labourlist--2020-12-07--Labour’s ruling body agrees EHRC draft action plan on antisemitism

Labour ’ s national executive committee has agreed the draft action plan on tackling antisemitism within the party that will be presented this week to the Equality and Human Rights Commission .
A Labour Party spokesperson said : “ Labour ’ s national executive committee has given its approval to the draft action plan it is required to submit to the Equality and Human Rights Commission this week .
“ It covers all the EHRC ’ s recommendations and is an important step towards Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner ’ s commitment to rebuilding trust and confidence with our Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party was served with an unlawful act notice in late October and given six weeks to produce a draft action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report released by the equality body .
The NEC held a special meeting this afternoon from 3pm to discuss the party ’ s response to the EHRC and approve the draft plan that must be sent by Labour to the EHRC by Thursday , December 10th .
LabourList sources say the draft action plan was agreed unanimously , and that everyone who contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of implementing the plan and moving on .
There were “ lots of questions and contributions from across the spectrum ” , one NEC member said .
The meeting was joined by Jane Ramsey , who has been appointed to lead on the project of actioning the EHRC recommendations .
LabourList understands that the draft action plan , outlining steps around changing Labour ’ s procedures and culture , will be submitted this week and implementation will begin once it is agreed by the EHRC .
The party intends to meet regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on implementing the recommendations , which include commissioning an independent process to handle and determine complaints .
LabourList has also been told that the party is not allowed to publish the draft plan as it is not the action plan until it secures EHRC approval .
Whether the final approved plan will be released has not yet been decided .
It is not expected by party officials , LabourList understands , that the EHRC will approve the draft plan very shortly ; instead it thought the body will give its response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sources say the draft is designed to show that Labour understands the recommendations , and to develop good dialogue between the party and the EHRC , rather than offer a high level of detail about implementation at this stage .

Labour’s national executive committee has agreed the draft action plan on tackling antisemitism within the party that will be presented this week to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Labour’s national executive committee has given its approval to the draft action plan it is required to submit to the Equality and Human Rights Commission this week.
“It covers all the EHRC’s recommendations and is an important step towards Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner’s commitment to rebuilding trust and confidence with our Jewish members and the Jewish community.”
The party was served with an unlawful act notice in late October and given six weeks to produce a draft action plan in response to the findings and recommendations of the report released by the equality body.
The NEC held a special meeting this afternoon from 3pm to discuss the party’s response to the EHRC and approve the draft plan that must be sent by Labour to the EHRC by Thursday, December 10th.
LabourList sources say the draft plan was agreed unanimously, and that everyone who contributed to talked about the importance of implementing the plan and moving on. Members had sight of both the plan and a presentation of slides.
There were “lots of questions and contributions from across the spectrum”, one NEC member said. The meeting was joined by Jane Ramsey, who has been appointed to lead on the project of actioning the EHRC recommendations.
LabourList understands that the draft action plan, outlining steps around changing Labour’s procedures and culture, will be submitted this week and implementation will begin once it is agreed by the EHRC.
The party intends to meet regularly with the EHRC to monitor its progress on implementing the recommendations, which include commissioning an independent process to handle and determine complaints.
LabourList has also been told that the party is not allowed to publish the draft plan as it is not the action plan until it secures EHRC approval. Whether the final approved plan will be released has not yet been decided.
It is not expected by party officials, LabourList understands, that the EHRC will approve the draft plan very shortly; instead it thought the body will give its response to the document at some point after this week.
Sources say the draft is designed to show that Labour understands the recommendations, and to develop good dialogue between the party and the EHRC, rather than offer a high level of detail about implementation at this stage.
Asked about the content of the draft action plan, an EHRC spokesperson told LabourList: “The Labour Party will share an action plan with us by the end of Thursday 10 December.
“The action plan must provide sufficient detail of actions that the party will take in order to ensure the recommendations are implemented in full.
“We will then consider this draft and will either approve it or give them notice that it is not adequate and that we require a revised version.”


labourlist--2020-12-07--Whole country waiting for Brexit deal promised by PM, Reeves tells minister

Labour ’ s Rachel Reeves has told the government that “ the whole country is waiting for the comprehensive trade and security deal that was promised at the general election less than a year ago ” .
Addressing MPs following an urgent question tabled by Labour this afternoon , the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow Cabinet Office minister slammed the government over its failure to secure a post-Brexit trade deal .
Reeves told the government minister : “ Last year , the Prime Minister said that to leave with no deal would be a failure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take responsibility for their failure if we are to leave without a deal… “ We will hold the government to account whatever they bring back – deal or no deal .
With just 24 days to go until the end of the transition period , let me ask a few basic questions in terms of this government and our country ’ s readiness.
” Reeves challenged the government on the impact of leaving the transition period without a deal and trading on World Trade Organisation terms , stressing the precarious situation of industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Labour spokesperson also pressed the minister on how many of the 50,000 customs agents , which the government itself said are needed before the UK leaves the transition period at the end of December , have actually been recruited .
Reeves finished by reminding the Commons : “ The former International Trade Secretary said that a trade deal with the EU would be the ‘ easiest trade deal in human history ’ .
” She added : “ Is that still the view of this government ?
” Conservative minister Penny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only deal that is possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and one that takes back control of our laws , trade and waters .
“ While an agreement is preferable , we are prepared to leave on so-called Australian-style terms if we can ’ t find compromises… People and businesses must prepare for the changes that are coming on 31st December.
” The urgent question from Labour comes amid ongoing Brexit negotiations , with the European Council set to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal between the UK and the EU .
It also comes ahead of a debate this afternoon on the controversial internal market bill , which contains provisions that contravene the Good Friday Agreement and overwrite sections of the withdrawal agreement signed up to by Boris Johnson .
The bill passed its third reading in the Commons with a majority of 84 in September but the government suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords last month with peers rejecting clauses allowing ministers to break international law .
The Prime Minister has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clauses in the internal market bill in a bid to break the deadlock in the trade negotiations with the European bloc .

Labour’s Rachel Reeves has told the government that “the whole country is waiting for the comprehensive trade and security deal that was promised at the general election less than a year ago”.
Addressing MPs following an urgent question tabled by Labour this afternoon, the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow Cabinet Office minister slammed the government over its failure to secure a post-Brexit trade deal.
Reeves told the government minister: “Last year, the Prime Minister said that to leave with no deal would be a failure of state craft. So this government must take responsibility for their failure if we are to leave without a deal…
“We will hold the government to account whatever they bring back – deal or no deal. With just 24 days to go until the end of the transition period, let me ask a few basic questions in terms of this government and our country’s readiness.”
Reeves challenged the government on the impact of leaving the transition period without a deal and trading on World Trade Organisation terms, stressing the precarious situation of industries such as the agricultural and automotive sectors.
The Labour spokesperson also pressed the minister on how many of the 50,000 customs agents, which the government itself said are needed before the UK leaves the transition period at the end of December, have actually been recruited.
Reeves finished by reminding the Commons: “The former International Trade Secretary said that a trade deal with the EU would be the ‘easiest trade deal in human history’.” She added: “Is that still the view of this government?”
Conservative minister Penny Mordaunt told MPs today: “The only deal that is possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and one that takes back control of our laws, trade and waters.
“While an agreement is preferable, we are prepared to leave on so-called Australian-style terms if we can’t find compromises… People and businesses must prepare for the changes that are coming on 31st December.”
The urgent question from Labour comes amid ongoing Brexit negotiations, with the European Council set to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday at which it hopes to sign off a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU.
It also comes ahead of a debate this afternoon on the controversial internal market bill, which contains provisions that contravene the Good Friday Agreement and overwrite sections of the withdrawal agreement signed up to by Boris Johnson.
The bill passed its third reading in the Commons with a majority of 84 in September but the government suffered a large defeat in the House of Lords last month with peers rejecting clauses allowing ministers to break international law.
The Prime Minister has this afternoon offered to drop the controversial clauses in the internal market bill in a bid to break the deadlock in the trade negotiations with the European bloc.


labourlist--2020-12-07--What I learnt standing as an independent candidate for Labour’s NEC

