labourlist--2020-10-03--Dodds: Government must stop criminals using homes as “dodgy bank accounts”

Anneliese Dodds has called on the Conservatives to make good on their promise to crackdown on money laundering through the UK property market and stop criminals using homes as “ dodgy bank accounts ” .
Taking part in an online conference hosted by Labour Housing Group today , the Shadow Chancellor told attendees that the financialisation of housing has meant homes are used as a “ means of avoiding tax or laundering the proceeds of crime ” .
Dodds explained : “ More than £90bn is estimated to be laundered through the UK every year , inflating the price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting empty while families on low incomes are crammed into tiny flats.
” The Shadow Chancellor told the virtual meeting that the scale of this problem has been “ starkly revealed in recent months ” with the publication of the Russia report into interference in the UK and with the leaking of the FinCEN files .
The National Crime Agency received 14,465 suspicious activity reports ( SARs ) linked to possible money laundering in 2015 .
Dodds highlighted that , in the year ending March 2019 , that had more than doubled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 the Prime Minister had declared there was “ no place for dirty money in Britain ” , and promised to introduce a register of overseas companies owning UK properties to increase transparency in the market .
But successive Tory Prime Ministers have since then failed to put the plans into practice .
A draft registration of overseas entities bill was published in 2018 , but the legislation has not been introduced to parliament .
Dodds added : “ I ’ m calling on the government to bring that bill forward before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on these practices once and for all .
“ We ’ re at a fork in the road .
The Conservatives could focus their energies on ensuring that people in this country have affordable , decent homes to live in .
“ They could finally set up that register of overseas entities to flush out the criminals using our homes as dodgy bank accounts… “ Or , they could choose to leave things as they are .
Too few houses available to be homes with prices driven up by those who use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge the Conservatives to finally make the right call.
” Dodds also highlighted during her speech the findings published by Transparency International last year , in which the organisation identify 421 UK properties , worth over £5bn , that have been bought with suspicious money .
The Tory government recently announced a 2 % stamp duty surcharge on foreign property owners , which will come into force in April next year .
There has been no indication from the current Chancellor that the register will be implemented .
The Russia report published earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security committee focused to some extent on property ownership in the UK , describing the capital as a “ London laundromat ” .

Anneliese Dodds has called on the Conservatives to make good on their promise to crackdown on money laundering through the UK property market and stop criminals using homes as “dodgy bank accounts”.
Addressing an online conference by Labour Housing Group today, the Shadow Chancellor said the financialisation of housing has meant homes are used as a “means of avoiding tax or laundering the proceeds of crime”.
Dodds explained: “More than £90bn is estimated to be laundered through the UK every year, inflating the price of houses for everybody, leaving luxury homes sitting empty while families on low incomes are crammed into tiny flats.”
The Shadow Chancellor told the virtual meeting that the scale of this problem has been “starkly revealed in recent months” with the publication of the Russia report into interference in the UK and with the leaking of the FinCEN files.
The National Crime Agency received 14,465 suspicious activity reports (SARs) linked to possible money laundering in 2015. Dodds highlighted that, in the year ending March 2019, that had more than doubled to 34,151.
She also reminded participants that in 2015 the Prime Minister had declared there was “no place for dirty money in Britain” and promised to introduce a register of overseas companies owning UK properties to increase transparency in the market.
But successive Tory Prime Ministers since then have failed to put the plans into practice. A draft of the registration of overseas entities bill was published in 2018, but the legislation has not been introduced to parliament.
Dodds added: “I’m calling on the government to bring that bill forward before the end of the year and crack down on these practices once and for all.
“We’re at a fork in the road. The Conservatives could focus their energies on ensuring that people in this country have affordable, decent homes to live in.
“They could finally set up that register of overseas entities to flush out the criminals using our homes as dodgy bank accounts…
“Or, they could choose to leave things as they are. Too few houses available to be homes with prices driven up by those who use property to hid illicit wealth. I urge the Conservatives to finally make the right call.”
Dodds also highlighted during her speech the findings published by Transparency International last year, in which the organisation identify 421 UK properties, worth over £5bn, that have been bought with suspicious money.
The Tory government recently announced a 2% stamp duty surcharge on foreign property owners, which will come into force in April next year. There has been no indication from the current Chancellor that the register will be implemented.
The Russia report published earlier this year by parliament’s intelligence and security committee focused to some extent on property ownership in the UK, describing the capital as a “London laundromat”.


labourlist--2020-10-04--Sunday shows: PM urges public to “behave fearlessly but with common sense”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the British public to “ behave fearlessly but with common sense ” .
He said “ I know people are furious with me ” but warned that “ it ’ s going to continue to be bumpy through Christmas ” .
• On the dilemma for government during Covid : “ On the one hand , we have the imperative to save life .
And it is a moral imperative to save life if possible .
On the other hand , we have to keep our economy moving and keep our society going .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to strike.
” • On following the rules : “ What we want people to do is to behave fearlessly but with common sense .
To follow the guidance , whether national or local .
Get the virus down but allow us as a country to continue with our priorities.
” • On the message of Tory conference : “ We ’ re not going to allow ourselves in any way to be deterred by coronavirus .
We ’ re accelerating our programme for national renewal.
” • On why areas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , not down : “ Clearly we ’ ve seen more load back on to the risk factor , we ’ ve got schools back , businesses back… But we ’ ve also managed to keep hospital admissions much lower than they were , the death rate down.
” • He added : “ I appreciate the fatigue that people are experiencing… I know people are furious with me and with the government .
But I ’ ve got to tell you in all candour : it ’ s going to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may even be bumpy beyond .
But this is the only way to do it.
” • On the inconsistency of rules in the North : “ I totally understand people ’ s frustration.
” • On critics of the government ’ s handling of Covid : “ We haven ’ t had any alternative suggestions .
No-one has come up with any better proposals.
” • On whether Eat Out to Help Out was a good idea : “ I think it was right to reopen the economy… In so far as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need to counteract that with the discipline and the measures.
” • On why test and trace is not delivering as promised : “ Actually track and trace have done an outstanding job… I ’ m not going to claim the service is perfect because it isn ’ t. ” • Pressed on why it is not delivering : “ The answer is that the demand has massively increased… We ’ ve got 300,000 tests being conducted every day – that ’ s the capacity , I should say… It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it ?
Yes , of course I ’ m frustrated with it.
” • Asked whether he could provide ‘ more reality and less rhetoric ’ : “ This is a pandemic in which people need to understand there is hope .
And there is hope .
We ’ ll get through this , and we ’ ll get through this very well.
” • On the idea that the country could be under yo-yo restrictions for years to come : “ No , I don ’ t think that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the scientists , they ’ re all virtually unanimous that by the spring things will be radically different.
” • On Tory criticism of Covid rules : “ I don ’ t want to have to impose measures like this .
Are you crazy ?
” • On Drumpf contracting Covid : “ I ’ m sure President Drumpf is going to be fine .
He has the best possible care .
The most important thing to do is follow his doctor ’ s advice.
” • On whether he has Long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not tittle-tattle , it ’ s drivel .
It ’ s not tittle-tattle , it ’ s balderdash and nonsense.
” • On the effects of no deal with the EU during Covid : “ I don ’ t want the Australian WTO-type outcome particularly , but we can more than live with it.
” Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth referred to local restrictions as a “ Tory Red Wall lockdown ” .
He called for clarity on Covid rules , for local control over test and trace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• On Labour ’ s change of tone on Covid rules : “ We want the government to succeed .
We all have an interest in defeating this virus .
But when you ’ ve got millions of people across the North and Midlands living under some form of restrictions – a Northern or Midlands lockdown , perhaps even a Tory Red Wall lockdown… We need a plan for those areas in lockdown.
” • Responding to the statement that Labour has always supported the government : “ Let me take issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
We ’ ve always said , if national restrictions are necessary , we support them… We understand why local restrictions may be needed but I think it ’ s Andy Burnham who ’ s been saying it ’ s a bit like Hotel California – places go into these restrictions , you check in but you can never leave.
” • Asked whether Labour supports local restrictions : “ We support local restrictions but what people want is clarity .
The rules seem to chop and change all over the place… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The local authorities should have control over the testing and tracing system .
The Serco call centre is simply not working.
” • On whether there is “ political interference ” in lockdowns : “ Because there are no clear guidelines as to why an area goes into restrictions and how an area goes out , there is a suspicion that there is political interference .
I hope there isn ’ t. ” • On why Keir Starmer called for school returns if the resulting spike was inevitable : “ Within this you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks… Yes , you need to get children into school but you should have built a testing capacity and capability in recognition that 10 million people going back to school would put increased demand on the testing system .
The government failed to do that.
” • On the 10pm hospitality curfew : “ The government has still not published the public health evidence as to why they think it ’ s an important intervention.
” • Why did you support it then ?
“ We support national restrictions .
But given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain what the evidence is.
” He said Labour wants staggered closing times .
• On whether Jeremy Corbyn should have been prosecuted and fined for breaking the rule of six : “ That ’ s up to the authorities.
” Shadow minister Bill Esterson criticised the different interview styles used for Johnson and Ashworth , tweeting : “ Marr interrupted Jonathan from start to finish .
Johnson was allowed to make long , rambling statements without being challenged about his failure to answer.
” Shadow health minister Alex Norris said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a serious strategy to improve public confidence in the government ’ s handling of this crisis .
Instead he waffled and ducked every question .
His serial incompetence is holding Britain back.
” Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray called for SNP MP Margaret Ferrier to stand down after she broke Covid-19 rules .
He also said of the MPs who quit Labour to form ‘ The Independent Group ’ that “ history will show they did it for the right reasons ” .
• None On Margaret Ferrier : “ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of parliament to break the rules in such a negligent and haphazardly way , putting the lives and the health of workers at risk , people who work on trains and in parliament , is really unforgivable.
” • None On whether a win for the SNP in the May 2021 elections would provide a mandate for a second referendum : “ I think these hypothetical questions are something we should be putting on the back-burner during this global pandemic.
” • None On Labour ’ s indryref2 stance : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of the Labour Party with some new leadership and said quite clearly he wants to be leader of the whole of the United Kingdom in 2024 , he wants to make sure that Scotland isn ’ t independent and he doesn ’ t want a second independence referendum .
So those are pretty clear positions.
” • None He added : “ This isn ’ t a fight for the Labour Party to have .
We won ’ t be in power in Westminster come May 2021 unless there ’ s some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I doubt that will happen.
” • None On the Scottish people ’ s priorities : “ In the recent last two polls actually , a second independence referendum just made it into the top ten , when you add those who desperately wanted one to those that desperately didn ’ t want one , so it ’ s not the priority of the Scottish people.
” • None On the recent rise in cases this weekend : “ I think the government have messed it up .
They ’ ve wasted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test and trace isn ’ t working properly.
” • None On the claim that a rise in cases yesterday resulted from a technical error : “ The testing system is collapsing and indeed it may have been a technical error but it ’ s just another error layered on top of all the other problems with test and trace.
” • On the revelations that he was set to quit Labour last year : “ I think I made the correct decision to stay and I think over that period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it be the Parliamentary Labour Party or ordinary members , looked very seriously at whether the Labour Party still held the values that they held.
” • On those who did leave : “ I ’ m disappointed some people in the end did leave and history will show they did it for the right reasons… I made the decision to stay and I ’ m very glad that I did.
” Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis struck a different tone to the Prime Minister , who yesterday blamed the rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraying of discipline ” among the public , stressing that the “ majority of people are following the rules ” .
He argued it was unfair to compare the actions of Margaret Ferrier to Dominic Cummings as what the PM ’ s adviser did “ wasn ’ t on the same scale ” .
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross discussed his speech to party conference this weekend , which urged Tories to focus more on the union .
He told the programme the speech was a “ wake up call to the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives “ need to remember Scotland has two governments ” .

