labourlist--2020-11-09--Give NHS workers pay rise by Christmas, unions tell Boris Johnson

14 health unions have urged the Prime Minister to award NHS staff with an early pay rise ahead of Christmas this year to ensure that health workers “ feel valued by the entire country , and the government too ” .
In a letter sent last week , 14 health unions including UNISON , Unite and GMB have warned that health workers are “ stressed , burned out and fearful ” and that asking them to carry on in the pandemic regardless is “ increasingly unrealistic ” .
NHS employees are due a pay rise in April 2021 but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early pay bump is the “ right decision to take ” in light of the extreme conditions they have faced working in the coronavirus crisis .
Commenting on the challenges NHS staff have faced in recent months , head of health at UNISON Sara Gorton said : “ The NHS can ’ t run without its staff .
They all deserve better from porters to nurses .
“ Their dedication during the pandemic has been humbling .
But no one is superhuman and many are feeling the strain .
Boris Johnson must show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise before Christmas .
“ It will boost exhausted staff going into the second wave and help the NHS attract much-needed new recruits.
” The unions have argued in their letter that the increase in pay could persuade those looking to leave the health service to stay , and added that it would “ prove attractive to thousands of much-needed potential NHS recruits ” .
A survey by the Royal College of Nursing showed that 36 % of NHS nurses were considering leaving , compared to 28 % before the pandemic .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are 40,000 nursing vacancies .
Commenting on pay levels for health service workers , Hannah Reed from the Royal College of Nursing said today : “ NHS staff have been underpaid for years and there has never been a more critical time for the government to address this .
“ Paying staff fairly will show they ’ re valued and begin to turn the corner on the record nursing and wider vacancy levels .
“ The NHS is facing an extremely challenging few months due to the combination of Covid-19 and winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vacancies across the NHS will continue to increase.
” The unions wrote that NHS staff are “ exhausted ” and warned that many are still recovering from the first peak of Covid cases .
Their call comes shortly after England entered its second lockdown following reports the NHS could be overwhelmed .
Executive director of external relations at the Royal College of Midwives Jon Skewes argued : “ Midwives , maternity support workers and all our NHS staff do an incredible job day in , day out , 365 days a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And never has that been more apparent , more needed , or more valued than now .
There was a compelling case for an early and significant pay rise for NHS staff before the pandemic , and their dedication , commitment and professionalism make that a cast-iron one now .
“ I call on the Prime Minister to show that he meant his fine words about the work of our NHS staff during the first wave of the pandemic and give them the pay award they rightly deserve.
” Earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK calling for fair pay for NHS staff and true recognition of their work during the pandemic after the government announced a pay rise for doctors in July .
The Chancellor had announced a pay increase of up to 3.1 % for public sector workers including doctors , teachers and police officers – but social care workers , nurses and others were left out of the new offer .
Labour criticised the Tories for lacking “ long-term thinking and strategy ” in their approach to health workers in September , arguing that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrapping the nurse training bursary was a “ disaster ” .
Bursaries for student nurses were scrapped as part of the Conservatives ’ austerity measures in 2017 .
Trade union UNISON ’ s Christine McAnea warned at the time that the move would leave the NHS “ seriously short of nurses ” .
Labour previously accused the Prime Minister of “ deceit ” over a nursing recruitment promise after it was revealed that his manifesto pledge to provide 50,000 more nurses included the retention of 18,500 nurses already working for the NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , 69 % of the British public said that all NHS staff should get an early pay rise before the end of the year with just one in ten believing they should wait until April 2021 for a rise .
Below is the full text of the letter .
You will be all too aware that tough times lie ahead for the NHS and the nation .
Winter ’ s here , Covid-19 rates are rising fast again , and hospitals are admitting more infected patients than before restrictions were announced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , intensive care units are under immense strain , with some rapidly nearing full capacity , and the Nightingale hospitals are on standby .
Once more NHS staff will be relied upon to protect and care for us all .
But health workers are exhausted , with many still recovering from the first virus peak .
They ’ re anxious too , especially as they know what ’ s coming this time .
There ’ s also the added pressure of treating non-Covid patients from the backlog of cancelled appointments and operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel stressed , burned out and fearful .
It is increasingly unrealistic to ask them to carry on regardless .
As you know , NHS staff are due a pay rise in April .
But if ever there was a time for their dedication and skill to be appreciated – and that increase to come early – it ’ s now .
A significant increase this year would help health workers feel valued , by the entire country , and the government too .
But bringing forward the wage rise in time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better position to face the future .
The pandemic has affected staff profoundly and many may not stay around when the job is done .
Raising pay this year could persuade them to change their minds and prove attractive to thousands of much-needed potential NHS recruits .
The Scottish government has already made this commitment .
NHS staff are not simply motivated by pay .
They do their jobs because they ’ re passionate about making people well again , and because they want to make a difference .
Times may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the right decision to take .
As you said at the Daily Mirror ’ s Pride of Britain awards last weekend , NHS workers are the “ beating heart of the nation ” .
It ’ s time to do more than praise their courage and dedication .
Grant them – and the NHS – the early pay increase they all deserve .
Below is the full list of unions backing the call .
British Association of Occupational Therapists British Dietetic Association British Orthoptic Society Chartered Society of Physiotherapy College of Podiatry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Partnership Prison Officers Association Royal College of Midwives Royal College of Nursing Society of Radiographers UNISON Unite

14 health unions have urged the Prime Minister to award NHS staff with an early pay rise ahead of Christmas this year to ensure that health workers “feel valued by the entire country, and the government too”.
In a letter sent last week, 14 health unions including UNISON, Unite and GMB have warned that health workers are “stressed, burned out and fearful” and that asking them to carry on in the pandemic regardless is “increasingly unrealistic”.
NHS employees are due a pay rise in April 2021 but the group of organisations has argued that an early pay bump is the “right decision to take” in light of the extreme conditions they have faced working in the coronavirus crisis.
Commenting on the challenges NHS staff have faced in recent months, head of health at UNISON Sara Gorton said: “The NHS can’t run without its staff. They all deserve better from porters to nurses.
“Their dedication during the pandemic has been humbling. But no one is superhuman and many are feeling the strain. Boris Johnson must show he has a heart with a pay rise before Christmas.
“It will boost exhausted staff going into the second wave and help the NHS attract much-needed new recruits.”
The unions have argued in their letter that the increase in pay could persuade those looking to leave the health service to stay, and added that it would “prove attractive to thousands of much-needed potential NHS recruits”.
A survey by the Royal College of Nursing showed that 36% of NHS nurses were considering leaving, compared to 28% before the pandemic. A parliamentary committee report in September showed that there are 40,000 nursing vacancies.
Commenting on pay levels for health service workers, Hannah Reed from the Royal College of Nursing said today: “NHS staff have been underpaid for years and there has never been a more critical time for the government to address this.
“Paying staff fairly will show they’re valued and begin to turn the corner on the record nursing and wider vacancy levels.
“The NHS is facing an extremely challenging few months due to the combination of Covid-19 and winter pressures. Without urgent action on pay, vacancies across the NHS will continue to increase.”
The unions wrote that NHS staff are “exhausted” and warned that many are still recovering from the first peak of Covid cases. Their call comes shortly after England entered its second lockdown following reports the NHS could be overwhelmed.
Executive director of external relations at the Royal College of Midwives Jon Skewes argued: “Midwives, maternity support workers and all our NHS staff do an incredible job day in, day out, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
“And never has that been more apparent, more needed, or more valued than now. There was a compelling case for an early and significant pay rise for NHS staff before the pandemic, and their dedication, commitment and professionalism make that a cast-iron one now.
“I call on the Prime Minister to show that he meant his fine words about the work of our NHS staff during the first wave of the pandemic and give them the pay award they rightly deserve.”
Earlier this year, thousands of NHS workers protested across the UK calling for fair pay for NHS staff and true recognition of their work during the pandemic after the government announced a pay rise for doctors in July.
The Chancellor had announced a pay increase of up to 3.1% for public sector workers including doctors, teachers and police officers – but social care workers, nurses and others were left out of the new offer.
Labour criticised the Tories for lacking “long-term thinking and strategy” in their approach to health workers in September, arguing that the committee’s recent report confirms that scrapping the nurse training bursary was a “disaster”.
Bursaries for student nurses were scrapped as part of the Conservatives’ austerity measures in 2017. Trade union UNISON’s Christine McAnea warned at the time that the move would leave the NHS “seriously short of nurses”.
Labour previously accused the Prime Minister of “deceit” over a nursing recruitment promise after it was revealed that his manifesto pledge to provide 50,000 more nurses included the retention of 18,500 nurses already working for the NHS.
According to polling by Savanta Comres in July, 69% of the British public said that all NHS staff should get an early pay rise before the end of the year with just one in ten believing they should wait until April 2021 for a rise.
Below is the full text of the letter.
Dear Prime Minister,
You will be all too aware that tough times lie ahead for the NHS and the nation.
Winter’s here, Covid-19 rates are rising fast again, and hospitals are admitting more infected patients than before restrictions were announced in March.
With a second wave upon us, intensive care units are under immense strain, with some rapidly nearing full capacity, and the Nightingale hospitals are on standby.
Once more NHS staff will be relied upon to protect and care for us all. But health workers are exhausted, with many still recovering from the first virus peak. They’re anxious too, especially as they know what’s coming this time.
There’s also the added pressure of treating non-Covid patients from the backlog of cancelled appointments and operations from earlier in the year. They feel stressed, burned out and fearful. It is increasingly unrealistic to ask them to carry on regardless.
As you know, NHS staff are due a pay rise in April. But if ever there was a time for their dedication and skill to be appreciated – and that increase to come early – it’s now. A significant increase this year would help health workers feel valued, by the entire country, and the government too. But bringing forward the wage rise in time for Christmas would also place the NHS in a better position to face the future.
The pandemic has affected staff profoundly and many may not stay around when the job is done. Raising pay this year could persuade them to change their minds and prove attractive to thousands of much-needed potential NHS recruits. The Scottish government has already made this commitment.
NHS staff are not simply motivated by pay. They do their jobs because they’re passionate about making people well again, and because they want to make a difference.
Times may be tough, but you know morally this is the right decision to take. As you said at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards last weekend, NHS workers are the “beating heart of the nation”. It’s time to do more than praise their courage and dedication. Grant them – and the NHS – the early pay increase they all deserve.
Yours sincerely,
Sara Gorton
Hannah Reed
Jon Skewes
Below is the full list of unions backing the call.
British Association of Occupational Therapists
British Dietetic Association
British Orthoptic Society
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
College of Podiatry
Federation of Clinical Scientists
GMB
Managers in Partnership
Prison Officers Association
Royal College of Midwives
Royal College of Nursing
Society of Radiographers
UNISON
Unite