In July , I decided to put myself forward as a candidate in our national executive committee elections .
80 other candidates also stood , vying for the nine available Constituency Labour Party representative spots on the committee .
I ran as an independent candidate because I think tribalism is unhealthy for our party .
Groups create ‘ echo chambers ’ based on particular viewpoints and their members support or denigrate policy ideas purely based on where the ideas came from .
One only has to visit Twitter to see how sectarian the debates have become within the party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order for us to deliver a Labour government we must first reset the party , break down the barriers between members and work together constructively with shared objectives .
Attacking each other for daring to have different views just plays into the hands of the Conservatives .
I think the diversity of our membership can be our biggest strength .
In the first stage of the election , candidates needed five local party ( CLP ) nominations to proceed .
From day one , it was clear that the current NEC election system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While those standing on slates benefit from increased visibility in unofficial Labour publications and far-reaching , well-funded promotional campaigns , independent candidates are left with nothing but their own ingenuity to garner the necessary nominations to reach the ballot .
Over several weeks , I compiled a list of email addresses for 90 % of CLP secretaries enabling me to reach out with my promotional leaflet .
Imagine my surprise when many secretaries responded that it was too much work for them to share candidate material with their members .
In those circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those CLPs would simply vote for those on the slates because they were the only candidates they were truly aware of .
Two CLPs – Perry Vale and South East Cornwall – held virtual hustings , which were brilliant and gave all candidates the opportunity to present themselves on a level playing field .
Others sent over questions from their members , which I was happy to answer .
Sadly , though , these were the minority .
Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform and other Labour groups that supported my NEC commitments became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough CLP nominations to make the ballot along with 41 other candidates , 18 of whom were also independents .
In the ballot stage , the slates once again flexed their resources , networks and financial muscle , emailing and texting Labour members the names of their candidates at regular intervals and running sophisticated social media campaigns .
An independent candidate can not possibly compete with that .
The Labour Party stands for fairness in society and giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed , but in this election money was the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the NEC even though they accounted for 44 % of the candidates .
LabourList , to its credit , gave all candidates the opportunity to write about their candidacy but far more needed to be done to make these elections a fair fight .
The painful truth is that these seats on the NEC were bought , and that is not good for our party .
In the end , I finished 16th – the third highest placing of any independent candidate , and ahead of some who stood for the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the election have suggested that all independents did badly , not taking into account any of the additional challenges they faced or the huge achievement of finishing higher than those on a slate .
I can not help but wonder how independents would have fared had the system been fairer .
Labour must review the rules that govern internal elections to make them more democratic .
I would recommend that CLPs must nominate at least two independent candidates , and at least 10 % of CLP representatives on the NEC should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership has a voice .
Spending by all candidates should be limited to create a level playing field and prevent those with financial backing from having a disproportionate influence over the outcome of elections and the direction of our party .
Finally , the Labour Party should host virtual hustings for all candidates that reach the ballot stage to give everyone a fair hearing .

In July, I decided to put myself forward as a candidate in our national executive committee elections. 80 other candidates also stood, vying for the nine available Constituency Labour Party representative spots on the committee. I ran as an independent candidate because I think tribalism is unhealthy for our party. Groups create ‘echo chambers’ based on particular viewpoints and their members support or denigrate policy ideas purely based on where the ideas came from.
One only has to visit Twitter to see how sectarian the debates have become within the party. I am a firm believer that in order for us to deliver a Labour government we must first reset the party, break down the barriers between members and work together constructively with shared objectives. Attacking each other for daring to have different views just plays into the hands of the Conservatives. I think the diversity of our membership can be our biggest strength.
In the first stage of the election, candidates needed five local party (CLP) nominations to proceed. From day one, it was clear that the current NEC election system is heavily weighted against independent candidates. While those standing on slates benefit from increased visibility in unofficial Labour publications and far-reaching, well-funded promotional campaigns, independent candidates are left with nothing but their own ingenuity to garner the necessary nominations to reach the ballot.
Over several weeks, I compiled a list of email addresses for 90% of CLP secretaries enabling me to reach out with my promotional leaflet. Imagine my surprise when many secretaries responded that it was too much work for them to share candidate material with their members. In those circumstances, it was inevitable that members in those CLPs would simply vote for those on the slates because they were the only candidates they were truly aware of.
Two CLPs – Perry Vale and South East Cornwall – held virtual hustings, which were brilliant and gave all candidates the opportunity to present themselves on a level playing field. Others sent over questions from their members, which I was happy to answer. Sadly, though, these were the minority.
Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform and other Labour groups that supported my NEC commitments became valuable allies in helping me to secure enough CLP nominations to make the ballot along with 41 other candidates, 18 of whom were also independents. In the ballot stage, the slates once again flexed their resources, networks and financial muscle, emailing and texting Labour members the names of their candidates at regular intervals and running sophisticated social media campaigns. An independent candidate cannot possibly compete with that.
The Labour Party stands for fairness in society and giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed, but in this election money was the main driver. Not one independent won election to the NEC even though they accounted for 44% of the candidates. LabourList, to its credit, gave all candidates the opportunity to write about their candidacy but far more needed to be done to make these elections a fair fight. The painful truth is that these seats on the NEC were bought, and that is not good for our party.
In the end, I finished 16th – the third highest placing of any independent candidate, and ahead of some who stood for the main slates. Some articles I have read since the election have suggested that all independents did badly, not taking into account any of the additional challenges they faced or the huge achievement of finishing higher than those on a slate. I cannot help but wonder how independents would have fared had the system been fairer.
Labour must review the rules that govern internal elections to make them more democratic. I would recommend that CLPs must nominate at least two independent candidates, and at least 10% of CLP representatives on the NEC should be independent, to ensure that the entire membership has a voice. Spending by all candidates should be limited to create a level playing field and prevent those with financial backing from having a disproportionate influence over the outcome of elections and the direction of our party. Finally, the Labour Party should host virtual hustings for all candidates that reach the ballot stage to give everyone a fair hearing.


labourlist--2020-12-07--Labour’s NEC holds special meeting to discuss EHRC action plan

Labour ’ s national executive committee will hold a special meeting from 3pm this afternoon to discuss the party ’ s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on its handling of antisemitism .
It was agreed at the last full meeting of Labour ’ s ruling body on November 24th that the NEC would arrange a special virtual gathering to take place today and that the equalities committee would also meet – as it did on Friday .
LabourList understands that the equalities committee last week was shown a set of slides about the action plan that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all NEC members are expected to be shown the same information today .
When the EHRC report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts was published in late October , the party was told it had until December 10th to draft an action plan to implement the recommendations .
The changes mandated by the equality body include commissioning an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints , and implementing clear rules against “ any inappropriate interference ” in the process .
LabourList sources have said the party intends to set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antisemitism complaints but for all cases related to racism , Islamophobia , bullying , sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination .
Jane Ramsey , who trained as a barrister and was a member of the committee on standards in public life until October , has been appointed to lead on this project .
She joined the equalities call on Friday and will do so again this afternoon .
Labour was instructed by the EHRC to review and update its ‘ Code of Conduct : Social Media Policy ’ , making it clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media content by members could lead to disciplinary action .
As well as provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process within six months , the party was to boost transparency via the publication of complaints procedures .
LabourList understands that the initial draft action plan due to be handed in this week does not involve a very high level of detail .
It is mostly designed to show that Labour understands what it must do next .
The party is telling the EHRC through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board the need to change party culture , develop comprehensive internal guidance for all stages of the antisemitism complaints , and more .
The EHRC is expected to subsequently write back and tell the party that it has correctly understood the recommendations , or otherwise , and that Labour will then need to work up the plan into an implementation document .
One source described the process as “ a lot more iterative ” than they expected .
Another source said the action plan at this stage is “ high-level ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out a “ roadmap ” for the leadership .
One NEC source told LabourList that Ramsey was “ really impressive ” at the meeting on Friday , offering both a clear understanding of the legal situation and an honest appraisal of the difficulties facing the party .
The NEC ’ s organisation committee , known as ‘ Org Sub ’ , and the disputes panel will not meet until their scheduled dates in January , as normal .
Both will elect new chairs at their first meetings since the NEC elections .