The Andrew Marr Show
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the British public to “behave fearlessly but with common sense”. He said “I know people are furious with me” but warned that “it’s going to continue to be bumpy through Christmas”.
On the dilemma for government during Covid: “On the one hand, we have the imperative to save life. And it is a moral imperative to save life if possible. On the other hand, we have to keep our economy moving and keep our society going. That’s the balance we’re trying to strike.”
On following the rules: “What we want people to do is to behave fearlessly but with common sense. To follow the guidance, whether national or local. Get the virus down but allow us as a country to continue with our priorities.”
On the message of Tory conference: “We’re not going to allow ourselves in any way to be deterred by coronavirus. We’re accelerating our programme for national renewal.”
On why areas in local lockdown have seen infection rates go up, not down: “Clearly we’ve seen more load back on to the risk factor, we’ve got schools back, businesses back… But we’ve also managed to keep hospital admissions much lower than they were, the death rate down.”
He added: “I appreciate the fatigue that people are experiencing… I know people are furious with me and with the government. But I’ve got to tell you in all candour: it’s going to continue to be bumpy through Christmas. It may even be bumpy beyond. But this is the only way to do it.”
On the inconsistency of rules in the North: “I totally understand people’s frustration.”
On critics of the government’s handling of Covid: “We haven’t had any alternative suggestions. No-one has come up with any better proposals.”
On whether Eat Out to Help Out was a good idea: “I think it was right to reopen the economy… In so far as that scheme helped to spread the virus, we need to counteract that with the discipline and the measures.”
On why test and trace is not delivering as promised: “Actually track and trace have done an outstanding job… I’m not going to claim the service is perfect because it isn’t.”
Pressed on why it is not delivering: “The answer is that the demand has massively increased… We’ve got 300,000 tests being conducted every day – that’s the capacity, I should say… It’s not perfect. Am I frustrated with it? Yes, of course I’m frustrated with it.”
Asked whether he could provide ‘more reality and less rhetoric’: “This is a pandemic in which people need to understand there is hope. And there is hope. We’ll get through this, and we’ll get through this very well.”
On the idea that the country could be under yo-yo restrictions for years to come: “No, I don’t think that’s going to happen. If you talk to the scientists, they’re all virtually unanimous that by the spring things will be radically different.”
On Tory criticism of Covid rules: “I don’t want to have to impose measures like this. Are you crazy?”
On Drumpf contracting Covid: “I’m sure President Drumpf is going to be fine. He has the best possible care. The most important thing to do is follow his doctor’s advice.”
On whether he has Long Covid: “Not in my case. It’s not tittle-tattle, it’s drivel. It’s not tittle-tattle, it’s balderdash and nonsense.”
On the effects of no deal with the EU during Covid: “I don’t want the Australian WTO-type outcome particularly, but we can more than live with it.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on local restrictions: "I know people are furious with me and they’re furious with the government but… it's going to continue to be bumpy through to Christmas. It may even be bumpy beyond"#Marr #Covid_19 https://t.co/iUFQLFuY4J pic.twitter.com/YVAKc3CzuW — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 4, 2020
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth referred to local restrictions as a “Tory Red Wall lockdown”. He called for clarity on Covid rules, for local control over test and trace and for evidence justifying the 10pm hospitality curfew.
On Labour’s change of tone on Covid rules: “We want the government to succeed. We all have an interest in defeating this virus. But when you’ve got millions of people across the North and Midlands living under some form of restrictions – a Northern or Midlands lockdown, perhaps even a Tory Red Wall lockdown… We need a plan for those areas in lockdown.”
Responding to the statement that Labour has always supported the government: “Let me take issue with what you’ve just said there. We’ve always said, if national restrictions are necessary, we support them… We understand why local restrictions may be needed but I think it’s Andy Burnham who’s been saying it’s a bit like Hotel California – places go into these restrictions, you check in but you can never leave.”
Asked whether Labour supports local restrictions: “We support local restrictions but what people want is clarity. The rules seem to chop and change all over the place… But there’s the key. The local authorities should have control over the testing and tracing system. The Serco call centre is simply not working.”
On whether there is “political interference” in lockdowns: “Because there are no clear guidelines as to why an area goes into restrictions and how an area goes out, there is a suspicion that there is political interference. I hope there isn’t.”
On why Keir Starmer called for school returns if the resulting spike was inevitable: “Within this you’ve always got to manage different risks… Yes, you need to get children into school but you should have built a testing capacity and capability in recognition that 10 million people going back to school would put increased demand on the testing system. The government failed to do that.”
On the 10pm hospitality curfew: “The government has still not published the public health evidence as to why they think it’s an important intervention.”
Why did you support it then? “We support national restrictions. But given the implications… I think the government has to explain what the evidence is.” He said Labour wants staggered closing times.
On whether Jeremy Corbyn should have been prosecuted and fined for breaking the rule of six: “That’s up to the authorities.”
Government should consider staggered closing times in pubs says Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth#Marr #Covid_19 https://t.co/DA6G4l95fP pic.twitter.com/Q9Z2nOnT6k — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 4, 2020
Shadow minister Bill Esterson criticised the different interview styles used for Johnson and Ashworth, tweeting: “Marr interrupted Jonathan from start to finish. Johnson was allowed to make long, rambling statements without being challenged about his failure to answer.”
Shadow health minister Alex Norris said: “Boris Johnson had the chance to map out a serious strategy to improve public confidence in the government’s handling of this crisis. Instead he waffled and ducked every question. His serial incompetence is holding Britain back.”
Sophy Ridge on Sunday
Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray called for SNP MP Margaret Ferrier to stand down after she broke Covid-19 rules. He also said of the MPs who quit Labour to form ‘The Independent Group’ that “history will show they did it for the right reasons”.
On Margaret Ferrier: “I think she should resign as an MP… For a member of parliament to break the rules in such a negligent and haphazardly way, putting the lives and the health of workers at risk, people who work on trains and in parliament, is really unforgivable.”
On whether a win for the SNP in the May 2021 elections would provide a mandate for a second referendum: “I think these hypothetical questions are something we should be putting on the back-burner during this global pandemic.”
On Labour’s indryref2 stance: “Keir Starmer has gone into the the leadership of the Labour Party with some new leadership and said quite clearly he wants to be leader of the whole of the United Kingdom in 2024, he wants to make sure that Scotland isn’t independent and he doesn’t want a second independence referendum. So those are pretty clear positions.”
He added: “This isn’t a fight for the Labour Party to have. We won’t be in power in Westminster come May 2021 unless there’s some form of general election before then and I doubt that will happen.”
On the Scottish people’s priorities: “In the recent last two polls actually, a second independence referendum just made it into the top ten, when you add those who desperately wanted one to those that desperately didn’t want one, so it’s not the priority of the Scottish people.”
On the recent rise in cases this weekend: “I think the government have messed it up. They’ve wasted the summer. It’s quite clear test and trace isn’t working properly.”
On the claim that a rise in cases yesterday resulted from a technical error: “The testing system is collapsing and indeed it may have been a technical error but it’s just another error layered on top of all the other problems with test and trace.”
On the revelations that he was set to quit Labour last year: “I think I made the correct decision to stay and I think over that period of time many people in the Labour Party, whether it be the Parliamentary Labour Party or ordinary members, looked very seriously at whether the Labour Party still held the values that they held.”
On those who did leave: “I’m disappointed some people in the end did leave and history will show they did it for the right reasons… I made the decision to stay and I’m very glad that I did.”
Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray says Margaret Ferrier should resign as an MP #Ridge Read the latest: https://t.co/e56xQG6RuG pic.twitter.com/mWOvY7sWlL — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) October 4, 2020
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis struck a different tone to the Prime Minister, who yesterday blamed the rise in Covid cases in part on a “fraying of discipline” among the public, stressing that the “majority of people are following the rules”. He argued it was unfair to compare the actions of Margaret Ferrier to Dominic Cummings as what the PM’s adviser did “wasn’t on the same scale”.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross discussed his speech to party conference this weekend, which urged Tories to focus more on the union. He told the programme the speech was a “wake up call to the party” and that certain members of the Conservatives “need to remember Scotland has two governments”.