labourlist--2020-11-09--Labour accuses SNP of “short-changing key workers” with “out-of-date” PPE

Scottish Labour has accused Nicola Sturgeon ’ s SNP government of “ short-changing key workers ” by providing health staff with “ out-of-date ” personal protective equipment while dealing with the Covid-19 crisis .
Opposition party leader Richard Leonard asked the Scottish government in late October for information on how many PPE items had seen their expiry dates changed since the start of the coronavirus outbreak .
The answer to the written parliamentary question by SNP health lead Jeane Freeman revealed that over 1.7 million respirators made by multinational 3M had their expiry dates changed by five years from 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public to know that more than 106,000 FFP3 respirators made by Alpha Solway had their expiry dates changed yet more significantly , by nine years from 2012 to – once again – 2021 .
The cabinet member for health qualified the answer by explaining that “ extending the shelf-life of masks is standard practice to ensure supply of critical equipment to frontline staff during crises ” and the PPE is tested .
But Scottish Labour has raised concerns and claimed that a total of 1,878,965 masks having their shelf life extended puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE action plan that was published late last month .
The plan covers health , social care and other essential public services where people need to wear masks , gloves , eye protection and/or gowns to be protected against Covid-19 , and sets out supply planning for winter .
Commenting on the news , Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said : “ The SNP government offers “ gratitude ” to frontline workers but if this is the best they can do then we should all be worried .
“ Palming off out-of-date PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to reward their efforts , and doesn ’ t inspire confidence in the Scottish government ’ s new PPE Action Plan , which promises to support frontline staff and keep them safe .
“ The Scottish government should not be cutting corners when people ’ s lives are at stake .
Our hospital staff and patients deserve better than this , and the best equipment.
” Leonard ’ s party has highlighted that the alteration of dates on vital PPE comes as 87,000 Alpha Solway FFP3 respirators were recalled last month from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed tests for suitability .
After the tests indicated that the masks did not correctly fit the face to protect the wearer and patient , Labour ’ s Monica Lennon pointed out that the firm had been awarded a £53m contract to supply the NHS in Scotland .
The opposition health spokesperson said : “ The Scottish government must reassure the public that appropriate PPE stockpiles are being maintained to get us through the challenging winter period.
” The latest figures for coronavirus in Scotland on November 8th showed that 1,115 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital and 111 people were in intensive care on Saturday with recently confirmed Covid-19 .

Scottish Labour has accused Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP government of “short-changing key workers” by providing health staff with “out-of-date” personal protective equipment while dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.
Opposition party leader Richard Leonard asked the Scottish government in late October for information on how many PPE items had seen their expiry dates changed since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
The answer to the written parliamentary question by SNP health lead Jeane Freeman revealed that over 1.7 million respirators made by multinational 3M had their expiry dates changed by five years from 2016 to 2021.
The response also allowed the public to know that more than 106,000 FFP3 respirators made by Alpha Solway had their expiry dates changed yet more significantly, by nine years from 2012 to – once again – 2021.
The cabinet member for health qualified the answer by explaining that “extending the shelf-life of masks is standard practice to ensure supply of critical equipment to frontline staff during crises” and the PPE is tested.
But Scottish Labour has raised concerns and claimed that a total of 1,878,965 masks having their shelf life extended puts into doubt the Scottish government’s PPE action plan that was published late last month.
The plan covers health, social care and other essential public services where people need to wear masks, gloves, eye protection and/or gowns to be protected against Covid-19, and sets out supply planning for winter.
Commenting on the news, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “The SNP government offers “gratitude” to frontline workers but if this is the best they can do then we should all be worried.
“Palming off out-of-date PPE to valued NHS staff is a cheap way to reward their efforts, and doesn’t inspire confidence in the Scottish government’s new PPE Action Plan, which promises to support frontline staff and keep them safe.
“The Scottish government should not be cutting corners when people’s lives are at stake. Our hospital staff and patients deserve better than this, and the best equipment.”
Leonard’s party has highlighted that the alteration of dates on vital PPE comes as 87,000 Alpha Solway FFP3 respirators were recalled last month from dentists in Lanarkshire as around 10% failed tests for suitability.
After the tests indicated that the masks did not correctly fit the face to protect the wearer and patient, Labour’s Monica Lennon pointed out that the firm had been awarded a £53m contract to supply the NHS in Scotland.
The opposition health spokesperson said: “The Scottish government must reassure the public that appropriate PPE stockpiles are being maintained to get us through the challenging winter period.”
The latest figures for coronavirus in Scotland on November 8th showed that 1,115 new cases were reported, 1,245 people were in hospital and 111 people were in intensive care on Saturday with recently confirmed Covid-19.


labourlist--2020-11-09--£670,000 PR bill of vaccine tsar “cannot be justified”, says Starmer

Keir Starmer has declared that the £670,000 PR bill of vaccine taskforce head Kate Bingham , revealed over the weekend , “ can not be justified ” at a time when people across the country are losing their incomes amid the coronavirus crisis .
The Labour leader ’ s comments followed a report by The Sunday Times uncovering that vaccine tsar Bingham , married to Conservative minister Jesse Norman , had run up a significant bill on highly-paid relations consultants .
The biochemist appointed by Boris Johnson as chair of the UK vaccine taskforce reportedly “ insisted ” on hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being paid the equivalent of £167,000 a year to oversee her media strategy .
Commenting on the news during his LBC phone-in session ‘ Call Keir ’ this morning , Starmer said : “ That can ’ t be justified… You can not justify that sort of money being spent.
” He remarked that “ if only ” this was the sole example of such spending by the government .
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves has asked for a swift investigation , and said over the weekend : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge sums of public money needlessly sprayed on spin doctors or management consultants .
“ There needs to be a breakdown of this expenditure and proper justification as to how it actually helps the national effort in tackling this pandemic.
” “ This really doesn ’ t do much for public confidence at all that this is yet another close friend of the Conservative Party – there are serious questions to answer about these links and processes around appointments.
” Starmer also addressed questions around Labour antisemitism , the Equality and Human Rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor Jeremy Corbyn , which was been criticised by some figures on the party ’ s left .
Asked about Unite general secretary Len McCluskey ’ s view of the disciplinary action , Starmer said : “ Len McCluskey and I speak , we respect each other , we don ’ t always agree – and we don ’ t agree on that [ Corbyn ’ s suspension ] .
“ But I have the advantage with Len McCluskey that I talk to him directly and we have a grown-up relationship where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I like to have a one-to-one relationship where people tell me what they think.
” Asked about the suspension and whether it could be considered ‘ political interference ’ , Starmer said : “ It wasn ’ t a political decision – it was a decision taken by the general secretary .
But I ’ ve not shied away , I completely support that decision.
” Corbyn was suspended from the party after issuing a statement that described “ one antisemite ” in Labour as “ too many ” but added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ dramatically overstated for political reasons ” .
Local Labour parties have been told by general secretary David Evans that “ it is not competent business ” for any party units to discuss or pass motions about individual disciplinary cases “ in order to protect the integrity of our processes ” .
On the Jewish News reporting that Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti is helping to build a case for legal action to challenge Corbyn ’ s suspension , Starmer told LBC : “ I don ’ t think anybody wants to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to focus Labour ’ s time and money on campaigning to win ahead of a bumper set of elections in May 2021 , the opposition party leader said : “ I will talk to Shami about this when I next speak to her.
” Starmer also said Labour had been “ anticipating ” the EHRC report , which found the party responsible for unlawful acts , has “ done quite a lot of the work already ” on its recommendations , and will have the action plan ready on time .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to implement the instructions of the EHRC , including an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints .
These are legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled .

Keir Starmer has declared that the £670,000 PR bill of vaccine taskforce head Kate Bingham, revealed over the weekend, “cannot be justified” at a time when people across the country are losing their incomes amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Labour leader’s comments followed a report by The Sunday Times uncovering that vaccine tsar Bingham, married to Conservative minister Jesse Norman, had run up a significant bill on highly-paid relations consultants.
The biochemist appointed by Boris Johnson as chair of the UK vaccine taskforce reportedly “insisted” on hiring a team of eight full-time consultants each being paid the equivalent of £167,000 a year to oversee her media strategy.
Commenting on the news during his LBC phone-in session ‘Call Keir’ this morning, Starmer said: “That can’t be justified… You cannot justify that sort of money being spent.” He remarked that “if only” this was the sole example of such spending by the government.
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves has asked for a swift investigation, and said over the weekend: “People don’t want to see huge sums of public money needlessly sprayed on spin doctors or management consultants.
“There needs to be a breakdown of this expenditure and proper justification as to how it actually helps the national effort in tackling this pandemic.”
“This really doesn’t do much for public confidence at all that this is yet another close friend of the Conservative Party – there are serious questions to answer about these links and processes around appointments.”
Starmer also addressed questions around Labour antisemitism, the Equality and Human Rights Commission report and the suspension of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, which was been criticised by some figures on the party’s left.
Asked about Unite general secretary Len McCluskey’s view of the disciplinary action, Starmer said: “Len McCluskey and I speak, we respect each other, we don’t always agree – and we don’t agree on that [Corbyn’s suspension].
“But I have the advantage with Len McCluskey that I talk to him directly and we have a grown-up relationship where we agree or disagree.” He added: “I like to have a one-to-one relationship where people tell me what they think.”
Asked about the suspension and whether it could be considered ‘political interference’, Starmer said: “It wasn’t a political decision – it was a decision taken by the general secretary. But I’ve not shied away, I completely support that decision.”
Corbyn was suspended from the party after issuing a statement that described “one antisemite” in Labour as “too many” but added that “the scale” of Labour antisemitism was “dramatically overstated for political reasons”.
Local Labour parties have been told by general secretary David Evans that “it is not competent business” for any party units to discuss or pass motions about individual disciplinary cases “in order to protect the integrity of our processes”.
On the Jewish News reporting that Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti is helping to build a case for legal action to challenge Corbyn’s suspension, Starmer told LBC: “I don’t think anybody wants to see yet more legal cases.”
Stressing the need to focus Labour’s time and money on campaigning to win ahead of a bumper set of elections in May 2021, the opposition party leader said: “I will talk to Shami about this when I next speak to her.”
Starmer also said Labour had been “anticipating” the EHRC report, which found the party responsible for unlawful acts, has “done quite a lot of the work already” on its recommendations, and will have the action plan ready on time.
Labour has until December 10th to draft a plan to implement the instructions of the EHRC, including an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints. These are legally enforceable by the court if not fulfilled.


labourlist--2020-11-09--PM suffers large internal market bill defeat in House of Lords

The government has suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords on its internal market bill , with peers voting to reject clauses allowing ministers to break international law and override the EU withdrawal agreement .
After a parliamentary debate today , members in the Lords voted by a majority of 268 against powers in the bill .
Peers from all parties expressed concerns about the contents of the proposed legislation .
Labour ’ s leader in the House of Lords , Baroness Angela Smith , said : “ I am sure some in government will initially react with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s historic votes in the Lords .
“ To do so , however , would underestimate the genuine and serious concerns across the UK and beyond about ministers putting themselves above and beyond the rule of law .
“ The government should see sense , accept the removal of these offending clauses , and start to rebuild our international reputation.
” The government has already pledged to reinstate any controversial clauses removed by peers , with the Prime Minister ’ s spokesperson saying he considers the most disputed aspects of the bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed following the votes that it was “ disappointed ” in the result and said : “ We will retable these clauses when the bill returns to the Commons.
” Tory peer Gavin Barwell , former chief of staff to Theresa May , voted against the government tonight on the basis that the clauses “ damage our reputation for respect for the rule of law ” .
Shadow Attorney General Lord Falconer has urged the government to “ stop and think ” about its controversial bill , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tories risked making the UK an “ international pariah ” .
The Labour peer highlighted the implications that the legislation could have for the country ’ s relationship with the US , particularly following the election of Joe Biden as President , and the prospects of securing a trade deal .
The bill contains provisions to overwrite sections of the withdrawal agreement signed up to by Boris Johnson and would contravene the Good Friday Agreement .
Biden has said a US/UK trade deal is “ contingent ” on preventing a hard border .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set to remain in the single market regardless of whether the wider UK has managed to secure a deal on trade and security with its European allies by the end of the transition period .
But the bill debated this afternoon sought to hand ministers unilateral powers to change or disapply export rules for goods traveling from Britain threatening the Good Friday peace deal , which ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland .
Biden has previously called Johnson the “ physical and emotional clone of Donald Trump ” , and concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage done to the relationship between the US and the UK by the Tory Prime Minister .
Charles Kupchan , senior director for European affairs at the national security council in Barack Obama ’ s administration and a Biden campaign adviser , told Times Radio this morning that France is now the “ go-to partner ” for the US .
He said : “ Over the last few years , in some ways , the French have replaced the British as the go-to partner , when it comes to the counter-ISIL mission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Africa , and that may continue .
“ I personally have been quite worried about this , in the sense that I see the US-UK partnership as one that has been extremely important over the last hundred years and I just don ’ t know that it ’ s going to be as effective and as consequential as it has been moving forward.
” Labour ’ s Lisa Nandy warned before the US vote that the Conservative government had “ needlessly and repeatedly created tension in the relationship with the Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Shadow Foreign Secretary highlighted one occasion in particular that saw Johnson claim that President Obama removing a bust of Churchill from his office was seen by some as a sign of an “ ancestral dislike of the British Empire ” .
The controversial internal market bill passed its third reading in the Commons with a majority of 84 in September , with MPs having voted 340 to 256 in favour of allowing government ministers to break international law .
Environment Secretary George Eustice MP said earlier today that the government would reinstate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing that the legislation is “ not about undermining the Belfast Agreement ” .
The Prime Minister ’ s spokesperson added to journalists in a briefing : “ MPs backed the internal market bill by 340 votes to 263 in September , and our position remains that the clauses are a vital safety net .
“ We have been clear that as a responsible government we can not allow the peace process or the UK ’ s internal markets to inadvertently be compromised by unintended consequences of the protocol .
“ Any Lords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the House of Commons but we do consider these clauses to be a vital safety net.
” After the debate in the Lords , the Commons will need to consider any amendments .
The bill is expected to complete its progress through parliament in December with MPs likely to have a final vote just days before the transition period ends .