Labour’s national executive committee will hold a special meeting from 3pm this afternoon to discuss the party’s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on its handling of antisemitism.
It was agreed at the last full meeting of Labour’s ruling body on November 24th that the NEC would arrange a special virtual gathering to take place today and that the equalities committee would also meet – as it did on Friday.
LabourList understands that the equalities committee last week was shown a set of slides about the action plan that Labour must present to the EHRC, and all NEC members are expected to be shown the same information today.
When the EHRC report that found Labour responsible for unlawful acts was published in late October, the party was told it had until December 10th to draft an action plan to implement the recommendations.
The changes mandated by the equality body include commissioning an independent process to handle and determine antisemitism complaints, and implementing clear rules against “any inappropriate interference” in the process.
LabourList sources have said the party intends to set up a new independent system not only for antisemitism complaints but for all cases related to racism, Islamophobia, bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination.
Jane Ramsey, who trained as a barrister and was a member of the committee on standards in public life until October, has been appointed to lead on this project. She joined the equalities call on Friday and will do so again this afternoon.
Labour was instructed by the EHRC to review and update its ‘Code of Conduct: Social Media Policy’, making it clear that the sharing or liking any antisemitic social media content by members could lead to disciplinary action.
As well as provide education and practical training for all individuals involved in the antisemitism complaints process within six months, the party was to boost transparency via the publication of complaints procedures.
LabourList understands that the initial draft action plan due to be handed in this week does not involve a very high level of detail. It is mostly designed to show that Labour understands what it must do next.
The party is telling the EHRC through the action plan that it has taken on board the need to change party culture, develop comprehensive internal guidance for all stages of the antisemitism complaints, and more.
The EHRC is expected to subsequently write back and tell the party that it has correctly understood the recommendations, or otherwise, and that Labour will then need to work up the plan into an implementation document.
One source described the process as “a lot more iterative” than they expected. Another source said the action plan at this stage is “high-level” and “not massively detailed”, intended to set out a “roadmap” for the leadership.
One NEC source told LabourList that Ramsey was “really impressive” at the meeting on Friday, offering both a clear understanding of the legal situation and an honest appraisal of the difficulties facing the party.
The NEC’s organisation committee, known as ‘Org Sub’, and the disputes panel will not meet until their scheduled dates in January, as normal. Both will elect new chairs at their first meetings since the NEC elections.


labourlist--2020-12-08--Labour should fight for proper sick pay to help get control of the virus

After an incredibly bleak year , the coronavirus vaccines offer a ray of hope that 2021 can bring a return of something resembling normality .
But it will be many months before the vaccines have been distributed widely .
Until then , Labour needs to step up its opposition to force the government to adopt a new strategy .
We can ’ t go on with months more of the government ’ s reckless approach .
That has already led to tens of thousands of avoidable deaths and one of the deepest downturns of any major economy .
One figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s recent failures have been .
In the three months since September 6th , there have been 19,700 UK Covid deaths .
This second wave was caused by the government prematurely telling people to go out and spend , get back to school and to workplaces over the late summer .
Countries that instead followed a suppression strategy – known as zero Covid – have driven the virus and deaths down to very low levels .
Their economies are doing better as a result .
For example , in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand , Singapore , Taiwan , South Korea and Australia have suffered a combined total of fewer than 400 deaths , despite their total population being four times larger than that of Britain .
Yet the Tory government simply refuses to learn the lessons .
By taking its foot off the brake over the coming weeks , its tier system risks a third wave of the virus , while the other core element of its strategy is to rely on mass testing to get us through to a time when vaccines have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing system has squandered billions of pounds and failed to reach anywhere near enough of the contacts of those infected .
Over 500,000 close contacts have been missed by the system in the last month alone .
That ’ s why Labour has been right to call for Serco and the other failing private contractors to be booted out of the Test and Trace system .
The NHS and local public health experts must be put in charge .
But getting testing and tracing right is simply not enough .
Test and trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not an end in itself .
It is the first stage in getting infected people and their contacts to isolate .
But if people can ’ t then afford to isolate , then they simply won ’ t .
This virus thrives on poverty and inequality .
Without proper support , many people from disadvantaged groups – who could be the sole breadwinners in their families – may simply avoid these tests for fear of the economic impact of being found to be positive .
Nobody should have to decide whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table .
But our current level of statutory sick pay forces many people to do just that .
At just £96 per week , UK statutory sick pay is among the lowest in Europe .
The TUC estimates that it is equal to just one-fifth of the average worker ’ s weekly earnings .
Moreover , nearly two million low-paid workers are entirely excluded from statutory sick pay because they earn less than the £120 a week threshold .
Under pressure , the government has introduced a one-off £500 support grant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of support far too low , only one in eight workers qualify for it .
Strict eligibility criteria mean that more than half of people applying for it are rejected in some coronavirus hotspots .
Some local councils are reported to be turning people away because the government ’ s funding is on the verge of being exhausted .
The TUC is calling for statutory sick pay to be increased to real living wage levels and for the removal of the requirement that recipients earn over £120 per week .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour ’ s response to Covid .
Last week I voted against the government ’ s measures both because they risk a deadly third wave and because they fail to give people the economic support needed .
It would have been better to use the weeks to Christmas to extend the lockdown to get the virus down to much more manageable levels .
That would give Test and Trace a fighting chance of succeeding .
I was especially disappointed during that vote that our party didn ’ t use its parliamentary weight to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Had Labour threatened to vote against the package without proper sick pay , it could have won both public support and important extra support for those who need to isolate .
Bold opposition to the government ’ s failing coronavirus strategy is certainly in the national interest – and the demand for proper sick pay should be at the core of our opposition over the coming months .

After an incredibly bleak year, the coronavirus vaccines offer a ray of hope that 2021 can bring a return of something resembling normality. But it will be many months before the vaccines have been distributed widely. Until then, Labour needs to step up its opposition to force the government to adopt a new strategy. We can’t go on with months more of the government’s reckless approach. That has already led to tens of thousands of avoidable deaths and one of the deepest downturns of any major economy.
One figure above all underlines just how deep the government’s recent failures have been. In the three months since September 6th, there have been 19,700 UK Covid deaths. This second wave was caused by the government prematurely telling people to go out and spend, get back to school and to workplaces over the late summer.
Countries that instead followed a suppression strategy – known as zero Covid – have driven the virus and deaths down to very low levels. Their economies are doing better as a result. For example, in the past three months, Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia have suffered a combined total of fewer than 400 deaths, despite their total population being four times larger than that of Britain.
Yet the Tory government simply refuses to learn the lessons. By taking its foot off the brake over the coming weeks, its tier system risks a third wave of the virus, while the other core element of its strategy is to rely on mass testing to get us through to a time when vaccines have been widely distributed.
So far its testing system has squandered billions of pounds and failed to reach anywhere near enough of the contacts of those infected. Over 500,000 close contacts have been missed by the system in the last month alone. That’s why Labour has been right to call for Serco and the other failing private contractors to be booted out of the Test and Trace system. The NHS and local public health experts must be put in charge.
But getting testing and tracing right is simply not enough. Test and trace is a means to an end, and not an end in itself. It is the first stage in getting infected people and their contacts to isolate. But if people can’t then afford to isolate, then they simply won’t.
This virus thrives on poverty and inequality. Without proper support, many people from disadvantaged groups – who could be the sole breadwinners in their families – may simply avoid these tests for fear of the economic impact of being found to be positive.
Nobody should have to decide whether to protect their health or put food on the table. But our current level of statutory sick pay forces many people to do just that. At just £96 per week, UK statutory sick pay is among the lowest in Europe.
The TUC estimates that it is equal to just one-fifth of the average worker’s weekly earnings. Moreover, nearly two million low-paid workers are entirely excluded from statutory sick pay because they earn less than the £120 a week threshold.
Under pressure, the government has introduced a one-off £500 support grant to some self-isolating. Yet not only is the level of support far too low, only one in eight workers qualify for it. Strict eligibility criteria mean that more than half of people applying for it are rejected in some coronavirus hotspots. Some local councils are reported to be turning people away because the government’s funding is on the verge of being exhausted.
The TUC is calling for statutory sick pay to be increased to real living wage levels and for the removal of the requirement that recipients earn over £120 per week. This demand should be at the heart of Labour’s response to Covid.
Last week I voted against the government’s measures both because they risk a deadly third wave and because they fail to give people the economic support needed. It would have been better to use the weeks to Christmas to extend the lockdown to get the virus down to much more manageable levels. That would give Test and Trace a fighting chance of succeeding.
I was especially disappointed during that vote that our party didn’t use its parliamentary weight to try to force concessions on sick pay. Had Labour threatened to vote against the package without proper sick pay, it could have won both public support and important extra support for those who need to isolate. Bold opposition to the government’s failing coronavirus strategy is certainly in the national interest – and the demand for proper sick pay should be at the core of our opposition over the coming months.


labourlist--2020-12-08--The smart move for Gavin Williamson? Copy Wales and cancel exams in 2021