labourlist--2020-10-05--Chancellor had “nothing new to say” in Tory conference speech, declares Dodds

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds has declared that Rishi Sunak had “ nothing new to say ” in his keynote Conservative Party conference speech today on the government ’ s handling of the Covid-19 economic crisis .
Sunak did not announce any new measures in his address to the virtual conference this morning , despite warnings that workers in hard-hit sectors such as hospitality are facing a cliff edge as furlough ends this month .
The Chancellor has announced a job support scheme to replace the job retention scheme , but it does not offer targeted sectoral support and analysis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-hours working .
Sunak used his speech to put forward a defence of the Prime Minister , promise that the “ overwhelming might ” of the state would help the unemployed and claim Tories in government will “ always balance the books ” .
The Chancellor said : “ In a free market economy it is the entrepreneur , who is critical… We will protect the public finances , over the medium term getting our borrowing and debt back under control .
“ We have a sacred responsibility to future generations to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful management of our economy , this Conservative government will always balance the books .
“ If instead we argue there is no limit on what we can spend , that we can simply borrow our way out of any hole , what is the point in us ?
” Responding to the speech delivered by her opposite number in government , Labour ’ s Anneliese Dodds was critical of the lack of announcements , tweeting : “ The Chancellor just spoke for ten minutes , but he had nothing new to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions facing the furlough cliff edge .
Nothing new for the self-employed .
Nothing for those excluded so far .
He just blew his chance to get a grip on Britain ’ s jobs crisis.
” Referring to Labour ’ s new attack ad campaign that derides the Chancellor ’ s graphics on social media , Dodds later added : “ Britain risks the worst unemployment crisis in decades and Rishi Sunak ’ s name will be all over it.
” Touching on the same point of the address being unusually short with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s political editor Laura Kuenssberg tweeted after summarising the content of the ten-minute speech : “ And erm , that ’ s it ” .
Labour figures highlighted measures that Sunak could have announced today , such as the opposition party ’ s five suggested changes to Universal Credit during Covid , including removal of the savings limit that disqualifies many .
Deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted : “ Here ’ s an initial list to get started on : 1 .
Don ’ t cut Universal Credit 2 .
Sick pay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for businesses struggling under restrictions 4 .
Support for workers facing end of furlough cliff edge.
” Trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party are demanding that the government listen to the recommendations of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown , who has formed an ‘ Alliance for Full Employment ’ .
Unite the Union ’ s Len McCluskey has backed the AfFE project and argued that “ the Tory government is doing far too little , much too late to halt the oncoming mass unemployment tsunami ” in a new piece for The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transport union TSSA , described Sunak ’ s conference address as representing a “ fall from grace ” and said he had “ crashed the hopes of the whole country with that curtailed , lacklustre speech ” .
The message of Community Union to Conservative Party conference this year warns : “ If we want to continue to be a proud manufacturing nation , this government must give our industry a chance to have a prosperous future.
” Writing for LabourList last month , the TUC ’ s Frances O ’ Grady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important step ” but “ just one piece in the jigsaw of support we need ” and “ ministers will need to do far more to protect livelihoods ” .

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds has declared that Rishi Sunak had “nothing new to say” in his keynote Conservative Party conference speech today on the government’s handling of the Covid-19 economic crisis.
Sunak did not announce any new measures in his address to the virtual conference this morning, despite warnings that workers in hard-hit sectors such as hospitality are facing a cliff edge as furlough ends this month.
The Chancellor has announced a job support scheme to replace the job retention scheme, but it does not offer targeted sectoral support and analysis has found that it does not sufficiently incentivise short-hours working.
Sunak used his speech to put forward a defence of the Prime Minister, promise that the “overwhelming might” of the state would help the unemployed and claim Tories in government will “always balance the books”.
The Chancellor said: “In a free market economy it is the entrepreneur, who is critical… We will protect the public finances, over the medium term getting our borrowing and debt back under control.
“We have a sacred responsibility to future generations to leave the public finances strong, and through careful management of our economy, this Conservative government will always balance the books.
“If instead we argue there is no limit on what we can spend, that we can simply borrow our way out of any hole, what is the point in us?”
Responding to the speech delivered by her opposite number in government, Labour’s Anneliese Dodds was critical of the lack of announcements, tweeting: “The Chancellor just spoke for ten minutes, but he had nothing new to say.
“No new targeted support for millions facing the furlough cliff edge. Nothing new for the self-employed. Nothing for those excluded so far. He just blew his chance to get a grip on Britain’s jobs crisis.”
Referring to Labour’s new attack ad campaign that derides the Chancellor’s graphics on social media, Dodds later added: “Britain risks the worst unemployment crisis in decades and Rishi Sunak’s name will be all over it.”
Touching on the same point of the address being unusually short with an abrupt ending, the BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg tweeted after summarising the content of the ten-minute speech: “And erm, that’s it”.
Labour figures highlighted measures that Sunak could have announced today, such as the opposition party’s five suggested changes to Universal Credit during Covid, including removal of the savings limit that disqualifies many.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: “Here’s an initial list to get started on: 1. Don’t cut Universal Credit 2. Sick pay and support for those isolating 3. Support for businesses struggling under restrictions 4. Support for workers facing end of furlough cliff edge.”
Trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party are demanding that the government listen to the recommendations of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has formed an ‘Alliance for Full Employment’.
Unite the Union’s Len McCluskey has backed the AfFE project and argued that “the Tory government is doing far too little, much too late to halt the oncoming mass unemployment tsunami” in a new piece for The Mirror.
Commenting on the Chancellor’s speech, McCluskey said it offered “offered little more than thin gruel for fearful workers”. He urged Sunak to “produce a proper programme to stop our communities descending into jobs wastelands”.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of transport union TSSA, described Sunak’s conference address as representing a “fall from grace” and said he had “crashed the hopes of the whole country with that curtailed, lacklustre speech”.
GMB acting leader John Phillips said: “Hard choices cannot mean austerity, cuts and punishing those who have shouldered the burden of getting us through this crisis. Slashing public spending again will not repair our economy or communities.”
The message of Community Union to Conservative Party conference this year warns: “If we want to continue to be a proud manufacturing nation, this government must give our industry a chance to have a prosperous future.”
Writing for LabourList last month, the TUC’s Frances O’Grady said the new job scheme was “an important step” but “just one piece in the jigsaw of support we need” and “ministers will need to do far more to protect livelihoods”.


labourlist--2020-10-05--Scottish Labour ramps up pressure as Margaret Ferrier refuses to resign

Richard Leonard has called on the SNP to expel under-pressure MP Margaret Ferrier from the party after the representative for Rutherglen and Hamilton West refused to step down from parliament .
Ferrier , who has had the whip suspended by the SNP , has faced repeated calls in recent days to quit parliament after it was revealed she travelled from Glasgow to London and back while infected with coronavirus .
The Scottish Labour leader has since ramped up his demands on the Scottish government and said that kicking Ferrier out of the party is the “ only step available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Having had the weekend to reflect on her action , Margaret Ferrier has shown she is more interested in keeping her Westminster salary and perks than she is in doing the right thing .
The only step available to the SNP leadership now is to expel her from the party.
” Ferrier felt unwell and took a Covid test during the last weekend of September , then subsequently took a 380-mile train journey to London the following Monday , even delivering a speech to the Commons that day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive result and still chose not to self-isolate , instead taking a train home to Glasgow .
She issued a statement on Thursday apologising for the breach that has since led to a police investigation .
The new comments from Scottish Labour represent a step up on the party ’ s initial response last week , in which Richard Leonard said : “ I wish Margaret Ferrier a speedy recovery .
But her reckless actions have rendered her unfit for public office .
“ Someone who has so outrageously flouted the laws that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider public to live by should no longer be voting on these laws .
She has forfeited her right to be an MP and should resign immediately and force a by-election .
“ Nicola Sturgeon and Ian Blackford must now state when they became aware of the breaches , and make public any internal party conversations that have already taken place about this case.
” Train drivers ’ union ASLEF has called on Ferrier to reveal which train services she took earlier this week , with organiser Kevin Lindsay describing the journeys that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as “ unforgivable ” and “ outrageous ” .
Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray wrote to SNP Westminster leader Angus Blackford last week seeking answers on when exactly SNP whips were informed of Ferrier ’ s movements and when they became aware she had received a positive test .