The government has suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords on its internal market bill, with peers voting to reject clauses allowing ministers to break international law and override the EU withdrawal agreement.
After a parliamentary debate today, members in the Lords voted by a majority of 268 against powers in the bill. Peers from all parties expressed concerns about the contents of the proposed legislation.
Labour’s leader in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, said: “I am sure some in government will initially react with bravado and try to dismiss tonight’s historic votes in the Lords.
“To do so, however, would underestimate the genuine and serious concerns across the UK and beyond about ministers putting themselves above and beyond the rule of law.
“The government should see sense, accept the removal of these offending clauses, and start to rebuild our international reputation.”
The government has already pledged to reinstate any controversial clauses removed by peers, with the Prime Minister’s spokesperson saying he considers the most disputed aspects of the bill to be “a vital safety net”.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed following the votes that it was “disappointed” in the result and said: “We will retable these clauses when the bill returns to the Commons.”
Tory peer Gavin Barwell, former chief of staff to Theresa May, voted against the government tonight on the basis that the clauses “damage our reputation for respect for the rule of law”.
Shadow Attorney General Lord Falconer has urged the government to “stop and think” about its controversial bill, and told a Sky News interview that the Tories risked making the UK an “international pariah”.
The Labour peer highlighted the implications that the legislation could have for the country’s relationship with the US, particularly following the election of Joe Biden as President, and the prospects of securing a trade deal.
The bill contains provisions to overwrite sections of the withdrawal agreement signed up to by Boris Johnson and would contravene the Good Friday Agreement. Biden has said a US/UK trade deal is “contingent” on preventing a hard border.
Under the withdrawal agreement, Northern Ireland was set to remain in the single market regardless of whether the wider UK has managed to secure a deal on trade and security with its European allies by the end of the transition period.
But the bill debated this afternoon sought to hand ministers unilateral powers to change or disapply export rules for goods traveling from Britain threatening the Good Friday peace deal, which ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Biden has previously called Johnson the “physical and emotional clone of Donald Trump”, and concern is growing over the extent of the damage done to the relationship between the US and the UK by the Tory Prime Minister.
Charles Kupchan, senior director for European affairs at the national security council in Barack Obama’s administration and a Biden campaign adviser, told Times Radio this morning that France is now the “go-to partner” for the US.
He said: “Over the last few years, in some ways, the French have replaced the British as the go-to partner, when it comes to the counter-ISIL mission, when it comes to Syria, Iraq, Africa, and that may continue.
“I personally have been quite worried about this, in the sense that I see the US-UK partnership as one that has been extremely important over the last hundred years and I just don’t know that it’s going to be as effective and as consequential as it has been moving forward.”
Labour’s Lisa Nandy warned before the US vote that the Conservative government had “needlessly and repeatedly created tension in the relationship with the Democrats and with the Biden potential administration”.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary highlighted one occasion in particular that saw Johnson claim that President Obama removing a bust of Churchill from his office was seen by some as a sign of an “ancestral dislike of the British Empire”.
The controversial internal market bill passed its third reading in the Commons with a majority of 84 in September, with MPs having voted 340 to 256 in favour of allowing government ministers to break international law.
Environment Secretary George Eustice MP said earlier today that the government would reinstate any clauses removed by the Lords, arguing that the legislation is “not about undermining the Belfast Agreement”.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson added to journalists in a briefing: “MPs backed the internal market bill by 340 votes to 263 in September, and our position remains that the clauses are a vital safety net.
“We have been clear that as a responsible government we cannot allow the peace process or the UK’s internal markets to inadvertently be compromised by unintended consequences of the protocol.
“Any Lords amendments will be considered when they return to the House of Commons but we do consider these clauses to be a vital safety net.”
After the debate in the Lords, the Commons will need to consider any amendments. The bill is expected to complete its progress through parliament in December with MPs likely to have a final vote just days before the transition period ends.


labourlist--2020-11-09--Labour challenges government to create 400,000 new jobs in green recovery

Labour ’ s Ed Miliband and Anneliese Dodds have challenged the UK government to ‘ Build it in Britain ’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Calling for a “ bold and ambitious plan ” as the country faces both a Covid jobs emergency and a climate emergency , the opposition party is demanding a recovery that will deliver high-skilled jobs in every area of the UK .
The vision for a drive towards a clean economy , set out by Labour ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected later this month , would focus on the crucial UK manufacturing sector .
The job-creating initiative being proposed by the UK Labour Party would involve bringing forward planned capital investment – at least £30bn over the next 18 months – and dedicating the funds to low-carbon industries .
The rapid stimulus package would aim to recover jobs , retrain workers via an emergency training programme to equip those affected by Covid unemployment , and rebuild business with the creation of a national investment bank .
The green-conscious investment bank , a policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Chancellor , would work similarly to those in other countries and ensure that investment always supported the path to net zero .
The Conservative government sold the UK ’ s green investment bank in 2017 , five years after it was formed , to Australian financial group Macquarie .
The move was criticised at the time by activists and MPs as “ deeply regrettable ” .
During Labour leader Keir Starmer ’ s campaign to succeed Jeremy Corbyn earlier this year , the successful candidate supported workers ’ representatives sitting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional branches .
Miliband , Shadow Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary , said : “ We face a jobs emergency and a climate emergency .
It ’ s time for a bold and ambitious plan to deliver hundreds of thousands of jobs which can also tackle the climate crisis .
“ This is the right thing to do for so many people who are facing unemployment , the right thing to do for our economy to get a lead in the industries of the future and the right thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people in our country .
“ As other countries lead the way with a green recovery , Britain is hesitating .
It ’ s time to end the dither and inaction , and start delivering now .
It is what the British people deserve and what the crises we face demand.
” Labour ’ s proposals were developed after a consultation launched in June invited businesses , sector associations , trade unions , workers , campaign groups and the public to submit ideas for a green new deal in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an ambitious , just recovery was led by Miliband and Dodds , and ran through the party ’ s national policy forum as part of an open policy-making process .
It received almost 2,000 responses .
Labour for a Green New Deal , the group that successfully campaigned for the party to adopt a 2030 net-zero target , has said that 1,400 of the submissions – 70 % – endorsed its proposals for a socialist Green New Deal .
The Shadow Chancellor told the online ‘ Connected ’ conference in September that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our environment ” and that green employment is “ not just about high-technology jobs in renewable energy ” .
Commenting on the conclusion of the consultation today , Anneliese Dodds said : “ Labour is ambitious for Britain .
We can harness the opportunities for green growth if the government takes the right decisions now .
“ In recent years , and particularly during this crisis , our country has fallen behind in the drive to a cleaner , greener economy .
We ’ ve seen far more rhetoric than action – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Future generations will judge us by the choices we make today… That ’ s why we need coordinated action to support 400,000 jobs of the future today , not tomorrow .
Now ’ s the time to build it in Britain.
” • Investing in upgrading ports and shipyards for offshore wind supply chains .
• Expanding investment in carbon capture and storage and hydrogen to help establish new opportunities for highly-skilled workers .
• Accelerating planned investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ensuring the planning system better supports electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for electric buses to help struggling manufacturers fill their order books .
• Introducing a National Nature Service , an employment programme to focus on nature conservation projects .
• Ensuring that updated sector deals for sectors like automotive , steel and aerospace protect jobs and promote the shift to net zero .
• Bringing forward flooding protection investment , prioritising areas of need across the North West , Yorkshire and the East Midlands .
The Prime Minister is considering delivering a major speech on climate change in the coming weeks , Politico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign so far of a ten-point plan promised by Boris Johnson to “ build back greener ” .
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson ’ s Tory conference speech .
Welcoming the new proposals , Greenpeace UK ’ s Rebecca Newsom said : “ This is the right sort of investment in many of the right areas that is needed to create hundreds of thousands of new green jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to decarbonisation .
“ An initial £30bn economic recovery package funnelled into clean transport , green energy , homes , and nature restoration could help tackle the economic , climate and nature crises all at the same time.
” The policies have been warmly received by trade unions , with TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady saying : “ Fast-tracking investment in green infrastructure will help to create jobs across the economy and prevent the damage of mass unemployment .
“ We should waste no time getting shovels in the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be used to green-light spending on homes , faster broadband , better transport links and greener technology.
” Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner praised Labour ’ s plans and contrasted them with “ the rhetoric and bluster of soundbite Johnson ” and said his union had worked with the party towards the green strategy .
Turner added : “ While our competitor nations such as France and Germany have invested billions in projects to deliver a low-carbon economy , successive Tory governments have coughed up pennies .
With the challenge now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , Prime Minister.
” Think tank IPPR has also expressed approval , pointing out that the conclusions back their proposals for a national investment bank focused on climate , a retraining and skills scheme and an expanded energy efficiency and retrofit programme .
It was revealed by IPPR on Sunday that over the course of this parliament Johnson ’ s government has committed to investing just 12 % of what is needed to meet the UK ’ s 2050 net zero carbon emissions target .
A Labour for a Green New Deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but called on Labour “ to be braver and go further ” with policies such as a National Care Service and universal broadband .
“ Labour has a democratic mandate to argue for large-scale investment , expanding public ownership and a just transition for workers .
We expect the leadership to keep its promises and fight for a Green New Deal , ” the campaign group said .
Energy spokesperson Miliband cast doubt on the Prime Minister ’ s announcement in October that pledged to power all UK homes with renewable wind power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivers on his rhetoric ” .