Gavin Williamson ’ s statement on the 2021 school exams and the pandemic last week refused to follow the sensible Welsh decision to suspend operations .
He thus made a bad situation worse .
Kate Green was quite right to say that “ today ’ s announcement still bakes in fundamental inequalities between students who have suffered different levels of disruption to their learning ” .
Indeed , the ad hoc systems thrown together to replace exams in the first lockdown , understandably operated in haste , reinforced inequality .
As Green said , “ while grades rose across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in private schools – were more likely to see a sharp rise ” .
Williamson ’ s first mistake was during the summer , when the government made no attempt to find out why this happened .
His second mistake is to fail to adapt to reality .
Green was right to say that if Williamson ’ s policy of releasing information on the course topics to be examined is followed this will “ at best benefit pupils at random ” and at worst “ mean that pupils who faced the greatest disruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the debate , Robert Halfon , Tory chair of the education select committee , pointed out that 798,000 pupils in state funded schools were not in school for Covid-related reasons on Thursday , November 26th , the latest date for which data was available .
Absences have considerable implications for all areas of teaching .
The psychological impact of being out school is considerable , and loneliness is a growing threat to pupils .
Exams are not exempt .
The policy deficiencies start with Williamson ’ s plan to push back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exam deadline for a few weeks is useless .
Four months teaching was lost in the first lockdown , March to July , which could not be recovered in weeks .
Now the pandemic has returned , syllabus coverage is declining for many students .
It is a fundamental educational principle that students can not be examined on material they have not been taught .
The only students who may have covered the full syllabus are those in boarding schools or who have paid coaching .
The MPs put great reliance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but a computer is only a box with equipment inside .
Unless the student can access and use the teaching programmes , they have little value .
The Open University employs distance learning to great effect , but puts in massive resources to make sure the students – all adults – know how to use the teaching materials .
State schools do not have the resources to provide students with systematic training to benefit from learning programmes , and only the private sector – 7 % of students – have the money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many teachers in the state sector now face an impossible diktat .
Williamson said primary schools need to provide three hours a day on average of remote education , and secondary schools four hours .
“ Schools will also be expected to check and provide feedback on pupils work at least weekly.
” Fine in theory , but when the pupils disappear from the radar – and it is usually the disadvantaged pupils who do – are teachers supposed to make home visits to check up ?
The policy is unexceptional , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools with low pupil-teacher ratios who can operate it .
Even if students are not excluded by Covid , there are also growing pressures on school heads , teachers and students as a result of the pandemic .
These pressures will impact on the mental health of students who have already faced a unique set of circumstances .
There was remarkably little discussion by MPs on the mental impact of thrusting students after major disruption to face the silent challenge of doing exams against the clock .
Williamson ’ s proposal to space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agony .
Williamson ’ s statement was deficient not only on school policy , but post-school policy .
Kate Green asked : “ What discussions is the Secretary of State having with colleges and universities to ensure… additional support these students may need will be in place for next September ?
” .
It will be needed , but perhaps not always the same in all subjects .
Labour should extend its attack from schools to the transition post-school .
On one point Williamson is right : England needs its exam system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge that the increased inequality developed by accident last summer will be firmed up – perhaps permanently – next summer .
The Tories are scandalously dismissive of the devolved administrations , but on education this is more than usually dangerous for them .
Once Wales decided to suspend exams in 2021 , there was a competitor in the field of pandemic operations .
If Johnson , Williamson and their Brexit backbenchers continue to insist on an exam system that gives no sign of being a level playing field , they should expect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart operator might give in now and do what Wales has done .

Gavin Williamson’s statement on the 2021 school exams and the pandemic last week refused to follow the sensible Welsh decision to suspend operations. He thus made a bad situation worse. Kate Green was quite right to say that “today’s announcement still bakes in fundamental inequalities between students who have suffered different levels of disruption to their learning”.
Indeed, the ad hoc systems thrown together to replace exams in the first lockdown, understandably operated in haste, reinforced inequality. As Green said, “while grades rose across the board, some pupils – particularly those in private schools – were more likely to see a sharp rise”. Williamson’s first mistake was during the summer, when the government made no attempt to find out why this happened. His second mistake is to fail to adapt to reality.
Green was right to say that if Williamson’s policy of releasing information on the course topics to be examined is followed this will “at best benefit pupils at random” and at worst “mean that pupils who faced the greatest disruption to their learning lost the most”. In the debate, Robert Halfon, Tory chair of the education select committee, pointed out that 798,000 pupils in state funded schools were not in school for Covid-related reasons on Thursday, November 26th, the latest date for which data was available. Absences have considerable implications for all areas of teaching. The psychological impact of being out school is considerable, and loneliness is a growing threat to pupils.
Exams are not exempt. The policy deficiencies start with Williamson’s plan to push back the start by three weeks. Extending the exam deadline for a few weeks is useless. Four months teaching was lost in the first lockdown, March to July, which could not be recovered in weeks. Now the pandemic has returned, syllabus coverage is declining for many students.
It is a fundamental educational principle that students cannot be examined on material they have not been taught. The only students who may have covered the full syllabus are those in boarding schools or who have paid coaching. The MPs put great reliance on laptops being issued for distance learning, but a computer is only a box with equipment inside. Unless the student can access and use the teaching programmes, they have little value.
The Open University employs distance learning to great effect, but puts in massive resources to make sure the students – all adults – know how to use the teaching materials. State schools do not have the resources to provide students with systematic training to benefit from learning programmes, and only the private sector – 7% of students – have the money to invest. Where remote learning is concerned, many teachers in the state sector now face an impossible diktat.
Williamson said primary schools need to provide three hours a day on average of remote education, and secondary schools four hours. “Schools will also be expected to check and provide feedback on pupils work at least weekly.” Fine in theory, but when the pupils disappear from the radar – and it is usually the disadvantaged pupils who do – are teachers supposed to make home visits to check up? The policy is unexceptional, but it will be private and boarding schools with low pupil-teacher ratios who can operate it.
Even if students are not excluded by Covid, there are also growing pressures on school heads, teachers and students as a result of the pandemic. These pressures will impact on the mental health of students who have already faced a unique set of circumstances. There was remarkably little discussion by MPs on the mental impact of thrusting students after major disruption to face the silent challenge of doing exams against the clock. Williamson’s proposal to space the exams further apart merely prolongs the agony.
Williamson’s statement was deficient not only on school policy, but post-school policy. Kate Green asked: “What discussions is the Secretary of State having with colleges and universities to ensure… additional support these students may need will be in place for next September?”. It will be needed, but perhaps not always the same in all subjects. Labour should extend its attack from schools to the transition post-school.
On one point Williamson is right: England needs its exam system. But he has failed to answer the charge that the increased inequality developed by accident last summer will be firmed up – perhaps permanently – next summer. The Tories are scandalously dismissive of the devolved administrations, but on education this is more than usually dangerous for them. Once Wales decided to suspend exams in 2021, there was a competitor in the field of pandemic operations. If Johnson, Williamson and their Brexit backbenchers continue to insist on an exam system that gives no sign of being a level playing field, they should expect to be compared with the Welsh. A smart operator might give in now and do what Wales has done.


labourlist--2020-12-08--Starmer unveils Christmas card paying tribute to key workers

Keir Starmer has unveiled his Christmas card featuring both him and his wife Victoria paying tribute to NHS staff , carers and key workers in the pandemic outside their home in London earlier this year .
Reiterating his thanks to those workers in the Covid crisis , the Labour leader described the moment in the image as one of “ huge national solidarity ” .
The photograph was taken during the first wave of cases in the UK .
Commenting on the workers on the frontline in the health crisis , Starmer said today : “ We continue to owe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt of gratitude .
Their courage and dedication in the face of this virus has been truly incredible .
“ This Christmas , carers and emergency workers , alongside our armed forces and other key workers , will step up yet again .
They will sacrifice precious time with their families to keep us safe .
“ We must repay them , not just with our gratitude , but by fighting for fair pay and conditions for all those who have given so much to help our country through this pandemic.
” Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pay freeze proposed by the government for millions of public sector workers , as well as backing trade union demand for a real living wage of £10 per hour .
Rishi Sunak announced at the spending review that 2.5 million public sector staff will see their pay frozen , including 90 % of police , 80 % of fire service and 75 % of prison officers , 80 % of secondary and 75 % primary school teachers .
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds slammed the decision after the Chancellor “ stood on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier in the year , and she warned that the freeze would take a “ sledgehammer to consumer confidence ” .
The opposition party has highlighted research that last month found three quarters of care workers earned less than the real living wage on the eve of the pandemic .
Angela Rayner described the level of pay at the time as “ absolutely unconscionable ” .
The Labour Party has also reiterated the call from Starmer for a “ comprehensive national action plan ” for the roll-out of the Covid vaccine .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals today .
The Labour leader declared last month that “ we need to pull everybody together ” and pledged to “ work constructively with the government ” to deliver a plan for the roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine across the UK .
Jeremy Corbyn released a Christmas card last year designed by a nine-year-old with cystic fibrosis , Luis Walker , and vowed to take on big pharmaceutical companies as Walker had initially been denied life-saving treatment .
The former Labour leader struck an optimistic note with an earlier card released in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theresa May that year .
He said at the time the party was looking forward to entering 2018 “ as a government in waiting ” .
This followed Corbyn ’ s card in 2016 , a turbulent year for the party during which the then Labour leader won a second leadership contest after a failed coup .
The design featured a minimalist drawing of a dove carrying an olive branch .
Now Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband opted for a family picture in his 2015 Christmas card , which of course came ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , picturing him alongside his wife and two children .
The latest message bearing Christmas wishes from current Labour leader Keir Starmer is perhaps predictably concerned with the ongoing pandemic in the UK .
LabourList is sorry to report it has not yet received a card .