Richard Leonard has called on the SNP to expel under-pressure MP Margaret Ferrier from the party after the representative for Rutherglen and Hamilton West refused to step down from parliament.
Ferrier, who has had the whip suspended by the SNP, has faced repeated calls in recent days to quit parliament after it was revealed she travelled from Glasgow to London and back while infected with coronavirus.
The Scottish Labour leader has since ramped up his demands on the Scottish government and said that kicking Ferrier out of the party is the “only step available to the SNP leadership now”.
Leonard said: “Having had the weekend to reflect on her action, Margaret Ferrier has shown she is more interested in keeping her Westminster salary and perks than she is in doing the right thing. The only step available to the SNP leadership now is to expel her from the party.”
Ferrier felt unwell and took a Covid test during the last weekend of September, then subsequently took a 380-mile train journey to London the following Monday, even delivering a speech to the Commons that day.
The now former SNP representative then received a positive result and still chose not to self-isolate, instead taking a train home to Glasgow. She issued a statement on Thursday apologising for the breach that has since led to a police investigation.
The new comments from Scottish Labour represent a step up on the party’s initial response last week, in which Richard Leonard said: “I wish Margaret Ferrier a speedy recovery. But her reckless actions have rendered her unfit for public office.
“Someone who has so outrageously flouted the laws that she has asked her constituents and the wider public to live by should no longer be voting on these laws. She has forfeited her right to be an MP and should resign immediately and force a by-election.
“Nicola Sturgeon and Ian Blackford must now state when they became aware of the breaches, and make public any internal party conversations that have already taken place about this case.”
Train drivers’ union ASLEF has called on Ferrier to reveal which train services she took earlier this week, with organiser Kevin Lindsay describing the journeys that “put passengers and staff at risk” as “unforgivable” and “outrageous”.
Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray wrote to SNP Westminster leader Angus Blackford last week seeking answers on when exactly SNP whips were informed of Ferrier’s movements and when they became aware she had received a positive test.


labourlist--2020-10-05--Fresh Labour rebellion brewing over ‘licence to kill’ bill

Our test and trace system is becoming more shambolic , not less , and in new ways .
Public Health England admitted last night that almost 16,000 positive Covid-19 cases were not properly registered on the system between September 25th October 2nd .
Those who received the positive results were informed , but due to this “ technical issue ” ( according to Playbook , the problem was a maximum file size… genuinely ) the recent figures have been wrong .
This has serious implications in itself .
Worse , though , is that there is only a small window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many opportunities have been missed .
The contacts of the positive cases were not traced and told to self-isolate , and this is not something you can simply do up to ten days later .
We ’ re expecting Matt Hancock to answer questions on the latest failure in the Commons later .
Hopefully he will offer better responses than the insulting one he gave to Tan Dhesi last week , which has been doing the rounds on social media .
Now for an update on the economic problems of Covid-19 .
Rishi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual Tory conference ( which also faced embarrassing technical difficulties over the weekend ) .
The Chancellor will remind us that he can not possibly protect every job affected by the crisis .
Labour is taking this opportunity to highlight that nearly half a million still on furlough are living under local restrictions and a further 480,000 are living in places on the national watch list .
With the job retention scheme ending this month , that means nearly one million jobs are at risk .
Also coming up today is a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw over the overseas operations bill nearly two weeks ago .
On the covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill , Labour MPs are again on a one-line whip to abstain at second reading .
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has explained why in a piece for The Independent .
Basically , the leadership supports properly codifying in statute the licence to commit a crime to prevent something more serious occurring .
But Amnesty has said : “ There is a grave danger that this bill could end up providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill.
” The plan from the top of Labour is , like with the last controversial bill , to allow the legislation to progress but press the government on “ robust safeguards ” at committee stage and beyond .
But those planning to rebel cite Pat Finucane ’ s killing , spycops relationships , the surveillance of colleagues such as Jeremy Corbyn and interference in legitimate trade union activities as just some of the reasons that they can not follow the whip on this vote .
Labour left unions including Unite are making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppose the bill today .
Keep following LabourList to find out how many defy the whip this evening .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Our test and trace system is becoming more shambolic, not less, and in new ways. Public Health England admitted last night that almost 16,000 positive Covid-19 cases were not properly registered on the system between September 25th October 2nd. Those who received the positive results were informed, but due to this “technical issue” (according to Playbook, the problem was a maximum file size… genuinely) the recent figures have been wrong. This has serious implications in itself.
Worse, though, is that there is only a small window in which contact tracing is effective and many opportunities have been missed. The contacts of the positive cases were not traced and told to self-isolate, and this is not something you can simply do up to ten days later. We’re expecting Matt Hancock to answer questions on the latest failure in the Commons later. Hopefully he will offer better responses than the insulting one he gave to Tan Dhesi last week, which has been doing the rounds on social media.
Now for an update on the economic problems of Covid-19. Rishi Sunak is delivering a speech to the virtual Tory conference (which also faced embarrassing technical difficulties over the weekend). The Chancellor will remind us that he cannot possibly protect every job affected by the crisis. Labour is taking this opportunity to highlight that nearly half a million still on furlough are living under local restrictions and a further 480,000 are living in places on the national watch list. With the job retention scheme ending this month, that means nearly one million jobs are at risk.
Also coming up today is a potential Labour rebellion, much like the one we saw over the overseas operations bill nearly two weeks ago. On the covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill, Labour MPs are again on a one-line whip to abstain at second reading. Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has explained why in a piece for The Independent. Basically, the leadership supports properly codifying in statute the licence to commit a crime to prevent something more serious occurring. But Amnesty has said: “There is a grave danger that this bill could end up providing informers and agents with a licence to kill.”
The plan from the top of Labour is, like with the last controversial bill, to allow the legislation to progress but press the government on “robust safeguards” at committee stage and beyond. But those planning to rebel cite Pat Finucane’s killing, spycops relationships, the surveillance of colleagues such as Jeremy Corbyn and interference in legitimate trade union activities as just some of the reasons that they cannot follow the whip on this vote. Labour left unions including Unite are making clear their view that Labour MPs should oppose the bill today. Keep following LabourList to find out how many defy the whip this evening. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-10-05--Scottish Labour: Covid inquiry in Scotland must investigate university chaos

Scottish Labour has called on the SNP to ensure that the public Covid-19 inquiry in Scotland investigates the controversial decision to send students to university campuses during the pandemic on the basis of human rights .
Richard Leonard has demanded that the Holyrood government commit to scrutinising the much-criticised move in a letter sent today to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , mirroring calls from the Scottish Human Rights Commission .
Commenting on his letter and the challenges facing students , the Scottish Labour leader said : “ In spite of evidence suggesting that it was not safe , the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring all students back to campuses .
“ Many students have been forced to self-isolate in appalling conditions since then .
They have faced shambolically confusing guidance , unacceptable and avoidable anxieties , and a regime of disproportionately punitive rules .
“ I have spoken to students in the past few weeks who have said they have felt misled , and that the return to universities should not have happened .
“ I welcome the Scottish Human Rights Commission ’ s call for this decision to be scrutinised by the post-pandemic public inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister to commit the inquiry to investigate this on the basis of human rights.
” Leonard asked the Scottish Human Rights Commission last week to investigate potential breaches of students ’ human rights following widespread outbreaks of Covid at universities .
He raised the following seven areas of concern : • “ Students being told not to visit pubs , restaurants or cafes ; • “ Hundreds of students being forced to self-isolate in unsuitable accommodation ; • “ Students banned from socialising with anyone outside of their accommodation ; • “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different to that of the wider public ; • “ Announcements made by the Scottish government not acknowledging that many students across Scotland will be only 17 years old ; • “ Students being required to download test and protect app – unlike any other group in society ; and • “ The ambiguity of the level and severity of enforcement.
” Following the intervention , the commission responded that questions around whether it was right to send students back to campuses during the coronavirus pandemic “ should be scrutinised by any future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now seen Covid outbreaks in recent weeks .
A new cluster of 14 cases , centred around student sports clubs , was identified at Stirling University over the weekend .
The University of Glasgow has seen the largest number of coronavirus cases of any university in Scotland , with at least 172 students testing positive for the virus and hundreds more required to isolate .
Below is the full text of the letter sent by Richard Leonard to Nicola Sturgeon .
Last week I wrote to the Scottish Human Rights Commission asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern over potential breaches of the human rights of students , following the recent outbreaks of Covid-19 in our universities .
• Students being told not to visit pubs , restaurants or cafes .
• Hundreds of students being forced to self-isolate in unsuitable accommodation .
• Students banned from socialising with anyone outside of their accommodation .
• Students being subject to rules that are different to that of the wider public .
• Announcements made by the Scottish government not acknowledging that many students across Scotland will be only 17 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download test and protect app – unlike any other group in society .
• The ambiguity of the level and severity of enforcement .
The SHRC has now replied to me and published a statement on its website which acknowledges “ human rights concerns specific to this population group ” .
The statement goes on to say : “ The commission believes that questions as to whether it was appropriate to allow students , both Scottish and international , to take up places in student residences at this point in the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry.
” I have welcomed your commitment for the public inquiry into Covid-19 in Scotland to investigate whether the human rights of care home residents have been breached .
I am now writing to ask for you to put on the record that this public inquiry will also investigate whether it was appropriate to allow students , both Scottish and international , to take up places in student residences at this point in the pandemic , on the basis of students ’ human rights .
I look forward to hearing from you .