Labour’s Ed Miliband and Anneliese Dodds have challenged the UK government to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support the creation of 400,000 new jobs as part of a green economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Calling for a “bold and ambitious plan” as the country faces both a Covid jobs emergency and a climate emergency, the opposition party is demanding a recovery that will deliver high-skilled jobs in every area of the UK.
The vision for a drive towards a clean economy, set out by Labour ahead of the Chancellor’s planned comprehensive spending review expected later this month, would focus on the crucial UK manufacturing sector.
The job-creating initiative being proposed by the UK Labour Party would involve bringing forward planned capital investment – at least £30bn over the next 18 months – and dedicating the funds to low-carbon industries.
The rapid stimulus package would aim to recover jobs, retrain workers via an emergency training programme to equip those affected by Covid unemployment, and rebuild business with the creation of a national investment bank.
The green-conscious investment bank, a policy promoted by John McDonnell when he was Shadow Chancellor, would work similarly to those in other countries and ensure that investment always supported the path to net zero.
The Conservative government sold the UK’s green investment bank in 2017, five years after it was formed, to Australian financial group Macquarie. The move was criticised at the time by activists and MPs as “deeply regrettable”.
During Labour leader Keir Starmer’s campaign to succeed Jeremy Corbyn earlier this year, the successful candidate supported workers’ representatives sitting on the board of a national investment bank and regional branches.
Miliband, Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary, said: “We face a jobs emergency and a climate emergency. It’s time for a bold and ambitious plan to deliver hundreds of thousands of jobs which can also tackle the climate crisis.
“This is the right thing to do for so many people who are facing unemployment, the right thing to do for our economy to get a lead in the industries of the future and the right thing to do to build a better quality of life for people in our country.
“As other countries lead the way with a green recovery, Britain is hesitating. It’s time to end the dither and inaction, and start delivering now. It is what the British people deserve and what the crises we face demand.”
Labour’s proposals were developed after a consultation launched in June invited businesses, sector associations, trade unions, workers, campaign groups and the public to submit ideas for a green new deal in the wake of Covid-19.
The project on the creation of an ambitious, just recovery was led by Miliband and Dodds, and ran through the party’s national policy forum as part of an open policy-making process. It received almost 2,000 responses.
Labour for a Green New Deal, the group that successfully campaigned for the party to adopt a 2030 net-zero target, has said that 1,400 of the submissions – 70% – endorsed its proposals for a socialist Green New Deal.
The Shadow Chancellor told the online ‘Connected’ conference in September that the UK needed a “broader perspective on our environment” and that green employment is “not just about high-technology jobs in renewable energy”.
Commenting on the conclusion of the consultation today, Anneliese Dodds said: “Labour is ambitious for Britain. We can harness the opportunities for green growth if the government takes the right decisions now.
“In recent years, and particularly during this crisis, our country has fallen behind in the drive to a cleaner, greener economy. We’ve seen far more rhetoric than action – and that has cost our country jobs.
“Future generations will judge us by the choices we make today… That’s why we need coordinated action to support 400,000 jobs of the future today, not tomorrow. Now’s the time to build it in Britain.”
The consultation report puts forward a number of detailed policies, including:
Investing in upgrading ports and shipyards for offshore wind supply chains.
Expanding investment in carbon capture and storage and hydrogen to help establish new opportunities for highly-skilled workers.
Accelerating planned investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ensuring the planning system better supports electric vehicle charging.
Bringing forward orders for electric buses to help struggling manufacturers fill their order books.
Introducing a National Nature Service, an employment programme to focus on nature conservation projects.
Expanding energy efficiency and retrofit programmes, including in social housing.
Ensuring that updated sector deals for sectors like automotive, steel and aerospace protect jobs and promote the shift to net zero.
Bringing forward flooding protection investment, prioritising areas of need across the North West, Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
The Prime Minister is considering delivering a major speech on climate change in the coming weeks, Politico has reported. There has been no sign so far of a ten-point plan promised by Boris Johnson to “build back greener”.
Labour sources have suggested to LabourList that Chancellor Rishi Sunak could be behind the delay in the release of the low-carbon industrial revolution plan that was first trailed in Johnson’s Tory conference speech.
Welcoming the new proposals, Greenpeace UK’s Rebecca Newsom said: “This is the right sort of investment in many of the right areas that is needed to create hundreds of thousands of new green jobs and put the UK on a clear path to decarbonisation.
“An initial £30bn economic recovery package funnelled into clean transport, green energy, homes, and nature restoration could help tackle the economic, climate and nature crises all at the same time.”
The policies have been warmly received by trade unions, with TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady saying: “Fast-tracking investment in green infrastructure will help to create jobs across the economy and prevent the damage of mass unemployment.
“We should waste no time getting shovels in the ground. This month’s spending review should be used to green-light spending on homes, faster broadband, better transport links and greener technology.”
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner praised Labour’s plans and contrasted them with “the rhetoric and bluster of soundbite Johnson” and said his union had worked with the party towards the green strategy.
Turner added: “While our competitor nations such as France and Germany have invested billions in projects to deliver a low-carbon economy, successive Tory governments have coughed up pennies. With the challenge now made, it’s over to you, Prime Minister.”
Think tank IPPR has also expressed approval, pointing out that the conclusions back their proposals for a national investment bank focused on climate, a retraining and skills scheme and an expanded energy efficiency and retrofit programme.
It was revealed by IPPR on Sunday that over the course of this parliament Johnson’s government has committed to investing just 12% of what is needed to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.
A Labour for a Green New Deal spokesperson welcomed the 400,000 green jobs plan but called on Labour “to be braver and go further” with policies such as a National Care Service and universal broadband.
“Labour has a democratic mandate to argue for large-scale investment, expanding public ownership and a just transition for workers. We expect the leadership to keep its promises and fight for a Green New Deal,” the campaign group said.
Energy spokesperson Miliband cast doubt on the Prime Minister’s announcement in October that pledged to power all UK homes with renewable wind power by 2030 as “Boris Johnson rarely delivers on his rhetoric”.


labourlist--2020-11-09--Sunak and Dodds clash over future of UK financial services

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and his opposite on the Labour benches Anneliese Dodds have clashed in parliament today over the future of UK financial services in terms of both post-Brexit and green economic plans .
Describing financial services as “ one of the UK ’ s most productive and innovative sectors ” , former banker Rishi Sunak said the industry would be key amid the coronavirus economic recovery and post-Brexit .
“ We want to renew the UK ’ s position as the world ’ s pre-eminent financial centre , ” the Chancellor said , adding that the UK government intends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader in the use of green finance ” .
Sunak went on to tell MPs that the finance industry adds over £130bn of value to the UK economy , employs over one million people and “ has been a critical source of revenue to support the NHS ” through Covid .
The Chancellor said he wanted to bust the “ myth ” that financial services are synonymous with the City of London , highlighting that two thirds of those employed in the sector work outside London , such as in Edinburgh and Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have an opportunity to set out a new vision for this sector , ” Sunak told the Commons .
He said the country now must decide how to proceed on regulation and “ do what ’ s right for the UK ” .
“ We will use equivalence when it is in the UK ’ s economic interest to do so , ” the Chancellor said , before insisting the UK is forming stronger relationships with non-EU countries such as Switzerland , India and Japan .
Labour frontbencher Jonathan Reynolds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement as “ a lot of words to say everything they promised on market access for financial services post-Brexit hasn ’ t materialised ” .
Anneliese Dodds used her response in the chamber this afternoon to say “ this government ’ s mishandling of ensuring market access for our firms to our largest trading partner ” was “ the elephant in the room ” .
1 in 14 UK workers are employed in financial-related services , the Shadow Chancellor said .
Yet with just weeks until the Brexit transition period ends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules are equivalent to theirs is still unknown .
Dodds pointed that the deadline for achieving equivalence with the EU was earlier this year in June , and told the House of Commons that the UK had filled in just four of the 28 forms needed to be completed by that date .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced that the UK government would make the financial services sector greener through mandating climate disclosures by large companies and financial institutions by 2025 .
Sunak unveiled in his statement today plans to implement “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means to be green , and to issue the UK ’ s first ever sovereign green bond next year “ subject to market conditions ” .
Dodds replied : “ The UK produces 1 % of global emissions but companies and financial institutions based here produce 15 % of those omissions .
Action from government to match the ambitions of many in green financial services can ’ t come too soon.
” Urging the government to ban the financing of fossil fuel projects through UK export finance , after £6bn was pumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way over the last decade , she argued : “ Recent developments have unfortunately gone in the wrong direction.
” Labour said it supported the move towards greater disclosure , but noted that “ they ’ re only relating to a ‘ comply or explain basis ’ with full implementation not set for many years ” and called for mandatory reporting in 2021-2022 .
While Tory MP Andrew Griffith celebrated “ the climate change Chancellor ” , Labour MP Alison McGovern accused Sunak of delivering the statement to help his reputation following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Labour backbencher Stella Creasy drew attention to borrowing charges amid a fresh economic crisis and asked the Chancellor to “ please bring in a cap on the cost of all credit ” to prevent companies from exploiting constituents .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and his opposite on the Labour benches Anneliese Dodds have clashed in parliament today over the future of UK financial services in terms of both post-Brexit and green economic plans.
Describing financial services as “one of the UK’s most productive and innovative sectors”, former banker Rishi Sunak said the industry would be key amid the coronavirus economic recovery and post-Brexit.
“We want to renew the UK’s position as the world’s pre-eminent financial centre,” the Chancellor said, adding that the UK government intends to make the country a “world leader in the use of green finance”.
Sunak went on to tell MPs that the finance industry adds over £130bn of value to the UK economy, employs over one million people and “has been a critical source of revenue to support the NHS” through Covid.
The Chancellor said he wanted to bust the “myth” that financial services are synonymous with the City of London, highlighting that two thirds of those employed in the sector work outside London, such as in Edinburgh and Leeds.
“As we leave the EU, we have an opportunity to set out a new vision for this sector,” Sunak told the Commons. He said the country now must decide how to proceed on regulation and “do what’s right for the UK”.
“We will use equivalence when it is in the UK’s economic interest to do so,” the Chancellor said, before insisting the UK is forming stronger relationships with non-EU countries such as Switzerland, India and Japan.
Labour frontbencher Jonathan Reynolds, responsible for work and pensions, described the statement as “a lot of words to say everything they promised on market access for financial services post-Brexit hasn’t materialised”.
Anneliese Dodds used her response in the chamber this afternoon to say “this government’s mishandling of ensuring market access for our firms to our largest trading partner” was “the elephant in the room”.
1 in 14 UK workers are employed in financial-related services, the Shadow Chancellor said. Yet with just weeks until the Brexit transition period ends, whether the EU will determine that UK rules are equivalent to theirs is still unknown.
Dodds pointed that the deadline for achieving equivalence with the EU was earlier this year in June, and told the House of Commons that the UK had filled in just four of the 28 forms needed to be completed by that date.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced that the UK government would make the financial services sector greener through mandating climate disclosures by large companies and financial institutions by 2025.
Sunak unveiled in his statement today plans to implement “a new green taxonomy”, classifying what it means to be green, and to issue the UK’s first ever sovereign green bond next year “subject to market conditions”.
Dodds replied: “The UK produces 1% of global emissions but companies and financial institutions based here produce 15% of those omissions. Action from government to match the ambitions of many in green financial services can’t come too soon.”
Urging the government to ban the financing of fossil fuel projects through UK export finance, after £6bn was pumped into overseas fossil fuel projects in this way over the last decade, she argued: “Recent developments have unfortunately gone in the wrong direction.”
Labour said it supported the move towards greater disclosure, but noted that “they’re only relating to a ‘comply or explain basis’ with full implementation not set for many years” and called for mandatory reporting in 2021-2022.
While Tory MP Andrew Griffith celebrated “the climate change Chancellor”, Labour MP Alison McGovern accused Sunak of delivering the statement to help his reputation following the defeat of right-wing populism in the US.
Labour backbencher Stella Creasy drew attention to borrowing charges amid a fresh economic crisis and asked the Chancellor to “please bring in a cap on the cost of all credit” to prevent companies from exploiting constituents.