Keir Starmer has unveiled his Christmas card featuring both him and his wife Victoria paying tribute to NHS staff, carers and key workers in the pandemic outside their home in London earlier this year.
Reiterating his thanks to those workers in the Covid crisis, the Labour leader described the moment in the image as one of “huge national solidarity”. The photograph was taken during the first wave of cases in the UK.
Commenting on the workers on the frontline in the health crisis, Starmer said today: “We continue to owe our carers and key workers a huge debt of gratitude. Their courage and dedication in the face of this virus has been truly incredible.
“This Christmas, carers and emergency workers, alongside our armed forces and other key workers, will step up yet again. They will sacrifice precious time with their families to keep us safe.
“We must repay them, not just with our gratitude, but by fighting for fair pay and conditions for all those who have given so much to help our country through this pandemic.”
Labour has pledged today to continue campaigning against the pay freeze proposed by the government for millions of public sector workers, as well as backing trade union demand for a real living wage of £10 per hour.
Rishi Sunak announced at the spending review that 2.5 million public sector staff will see their pay frozen, including 90% of police, 80% of fire service and 75% of prison officers, 80% of secondary and 75% primary school teachers.
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds slammed the decision after the Chancellor “stood on his doorstep and clapped for key workers” earlier in the year, and she warned that the freeze would take a “sledgehammer to consumer confidence”.
The opposition party has highlighted research that last month found three quarters of care workers earned less than the real living wage on the eve of the pandemic. Angela Rayner described the level of pay at the time as “absolutely unconscionable”.
The Labour Party has also reiterated the call from Starmer for a “comprehensive national action plan” for the roll-out of the Covid vaccine. The first Pfizer/BioNTech jab has been administered in hospitals today.
The Labour leader declared last month that “we need to pull everybody together” and pledged to “work constructively with the government” to deliver a plan for the roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine across the UK.
Jeremy Corbyn released a Christmas card last year designed by a nine-year-old with cystic fibrosis, Luis Walker, and vowed to take on big pharmaceutical companies as Walker had initially been denied life-saving treatment.
The former Labour leader struck an optimistic note with an earlier card released in 2017 after the snap election called by Theresa May that year. He said at the time the party was looking forward to entering 2018 “as a government in waiting”.
This followed Corbyn’s card in 2016, a turbulent year for the party during which the then Labour leader won a second leadership contest after a failed coup. The design featured a minimalist drawing of a dove carrying an olive branch.
Now Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband opted for a family picture in his 2015 Christmas card, which of course came ahead of the general election later that year, picturing him alongside his wife and two children.
The latest message bearing Christmas wishes from current Labour leader Keir Starmer is perhaps predictably concerned with the ongoing pandemic in the UK. LabourList is sorry to report it has not yet received a card.


labourlist--2020-12-08--WATCH: Drakeford welcomes vaccine roll-out as “glimmer of light”

Mark Drakeford has welcomed the administration of the first coronavirus vaccinations as a “ glimmer of light at the end of what is still a long and quite dark tunnel ” in the fight against the global pandemic .
Commenting on the roll-out of the vaccine in a Sky News interview this morning , the Welsh First Minister praised those working to deliver the jabs but warned that they are “ not a substitute ” for all the Covid restrictions in place .
Drakeford told viewers : “ In Wales , we ’ ve been preparing for this day since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by workers right across Wales , complex supply chains , skilled people at the delivery end .
“ And a day for me to say thank you to all of them for the enormous efforts they ’ ve made and a glimmer of light at the end of what is still a long and quite dark tunnel.
” There are currently more than 1,800 people in Welsh hospitals with confirmed or suspected coronavirus .
This is the highest number recorded in the devolved nation and 400 more than the peak in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Welsh government announced additional Covid restrictions at the end of last month , with all cafes , pubs , bars and restaurants in Wales required to close their doors at 6pm and banned from selling alcohol at any time .
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has described the situation as “ incredibly serious ” and has accepted that more restrictions to suppress the spread of the virus might be needed , possibly in the period leading up to Christmas .
On the cases in Wales , Drakeford said : “ We face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s why we had to take the actions that we did last week in placing restrictions on our hospitality industry .
“ The number are far too high , we have to do things now to deal with those .
Vaccination will come to our aid in the New Year starting from today , but it is not a substitute for all the things that everybody in Wales and indeed across the UK needs to do .
“ We ’ re still in the grip of a global pandemic… The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different 2021 but the path from here to there is still a difficult one in which everybody needs to play their part.
” On the practicalities of distributing the vaccine , he said : “ The rollout is our responsibility here in Wales .
We ’ ve had help from the army particularly with logistics and planning and it has genuinely been a four nation effort .
“ Our health minister meeting with Robin Swan and others very regularly on a weekly basis right through November , meeting again today I think .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine .
“ So , in that sense , its a common effort facing the common problem that is here in all parts of the UK.
” UK Labour leader Keir Starmer hailed today as “ momentous ” .
Taking to social media earlier today , he tweeted : “ There is light at the end of the tunnel .
It is crucial we all continue to stay safe by following public health advice .
”

Mark Drakeford has welcomed the administration of the first coronavirus vaccinations as a “glimmer of light at the end of what is still a long and quite dark tunnel” in the fight against the global pandemic.
Commenting on the roll-out of the vaccine in a Sky News interview this morning, the Welsh First Minister praised those working to deliver the jabs but warned that they are “not a substitute” for all the Covid restrictions in place.
Drakeford told viewers: “In Wales, we’ve been preparing for this day since May of this year – enormous effort by workers right across Wales, complex supply chains, skilled people at the delivery end.
“And a day for me to say thank you to all of them for the enormous efforts they’ve made and a glimmer of light at the end of what is still a long and quite dark tunnel.”
“A glimmer of light at the end of what is still a long and quite dark tunnel.”@fmwales, Mark Drakeford explains that Wales has been preparing for a #coronavirus vaccine rollout since May. Get the latest on #COVID19: https://t.co/W5Gk1IqLzX pic.twitter.com/Lv2GhkNW0J — Sky News (@SkyNews) December 8, 2020
There are currently more than 1,800 people in Welsh hospitals with confirmed or suspected coronavirus. This is the highest number recorded in the devolved nation and 400 more than the peak in the first wave of the virus in April.
The Welsh government announced additional Covid restrictions at the end of last month, with all cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in Wales required to close their doors at 6pm and banned from selling alcohol at any time.
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has described the situation as “incredibly serious” and has accepted that more restrictions to suppress the spread of the virus might be needed, possibly in the period leading up to Christmas.
On the cases in Wales, Drakeford said: “We face a very difficult position here in Wales. It’s why we had to take the actions that we did last week in placing restrictions on our hospitality industry.
“The number are far too high, we have to do things now to deal with those. Vaccination will come to our aid in the New Year starting from today, but it is not a substitute for all the things that everybody in Wales and indeed across the UK needs to do.
“We’re still in the grip of a global pandemic… The vaccine offers us all hope for a different 2021 but the path from here to there is still a difficult one in which everybody needs to play their part.”
“We are still in the grip of a global pandemic.”@fmwales, Mark Drakeford says the vaccine offers “hope” for 2021, but warns everyone still needs to “play their part” to stop the spread of #coronavirus. Get the latest on #COVID19: https://t.co/W5Gk1IqLzX pic.twitter.com/twXkMlk5ut — Sky News (@SkyNews) December 8, 2020
On the practicalities of distributing the vaccine, he said: “The rollout is our responsibility here in Wales. We’ve had help from the army particularly with logistics and planning and it has genuinely been a four nation effort.
“Our health minister meeting with Robin Swan and others very regularly on a weekly basis right through November, meeting again today I think. And focusing on the practicalities of delivering the vaccine.
“So, in that sense, its a common effort facing the common problem that is here in all parts of the UK.”
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer hailed today as “momentous”. Taking to social media earlier today, he tweeted: “There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is crucial we all continue to stay safe by following public health advice.”


labourlist--2020-12-08--V-Day arrives as UK hospitals begin roll-out of Pfizer/BioNTech jab

