labourlist--2020-10-20--Labour MPs call for curriculum to be “decolonised” during Commons debate

Black Labour MPs , including frontbenchers Chi Onwurah and Abena Oppong-Asare , have called on the government during a Commons debate to reform the curriculum to include more Black British history .
Labour parliamentarians used the debate on Black History Month this afternoon to call for more action on racism by the government , with several highlighting the higher Covid risk to BAME people and the need to “ decolonise ” the curriculum .
Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy also criticised the idea that opposing racism is unpatriotic , asking : “ What more love can you have for your country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world for all people to live no matter the colour of their skin ?
” Opening the debate for Labour , newly appointed shadow Treasury minister Oppong-Asare called on the government to do more to combat the effects of structural racism on Black British people .
Commenting on the racism still faced by Black people , she said : “ I am sad to have to stand here and describe how discrimination has continued into the present .
Its impact is still felt on so many lives .
“ Black women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in pregnancy .
Black Caribbean children are three times more likely to be excluded from school .
Black workers with degrees earn almost a quarter less than their counterparts… “ Why is it that year on year these statistics are read out in a debate or in the news and no action is taken ?
That it is still necessary in 2020 for young people to take to the streets to remind us that Black Lives Matter should shame us all.
” The Erith and Thamesfield MP concluded by calling for a race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taskforce to diversify the curriculum .
Her demands were echoed in a later speech by former deputy leadership candidate Dawn Butler .
Butler said : “ At the moment , history is taught to make one group of people feel inferior and another group of people feel superior .
And this has to stop .
We need to look at history and we need to improve it… History needs to be decolonised.
” The Brent MP ’ s contribution sparked controversy on the opposite side of the chamber , with one Conservative MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Butler was ignoring the plight of white slaves throughout history .
Butler replied : “ Whenever there ’ s a discussion about Black history and the enslavement that lasted for decades that was built on the economy… there ’ s always this comparison where people try to compare one form of slavery to another .
“ Especially during Black History Month , it would be progress if someone could just acknowledge the inhumanity that happened .
That they could acknowledge the systemic racism that not only existed then but has a lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ribeiro-Addy reiterated the calls to reform the curriculum and said those who don ’ t think it ’ s necessary “ have to acknowledge how damaging it is not to see yourself reflected in your history ” .
The Streatham MP said : “ This debate is extremely timely because we found recently no subject has received more signatories for parliamentary petitions than that to see Black history taught as part of our history… “ I find myself a little suspicious because I also didn ’ t learn about the miners ’ strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achievements of trade unions in school .
Decolonising our education is every bit about class as it is about race.
” Ribeiro-Addy concluded : “ When I challenge racism in my country , I don ’ t want anyone telling me I don ’ t love my country and I should go back to somewhere else .
Because what more love can you have for your country than to make it the best place in the world for all people to live no matter the colour of their skin ?
” Shadow minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child she never learned about the country ’ s Black history and said she “ would have been hard put to name a dozen famous Black people outside music and sport ” .
She added : “ That is why Black History Month matters… My own achievement of being Newcastle ’ s first Black MP is put into context – I am not an outlier but standing on the shoulders of the many who go before me in our shared past.
” Labour leader Keir Starmer declared his support for changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that Black history “ should not be just one month – it should be a proper part of the curriculum ” .
Onwurah also called on government ministers in the chamber to verify reports that eight times as many Black women were being hospitalised in the city of Newcastle as a result of coronavirus than white women .
Treasury minister Kemi Badenoch , who was representing the government in the Commons , told Onwurah that the concerns would be answered during a parliamentary statement she plans to deliver on Thursday .
Studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionate impact on the Black community .
In one report from the first wave of the pandemic , Black people were found to be almost twice as likely to die from Covid than white people .
Shadow minister Tulip Siddiq stressed during the debate the importance of remembering intersectionality in any approach to racism after Tory MP Bim Afolami spoke of his pride at attending elite private school Eton College .
Alluding to their shared middle-class upbringing , Siddiq asked : “ Is racism not about intersectionality ?
Is it not true that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had different advantages , and that it ’ s just not the same for everyone ?
” A 2016 report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that BAME people were more likely to live in poverty than their white counterparts and often face higher unemployment rates and live in worse accommodation .