labourlist--2020-11-09--Labour MPs and peers slam “despicable” Lord Kilclooney tweet

UK Labour Party MPs and peers have criticised a “ despicable ” tweet by former Northern Irish MP Lord Kilclooney that referred to new Vice-President-elect of the United States Kamala Harris as “ the Indian ” .
Asking what would occur if new President-elect Joe Biden needed replacing , Kilclooney tweeted : “ What happens if Biden moves on and the Indian becomes President .
Who then becomes Vice President ?
” The comment posted by John Taylor , Baron Kilclooney , who was deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1995 to 2001 , has been widely criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Labour Lords .
Leader of the opposition in the upper chamber Angela Smith , Baroness Smith of Basildon , quote-tweeted Kilclooney , adding the comment : “ Just despicable and beneath contempt.
” Smith added : “ I am so angry about this comment… I will be making an official complaint to both the Commissioner for Standards and the Lords Speaker.
” Harris is set to become the first woman and the first Asian American and African American Vice-President in US history on January 20th , after the Democrats defeated Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Responding to Kilclooney ’ s tweet , Labour MP and opposition frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire replied : “ She ’ s been democratically elected to VP of the USA and you don ’ t use her name ?
“ I ’ m of Indian origin and proud of it , but I ’ m not ‘ The Indian ’ .
As an elected representative I have a name and I expect better of a member of our second chamber when referring to VP [ elect ] Kamala Harris ” .
Shadow Justice Secretary David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamala Harris .
Please send this awful comment straight back to the dark ages.
” Shadow minister Wes Streeting said “ action must be taken ” over the tweet , adding : “ This sort of racism would be unacceptable from anyone , but from a member of the House of Lords it beggars belief.
” Luke Pollard , Labour ’ s Shadow Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs , said : “ This is disgusting .
There should be no place in our politics for racism and racists.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynolds who is responsible for Labour ’ s work and pensions brief , commented : “ Appalling .
Just get out of the Lords .
No-one with views like this should be making UK laws ” .
Lord Speaker Lord Fowler has told Kilclooney to “ retract ” his “ offensive ” comment about Harris and “ apologise ” , warning : “ The comment is entirely unacceptable and has no place in British politics .
I could not be clearer.
” Approached about the tweet by the Evening Standard , Kilclooney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being Irish .
There ’ s no difference .
India is celebrating her victory which was well-deserved.
” He denied that his comment was racist , saying : “ No , not at all , not at all .
People in America claim to be Black , claim to be Irish , claim to be Indian .
“ I don ’ t like the way the American media yesterday was referring to her as being Black , that is rather racist .
But she ’ s certainly Indian and proud of her Indian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Harris ’ father is Black , he told the Standard : “ Look , the girl is an excellent candidate , she ’ s had a great victory , she ’ s proud of her Indian heritage.
” Kilclooney has since tweeted : “ Whilst Biden is proud to be Irish and Harris is rightly proud of her Indian background I certainly withdraw my reference to her as an Indian as it seems to have upset some people.
” Claiming that he had “ never heard of her until three days ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not know her name and identified her with the term Indian .
Most people understood.Racist NO.
” The life peer was accused of racism in 2018 when he referred to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , then the head of the government in Ireland , as a “ typical Indian ” .
He also denied that this remark was racist .

UK Labour Party MPs and peers have criticised a “despicable” tweet by former Northern Irish MP Lord Kilclooney that referred to new Vice-President-elect of the United States Kamala Harris as “the Indian”.
Asking what would occur if new President-elect Joe Biden needed replacing, Kilclooney tweeted: “What happens if Biden moves on and the Indian becomes President. Who then becomes Vice President?”
The comment posted by John Taylor, Baron Kilclooney, who was deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1995 to 2001, has been widely criticised as racist – including by the leader of the Labour Lords.
Leader of the opposition in the upper chamber Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, quote-tweeted Kilclooney, adding the comment: “Just despicable and beneath contempt.”
Smith added: “I am so angry about this comment… I will be making an official complaint to both the Commissioner for Standards and the Lords Speaker.”
Harris is set to become the first woman and the first Asian American and African American Vice-President in US history on January 20th, after the Democrats defeated Donald Trump and Mike Pence last week.
Responding to Kilclooney’s tweet, Labour MP and opposition frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire replied: “She’s been democratically elected to VP of the USA and you don’t use her name?
“I’m of Indian origin and proud of it, but I’m not ‘The Indian’. As an elected representative I have a name and I expect better of a member of our second chamber when referring to VP [elect] Kamala Harris”.
Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy said: “She is called Kamala Harris. Please send this awful comment straight back to the dark ages.”
Shadow minister Wes Streeting said “action must be taken” over the tweet, adding: “This sort of racism would be unacceptable from anyone, but from a member of the House of Lords it beggars belief.”
Luke Pollard, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “This is disgusting. There should be no place in our politics for racism and racists.”
Another shadow cabinet member, Jonathan Reynolds who is responsible for Labour’s work and pensions brief, commented: “Appalling. Just get out of the Lords. No-one with views like this should be making UK laws”.
Lord Speaker Lord Fowler has told Kilclooney to “retract” his “offensive” comment about Harris and “apologise”, warning: “The comment is entirely unacceptable and has no place in British politics. I could not be clearer.”
Approached about the tweet by the Evening Standard, Kilclooney said: “Biden refers to himself as being Irish. There’s no difference. India is celebrating her victory which was well-deserved.”
He denied that his comment was racist, saying: “No, not at all, not at all. People in America claim to be Black, claim to be Irish, claim to be Indian.
“I don’t like the way the American media yesterday was referring to her as being Black, that is rather racist. But she’s certainly Indian and proud of her Indian origin.”
When it was pointed out that Harris’ father is Black, he told the Standard: “Look, the girl is an excellent candidate, she’s had a great victory, she’s proud of her Indian heritage.”
Kilclooney has since tweeted: “Whilst Biden is proud to be Irish and Harris is rightly proud of her Indian background I certainly withdraw my reference to her as an Indian as it seems to have upset some people.”
Claiming that he had “never heard of her until three days ago”, he added: “I did not know her name and identified her with the term Indian. Most people understood.Racist NO.”
The life peer was accused of racism in 2018 when he referred to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, then the head of the government in Ireland, as a “typical Indian”. He also denied that this remark was racist.


labourlist--2020-11-10--Even Dido Harding agrees – people need more help to self-isolate