The first Pfizer/BioNTech jab was administered to a 90-year-old woman this morning , marking the start of the roll-out .
A historic day in the fight against Covid .
But , as we have been reminded by the Prime Minister and Matt Hancock , there is a long way to go .
Labour has welcomed the news , with Jonathan Ashworth calling for us to head outside and clap the medical scientists and clinical researchers in the same way we did health and care workers .
But the Shadow Health Secretary also urged the government to clarify when residents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when new vaccination centres will open and when local GPs will start administering jabs – questions that will surely come to dominate the coming months .
The UK is armed with a vaccine , but the crisis is far from over .
The PM and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday agreed over the phone that the “ conditions for finalising an agreement are not there ” on post-Brexit trade talks .
Differences remain over the ‘ level playing field ’ , governance and fisheries .
Boris Johnson is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Downing Street has not confirmed exactly when but tomorrow looks likely since the European Council is due to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday , at which it will want to sign off any deal .
Labour used an urgent parliamentary question yesterday to remind the PM that the country is waiting for that ‘ oven-ready ’ deal promised last December .
Meanwhile , The Guardian has reported that Keir Starmer is expected to whip in favour of backing any deal despite eight members of his shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s strategy .
MPs voted last night to reinsert the controversial sections of the internal market bill , which would allow the UK to unilaterally rewrite parts of the withdrawal agreement and break international law , after they were removed by the Lords last month .
The vote took place just hours after the PM offered to remove clauses 44 , 45 and 47 at a later date if an agreement with the EU can be reached .
But , as Ed Miliband pointed out during the debate , significant reputational damage has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row over the legislation as “ embarrassing and toxic ” for the UK and argued it was no surprise that the “ beginnings of the climbdown ” were now happening .
He added : “ If there is one thing this whole sorry saga has shown the world beyond any doubt , is that with this government their word is not their bond .
They can not be trusted because they are willing to rip up international agreements they made less than a year ago.
” The bill will now head back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an apology for her comments on same-sex marriage on Friday , which saw her resign her role as shadow faith minister yesterday .
The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Daby had argued there should be a conscience clause to protect people of faith being penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks for religious reasons .
Announcing her decision to resign , the Lewisham East MP tweeted : “ I ’ m proud to support same-sex marriages .
On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships , and all the progress we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my misjudged comments on Friday , and have decided to resign as shadow faith minister.
” Labour ’ s national executive committee yesterday afternoon agreed the draft action plan on tackling antisemitism to be presented to the Equality and Human Rights Commission .
It comes after Labour was served with an unlawful act notice in late October and given six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings of the report by the equality body .
LabourList understands that the plan , outlining steps around changing Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week and implementation will begin once agreed by the EHRC .
LabourList has also been told that the party is not allowed to publish the draft as it is not the action plan until it secures EHRC approval .
Whether the final approved plan will be released has not yet been decided .
Find details of the plan ’ s content and the NEC meeting in Sienna ’ s write up .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The first Pfizer/BioNTech jab was administered to a 90-year-old woman this morning, marking the start of the roll-out. A historic day in the fight against Covid. But, as we have been reminded by the Prime Minister and Matt Hancock, there is a long way to go. Labour has welcomed the news, with Jonathan Ashworth calling for us to head outside and clap the medical scientists and clinical researchers in the same way we did health and care workers. But the Shadow Health Secretary also urged the government to clarify when residents in care homes will get the vaccine, when new vaccination centres will open and when local GPs will start administering jabs – questions that will surely come to dominate the coming months. The UK is armed with a vaccine, but the crisis is far from over.
The PM and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday agreed over the phone that the “conditions for finalising an agreement are not there” on post-Brexit trade talks. Differences remain over the ‘level playing field’, governance and fisheries. Boris Johnson is set to pack his bags and head to Brussels this week. Downing Street has not confirmed exactly when but tomorrow looks likely since the European Council is due to hold its final summit of the year on Thursday, at which it will want to sign off any deal. Labour used an urgent parliamentary question yesterday to remind the PM that the country is waiting for that ‘oven-ready’ deal promised last December. Meanwhile, The Guardian has reported that Keir Starmer is expected to whip in favour of backing any deal despite eight members of his shadow cabinet expressing doubts over the party’s strategy.
MPs voted last night to reinsert the controversial sections of the internal market bill, which would allow the UK to unilaterally rewrite parts of the withdrawal agreement and break international law, after they were removed by the Lords last month. The vote took place just hours after the PM offered to remove clauses 44, 45 and 47 at a later date if an agreement with the EU can be reached. But, as Ed Miliband pointed out during the debate, significant reputational damage has already been done. He described the row over the legislation as “embarrassing and toxic” for the UK and argued it was no surprise that the “beginnings of the climbdown” were now happening. He added: “If there is one thing this whole sorry saga has shown the world beyond any doubt, is that with this government their word is not their bond. They cannot be trusted because they are willing to rip up international agreements they made less than a year ago.” The bill will now head back to the Lords.
Janet Daby has issued an apology for her comments on same-sex marriage on Friday, which saw her resign her role as shadow faith minister yesterday. The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Daby had argued there should be a conscience clause to protect people of faith being penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks for religious reasons. Announcing her decision to resign, the Lewisham East MP tweeted: “I’m proud to support same-sex marriages. On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships, and all the progress we’ve made since. I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday, and have decided to resign as shadow faith minister.”
Labour’s national executive committee yesterday afternoon agreed the draft action plan on tackling antisemitism to be presented to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. It comes after Labour was served with an unlawful act notice in late October and given six weeks to produce an action plan in response to the findings of the report by the equality body. LabourList understands that the plan, outlining steps around changing Labour’s procedures and culture, will be submitted this week and implementation will begin once agreed by the EHRC. LabourList has also been told that the party is not allowed to publish the draft as it is not the action plan until it secures EHRC approval. Whether the final approved plan will be released has not yet been decided. Find details of the plan’s content and the NEC meeting in Sienna’s write up. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-12-09--Labour demands action as report shows “appalling” rise in destitution

Jonathan Reynolds has called on the government to provide more support for families struggling over the winter this year following the publication of a new report showing an “ appalling ” rise in the number of people facing destitution .
Responding to a report released by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , the Labour frontbencher reiterated the party ’ s demands for urgent changes to be made to welfare to better support families facing hardship in the pandemic .
The analysis by the charity found that destitution rose by 54 % between 2017 and 2019 and that 2.4 million people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over half a million children , before coronavirus hit the country .
Commenting on the report published by the organisation today , Labour ’ s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary declared : “ No child in Britain should be hungry or without essentials .
“ The government must do more to support struggling families who are facing real hardship this winter .
They must see sense and scrap the planned cut to Universal Credit , which will take £20 a week from six million families.
” According to the analysis from the JRF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 % – experiencing destitution were in paid work , and the phenomenon became more concentrated in the northern regions over the two-year period .
The report identified inadequate benefit levels and debt deductions , particularly the repayable Universal Credit loan many people are forced to borrow to cover the five-week wait for the benefit , as key drivers of destitution .
Reynolds added : “ We urge the government to end the disastrous five-week wait , which is pushing people into debt , as well as increase support for those on legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , who have had no additional support throughout this crisis.
” Claimants can apply for a Universal Credit loan to see them through the five-week waiting period for the benefit payments to begin .
But this is repayable via deductions to the subsequent payments that an applicant receives .
The number of people on the benefit has more than doubled over the course of the pandemic , with 5.7 million people in receipt of Universal Credit in October .
Around 1.3 million claimants were issued with loans between March and June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes to the social security system earlier this year , including scrapping the five-week wait .
Food bank network Trussell Trust has called for a freeze to the deductions from payments .
Labour warned that recent figures , showing that half of all households visiting food banks have struggled to afford essential goods as a result of repaying debt accrued through the benefit , is a sign that Universal Credit is “ clearly failing ” .
Commenting on the research released by JRF this morning , director of the organisation Helen Barnard said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people are going through this distressing and degrading experience , and we should not tolerate it.
” She added : “ We can and must do more .
The pandemic has shown just how much we want to look out for each other in difficult times , but the sobering truth is that even before Covid-19 hit , the number of people in destitution was rising sharply.
” Barnard said the current welfare system is not doing enough to protect people and called on the government to confirm that the £20 uplift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in March , will not be cut from April next year .
The government raised the standard allowance for the benefit by £20 a week for a year .
This resulted in an income rise of just over £1,000 per year , with the rate for a single claimant over the age of 25 up from £317.82 to £409.89 per month .
But the measure is only set to last for 12 months and the increase is due to be cut next year .
Despite calls from charities and Labour to retain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the benefit during his spending review last month .
The report released by the charity this morning is the third in a series of ‘ destitution in the UK ’ studies , published every two years by the foundation and undertaken by Heriot-Watt University .
It consists of a survey taken at the end of 2019 and interviews with 70 people in spring 2020 .
A household is considered destitute when it can not afford two or more of the essentials needed to survive , such as food and shelter .