Black Labour MPs, including frontbenchers Chi Onwurah and Abena Oppong-Asare, have called on the government during a Commons debate to reform the curriculum to include more Black British history.
Labour parliamentarians used the debate on Black History Month this afternoon to call for more action on racism by the government, with several highlighting the higher Covid risk to BAME people and the need to “decolonise” the curriculum.
Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy also criticised the idea that opposing racism is unpatriotic, asking: “What more love can you have for your country than to make it the best place in the world for all people to live no matter the colour of their skin?”
Opening the debate for Labour, newly appointed shadow Treasury minister Oppong-Asare called on the government to do more to combat the effects of structural racism on Black British people.
Commenting on the racism still faced by Black people, she said: “I am sad to have to stand here and describe how discrimination has continued into the present. Its impact is still felt on so many lives.
“Black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy. Black Caribbean children are three times more likely to be excluded from school. Black workers with degrees earn almost a quarter less than their counterparts…
“Why is it that year on year these statistics are read out in a debate or in the news and no action is taken? That it is still necessary in 2020 for young people to take to the streets to remind us that Black Lives Matter should shame us all.”
The Erith and Thamesfield MP concluded by calling for a race equality strategy from the government and a taskforce to diversify the curriculum. Her demands were echoed in a later speech by former deputy leadership candidate Dawn Butler.
Butler said: “At the moment, history is taught to make one group of people feel inferior and another group of people feel superior. And this has to stop. We need to look at history and we need to improve it… History needs to be decolonised.”
The Brent MP’s contribution sparked controversy on the opposite side of the chamber, with one Conservative MP making a point of order to ask why Butler was ignoring the plight of white slaves throughout history.
Butler replied: “Whenever there’s a discussion about Black history and the enslavement that lasted for decades that was built on the economy… there’s always this comparison where people try to compare one form of slavery to another.
“Especially during Black History Month, it would be progress if someone could just acknowledge the inhumanity that happened. That they could acknowledge the systemic racism that not only existed then but has a lasting legacy now.”
Former shadow immigration minister Ribeiro-Addy reiterated the calls to reform the curriculum and said those who don’t think it’s necessary “have to acknowledge how damaging it is not to see yourself reflected in your history”.
The Streatham MP said: “This debate is extremely timely because we found recently no subject has received more signatories for parliamentary petitions than that to see Black history taught as part of our history…
“I find myself a little suspicious because I also didn’t learn about the miners’ strike, the poll tax riots or the achievements of trade unions in school. Decolonising our education is every bit about class as it is about race.”
Ribeiro-Addy concluded: “When I challenge racism in my country, I don’t want anyone telling me I don’t love my country and I should go back to somewhere else. Because what more love can you have for your country than to make it the best place in the world for all people to live no matter the colour of their skin?”
Shadow minister Chi Onwurah told the Commons that as a child she never learned about the country’s Black history and said she “would have been hard put to name a dozen famous Black people outside music and sport”.
She added: “That is why Black History Month matters… My own achievement of being Newcastle’s first Black MP is put into context – I am not an outlier but standing on the shoulders of the many who go before me in our shared past.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer declared his support for changing the curriculum ahead of Black History Month, saying that Black history “should not be just one month – it should be a proper part of the curriculum”.
Onwurah also called on government ministers in the chamber to verify reports that eight times as many Black women were being hospitalised in the city of Newcastle as a result of coronavirus than white women.
Treasury minister Kemi Badenoch, who was representing the government in the Commons, told Onwurah that the concerns would be answered during a parliamentary statement she plans to deliver on Thursday.
Studies have shown that coronavirus is having a disproportionate impact on the Black community. In one report from the first wave of the pandemic, Black people were found to be almost twice as likely to die from Covid than white people.
Shadow minister Tulip Siddiq stressed during the debate the importance of remembering intersectionality in any approach to racism after Tory MP Bim Afolami spoke of his pride at attending elite private school Eton College.
Alluding to their shared middle-class upbringing, Siddiq asked: “Is racism not about intersectionality? Is it not true that we came from different backgrounds, and had different advantages, and that it’s just not the same for everyone?”
A 2016 report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that BAME people were more likely to live in poverty than their white counterparts and often face higher unemployment rates and live in worse accommodation.


labourlist--2020-10-20--Burnham says “this fight is not over” as government rejects £15m a month plan