Scottish Labour has called on the SNP to ensure that the public Covid-19 inquiry in Scotland investigates the controversial decision to send students to university campuses during the pandemic on the basis of human rights.
Richard Leonard has demanded that the Holyrood government commit to scrutinising the much-criticised move in a letter sent today to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, mirroring calls from the Scottish Human Rights Commission.
Commenting on his letter and the challenges facing students, the Scottish Labour leader said: “In spite of evidence suggesting that it was not safe, the Scottish government gave universities the green light to bring all students back to campuses.
“Many students have been forced to self-isolate in appalling conditions since then. They have faced shambolically confusing guidance, unacceptable and avoidable anxieties, and a regime of disproportionately punitive rules.
“I have spoken to students in the past few weeks who have said they have felt misled, and that the return to universities should not have happened.
“I welcome the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s call for this decision to be scrutinised by the post-pandemic public inquiry. Today I am calling on the First Minister to commit the inquiry to investigate this on the basis of human rights.”
Leonard asked the Scottish Human Rights Commission last week to investigate potential breaches of students’ human rights following widespread outbreaks of Covid at universities. He raised the following seven areas of concern:
“Students being told not to visit pubs, restaurants or cafes; “Hundreds of students being forced to self-isolate in unsuitable accommodation; “Students banned from socialising with anyone outside of their accommodation; “Students being subject to rules that are different to that of the wider public; “Announcements made by the Scottish government not acknowledging that many students across Scotland will be only 17 years old; “Students being required to download test and protect app – unlike any other group in society; and “The ambiguity of the level and severity of enforcement.”
Following the intervention, the commission responded that questions around whether it was right to send students back to campuses during the coronavirus pandemic “should be scrutinised by any future public inquiry”.
11 Scottish universities have now seen Covid outbreaks in recent weeks. A new cluster of 14 cases, centred around student sports clubs, was identified at Stirling University over the weekend.
The University of Glasgow has seen the largest number of coronavirus cases of any university in Scotland, with at least 172 students testing positive for the virus and hundreds more required to isolate.
Elsewhere in Scotland, there are at least 120 students who have tested positive at Edinburgh Napier University and 84 confirmed cases in Dundee across Abertay University and Dundee University as of last week.
Below is the full text of the letter sent by Richard Leonard to Nicola Sturgeon.
Dear Nicola,
Last week I wrote to the Scottish Human Rights Commission asking for it to investigate seven areas of concern over potential breaches of the human rights of students, following the recent outbreaks of Covid-19 in our universities.
These were:
Students being told not to visit pubs, restaurants or cafes. Hundreds of students being forced to self-isolate in unsuitable accommodation. Students banned from socialising with anyone outside of their accommodation. Students being subject to rules that are different to that of the wider public. Announcements made by the Scottish government not acknowledging that many students across Scotland will be only 17 years old. Students being required to download test and protect app – unlike any other group in society. The ambiguity of the level and severity of enforcement.
The SHRC has now replied to me and published a statement on its website which acknowledges “human rights concerns specific to this population group”.
The statement goes on to say: “The commission believes that questions as to whether it was appropriate to allow students, both Scottish and international, to take up places in student residences at this point in the pandemic, should be scrutinised by any future public inquiry.”
I have welcomed your commitment for the public inquiry into Covid-19 in Scotland to investigate whether the human rights of care home residents have been breached. I am now writing to ask for you to put on the record that this public inquiry will also investigate whether it was appropriate to allow students, both Scottish and international, to take up places in student residences at this point in the pandemic, on the basis of students’ human rights.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Leonard MSP
Leader – Scottish Labour


labourlist--2020-10-05--Labour calls for “urgent action” as analysis finds “extreme” NHS safety risks

Labour has called on the government to take “ urgent action ” to prepare the NHS for the winter and a second Covid wave after new analysis by the party found “ hundreds of extreme risks to patient and staff safety ” .
The party has reviewed official documents from 114 non-specialist acute NHS England trusts published between March and August this year and found that over half of reported hazards were classed as “ significant ” or “ extreme ” .
The risks included some trusts being unable to continue cancer services due to a lack of oncologists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posing a “ direct risk to life and safety of patients , visitors and staff ” .
Jonathan Ashworth said : “ In a normal winter , these risks would be worrying .
In the coming winter , with the incompetent handling of the test and trace system leaving the NHS wide open and poorly supported , they take on a whole new meaning.
” Labour has argued that Covid has exposed the “ detrimental long-term impact of Tory underfunding ” as the majority of risks were linked to insufficient funding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings .
The Shadow Health Secretary added : “ We urgently need a commitment from ministers to fix the problems with test and trace and a timetable by which these issues will finally be sorted .
“ On top of this , it is vital that ministers confirm that the NHS will get the additional support it needs to address these risks .
Frontline staff and patients can not be made to carry the can for Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock ’ s incompetence.
” Of the 114 NHS trusts analysed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages , including hospitals in Bournemouth and Derby that said they did not have enough skilled staff to safely manage cancer care .
84 % reported direct risks to patient care and safety , 82 % reported a variety of directly Covid-related risks and a further 69 % of trusts expressed fears about infrastructure such as estates , facilities , equipment or IT .
Among those worried about infrastructure problems was the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King ’ s Lynn , which warned that a potential catastrophic failure in their roof was risking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust expressed fears that its inability to properly regulate the ventilation in operation theatres would potentially lead to “ an increased risk of infection ” for patients .
The Yorkshire-based NHS trust also warned that there was a chance that “ patients may deteriorate and or receive suboptimal treatment ” due to growing shortages of a variety of vital medical supplies .
66 % of consulted trusts reported financial problems , including the Liverpool Women ’ s NHS foundation Trust that said it would not be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monetary support .
University College London Hospitals Trust , which treats hundreds of thousands of patients each year and employs over 8,000 staff , warned that its current “ level of income ” was “ insufficient to cover the costs of the trust ’ s activity ” .
A further 84 % reported direct risks to patient care and safety , with one trust that is responsible for hospitals in Middlesbrough and Northallerton saying changes to their maternity ward was risking the lives of mothers and babies .
Reacting to the new Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ These shocking findings expose the desperate state of health funding as we approach winter and the second wave .
“ Our healthcare heroes deserve better .
That means safe staffing levels and a proper pay increase , not dangerous buildings and budgets that can ’ t make ends meet .
Harrison concluded : “ Years of underfunding have left NHS workers underpaid , overstretched and demoralised .
It ’ s time for a full funding settlement that gives the NHS the resources it needs.
” When the Tories took power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts to the NHS followed shortly afterwards with a market-oriented restructuring of the health service under the then Health Secretary Andrew Lansley .
Approximately 32,000 overnight beds have been lost from hospitals in England over the last decade .
When the pandemic hit the UK , the country ranked 24th among European countries for its numbers of critical care beds .

Labour has called on the government to take “urgent action” to prepare the NHS for the winter and a second Covid wave after new analysis by the party found “hundreds of extreme risks to patient and staff safety”.
The party has reviewed official documents from 114 non-specialist acute NHS England trusts published between March and August this year and found that over half of reported hazards were classed as “significant” or “extreme”.
The risks included some trusts being unable to continue cancer services due to a lack of oncologists and one hospital warning that a collapsing roof was posing a “direct risk to life and safety of patients, visitors and staff”.
Jonathan Ashworth said: “In a normal winter, these risks would be worrying. In the coming winter, with the incompetent handling of the test and trace system leaving the NHS wide open and poorly supported, they take on a whole new meaning.”
Labour has argued that Covid has exposed the “detrimental long-term impact of Tory underfunding” as the majority of risks were linked to insufficient funding, staff shortages, failing equipment and deteriorating buildings.
The Shadow Health Secretary added: “We urgently need a commitment from ministers to fix the problems with test and trace and a timetable by which these issues will finally be sorted.
“On top of this, it is vital that ministers confirm that the NHS will get the additional support it needs to address these risks. Frontline staff and patients cannot be made to carry the can for Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock’s incompetence.”
Of the 114 NHS trusts analysed by the Labour Party, 83% reported workforce shortages, including hospitals in Bournemouth and Derby that said they did not have enough skilled staff to safely manage cancer care.
84% reported direct risks to patient care and safety, 82% reported a variety of directly Covid-related risks and a further 69% of trusts expressed fears about infrastructure such as estates, facilities, equipment or IT.
Among those worried about infrastructure problems was the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, which warned that a potential catastrophic failure in their roof was risking the safety of all those in the building.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust expressed fears that its inability to properly regulate the ventilation in operation theatres would potentially lead to “an increased risk of infection” for patients.
The Yorkshire-based NHS trust also warned that there was a chance that “patients may deteriorate and or receive suboptimal treatment” due to growing shortages of a variety of vital medical supplies.
66% of consulted trusts reported financial problems, including the Liverpool Women’s NHS foundation Trust that said it would not be able to survive past the current year without further monetary support.
University College London Hospitals Trust, which treats hundreds of thousands of patients each year and employs over 8,000 staff, warned that its current “level of income” was “insufficient to cover the costs of the trust’s activity”.
A further 84% reported direct risks to patient care and safety, with one trust that is responsible for hospitals in Middlesbrough and Northallerton saying changes to their maternity ward was risking the lives of mothers and babies.
Reacting to the new Labour analysis, GMB national officer Rachel Harrison said: “These shocking findings expose the desperate state of health funding as we approach winter and the second wave.
“Our healthcare heroes deserve better. That means safe staffing levels and a proper pay increase, not dangerous buildings and budgets that can’t make ends meet.
Harrison concluded: “Years of underfunding have left NHS workers underpaid, overstretched and demoralised. It’s time for a full funding settlement that gives the NHS the resources it needs.”
When the Tories took power in 2010, George Osborne announced sweeping cuts to the NHS followed shortly afterwards with a market-oriented restructuring of the health service under the then Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
Approximately 32,000 overnight beds have been lost from hospitals in England over the last decade. When the pandemic hit the UK, the country ranked 24th among European countries for its numbers of critical care beds.


