South said : “ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this is a tangible way of delivering on that commitment .
“ We need a new politics of collaboration and openness as the building blocks of the political forces and practices necessary for progressives to take power nationally by 2024 at the latest.
” Lewis suggested that the project would have ideas and practices that – subject to approval from the parties – would appear in each of their manifestos .
Green MP Caroline Lucas and peer Natalie Bennett welcomed the proposal , describing it as a “ practical demonstration of cross-party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Lewis was the second candidate to officially declare his leadership bid with an article in which he called for electoral reform .
He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation .
He set out his pitch to Labour colleagues in an email ahead of the parliamentary Labour party hustings on Tuesday night , in which he said : “ Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour.
” The candidate has received the public support of one Labour Party MP so far – it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure the 22 required nominations to get on the ballot .
Lewis was broadly supportive of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership before the election but quit the shadow cabinet in 2017 to vote against triggering Article 50 .
In a BBC interview on Wednesday morning , he was asked to rate Corbyn out of ten – after Rebecca Long-Bailey gave him full marks – and he replied that he would give him “ maybe a six ” .
The Norwich South MP said that mistakes were made in terms of the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election planning .
Lewis first became an MP in 2015 , having previously worked as a BBC reporter and served as a British army officer .

Clive Lewis has extended an invitation to Green Party parliamentarians to work on a green new deal transformation project, should he be elected as Labour leader.
The leadership candidate has initiated cross-party talks so that Labour and the Greens might work together on a project to prepare the groundwork for a green new deal.
He has said that the parties would work with campaigners, local authorities, and companies to explore ways to take action ahead of a general election.
Commenting on the proposal, the MP for Norwich South said: “I have long been committed a more plural politics and this is a tangible way of delivering on that commitment.
“We need a new politics of collaboration and openness as the building blocks of the political forces and practices necessary for progressives to take power nationally by 2024 at the latest.”
Lewis suggested that the project would have ideas and practices that – subject to approval from the parties – would appear in each of their manifestos.
Green MP Caroline Lucas and peer Natalie Bennett welcomed the proposal, describing it as a “practical demonstration of cross-party working” and a “grown-up approach”.
Lewis was the second candidate to officially declare his leadership bid with an article in which he called for electoral reform. He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation.
He set out his pitch to Labour colleagues in an email ahead of the parliamentary Labour party hustings on Tuesday night, in which he said: “Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour.”
The candidate has received the public support of one Labour Party MP so far – it is thought that he may not be able to secure the 22 required nominations to get on the ballot.
Lewis was broadly supportive of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership before the election but quit the shadow cabinet in 2017 to vote against triggering Article 50.
In a BBC interview on Wednesday morning, he was asked to rate Corbyn out of ten – after Rebecca Long-Bailey gave him full marks – and he replied that he would give him “maybe a six”.
The Norwich South MP said that mistakes were made in terms of the way the leader handled Brexit, antisemitism and election planning.
Lewis first became an MP in 2015, having previously worked as a BBC reporter and served as a British army officer.


labourlist--2020-01-08--PMQs: Corbyn grills PM over risk of “full scale war” after Soleimani killing

The first Prime Minister ’ s Questions of the new parliament was dominated by debate over the recent actions taken by the United States and Iran , which saw Jeremy Corbyn raise the risk of “ full scale war ” .
The Labour leader and Prime Minister were agreed that any further retaliation should be opposed due to this risk – but Corbyn also suggested the US killing of Qasem Soleimani was an “ illegal act ” .
“ The strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine , ” Johnson replied , before arguing that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its bases and its personnel ” .
He said Soleimani was responsible for attacks on innocent civilians through arming the Houthis and Hezbollah with missiles .
Corbyn ’ s next question followed : “ If we stand by international law , as I am sure the government does and would want to , then surely killing somebody in a foreign territory is an illegal act , and should be condemned as such ?
” The Prime Minister ignored this point .
Asked how the UK would “ help ensure Iranian officials who want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try and bring about a resolution ” , Boris Johnson simply confirmed that the UK supports allowing people to visit the UN .
After PMQs , Jeremy Corbyn ’ s spokesman made even clearer the implications of the questions put forward by the Labour leader .
He told lobby journalists that the assassination of Soleimani was “ clearly illegal ” unless there was evidence of an imminent attack – and “ no such evidence has been forthcoming ” .
Corbyn ’ s Labour also called on the UK to respect Iraqi calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in Iraq with the permission and at the request of Iraqi government and parliament , ” the leader ’ s spokesman said .
“ Following the result of the vote in the Iraqi parliament , if withdrawal is subsequently requested by the Iraqi government , that must be respected.
” Whether the next Labour leader maintains a similar foreign policy approach depends on the outcome of the contest currently underway .
Rebecca Long-Bailey is seen as the candidate with politics closest to those of Corbyn , but she has already broken with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s nuclear deterrent .
It seems very unlikely that either Long-Bailey or fellow frontrunner Keir Starmer would adopt a particularly interventionist policy , however , with the Brexit spokesperson having criticised the Labour government ’ s “ unlawful use of force ” in Iraq in 2003 .
He also voted against UK airstrikes in Syria in 2015 .