Labour mayor Andy Burnham has declared that “ this fight is not over ” after the UK government rejected the proposal to give Greater Manchester £15m a month to prevent poverty while the area is in Tier 3 .
Days of negotiations between the government and Greater Manchester leaders have come to an end with no agreement being reached .
It is understood that ministers were offering a £60m package and would not stretch to £65m .
Burnham and the other local leaders said they had presented a detailed , costed package of measures that would have amounted to government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area soon to enter Tier 3 Covid restrictions .
Delivering a statement to press , in which he said Greater Manchester was prepared to accept £65m , the mayor said : “ It can not be right to close people ’ s place of work , shut somebody ’ s business , without giving them proper support.
” Of the government , Burnham told journalists : “ At two o ’ clock today , they walked away from negotiations .
At no point today were we offered enough to protect the poorest people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am still willing to do a deal , but it can not be on the terms that the government offered today – because on those terms I could not meet the commitments I made to people on the lowest incomes , self-employed , freelancers in this city who need our support.
” He argued that government should “ carry with us ” those people living under coronavirus restrictions rather than “ crush their spirit ” , and reiterated his call for parliament to intervene in favour of a “ fair financial framework @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to secure more support could lower compliance with Covid rules , he concluded : “ Please , everybody , observe the law at all times and follow the public health advice .
Above all else , please look out for each other , as I know you will.
” Burnham was speaking before being told during the press conference that the government was now only extending to the region £8 per head in funding – £38m less than what was being offered in the talks .
ITV ’ s Daniel Hewitt has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about which Greater Manchester MPs have been informed is for test and trace and it is unclear whether or what amount the area will receive in terms of business support .
The local leaders revealed this afternoon that they had still not received a funding offer from the government in writing , and had “ no idea ” which conditions would be attached to the initial £60m funding proposal .
The mayor commented : “ They are just coming up with a figure that works for them , rather than the real cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
Basically , I think this fight is not over .
This fight now goes to parliament.
” Taking questions from press , he said : “ It ’ s a small amount of money to the government , maybe , but it ’ s not a small amount of money to people here , to the public authorities here… We ’ re struggling to run the trams , we ’ re struggling to support people off the streets.
” He added : “ This pandemic has hit the North of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the entrenched poverty that there is in the North of England .
Because Westminster has neglected the North of England for so many years.
” When talks broke down this afternoon , Keir Starmer said : “ The collapse of these talks is a sign of government failure .
The Conservatives have been treating local communities , particularly in the Midlands , North West and North East , and their leaders with contempt .
“ Labour recognises the need for stricter public health restrictions .
However , that must be accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support Andy Burnham in the fight for people ’ s jobs , lives and livelihoods.
” Boris Johnson led a coronavirus press conference from 5pm , following Burnham ’ s 4pm conference , but offered no clarity on the extra support that Greater Manchester is being extended beyond the £22m for test and trace and enforcement .

Labour mayor Andy Burnham has declared that “this fight is not over” after the UK government rejected the proposal to give Greater Manchester £15m a month to prevent poverty while the area is in Tier 3.
Days of negotiations between the government and Greater Manchester leaders have come to an end with no agreement being reached. It is understood that ministers were offering a £60m package and would not stretch to £65m.
Burnham and the other local leaders said they had presented a detailed, costed package of measures that would have amounted to government funding of £15m a month for the area soon to enter Tier 3 Covid restrictions.
Delivering a statement to press, in which he said Greater Manchester was prepared to accept £65m, the mayor said: “It cannot be right to close people’s place of work, shut somebody’s business, without giving them proper support.”
Of the government, Burnham told journalists: “At two o’clock today, they walked away from negotiations. At no point today were we offered enough to protect the poorest people in our communities.
“Even now I am still willing to do a deal, but it cannot be on the terms that the government offered today – because on those terms I could not meet the commitments I made to people on the lowest incomes, self-employed, freelancers in this city who need our support.”
He argued that government should “carry with us” those people living under coronavirus restrictions rather than “crush their spirit”, and reiterated his call for parliament to intervene in favour of a “fair financial framework”.
Warding off the argument that trying to secure more support could lower compliance with Covid rules, he concluded: “Please, everybody, observe the law at all times and follow the public health advice. Above all else, please look out for each other, as I know you will.”
Burnham was speaking before being told during the press conference that the government was now only extending to the region £8 per head in funding – £38m less than what was being offered in the talks.
ITV’s Daniel Hewitt has reported, however, that the £22m about which Greater Manchester MPs have been informed is for test and trace and it is unclear whether or what amount the area will receive in terms of business support.
The local leaders revealed this afternoon that they had still not received a funding offer from the government in writing, and had “no idea” which conditions would be attached to the initial £60m funding proposal.
The mayor commented: “They are just coming up with a figure that works for them, rather than the real cost of supporting people through a Tier 3 lockdown. Basically, I think this fight is not over. This fight now goes to parliament.”
Taking questions from press, he said: “It’s a small amount of money to the government, maybe, but it’s not a small amount of money to people here, to the public authorities here… We’re struggling to run the trams, we’re struggling to support people off the streets.”
He added: “This pandemic has hit the North of England harder than it has other places because of the entrenched poverty that there is in the North of England. Because Westminster has neglected the North of England for so many years.”
When talks broke down this afternoon, Keir Starmer said: “The collapse of these talks is a sign of government failure. The Conservatives have been treating local communities, particularly in the Midlands, North West and North East, and their leaders with contempt.
“Labour recognises the need for stricter public health restrictions. However, that must be accompanied by extra financial support. Labour will continue to support Andy Burnham in the fight for people’s jobs, lives and livelihoods.”
Boris Johnson led a coronavirus press conference from 5pm, following Burnham’s 4pm conference, but offered no clarity on the extra support that Greater Manchester is being extended beyond the £22m for test and trace and enforcement.