labourlist--2020-10-05--19 Labour MPs defy party whip to vote against ‘licence to kill’ bill

19 Labour MPs have defied the party whip to vote against the covert human intelligence sources ( criminal conduct ) bill at second reading in the House of Commons tonight as MPs approved it by a majority of 162 votes .
Keir Starmer ’ s Labour set a one-line whip to abstain at this stage of the process .
The leadership has declared that it intends to work on a cross-party basis in future stages of the bill to change the proposed legislation .
Labour MPs who voted against included Diane Abbott , Apsana Begum , Olivia Blake , Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kate Osborne , Bell Ribeiro-Addy , Lloyd Russell-Moyle , Zarah Sultana and Nadia Whittome .
` LabourList understands that concerns about the bill were voiced by MPs from across the party , from Stella Creasy and Steve McCabe to frontbenchers Emma Hardy and Dan Carden .
Unite sent out a briefing on reasons to oppose it .
The latest rebellion is slightly bigger than the overseas operations bill one last month , in which 18 Labour MPs – including three parliamentary private secretaries , who were stood down – defied the whip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHIS ( criminal conduct ) bill aims to give legal protection for a previously secret power – “ the third direction ” – allowing MI5 , police forces and other specified public bodies to authorise agents and informants to commit criminal offences .
Amnesty UK has warned that “ this bill could end up providing informers and agents with a licence to kill ” and stressed that it “ does not explicitly prohibit MI5 and other agencies from authorising crimes like torture and killing.
” Reacting to the Commons vote and Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scattergood commented : “ By abstaining on this bill , the Labour leadership have failed to stand up for the values of our party .
“ We don ’ t remain neutral in the face of abuses of power like Hillsborough and Orgreave – we oppose them , and we organise to make sure that anyone who has used their power to harm the people they are meant to protect is held accountable .
Momentum supports the MPs that vote against the bill.
” Addressing the Commons debate on the bill , Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting against the bill because the party supports putting activities carried out through undercover policing on a “ statutory footing ” .
He said : “ The activity here is not new activity .
It has been going on under existing practices and has been for many years .
It should be on a statutory footing , which allows for necessary and robust safeguards , which we on these benches will be pressing for.
” Thomas-Symonds highlighted the need for “ safeguards ” in the bill and more “ oversight ” , specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notified whenever there is a self-authorisation of criminal conduct and that MPs should be able to access details .
Critics of the legislation have pointed out that there are no explicit prohibitions on crimes that constitute human rights violations , including murder , torture or sexual offences , or on conduct that would interfere with the course of justice .
Labour ’ s Yvette Cooper stressed the importance of the Human Rights Act , which this bill mentions and rests on as a guard against human rights abuses , but said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government support for the Act .
The Tories have repeatedly advocated against the legislation passed in 1998 .
The government is in the process of passing the overseas operations bill , which exempts British troops from prosecution under the European Convention on Human Rights .
Tory MP David Davis was vocal in his criticisms of the bill , and several MPs called attention to the fact that similar laws in other countries – such as Canada and the US – place specific limits on the types of crimes that can be authorised .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercover policing and the infiltration of political groups , which was originally supposed to report in 2018 but is not set to conclude its investigations now until 2023 .
Labour backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy argued that there was a need to question existing powers , saying : “ There are many , many questions about those practices that are already committed , which is why there has been the Pitchford Inquiry.
” The Undercover Policing Inquiry was established after allegations were made about the activities of undercover units , including the disclosure that Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the murder of Stephen Lawrence .
The inquiry has also been investigating how police operatives deceived women into entering into intimate relationships , stole the names of deceased children to create fake identities and concealed evidence in court cases .
On the long-awaited report , Thomas-Symonds told the Commons : “ The delays in the existing inquiry have already been unacceptable .
Victims have been put through a terrible ordeal and the least they deserve is access to justice.
” MPs concerned about the bill debated this evening also raised the murder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 times at his family home in front of his wife and children in an attack found to have involved British state collusion .
Undercover policing activities came to light after legal action forced the government to acknowledge the existence of the secret directive .
Lawyers for a group of civil liberty organisations argued that the “ third direction ” powers were illegal .
But the Investigatory Powers Tribunal issued a 56-page judgement declaring that guidance from MI5 does not breach human rights or grant absolute immunity to those who commit offences such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the organisations that brought the original legal action , has said that the Human Rights Act alone does not provide an adequate safeguard on the nature of the crimes that agents can engage in .
The human rights group has pointed out that government lawyers have argued that the piece of legislation does not apply in acts that are being authorised by the state , rather than explicitly initiated by it .
Reprieve deputy director Dan Dolan told LabourList : “ Are we seriously suggesting the government can ’ t place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MI5 agents can commit – not even murder , torture or sexual violence ?
” The Undercover Policing Inquiry also heard an acknowledgement from the Metropolitan Police Service in 2018 that the force infiltrated trade unions and passed information to the construction industry about blacklisted workers .
Trade unions and campaign groups have highlighted that the grounds for authorising criminal activity include not only national security but also “ preventing disorder ” , and that the current guidelines allow the infiltration of unions .
Minister James Brokenshire claimed in response to criticisms that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents with an unfettered ability to break the law and commit any crime ” and that there are “ strict requirements that must be satisfied ” .