The first Prime Minister’s Questions of the new parliament was dominated by debate over the recent actions taken by the United States and Iran, which saw Jeremy Corbyn raise the risk of “full scale war”. The Labour leader and Prime Minister were agreed that any further retaliation should be opposed due to this risk – but Corbyn also suggested the US killing of Qasem Soleimani was an “illegal act”.
“The strict issue of legality is not for the UK to determine,” Johnson replied, before arguing that the US “has a right to protect its bases and its personnel”. He said Soleimani was responsible for attacks on innocent civilians through arming the Houthis and Hezbollah with missiles.
Corbyn: What evidence attack on Qasem Soleimani was “not illegal”? Boris Johnson says issue of legality not for UK to determine but US has “right to protect its bases”, adding that Soleimani “has blood of British troops on his hands”#PMQs Live: https://t.co/fyg5MVPOq9 pic.twitter.com/RHlWubbwgu — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) January 8, 2020
Corbyn’s next question followed: “If we stand by international law, as I am sure the government does and would want to, then surely killing somebody in a foreign territory is an illegal act, and should be condemned as such?” The Prime Minister ignored this point.
Asked how the UK would “help ensure Iranian officials who want to attend the security council in order to try and bring about a resolution”, Boris Johnson simply confirmed that the UK supports allowing people to visit the UN.
After PMQs, Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman made even clearer the implications of the questions put forward by the Labour leader. He told lobby journalists that the assassination of Soleimani was “clearly illegal” unless there was evidence of an imminent attack – and “no such evidence has been forthcoming”.
Corbyn’s Labour also called on the UK to respect Iraqi calls to withdraw forces. “British forces are in Iraq with the permission and at the request of Iraqi government and parliament,” the leader’s spokesman said. “Following the result of the vote in the Iraqi parliament, if withdrawal is subsequently requested by the Iraqi government, that must be respected.”
Whether the next Labour leader maintains a similar foreign policy approach depends on the outcome of the contest currently underway. Rebecca Long-Bailey is seen as the candidate with politics closest to those of Corbyn, but she has already broken with him on the issue of using the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
It seems very unlikely that either Long-Bailey or fellow frontrunner Keir Starmer would adopt a particularly interventionist policy, however, with the Brexit spokesperson having criticised the Labour government’s “unlawful use of force” in Iraq in 2003. He also voted against UK airstrikes in Syria in 2015.


labourlist--2020-01-08--Rolling list: MP/MEP nominations for Labour deputy leadership candidates

Labour ’ s deputy leadership contest follows the same rules as the main leadership race .
Candidates need nominations from 10 % of MP and MEPs in their party – a total of 22 – in order to progress to the next stage of the election .
Each Labour MP has received nomination papers for both elections and those choosing to participate must cast their vote by 2.30pm on Monday , January 13th .
Candidates are allowed to nominate themselves and this will contribute to their total number of nominations .
Nominations are valid once submitted unless the candidate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing to Labour ’ s general secretary .
Those who have nominated the MP who has withdrawn can then submit a new nomination ( before the deadline ) .
Those candidates who secure enough nominations to enter the second stage of the contest will then have to gain nominations from either 5 % of local parties – 33 – or 5 % of affiliated members including three affiliated organisations of which two must be trade unions .
If candidates meet both of these requirements , they will be included on the ballot paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s deputy leadership candidates and the MPs nominating them .
The non-italicised names have already nominated that particular candidate .
The italicised names have not yet cast their ballots but have declared support for that candidate .

Labour’s deputy leadership contest follows the same rules as the main leadership race. Candidates need nominations from 10% of MP and MEPs in their party – a total of 22 – in order to progress to the next stage of the election. Each Labour MP received nomination papers for both elections and those choosing to participate cast their vote by 2.30pm on January 13th.
Candidates were allowed to nominate themselves and this contributed to their total number of nominations. Nominations were valid once submitted unless the candidate in question formally withdrew from the race by writing to Labour’s general secretary. Those who nominated the MP who has withdrawn could then submit a new nomination.
Those candidates who secured enough nominations to enter the second stage of the contest now have to gain nominations from either 5% of local parties – 33 – or 5% of affiliated members including three affiliated organisations of which two must be trade unions. If candidates meet both of these requirements, they will be included on the ballot paper.
Angela Rayner was the clear frontrunner with 88 nominations. Ian Murray came in second place with 34. Dawn Butler and Rosena Allin-Khan made it through with 29 and 23 each. Richard Burgon just made it through with 22. Khalid Mahmood withdrew from the race.
Below is the list of Labour’s deputy leadership candidates and the MPs nominating them.
Rosena Allin-Khan – 23 nominated
Fleur Anderson Ben Bradshaw Kevin Brennan Richard Corbett Seb Dance Geraint Davies Thangam Debbonaire Rosie Duffield Clive Efford Vicky Foxcroft Fabian Hamilton John Howarth Jackie Jones Rosena Allin Khan Stephen Kinnock Khalid Mahmood Anna McMorrin Chi Onwurah Rory Palmer Luke Pollard Nick Smith Alex Sobel Wes Streeting
Richard Burgon – 22 nominated
Diane Abbott Apsana Begum Richard Burgon Ian Byrne Dan Carden Mary Foy Rachel Hopkins Imran Hussain Ian Lavery Andy McDonald John McDonnell Ian Mearns Claude Moraes Grahame Morris Kate Osborne Yasmin Qureshi Bell Ribeiro-Addy Zarah Sultana Jon Trickett Claudia Webbe Beth Winter Mohammed Yasin
Dawn Butler – 29 nominated
Lyn Brown Dawn Butler Liam Byrne Rosie Cooper Janet Daby Marsha de Cordova Flo Eshalomi Barry Gardiner Neena Gill Preet Gill Helen Hayes Sharon Hodgson Rupa Huq Sarah Jones Seema Malhotra Rachael Maskell Alison McGovern James Murray Abena Oppong-Asare Taiwo Owatemi Matt Rodda Naz Shah Karin Smyth Emily Thornberry Stephen Timms Julie Ward Catherine West Matt Western Nadia Whittome
Khalid Mahmood – 2 nominated (3 declared support)
Mark Hendrick Khalid Mahmood Stephen Timms
Ian Murray – 34 nominated