labourlist--2020-10-20--Tina Bhartwas: Why I’m standing to be Young Labour’s eastern representative

I launched my campaign in August to be the eastern region representative on Young Labour ’ s national committee because the organisation desperately needs reform .
I can ’ t stand back and watch as Young Labour members – my friends – continue to be ignored and discriminated against .
I won ’ t let that happen .
Together we can make real and lasting change to Young Labour .
As a young , working-class BAME woman , I have experienced many challenges in my life – both outside of and within my political experiences .
Throughout my childhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household and budgets , lived in insecure housing and received free school meals .
I was politicised after seeing the devastating impact of the coalition government ’ s bedroom tax , attending a disability assessment as a carer and witnessing the effects of years of Tory austerity .
The Conservatives are draining the lifeblood from our towns , depriving children of opportunities and trying to divide communities .
Without the Labour government I was born under , I really wouldn ’ t have stood a chance .
I have faced discrimination during my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced ageism , sexism and racism , not just as a local election candidate but within our party .
Discrimination is apparent throughout the labour movement .
We ’ ve seen BAME activists pulling out of Young Labour internal elections because they ’ ve received death threats .
Young candidates being pushed out of selection meetings .
The continuing sickening abuse from certain MPs and high-profile Labour members towards the trans community .
Discrimination is insidious – it ’ s the patronising comments in Constituency Labour Party ( CLP ) meetings , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or having BAME issues kicked down the road .
We deserve better .
We must increase diversity across our movement , especially in the eastern region .
I ’ ve been at the forefront of this , creating a BAME officers group to discuss the struggles facing BAME communities across the region .
As a young trustee , I have been working to empower other young people to become trustees across the eastern region and the country .
From my work coordinating the youth wings of climate change groups to campaigning against education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the young people in our communities are change-makers .
I have seen young people really step up and support those most in need during the Covid-19 pandemic as key workers and volunteers looking after vulnerable people and supporting our communities .
As a Labour Party activist , I have been inspired by young people across our movement from those spearheading policy in parliament , defending workers rights in the trade unions and the many young activists that campaign in all weather for the Labour government we so desperately need .
Representing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national level is something I have real experience of .
It has been a privilege to serve on the Co-operative Party national youth committee and to work with young people across our community .
We ’ ve supported campaigns , run events and shared ideas on the issues that matter to us .
Alongside this , I am delighted to have co-founded the East of England Young Fabians group to continue that work on policy .
If you ’ re interested , you can see my work and campaigns on my Twitter feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as your eastern region representative on the Young Labour national committee .
Let ’ s build a united Young Labour to help Labour win again and make a difference to the lives of all young people in the region .
As ballots drop this week , vote for a strong , accountable and experienced voice .
Vote for Tina Bhartwas in the eastern region .