Jonathan Reynolds has called on the government to provide more support for families struggling over the winter this year following the publication of a new report showing an “appalling” rise in the number of people facing destitution.
Responding to a report released by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Labour frontbencher reiterated the party’s demands for urgent changes to be made to welfare to better support families facing hardship in the pandemic.
The analysis by the charity found that destitution rose by 54% between 2017 and 2019 and that 2.4 million people – including over half a million children – were experiencing “extreme hardship” before coronavirus hit the country.
Commenting on the report published by the organisation today, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary declared: “No child in Britain should be hungry or without essentials.
“The government must do more to support struggling families who are facing real hardship this winter. They must see sense and scrap the planned cut to Universal Credit, which will take £20 a week from six million families.”
According to the analysis from the JRF today, one in seven people – 14% – experiencing destitution were in paid work, and the phenomenon became more concentrated in the northern regions over the two-year period.
The report identified inadequate benefit levels and debt deductions, particularly the repayable Universal Credit loan many people are forced to borrow to cover the five-week wait for the benefit, as key drivers of destitution.
Reynolds added: “We urge the government to end the disastrous five-week wait, which is pushing people into debt, as well as increase support for those on legacy benefits, such as carers and disabled people, who have had no additional support throughout this crisis.”
Claimants can apply for a Universal Credit loan to see them through the five-week waiting period for the benefit payments to begin. But this is repayable via deductions to the subsequent payments that an applicant receives.
The number of people on the benefit has more than doubled over the course of the pandemic, with 5.7 million people in receipt of Universal Credit in October. Around 1.3 million claimants were issued with loans between March and June.
Labour urged the government to make five changes to the social security system earlier this year, including scrapping the five-week wait. Food bank network Trussell Trust has called for a freeze to the deductions from payments.
Labour warned that recent figures, showing that half of all households visiting food banks have struggled to afford essential goods as a result of repaying debt accrued through the benefit, is a sign that Universal Credit is “clearly failing”.
Commenting on the research released by JRF this morning, director of the organisation Helen Barnard said: “It is appalling that so many people are going through this distressing and degrading experience, and we should not tolerate it.”
She added: “We can and must do more. The pandemic has shown just how much we want to look out for each other in difficult times, but the sobering truth is that even before Covid-19 hit, the number of people in destitution was rising sharply.”
Barnard said the current welfare system is not doing enough to protect people and called on the government to confirm that the £20 uplift to Universal Credit, granted by the government in March, will not be cut from April next year.
The government raised the standard allowance for the benefit by £20 a week for a year. This resulted in an income rise of just over £1,000 per year, with the rate for a single claimant over the age of 25 up from £317.82 to £409.89 per month.
But the measure is only set to last for 12 months and the increase is due to be cut next year. Despite calls from charities and Labour to retain the uplift, Rishi Sunak remained silent on the benefit during his spending review last month.
The report released by the charity this morning is the third in a series of ‘destitution in the UK’ studies, published every two years by the foundation and undertaken by Heriot-Watt University.
It consists of a survey taken at the end of 2019 and interviews with 70 people in spring 2020. A household is considered destitute when it cannot afford two or more of the essentials needed to survive, such as food and shelter.


labourlist--2020-12-08--Exclusive: Labour thanks local party officers enforcing ban on motions

Labour ’ s general secretary David Evans has thanked local party officers who have implemented his guidance on motions criticising the suspension of the whip from former leader Jeremy Corbyn , LabourList can reveal .
Evans told local party secretaries , chairs , MPs , MSPs and MSPs in November that motions on the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – would be “ ruled out of order ” .
He said such items for debate were “ providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party ’ s ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all members , in particular our Jewish members ” .
“ Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary , I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties , but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place , ” Evans wrote .
In a new email sent today to party and branch secretaries and chairs , MPs , MSs and MSPs , the general secretary has thanked those officers who have been implementing this guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard .
“ I can understand the desire of people to discuss contentious and controversial issues that they feel deeply about , ” Evans has said .
But he has stressed that the Labour Party was found to have broken the law in its handling of antisemitism .
Amid criticism by some members of the limits imposed , he has concluded that “ our responsibility ” towards those who “ continue to feel unwelcome and unsafe ” in party meetings “ must take precedence over our rights at this time ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance means the motions ruled out of order “ should not appear on the agenda or any other meeting papers ” and should not require chairs to make rulings themselves on the motions .
A number of local party officers and other members have been suspended from Labour since the EHRC report was published and Evans set restrictions on motions relating to the antisemitism investigation and Corbyn ’ s whip .
Recent suspensions include locally elected officers Nick Rogers , chair of Tottenham Labour ; Will McMahon , chair of Chipping Barnet Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair Pete Firmin and vice-chair Bridget Dunne .
Pending investigation , a further three Chipping Barnet members have also been suspended from the party , as well as Chingford and Woodford Green ’ s chair Gary Lafley and vice-chair Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi .
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell declared that he would be willing to be a witness at a party disciplinary hearing for Wimborne-Idrissi , a Jewish Voice for Labour activist , after she was suspended last week .
Former Labour parliamentary candidate Faiza Shaheen , who fought for the party Chingford and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also spoke out against the suspension , adding that she knew Wimborne-Idrissi personally .
Many of the suspensions have occurred after local parties have defied the guidance on motions relating to Corbyn , and some parties have been told the ban includes motions expressing no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer .
Other suspensions have taken place not due to motions being heard but after complaints have been submitted over comments made at local meetings about antisemitism in the party , such as in Wimborne-Idrissi ’ s case .
Momentum and Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motions .
Richard Burgon has described it as a “ clampdown on legitimate discussion ” , saying : “ It ’ s a basic democratic right that members can decide what they discuss.
” But the Jewish Labour Movement , a party-affiliated organisation , has expressed concern over such motions and in November offered its members “ practical guidance in line with our duty of care ” in response to such discussions .
Below is the full text of the latest message from David Evans .
I wanted to put on record my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been implementing the guidance around motions that I circulated recently .
The Labour Party is dependent on the hard work of its volunteer officers , and only with your support will we succeed in changing the culture of the party and making sure our meetings are a welcome space for all .
I can understand the desire of people to discuss contentious and controversial issues that they feel deeply about .
But to be clear , the Labour Party was found guilty of breaking the law on antisemitism .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs until we satisfy the EHRC that we have fully addressed the issues that meant our party is not a safe space for Jewish members .
Just as we should have zero tolerance for all forms of racism , homophobia , sexual harassment and other prejudicial behaviour , our responsibility to double down on anything that may cause members to continue to feel unwelcome and unsafe must take precedence over our rights at this time .
I also wanted to confirm that the effect of my guidance was to rule motions on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means they should not appear on the agenda or any other meeting papers , and that there is no requirement for chairs of meetings to make rulings ( nor should there be any resulting challenges to such rulings ) .
I hope this clarification will help avoid any further unnecessary confrontation .

Labour’s general secretary David Evans has thanked local party officers who have implemented his guidance on motions criticising the suspension of the whip from former leader Jeremy Corbyn, LabourList can reveal.
Evans told local party secretaries, chairs, MPs, MSPs and MSPs in November that motions on the suspension of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn – including expressions of solidarity – would be “ruled out of order”.
He said such items for debate were “providing a flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all members, in particular our Jewish members”.
“Please rest assured that when I took up post as general secretary, I had no desire at all to hamper discussion by our local parties, but until we can improve our culture such restrictions may be required to stay in place,” Evans wrote.
In a new email sent today to party and branch secretaries and chairs, MPs, MSs and MSPs, the general secretary has thanked those officers who have been implementing this guidance by not allowing the motions to be heard.
“I can understand the desire of people to discuss contentious and controversial issues that they feel deeply about,” Evans has said. But he has stressed that the Labour Party was found to have broken the law in its handling of antisemitism.
Amid criticism by some members of the limits imposed, he has concluded that “our responsibility” towards those who “continue to feel unwelcome and unsafe” in party meetings “must take precedence over our rights at this time”.
The general secretary has also clarified that his guidance means the motions ruled out of order “should not appear on the agenda or any other meeting papers” and should not require chairs to make rulings themselves on the motions.
A number of local party officers and other members have been suspended from Labour since the EHRC report was published and Evans set restrictions on motions relating to the antisemitism investigation and Corbyn’s whip.
Recent suspensions include locally elected officers Nick Rogers, chair of Tottenham Labour; Will McMahon, chair of Chipping Barnet Labour; Hampstead and Kilburn Labour’s chair Pete Firmin and vice-chair Bridget Dunne.
Pending investigation, a further three Chipping Barnet members have also been suspended from the party, as well as Chingford and Woodford Green’s chair Gary Lafley and vice-chair Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi.
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell declared that he would be willing to be a witness at a party disciplinary hearing for Wimborne-Idrissi, a Jewish Voice for Labour activist, after she was suspended last week.
Former Labour parliamentary candidate Faiza Shaheen, who fought for the party Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2019 general election, also spoke out against the suspension, adding that she knew Wimborne-Idrissi personally.
Many of the suspensions have occurred after local parties have defied the guidance on motions relating to Corbyn, and some parties have been told the ban includes motions expressing no confidence in Evans or Keir Starmer.
Other suspensions have taken place not due to motions being heard but after complaints have been submitted over comments made at local meetings about antisemitism in the party, such as in Wimborne-Idrissi’s case.
Momentum and Labour left figures have criticised the ruling on motions. Richard Burgon has described it as a “clampdown on legitimate discussion”, saying: “It’s a basic democratic right that members can decide what they discuss.”
But the Jewish Labour Movement, a party-affiliated organisation, has expressed concern over such motions and in November offered its members “practical guidance in line with our duty of care” in response to such discussions.
Below is the full text of the latest message from David Evans.
FAO: CLP & Branch Secretaries and Chairs, MPs, MSs and MSPs
I wanted to put on record my thanks to the branch and CLP officers who have been implementing the guidance around motions that I circulated recently. The Labour Party is dependent on the hard work of its volunteer officers, and only with your support will we succeed in changing the culture of the party and making sure our meetings are a welcome space for all.
I can understand the desire of people to discuss contentious and controversial issues that they feel deeply about. But to be clear, the Labour Party was found guilty of breaking the law on antisemitism. We are now not trusted to run our own affairs until we satisfy the EHRC that we have fully addressed the issues that meant our party is not a safe space for Jewish members. Just as we should have zero tolerance for all forms of racism, homophobia, sexual harassment and other prejudicial behaviour, our responsibility to double down on anything that may cause members to continue to feel unwelcome and unsafe must take precedence over our rights at this time.
I also wanted to confirm that the effect of my guidance was to rule motions on the topics mentioned out of order. This means they should not appear on the agenda or any other meeting papers, and that there is no requirement for chairs of meetings to make rulings (nor should there be any resulting challenges to such rulings). I hope this clarification will help avoid any further unnecessary confrontation.
Kind regards,
David Evans
General secretary