20 Labour MPs have defied the party whip to vote against the covert human intelligence sources (criminal conduct) bill at second reading in the House of Commons tonight as MPs approved it by a majority of 162 votes.
Keir Starmer’s Labour set a one-line whip to abstain at this stage of the process. The leadership has declared that it intends to work on a cross-party basis in future stages of the bill to change the proposed legislation.
The Labour MPs who voted against, including two tellers, were Diane Abbott, Paula Barker, Apsana Begum, Olivia Blake, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler, Ian Byrne, Jeremy Corbyn, Ian Lavery, John McDonnell, Grahame Morris, Kate Osamor, Kate Osborne, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Zarah Sultana, Mick Whitley, Nadia Whittome and Beth Winter.
Update: Jon Trickett also voted against the bill, but this was not recorded by the House of Commons due to an admin error.
LabourList understands that concerns about the bill were voiced by MPs from across the party, from Stella Creasy and Steve McCabe to frontbenchers Emma Hardy and Dan Carden, in a Zoom meeting with Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Unite the Union sent out a briefing on reasons to oppose the bill, saying it “poses a grave threat to freedom and justice in the UK, and allows infiltration of trade unions and protest organisations”.
The latest rebellion is slightly bigger than the overseas operations bill one last month, in which 18 Labour MPs – including three frontbenchers, who were stood down – defied the whip and voted against the legislation.
The CHIS (criminal conduct) bill aims to give legal protection for a previously secret power – “the third direction” – allowing MI5, police forces and other specified public bodies to authorise agents and informants to commit criminal offences.
Amnesty UK has warned that “this bill could end up providing informers and agents with a licence to kill” and stressed that it “does not explicitly prohibit MI5 and other agencies from authorising crimes like torture and killing.”
Reacting to the Commons vote and Labour’s whipping decision, Momentum co-chair Andrew Scattergood commented: “By abstaining on this bill, the Labour leadership have failed to stand up for the values of our party.
“We don’t remain neutral in the face of abuses of power like Hillsborough and Orgreave – we oppose them, and we organise to make sure that anyone who has used their power to harm the people they are meant to protect is held accountable. Momentum supports the MPs that vote against the bill.”
Addressing the Commons debate on the bill, Nick Thomas-Symonds argued that Labour would not be voting against the bill because the party supports putting activities carried out through undercover policing on a “statutory footing”.
He said: “The activity here is not new activity. It has been going on under existing practices and has been for many years. It should be on a statutory footing, which allows for necessary and robust safeguards, which we on these benches will be pressing for.”
Thomas-Symonds highlighted the need for “safeguards” in the bill and more “oversight”, specifically that the Investigatory Powers Commissioner should be notified whenever there is a self-authorisation of criminal conduct and that MPs should be able to access details.
Critics of the legislation have pointed out that there are no explicit prohibitions on crimes that constitute human rights violations, including murder, torture or sexual offences, or on conduct that would interfere with the course of justice.
Labour’s Yvette Cooper stressed the importance of the Human Rights Act, which this bill mentions and rests on as a guard against human rights abuses, but said it would be “helpful” to hear more government support for the Act.
The Tories have repeatedly advocated against the legislation passed in 1998. The government is in the process of passing the overseas operations bill, which exempts British troops from prosecution under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Tory MP David Davis was vocal in his criticisms of the bill, and several MPs called attention to the fact that similar laws in other countries – such as Canada and the US – place specific limits on the types of crimes that can be authorised.
Others highlighted the ongoing Pitchford Inquiry into undercover policing and the infiltration of political groups, which was originally supposed to report in 2018 but is not set to conclude its investigations now until 2023.
Labour backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy argued that there was a need to question existing powers, saying: “There are many, many questions about those practices that are already committed, which is why there has been the Pitchford Inquiry.”
The Undercover Policing Inquiry was established after allegations were made about the activities of undercover units, including the disclosure that Scotland Yard spied on the group campaigning on the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
The inquiry has also been investigating how police operatives deceived women into entering into intimate relationships, stole the names of deceased children to create fake identities and concealed evidence in court cases.
On the long-awaited report, Thomas-Symonds told the Commons: “The delays in the existing inquiry have already been unacceptable. Victims have been put through a terrible ordeal and the least they deserve is access to justice.”
MPs concerned about the bill debated this evening also raised the murder of lawyer Pat Finucaine, who was shot 14 times at his family home in front of his wife and children in an attack found to have involved British state collusion.
Undercover policing activities came to light after legal action forced the government to acknowledge the existence of the secret directive. Lawyers for a group of civil liberty organisations argued that the “third direction” powers were illegal.
But the Investigatory Powers Tribunal issued a 56-page judgement declaring that guidance from MI5 does not breach human rights or grant absolute immunity to those who commit offences such as murder or torture.
Reprieve, one of the organisations that brought the original legal action, has said that the Human Rights Act alone does not provide an adequate safeguard on the nature of the crimes that agents can engage in.
The human rights group has pointed out that government lawyers have argued that the piece of legislation does not apply in acts that are being authorised by the state, rather than explicitly initiated by it.
Reprieve deputy director Dan Dolan told LabourList: “Are we seriously suggesting the government can’t place any limits at all on the crimes MI5 agents can commit – not even murder, torture or sexual violence?”
The Undercover Policing Inquiry also heard an acknowledgement from the Metropolitan Police Service in 2018 that the force infiltrated trade unions and passed information to the construction industry about blacklisted workers.
Trade unions and campaign groups have highlighted that the grounds for authorising criminal activity include not only national security but also “preventing disorder”, and that the current guidelines allow the infiltration of unions.
Minister James Brokenshire claimed in response to criticisms that the bill is “not about providing agents with an unfettered ability to break the law and commit any crime” and that there are “strict requirements that must be satisfied”.


labourlist--2020-10-05--Labour slams government as 48,000 Covid contacts not traced

Jonathan Ashworth has slammed the government after analysis by Labour found that the error in the test and trace system meant as many as 48,000 people who had been in close contact with someone with coronavirus were not traced .
In a response to Matt Hancock ’ s Covid update to parliament this afternoon , the Shadow Health Secretary called for his counterpart to apologise for the error and said : “ This isn ’ t just a shambles , it ’ s so much worse than that.
” Over 15,000 Covid cases went unpublished in the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracers and public health teams last week due to what the Prime Minister called a “ computing issue ” .
Ashworth told the Commons : “ In recent weeks , we ’ ve had people told to travel hundreds of miles for a test .
We ’ ve had hundreds of children out of school unable to get a test .
We ’ ve had tracers sitting idle watching Netflix… “ And now , at one of the most crucial points in this pandemic , we learn that almost 16,000 positive cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means as many as 48,000 contacts not traced and not isolated .
“ Thousands of people blissfully unaware they ’ ve been exposed to Covid potentially spreading this deadly virus at a time when hospital admissions are increasing and we ’ re in the second wave .
This isn ’ t just a shambles , it ’ s so much worse than that .
“ And it gives me no comfort to say it , but it ’ s putting lives at risk and he should apologise when he responds .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my tone or say he won ’ t have any divisive talk , but people want answers.
” On failures of private contractors in the system , Ashworth added : “ Surely now is the time to not renew Serco ’ s contract , and instead give responsibility and resources to NHS labs and local public health teams to deliver testing and tracing ?
” Stella Creasy highlighted that there are no performance standards in place for private companies involved with the tracing programme , asked who takes responsibility for its failures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get our money back ?
” The Health Secretary told the backbench Labour MP in response that “ it is wrong… constantly to be picking on a small number of the many , many cogs in the wheel that we have of this system ” .
He added : “ She ’ s normally incredibly reasonable and sensible .
I ’ d be very happy to ensure she gets a full briefing.
” Outsourcing firm Serco , which plays a key role in the UK ’ s contact tracing system , last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 % of those in contact with people who tested positive for Covid-19 .
It was responsible for a data breach in May .
Serco and Sitel , the two firms hired by the government to help run the national test and trace programme , are set to receive over £1bn for their work on the scheme .
Serco receives 40 % of its annual revenue from running UK public services .
The Shadow Health Secretary also used his contribution to highlight the impact of the error on local infection rates , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and others in lockdown seeing significant case increases .
According to official figures published on October 4th , Manchester ’ s weekly case average jumped from 238 per 100,000 people to 295 per 100,000 .
In rural Newark and Sherwood , the case average rose from 65 per 100,000 people to 73 per 100,000 .
Keir Starmer called on Wednesday for an “ urgent review into whether these local lockdowns are working in the way intended ” , as he pointed out that of the 48 areas that have seen additional restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed .

Jonathan Ashworth has slammed the government after analysis by Labour found that the error in the test and trace system meant as many as 48,000 people who had been in close contact with someone with coronavirus were not traced.
In a response to Matt Hancock’s Covid update to parliament this afternoon, the Shadow Health Secretary called for his counterpart to apologise for the error and said: “This isn’t just a shambles, it’s so much worse than that.”
Over 15,000 Covid cases went unpublished in the government’s daily reports and were not passed onto contact tracers and public health teams last week due to what the Prime Minister called a “computing issue”.
Ashworth told the Commons: “In recent weeks, we’ve had people told to travel hundreds of miles for a test. We’ve had hundreds of children out of school unable to get a test. We’ve had tracers sitting idle watching Netflix…
“And now, at one of the most crucial points in this pandemic, we learn that almost 16,000 positive cases went unreported for a week. That means as many as 48,000 contacts not traced and not isolated.
“Thousands of people blissfully unaware they’ve been exposed to Covid potentially spreading this deadly virus at a time when hospital admissions are increasing and we’re in the second wave. This isn’t just a shambles, it’s so much worse than that.
“And it gives me no comfort to say it, but it’s putting lives at risk and he should apologise when he responds. Now, no doubt, he will complain about my tone or say he won’t have any divisive talk, but people want answers.”
On failures of private contractors in the system, Ashworth added: “Surely now is the time to not renew Serco’s contract, and instead give responsibility and resources to NHS labs and local public health teams to deliver testing and tracing?”
Stella Creasy highlighted that there are no performance standards in place for private companies involved with the tracing programme, asked who takes responsibility for its failures and demanded: “Who is going to get our money back?”
The Health Secretary told the backbench Labour MP in response that “it is wrong… constantly to be picking on a small number of the many, many cogs in the wheel that we have of this system”.
He added: “She’s normally incredibly reasonable and sensible. I’d be very happy to ensure she gets a full briefing.”
Outsourcing firm Serco, which plays a key role in the UK’s contact tracing system, last month admitted that it only managed to reach 60% of those in contact with people who tested positive for Covid-19. It was responsible for a data breach in May.
Serco and Sitel, the two firms hired by the government to help run the national test and trace programme, are set to receive over £1bn for their work on the scheme. Serco receives 40% of its annual revenue from running UK public services.
The Shadow Health Secretary also used his contribution to highlight the impact of the error on local infection rates, as both areas currently not under local additional restrictions and others in lockdown seeing significant case increases.
According to official figures published on October 4th, Manchester’s weekly case average jumped from 238 per 100,000 people to 295 per 100,000. In rural Newark and Sherwood, the case average rose from 65 per 100,000 people to 73 per 100,000.
Keir Starmer called on Wednesday for an “urgent review into whether these local lockdowns are working in the way intended”, as he pointed out that of the 48 areas that have seen additional restrictions, only one has seen those measures removed.


labourlist--2020-10-05--We’re not prepared for the potentially dystopian future of home working