I launched my campaign in August to be the eastern region representative on Young Labour’s national committee because the organisation desperately needs reform. I can’t stand back and watch as Young Labour members – my friends – continue to be ignored and discriminated against. I won’t let that happen. Together we can make real and lasting change to Young Labour.
As a young, working-class BAME woman, I have experienced many challenges in my life – both outside of and within my political experiences. Throughout my childhood, I was a sole carer managing a household and budgets, lived in insecure housing and received free school meals. I was politicised after seeing the devastating impact of the coalition government’s bedroom tax, attending a disability assessment as a carer and witnessing the effects of years of Tory austerity. The Conservatives are draining the lifeblood from our towns, depriving children of opportunities and trying to divide communities. Without the Labour government I was born under, I really wouldn’t have stood a chance.
I have faced discrimination during my political life, too. I have experienced ageism, sexism and racism, not just as a local election candidate but within our party. Discrimination is apparent throughout the labour movement. We’ve seen BAME activists pulling out of Young Labour internal elections because they’ve received death threats. Young candidates being pushed out of selection meetings. The continuing sickening abuse from certain MPs and high-profile Labour members towards the trans community.
Discrimination is insidious – it’s the patronising comments in Constituency Labour Party (CLP) meetings, not being able to access meeting venues, or having BAME issues kicked down the road. We deserve better. We must increase diversity across our movement, especially in the eastern region. I’ve been at the forefront of this, creating a BAME officers group to discuss the struggles facing BAME communities across the region. As a young trustee, I have been working to empower other young people to become trustees across the eastern region and the country.
From my work coordinating the youth wings of climate change groups to campaigning against education cuts as a student, I know that the young people in our communities are change-makers. I have seen young people really step up and support those most in need during the Covid-19 pandemic as key workers and volunteers looking after vulnerable people and supporting our communities.
As a Labour Party activist, I have been inspired by young people across our movement from those spearheading policy in parliament, defending workers rights in the trade unions and the many young activists that campaign in all weather for the Labour government we so desperately need.
Representing and advocating for the eastern region at a national level is something I have real experience of. It has been a privilege to serve on the Co-operative Party national youth committee and to work with young people across our community. We’ve supported campaigns, run events and shared ideas on the issues that matter to us. Alongside this, I am delighted to have co-founded the East of England Young Fabians group to continue that work on policy. If you’re interested, you can see my work and campaigns on my Twitter feed.
I would be honoured to serve as your eastern region representative on the Young Labour national committee. Let’s build a united Young Labour to help Labour win again and make a difference to the lives of all young people in the region. As ballots drop this week, vote for a strong, accountable and experienced voice. Vote for Tina Bhartwas in the eastern region.


labourlist--2020-10-20--Why Labour lost so many seats – and the candidates we need to win them back