Even ‘ NHS ’ Test and Trace head and Tory peer Dido Harding has identified this fundamental flaw in the UK government ’ s approach to coronavirus : people need more financial help if they are expected to self-isolate after being told to do so by the tracing system , experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or coming into contact with another symptomatic person .
“ People are not self-isolating because they find it very difficult .
They need to keep earning and feed your family is fundamental , ” Harding told MPs today .
As TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been “ staring us in the face for months ” .
O ’ Grady said : “ Asking workers to self-isolate on £96 a week is not viable – especially when many don ’ t have savings to fall back on .
Until the government provides decent sick pay , people will be forced to choose between following the health advice and paying their bills .
“ Nobody should be plunged into financial hardship for doing the right thing .
Sick pay should be raised to at least the rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be entitled to it .
It ’ s not right that two million workers are excluded from it because they do not earn enough.
” Statutory sick pay is £96 a week , which is not enough – as the Health Secretary Matt Hancock himself acknowledged when he admitted that he could not live on that amount .
The government announced at the start of the crisis that people would be able to claim sick pay from day one , rather than having to wait until the fourth day , but has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( those earning under a certain amount or those who are self-employed do not qualify ) .
Ministers attempted in September to compensate for this lack of support not by extending eligibility or upping the level of SSP , which would risk a permanent change , rather than a policy decision that can be easily reversed post-Covid .
Instead , they introduced a new scheme set to end in January : the test and trace support payment .
If required to self-isolate by law , an individual may be entitled to a £500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the Prime Minister once incorrectly suggested ) .
This allows the self-employed to get a look-in .
But the eligibility criteria is benefits-linked , which means applicants must be currently receiving Universal Credit or one of the other listed benefits .
There is the option of a discretionary payment , but there are more hoops to jump through for that .
TUC polling published in September revealed that more than four in ten workers would be plunged into financial hardship if forced to self-isolate for two weeks on SSP .
Dido @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
And yet the government refuses to budge – all because ministers do not want to implement a positive change that risks being in place long term .

Even ‘NHS’ Test and Trace head and Tory peer Dido Harding has identified this fundamental flaw in the UK government’s approach to coronavirus: people need more financial help if they are expected to self-isolate after being told to do so by the tracing system, experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or coming into contact with another symptomatic person.
“People are not self-isolating because they find it very difficult. They need to keep earning and feed your family is fundamental,” Harding told MPs today. As TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady pointed out, this is a problem that has been “staring us in the face for months”.
O’Grady said: “Asking workers to self-isolate on £96 a week is not viable – especially when many don’t have savings to fall back on. Until the government provides decent sick pay, people will be forced to choose between following the health advice and paying their bills.
“Nobody should be plunged into financial hardship for doing the right thing. Sick pay should be raised to at least the rate of the real living wage and everyone should be entitled to it. It’s not right that two million workers are excluded from it because they do not earn enough.”
Statutory sick pay is £96 a week, which is not enough – as the Health Secretary Matt Hancock himself acknowledged when he admitted that he could not live on that amount. The government announced at the start of the crisis that people would be able to claim sick pay from day one, rather than having to wait until the fourth day, but has not changed the amount nor the eligibility criteria (those earning under a certain amount or those who are self-employed do not qualify).
Ministers attempted in September to compensate for this lack of support not by extending eligibility or upping the level of SSP, which would risk a permanent change, rather than a policy decision that can be easily reversed post-Covid. Instead, they introduced a new scheme set to end in January: the test and trace support payment.
If required to self-isolate by law, an individual may be entitled to a £500 lump sum (not £500 a week, as the Prime Minister once incorrectly suggested). This allows the self-employed to get a look-in. But the eligibility criteria is benefits-linked, which means applicants must be currently receiving Universal Credit or one of the other listed benefits. There is the option of a discretionary payment, but there are more hoops to jump through for that.
TUC polling published in September revealed that more than four in ten workers would be plunged into financial hardship if forced to self-isolate for two weeks on SSP. Dido Harding has now pointed out the obvious, too. And yet the government refuses to budge – all because ministers do not want to implement a positive change that risks being in place long term.


labourlist--2020-11-10--57% of public think Labour is divided after Jeremy Corbyn suspension

New polling has indicated that 57 % of the public see Labour as divided in the wake of the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn compared to just 36 % before the party took the disciplinary action against the former leader .
In research published by YouGov on Monday , the shift in opinion towards the opposition appears to be largely due to a change among Labour voters as reports that the party is divided jumped from 22 % to 51 % in the subset of respondents .
Corbyn was suspended over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act over its handling of complaints .
The former Labour leader issued a statement after the EHRC report publication describing “ one antisemite ” as “ too many ” but adding that “ the scale ” of Labour antisemitism was “ dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents ” .
A Labour spokesperson announced three hours later that Corbyn was suspended from the party pending investigation and that he had had the whip withdrawn “ [ in ] light of his comments… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
A number of MPs , trade unions and grassroots organisations in the labour movement have objected to the disciplinary action against the Islington MP .
John McDonnell MP described the decision by the party as “ profoundly wrong ” .
Other MPs welcomed the suspension , such as parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement Margaret Hodge .
She said : “ He [ Keir Starmer ] took a decision , not because it was easy , not because he wanted to , but because he was right.
” Starmer has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to suspend Corbyn himself and that it was taken independently by David Evans .
Some have criticised this process , as they say involvement of the general secretary is “ political interference ” .
The figures reported by YouGov this week will fuel concerns , such as those raised by JLM , that the row over the suspension of the former leader is distracting from the findings of the EHRC investigation and the impact on Jewish members .
Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice on the basis of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was given six weeks – until December 10th – to produce an action plan for the EHRC in response to the findings and recommendations .
The data from YouGov also shows that the electorate see the Conservatives as divided , with 53 % labelling the Tories as divided against only 18 % describing the party as united .
46 % of Tory voters see the party as divided .
YouGov survey respondents seeing the Tories as divided is up 13 percentage points since the summer , when only 40 % of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the organisation that the Prime Minister ’ s party was united .
Boris Johnson has seen significant internal dissent over recent Covid restrictions .
32 Tory MPs rebelled and voted against the motion to place England in a second lockdown following a heated debate in the Commons earlier this month .
The lockdown is due to be lifted on December 2nd .
Conservative backbencher Steve Baker MP has warned that more than 80 Tory MPs could rebel if the Prime Minister tries to extend the Covid restrictions beyond that date .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend free school meals over the holidays .
Johnson faced a public backlash after the government voted down a Labour motion to provide the support .
After a period of sustained political pressure , the Prime Minister U-turned on the issue of holiday hunger on Saturday and committed to a £400m package to support families , including a £170m ring-fenced fund for help with food and bills .

New polling has indicated that 57% of the public see Labour as divided in the wake of the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn compared to just 36% before the party took the disciplinary action against the former leader.
In research published by YouGov on Monday, the shift in opinion towards the opposition appears to be largely due to a change among Labour voters as reports that the party is divided jumped from 22% to 51% in the subset of respondents.
Corbyn was suspended over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism within the Labour Party, which found Labour responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act over its handling of complaints.
The former Labour leader issued a statement after the EHRC report publication describing “one antisemite” as “too many” but adding that “the scale” of Labour antisemitism was “dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents”.
A Labour spokesperson announced three hours later that Corbyn was suspended from the party pending investigation and that he had had the whip withdrawn “[in] light of his comments… and his failure to retract them subsequently”.
A number of MPs, trade unions and grassroots organisations in the labour movement have objected to the disciplinary action against the Islington MP. John McDonnell MP described the decision by the party as “profoundly wrong”.
Other MPs welcomed the suspension, such as parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement Margaret Hodge. She said: “He [Keir Starmer] took a decision, not because it was easy, not because he wanted to, but because he was right.”
Starmer has said that he did not take the decision to suspend Corbyn himself and that it was taken independently by David Evans. Some have criticised this process, as they say involvement of the general secretary is “political interference”.
The figures reported by YouGov this week will fuel concerns, such as those raised by JLM, that the row over the suspension of the former leader is distracting from the findings of the EHRC investigation and the impact on Jewish members.
Labour has been served with an unlawful act notice on the basis of the investigation by the EHRC. The party was given six weeks – until December 10th – to produce an action plan for the EHRC in response to the findings and recommendations.
The data from YouGov also shows that the electorate see the Conservatives as divided, with 53% labelling the Tories as divided against only 18% describing the party as united. 46% of Tory voters see the party as divided.
YouGov survey respondents seeing the Tories as divided is up 13 percentage points since the summer, when only 40% of the public deemed the party split and 28% told the organisation that the Prime Minister’s party was united.
Boris Johnson has seen significant internal dissent over recent Covid restrictions. 32 Tory MPs rebelled and voted against the motion to place England in a second lockdown following a heated debate in the Commons earlier this month.
The lockdown is due to be lifted on December 2nd. Conservative backbencher Steve Baker MP has warned that more than 80 Tory MPs could rebel if the Prime Minister tries to extend the Covid restrictions beyond that date.
The Conservatives also saw discord over whether to extend free school meals over the holidays. Johnson faced a public backlash after the government voted down a Labour motion to provide the support.
After a period of sustained political pressure, the Prime Minister U-turned on the issue of holiday hunger on Saturday and committed to a £400m package to support families, including a £170m ring-fenced fund for help with food and bills.