labourlist--2020-12-08--Meg Hillier: Ministers licensed to act fast during Covid – but not fast and loose

Labour ’ s Meg Hillier , chair of the public accounts committee , has hit back at the government after Matt Hancock dismissed concerns expressed by MPs about government procurement during the coronavirus crisis .
The select committee chair has warned the minister that ignoring the need for transparency in the pandemic is a “ dangerous step ” , and has pointed out that the government was “ licensed to act fast ” but not “ fast and loose ” .
During a Covid-19 update to the House of Commons today , the Health Secretary was asked about the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ lack of adequate documentation ” in procuring Covid suppliers .
The NAO concluded that it could not “ give assurance that government has adequately mitigated the increased risks arising from emergency procurement or applied appropriate commercial practices in all cases ” .
In the chamber this afternoon , Labour MP Nick Smith said : “ It ’ s brilliant that the vaccine programme is beginning .
Unfortunately there are real question marks over who is benefiting from some of the Covid-19 contracts.
” Following the update on vaccinations , the MP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will the Secretary of State ensure that cronyism and profiteering do not become features of this stage of the Covid-19 response ?
” The Health Secretary replied abruptly : “ Well , thankfully , as the NAO set out , they haven ’ t been a feature of any of the response to coronavirus .
So that ’ s good.
” He did not go on to answer Smith ’ s question .
Hiller , who chairs the public accounts committee that oversees and scrutinises government spending , asked Hancock to “ commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contracts and all the paperwork that goes with it ” .
Hancock replied : “ Of course I will defend to the end the work that we did to get the [ personal protective equipment ] roll-out , to which she refers.
” He added that the priority contracts were “ all done through the proper processes ” .
Addressing the MP ’ s additional question on whether private companies are involved in the vaccine roll-out , the minister added : “ She asks whether private companies will be involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer or BioNTech , the people who came up with and are manufacturing this vaccine .
Without them , we wouldn ’ t have a vaccine at all , and a bit of a thank you would do well from the chair of the public accounts committee.
” Hiller later told LabourList : “ Rather than acknowledging the NAO ’ s findings that there were issues with transparency and a lack of documentation on decisions including why particular suppliers were chosen , ministers continue to throw up sand and defend at best sloppy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PAC ’ s role is to help keep government honest and safeguard taxpayers ’ interests .
Because of the urgency in March the government was licensed to act fast , but that did not mean it should act fast and loose.
” On the issue of thanks , Hiller added : “ If he was listening , Matt Hancock would have heard me celebrate the achievement of the vaccine , but to ignore and argue about the need for openness and transparency in relation to future contracts is a dangerous step .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for proper accountability .
Matt Hancock has overseen PPE procurement and test track and trace , he should be contrite and honest about the failings on his watch.
” Labour has challenged Conservative ministers over the amount of taxpayer money wasted buying unusable PPE during the pandemic after the government admitted buying 184 million items not fit for purpose .
Keir Starmer has used Prime Minister ’ s Questions to accuse Boris Johnson of “ spraying public money at contracts ” , while Anneliese Dodds has highlighted that Tory failure to stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £10bn .
The NAO report found that half of all Covid contracts , worth £10.5bn , have been handed out without a competitive tender process and that applicants with political contacts were ten times more likely to be successful .
The public accounts committee is a cross-party including nine Conservative MPs , five Labour MPs , one SNP and one Lib Dem .
The NAO is an independent parliamentary body that carries out value for money audits .
The Good Law Project has detailed how special pathways outside of the normal procurement process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic to help “ VIPs ” win lucrative government contracts for PPE .

Labour’s Meg Hillier, chair of the public accounts committee, has hit back at the government after Matt Hancock dismissed concerns expressed by MPs about government procurement during the coronavirus crisis.
The select committee chair has warned the minister that ignoring the need for transparency in the pandemic is a “dangerous step”, and has pointed out that the government was “licensed to act fast” but not “fast and loose”.
During a Covid-19 update to the House of Commons today, the Health Secretary was asked about the recent National Audit Office report that found a “lack of adequate documentation” in procuring Covid suppliers.
The NAO concluded that it could not “give assurance that government has adequately mitigated the increased risks arising from emergency procurement or applied appropriate commercial practices in all cases”.
In the chamber this afternoon, Labour MP Nick Smith said: “It’s brilliant that the vaccine programme is beginning. Unfortunately there are real question marks over who is benefiting from some of the Covid-19 contracts.”
Following the update on vaccinations, the MP for Blaenau Gwent asked Hancock: “How will the Secretary of State ensure that cronyism and profiteering do not become features of this stage of the Covid-19 response?”
The Health Secretary replied abruptly: “Well, thankfully, as the NAO set out, they haven’t been a feature of any of the response to coronavirus. So that’s good.” He did not go on to answer Smith’s question.
Hiller, who chairs the public accounts committee that oversees and scrutinises government spending, asked Hancock to “commit to being open and transparent about publishing the contracts and all the paperwork that goes with it”.
Hancock replied: “Of course I will defend to the end the work that we did to get the [personal protective equipment] roll-out, to which she refers.” He added that the priority contracts were “all done through the proper processes”.
Addressing the MP’s additional question on whether private companies are involved in the vaccine roll-out, the minister added: “She asks whether private companies will be involved in the vaccine roll-out.
“Well, try Pfizer or BioNTech, the people who came up with and are manufacturing this vaccine. Without them, we wouldn’t have a vaccine at all, and a bit of a thank you would do well from the chair of the public accounts committee.”
Hiller later told LabourList: “Rather than acknowledging the NAO’s findings that there were issues with transparency and a lack of documentation on decisions including why particular suppliers were chosen, ministers continue to throw up sand and defend at best sloppy record keeping.
“Part of the PAC’s role is to help keep government honest and safeguard taxpayers’ interests. Because of the urgency in March the government was licensed to act fast, but that did not mean it should act fast and loose.”
On the issue of thanks, Hiller added: “If he was listening, Matt Hancock would have heard me celebrate the achievement of the vaccine, but to ignore and argue about the need for openness and transparency in relation to future contracts is a dangerous step.
“One success does not wipe away the need for proper accountability. Matt Hancock has overseen PPE procurement and test track and trace, he should be contrite and honest about the failings on his watch.”
Labour has challenged Conservative ministers over the amount of taxpayer money wasted buying unusable PPE during the pandemic after the government admitted buying 184 million items not fit for purpose.
Keir Starmer has used Prime Minister’s Questions to accuse Boris Johnson of “spraying public money at contracts”, while Anneliese Dodds has highlighted that Tory failure to stockpile PPE before the crisis cost the taxpayer £10bn.
The NAO report found that half of all Covid contracts, worth £10.5bn, have been handed out without a competitive tender process and that applicants with political contacts were ten times more likely to be successful.
The public accounts committee is a cross-party including nine Conservative MPs, five Labour MPs, one SNP and one Lib Dem. The NAO is an independent parliamentary body that carries out value for money audits.
The Good Law Project has detailed how special pathways outside of the normal procurement process were set up at the height of the pandemic to help “VIPs” win lucrative government contracts for PPE.