Are we enjoying working at home freedoms , or are we living at work ?
That is the discussion increasingly informing the experience of the last six months , accentuated by the UK government ’ s “ shift in emphasis ” last week .
The implications of renewed home working advice for the spread of the virus are unknowable at this stage , and we can only hope that the updated guidance will be sufficient to keep the infection rate under control .
But the consequences for work and for workers are stark – and have not been given anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider society .
We are about to enter a whole new era of permanent remote working , and we are simply not ready for what that means .
For those workers who have been able to work from home , the experience of the pandemic so far has been a mixed bag .
The clear conveniences of working from your living room have been balanced against new trade-offs and inequalities .
People with young children , or who live in cramped flats , will have had a very different experience from their colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The way people are managed has also made a difference .
Polling we commissioned from YouGov shows that remote workers are evenly split between those who feel that there has been too much supervision from managers and those who feel there has not been enough .
But this first phase of remote working has been defined by the haste in which we entered it .
Employers scrambled to switch to a remote posture , assuming it might last for a few weeks or months before a return to ‘ business as usual ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be different as employers are now thinking in terms of a semi-permanent future of remote or ‘ blended ’ working .
Right now , employers are considering the introduction of a range of new monitoring technologies that can keep tabs on their employees while they work remotely .
The consequence will be an experience of working from home unlike anything most workers have experienced so far , and I fear that unless something changes we could be heading for a new dystopia where work invades people ’ s homes and workers are subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really scary thing is that workers do not know that this is coming .
Our polling asked remote workers if they had heard of some of the most common monitoring technologies .
Only one third had heard of keystroke monitoring , where employers can check how often you are typing , and the same number had heard of software that allows employers to use cameras on work computers to monitor how much time you spend ‘ at your desk ’ .
Only a quarter had heard of new electronic tracking that checks when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or even where you are .
When they do hear about this , opposition is predictably strong .
Two thirds would be uncomfortable with keystroke monitoring , which rises to three quarters for tracking software and up to 80 % for cameras .
The opposition is strongest among young workers , which is not surprising when you consider that many are working out of bedrooms in small flats .
Who would want their boss to have a permanent camera in their bedroom ?
And workers are right to be apprehensive .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little regulation around its use .
While some employers will proceed with caution , consulting staff and trade unions about how to handle this next phase , many more will take advantage of the lack of regulation and the fact that employees are desperate to stay in work to implement sweeping surveillance that will making working from home a nightmare .
A future of remote or blended working does not have to be this dystopian .
I firmly believe that most workers would welcome the flexibility as long as they have a voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will look like .
Government guidance is driving this change , and it needs to get a grip of the problem fast .
Law and workers ’ rights need to catch up with these technologies , with a proper ‘ right to disconnect ’ from work – as exists in other countries – alongside new rights to be consulted on technological change in your workplace .
Where unions like Prospect exist , we will be a voice for the workforce and negotiate for a balance that preserves workers ’ dignity and rights while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
But in the large sections of the economy where there are no unions , particularly the private sector , there will be little to stop employers from acting unilaterally .
I have often heard it said that many white-collar workers do not need trade unions .
It may seem strange , but a future of mass working from home may just be the thing that shows that they do more than ever .

Are we enjoying working at home freedoms, or are we living at work? That is the discussion increasingly informing the experience of the last six months, accentuated by the UK government’s “shift in emphasis” last week. The implications of renewed home working advice for the spread of the virus are unknowable at this stage, and we can only hope that the updated guidance will be sufficient to keep the infection rate under control. But the consequences for work and for workers are stark – and have not been given anything like enough attention by the government or wider society. We are about to enter a whole new era of permanent remote working, and we are simply not ready for what that means.
For those workers who have been able to work from home, the experience of the pandemic so far has been a mixed bag. The clear conveniences of working from your living room have been balanced against new trade-offs and inequalities. People with young children, or who live in cramped flats, will have had a very different experience from their colleagues who are not in this position. The way people are managed has also made a difference. Polling we commissioned from YouGov shows that remote workers are evenly split between those who feel that there has been too much supervision from managers and those who feel there has not been enough.
But this first phase of remote working has been defined by the haste in which we entered it. Employers scrambled to switch to a remote posture, assuming it might last for a few weeks or months before a return to ‘business as usual’. This next phase is going to be different as employers are now thinking in terms of a semi-permanent future of remote or ‘blended’ working. Right now, employers are considering the introduction of a range of new monitoring technologies that can keep tabs on their employees while they work remotely. The consequence will be an experience of working from home unlike anything most workers have experienced so far, and I fear that unless something changes we could be heading for a new dystopia where work invades people’s homes and workers are subject to constant monitoring and supervision.
The really scary thing is that workers do not know that this is coming. Our polling asked remote workers if they had heard of some of the most common monitoring technologies. Only one third had heard of keystroke monitoring, where employers can check how often you are typing, and the same number had heard of software that allows employers to use cameras on work computers to monitor how much time you spend ‘at your desk’. Only a quarter had heard of new electronic tracking that checks when you are logged on to your email, or even where you are. When they do hear about this, opposition is predictably strong. Two thirds would be uncomfortable with keystroke monitoring, which rises to three quarters for tracking software and up to 80% for cameras.
The opposition is strongest among young workers, which is not surprising when you consider that many are working out of bedrooms in small flats. Who would want their boss to have a permanent camera in their bedroom? And workers are right to be apprehensive. This technology is new and there is very little regulation around its use. While some employers will proceed with caution, consulting staff and trade unions about how to handle this next phase, many more will take advantage of the lack of regulation and the fact that employees are desperate to stay in work to implement sweeping surveillance that will making working from home a nightmare.
A future of remote or blended working does not have to be this dystopian. I firmly believe that most workers would welcome the flexibility as long as they have a voice and some control over what that system will look like. Government guidance is driving this change, and it needs to get a grip of the problem fast. Law and workers’ rights need to catch up with these technologies, with a proper ‘right to disconnect’ from work – as exists in other countries – alongside new rights to be consulted on technological change in your workplace.
Where unions like Prospect exist, we will be a voice for the workforce and negotiate for a balance that preserves workers’ dignity and rights while allowing businesses to function and survive the pandemic. But in the large sections of the economy where there are no unions, particularly the private sector, there will be little to stop employers from acting unilaterally. I have often heard it said that many white-collar workers do not need trade unions. It may seem strange, but a future of mass working from home may just be the thing that shows that they do more than ever.


labourlist--2020-10-05--WATCH: Test and trace error “latest in a long line of disasters”, says Labour

Alex Norris has slammed the government after an error with the test and trace system meant that people who should have been self-isolating were not notified and called the mistake the “ latest in a long line of disasters ” .
Responding to reports today that over 15,000 cases were not passed to contact tracers , the shadow health minister has suggested that those who were not informed of testing positive may have passed the virus onto “ many other people ” .
In an interview with BBC News this afternoon , Norris told viewers : “ It is exceptionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trace system if we ’ re going to defeat this virus .
“ We haven ’ t had one for months and months and this is just the latest in a long line of disasters really .
So the government need to show they ’ re going to get this better and get this right.
” He added : “ Frankly it doesn ’ t matter why it happened it matters that it happened .
We ’ ve been basing decisions in the last week or so with increasing restrictions based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Similarly , thousands and thousands of people who have been in close contact with someone we know for fact had coronavirus have been wandering around when they should have been self-isolating through no fault of their own potentially passing that on to many other people .
“ Whatever the reason , whether its excel , CSV or XLS files , frankly won ’ t wash .
It is a failure yet again of government of a vital test and trace programme that has failed across the summer.
” Over 15,000 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily reports and were not passed onto contact tracers last week as a result of what officials called a “ computing issue ” .
The backlog of infections , which was left out of Public Health England ’ s daily figures between September 25th and October 2nd , was caused after an excel spreadsheet failed to add new cases .
The glitch led to a staggering 22,961 new cases being published on Sunday after 12,872 were previously announced on Saturday .
Various scientists have warned that these delays could impair efforts to monitor @ @ @ @ @

Alex Norris has slammed the government after an error with the test and trace system meant that people who should have been self-isolating were not notified and called the mistake the “latest in a long line of disasters”.
Responding to reports today that over 15,000 cases were not passed to contact tracers, the shadow health minister has suggested that those who were not informed of testing positive may have passed the virus onto “many other people”.
In an interview with BBC News this afternoon, Norris told viewers: “It is exceptionally concerning. We need an effective test and trace system if we’re going to defeat this virus.
“We haven’t had one for months and months and this is just the latest in a long line of disasters really. So the government need to show they’re going to get this better and get this right.”
He added: “Frankly it doesn’t matter why it happened it matters that it happened. We’ve been basing decisions in the last week or so with increasing restrictions based on information that has not been complete.
“Similarly, thousands and thousands of people who have been in close contact with someone we know for fact had coronavirus have been wandering around when they should have been self-isolating through no fault of their own potentially passing that on to many other people.
“Whatever the reason, whether its excel, CSV or XLS files, frankly won’t wash. It is a failure yet again of government of a vital test and trace programme that has failed across the summer.”
"Thousands & thousands of people… have been wandering around when they should have been self-isolating" Shadow health minister Alex Norris says the nearly 16,000 Covid cases that went unreported represents a failure of the "vital test & trace programme"https://t.co/WJxwDe2kK1 pic.twitter.com/9H6Vz2copN — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 5, 2020
Over 15,000 coronavirus cases went unpublished in the government’s daily reports and were not passed onto contact tracers last week as a result of what officials called a “computing issue”.
The backlog of infections, which was left out of Public Health England’s daily figures between September 25th and October 2nd, was caused after an excel spreadsheet failed to add new cases.
The glitch led to a staggering 22,961 new cases being published on Sunday after 12,872 were previously announced on Saturday. Various scientists have warned that these delays could impair efforts to monitor the spread of Covid.