labourlist--2020-11-10--7 digital organising tactics from the US election for Labour to use

After every US election , people in British politics spend an inordinate amount of time trying to draw parallels to the UK .
I have learned , after being in love with a Texan Democrat for years , that knowing what swing voters on a different continent think about healthcare will not help you understand the voters of Arundel and South Downs – even if you have watched all seven series of The West Wing .
But the sheer amount of money involved in US elections and the entrepreneurial political culture means that there are things we can learn about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a digital perspective .
Covid forced Joe Biden ’ s campaign to invest heavily in online organising , reaching 58 million people with calls and texts in just one weekend .
Building on some of the tactics that worked for Biden will be important if Labour is going to make significant gains in the local elections in 2021 .
Analysis in the Labour Together review into the 2019 election defeat revealed that Labour ’ s digital campaign was directed inwards , mainly reaching existing supporters , whereas the Tories broke through to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Tories victory .
With this in mind , here are seven things the Democrats did that local Labour campaigns should do in the UK .
If you want to learn more you can sign up for free digital campaign lessons here .
Door-knocking is at the heart of all progressive campaigns on both sides of the Atlantic , but Covid has made that difficult .
The Democrats switched to phone banking at the start of their campaign .
They did not just create an online tool but instead made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions through Zoom .
This allowed activists to feel part of a team , get trained by experts and swap stories of good ( and bad ) calls .
What started out as a Covid fix is here to stay , according to reports from the campaign .
It allowed the campaign to better apportion activists ’ time as races narrowed .
Democrats in solid areas could easily call swing states .
For Labour , this can not only allow for local Constituency Labour Parties ( CLPs ) to continue to make contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ societies to get involved across the country .
Something really simple , and that the data shows is extremely effective , is asking people to ‘ triple their vote ’ .
This basically means asking people to tell three friends to register to vote , ask for a postal ballot or vote , and ask them in turn to triple the vote .
Online , you get supporters to sign up to a simple form saying that they will nominate three friends – they can even tell you who they are – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it .
Labour candidates like Jess Phillips MP did this to great effect during her leadership campaign , and it will be an effective way of increasing Labour turnout during traditionally lower turnout local elections .
3 .
Use local influencers to break out of the bubble .
Biden ’ s influencer strategy did not just look for traditional endorsements , which influencers who are not political can feel uncomfortable doing .
Instead , his team set up a series of interviews with influencers who appealed to specific audience groups .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break out of the inward-looking , lefty Twitter sphere and reach voters .
Some areas will have more ‘ influencers ’ than others .
But it is important to remember that influencers come in all shapes and sizes .
It might be a landlord of a local pub with an engaged Facebook page , or the admin of a local news Facebook group .
4 .
Save ad spend for key moments in the election .
American elections , with their astronomical budgets , are able to do much more with paid advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one trend we saw in the US election is that candidates who concentrated their ad spend on the final weeks seemed to have been more successful .
This makes sense as most voters tend not to pay attention to elections until close to ballot day .
When thinking about pacing , follow the pattern below .
Elections are complicated .
That is especially true during Covid .
People look online for answers on how to register to vote , how to request a postal ballot , how to find a polling station etc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation ‘ Fair Fight ’ , which helped turn Georgia blue , created a series of videos , animations , and posts to explain each step of a voter ’ s journey .
It was really effective and is something that all Labour councillors could do at a local level .
6 .
Use less partisan content to get people registered to vote .
Democratic campaigns ran a lot of tests online throughout the contest to see what types of messages and content worked best .
The results were that clear , less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ) encouraged more people to register to vote than attacks .
Think about general messages , such as getting your voice heard or being productive , like the below advert from the Meme2020 campaign .
Campaigns are a slog .
It is the camaraderie that means activists are willing to give up their time .
The Biden campaign created a ‘ Victory 2020 ’ Slack channel where they could ask organisers for help and celebrate voter contacts .
Think about creating something similar locally to help chat to volunteers and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhaustive list .
It is meant to provide inspiration .
Campaigns will also have to find what works locally for them .
You do not have to do everything .
In fact , some say the best thing Biden did was log off of Twitter as they realised it gave a false view of the issues that mattered to voters .
As Bridget Philipson MP recently said : “ Making our own echo chamber larger is no substitute for knocking its walls down.
” After four years of Trump tweets , that is @ @ @ @ @

After every US election, people in British politics spend an inordinate amount of time trying to draw parallels to the UK. I have learned, after being in love with a Texan Democrat for years, that knowing what swing voters on a different continent think about healthcare will not help you understand the voters of Arundel and South Downs – even if you have watched all seven series of The West Wing. But the sheer amount of money involved in US elections and the entrepreneurial political culture means that there are things we can learn about practical campaigning.
This is especially true from a digital perspective. Covid forced Joe Biden’s campaign to invest heavily in online organising, reaching 58 million people with calls and texts in just one weekend. Building on some of the tactics that worked for Biden will be important if Labour is going to make significant gains in the local elections in 2021.
Analysis in the Labour Together review into the 2019 election defeat revealed that Labour’s digital campaign was directed inwards, mainly reaching existing supporters, whereas the Tories broke through to undecided voters, which was a critical part of the Tories victory. With this in mind, here are seven things the Democrats did that local Labour campaigns should do in the UK. If you want to learn more you can sign up for free digital campaign lessons here.
1. Host digital phone bank events.
Door-knocking is at the heart of all progressive campaigns on both sides of the Atlantic, but Covid has made that difficult. The Democrats switched to phone banking at the start of their campaign. They did not just create an online tool but instead made it social, hosting thousands of online phone-banking sessions through Zoom. This allowed activists to feel part of a team, get trained by experts and swap stories of good (and bad) calls.
What started out as a Covid fix is here to stay, according to reports from the campaign. It allowed the campaign to better apportion activists’ time as races narrowed. Democrats in solid areas could easily call swing states. For Labour, this can not only allow for local Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) to continue to make contact, but can also allow affiliated socialist societies to get involved across the country.
2. Build a vote-tripling infrastructure.
Something really simple, and that the data shows is extremely effective, is asking people to ‘triple their vote’. This basically means asking people to tell three friends to register to vote, ask for a postal ballot or vote, and ask them in turn to triple the vote.
Online, you get supporters to sign up to a simple form saying that they will nominate three friends – they can even tell you who they are – and then you send them friendly reminders to do it. Labour candidates like Jess Phillips MP did this to great effect during her leadership campaign, and it will be an effective way of increasing Labour turnout during traditionally lower turnout local elections.
3. Use local influencers to break out of the bubble.
Biden’s influencer strategy did not just look for traditional endorsements, which influencers who are not political can feel uncomfortable doing. Instead, his team set up a series of interviews with influencers who appealed to specific audience groups.
This is a great way for candidates to break out of the inward-looking, lefty Twitter sphere and reach voters. Some areas will have more ‘influencers’ than others. But it is important to remember that influencers come in all shapes and sizes. It might be a landlord of a local pub with an engaged Facebook page, or the admin of a local news Facebook group.
4. Save ad spend for key moments in the election.
American elections, with their astronomical budgets, are able to do much more with paid advertising than most local UK candidates. But one trend we saw in the US election is that candidates who concentrated their ad spend on the final weeks seemed to have been more successful. This makes sense as most voters tend not to pay attention to elections until close to ballot day. When thinking about pacing, follow the pattern below.
5. Create ‘help’ content
Elections are complicated. That is especially true during Covid. People look online for answers on how to register to vote, how to request a postal ballot, how to find a polling station etc. Stacy Abrams’s anti-voter suppression organisation ‘Fair Fight’, which helped turn Georgia blue, created a series of videos, animations, and posts to explain each step of a voter’s journey. It was really effective and is something that all Labour councillors could do at a local level.
6. Use less partisan content to get people registered to vote.
Democratic campaigns ran a lot of tests online throughout the contest to see what types of messages and content worked best. The results were that clear, less partisan content (even against someone like Donald Trump) encouraged more people to register to vote than attacks. Think about general messages, such as getting your voice heard or being productive, like the below advert from the Meme2020 campaign.
7. Create an online organising HQ.
Campaigns are a slog. It is the camaraderie that means activists are willing to give up their time. The Biden campaign created a ‘Victory 2020’ Slack channel where they could ask organisers for help and celebrate voter contacts. Think about creating something similar locally to help chat to volunteers and keep them engaged.
This is not an exhaustive list. It is meant to provide inspiration. Campaigns will also have to find what works locally for them. You do not have to do everything. In fact, some say the best thing Biden did was log off of Twitter as they realised it gave a false view of the issues that mattered to voters. As Bridget Philipson MP recently said: “Making our own echo chamber larger is no substitute for knocking its walls down.” After four years of Trump tweets, that is something everyone can celebrate.