The fall of many Labour seats in the so-called ‘ Red Wall ’ may have come as a shock to some , but the truth is that the wall has been crumbling for years .
This came about both due to a focus on marginal seats under successive Labour leaders and a failure to understand that the population in many so-called ‘ safe ’ seats was changing .
Many of the seats referred to as mining areas , for example , have not had mines for 30 years .
Seats in North Wales have become dormitory towns for places like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper housing , while in the North East people moved away from cities like Newcastle to find homes .
As these changes took place , the nature of work itself was changing .
Voters in seats Labour lost or held by a whisker in the 2019 general election are more likely to be found working in call centres , warehouses or offices than steel making or shipbuilding .
For years , the biggest employer in my old constituency , Warrington North , was not a wire works but a big Marks & Spencer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with a younger workforce , mean that the old ways of learning about collective action from workmates or shop stewards no longer exist .
No longer do people feel an automatic connection to the Labour Party through a shared history and purpose .
They needed to be able to connect to Labour .
Yet too often , these people were neglected .
Labour came to be seen as the party of big cities – as lacking understanding of smaller towns or any interest in those who live there , especially communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats back requires a change in policy and emphasis .
That process is already underway .
But Labour will also need a full programme of engagement with the areas we lost and a special kind of candidate to lead that work .
It ’ s not just that we didn ’ t speak the language of aspiration and endeavour that characterises many of these communities .
In some places , we did not speak to them at all .
When I was an MP , I lost count of the number of times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be working in my own constituency because I “ didn ’ t need ” to .
That view is patronising to working-class communities .
It assumes that people do not think for themselves and that we have no need to work for their votes .
It is the view of a party that thinks it has no need to listen and nothing to learn .
I ignored it , but let ’ s be honest , there were MPs in the ‘ Red Wall ’ who either “ didn ’ t believe ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their time in London .
This does not apply to all of those who lost their seats , but a look at the voter ID rates in places where we lost , or just scraped in , might be instructive .
Why is this important ?
If we don ’ t speak to people , we can not understand them or their concerns .
The first step in these seats must be to get people out on the doorstep – listening , not instructing – and that should be done as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats will need help and support to do this because they lack the organisation on the ground .
That can not be done from London .
These areas need support from active MPs and councillors in the same region , who understand the local needs and can use their own experience to persuade the party that change is needed .
The selection of parliamentary candidates will be crucial in this process .
It ’ s not going to be easy because we need people who are in it for the long haul .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections , if necessary , to win back their seat .
People who are prepared to do the hard slog of pounding the streets whatever the weather .
Conventional wisdom says candidates should not be selected too early , but conventional wisdom also said that these seats would not be lost in the first place .
Now we need leadership to take on new Tory MPs before they become entrenched .
Those candidates will need to be people of an unimpeachable reputation who have shown integrity and concern for their community .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituency we want to win , or we may find them somewhere else in the region .
I would never argue that you have to be born in a constituency to be selected to represent it .
But I do believe that you need to have some empathy for the people you represent – an understanding of their life experiences and their needs .
The days of seeing seats like these as a convenient berth for candidates who were unable to find them on a map have gone .
There should be no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose will have to be resilient .
In places where people have been neglected in the past , they need be able to go out and take the punishment .
To listen to people ’ s grievances and to be able to say : “ Yes , I agree .
You have been neglected and this is what I ’ m going to do about it.
” They will need to be adept at taking up the issues people raise , pursuing them assiduously and reporting back quickly because there is a desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To show that we are concerned about these voters and the things that matter to them .
Above , all , these candidates will need support .
It will not be enough simply to select people and then leave them to struggle on alone .
They will need training , help to get campaigns off the ground and support from other MPs in the area .
Those local MPs can be a sounding board for ideas , a friendly ear when things go wrong , or a source of useful suggestions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves .
Being a candidate is much harder than some people imagine , and doing it for a long time is wearing physically , emotionally and economically .
If we want people to take on this task , we should not leave them alone .
We should be actively seeking out these people now , to find the local leaders who can take on the new Tory MPs , to challenge them when they let down their communities and to lead Labour ’ s fightback – because tomorrow may be too late .

The fall of many Labour seats in the so-called ‘Red Wall’ may have come as a shock to some, but the truth is that the wall has been crumbling for years. This came about both due to a focus on marginal seats under successive Labour leaders and a failure to understand that the population in many so-called ‘safe’ seats was changing. Many of the seats referred to as mining areas, for example, have not had mines for 30 years. Seats in North Wales have become dormitory towns for places like Chester, as young families looked for cheaper housing, while in the North East people moved away from cities like Newcastle to find homes.
As these changes took place, the nature of work itself was changing. Voters in seats Labour lost or held by a whisker in the 2019 general election are more likely to be found working in call centres, warehouses or offices than steel making or shipbuilding. For years, the biggest employer in my old constituency, Warrington North, was not a wire works but a big Marks & Spencer. Smaller workplaces, often not unionised and with a younger workforce, mean that the old ways of learning about collective action from workmates or shop stewards no longer exist. No longer do people feel an automatic connection to the Labour Party through a shared history and purpose. They needed to be able to connect to Labour.
Yet too often, these people were neglected. Labour came to be seen as the party of big cities – as lacking understanding of smaller towns or any interest in those who live there, especially communities in the North and Midlands. Winning these seats back requires a change in policy and emphasis. That process is already underway. But Labour will also need a full programme of engagement with the areas we lost and a special kind of candidate to lead that work.
It’s not just that we didn’t speak the language of aspiration and endeavour that characterises many of these communities. In some places, we did not speak to them at all. When I was an MP, I lost count of the number of times I was told that I should not be working in my own constituency because I “didn’t need” to. That view is patronising to working-class communities. It assumes that people do not think for themselves and that we have no need to work for their votes. It is the view of a party that thinks it has no need to listen and nothing to learn. I ignored it, but let’s be honest, there were MPs in the ‘Red Wall’ who either “didn’t believe” in door-knocking or spent too much of their time in London. This does not apply to all of those who lost their seats, but a look at the voter ID rates in places where we lost, or just scraped in, might be instructive.
Why is this important? If we don’t speak to people, we cannot understand them or their concerns. The first step in these seats must be to get people out on the doorstep – listening, not instructing – and that should be done as soon as the situation allows. Some of those seats will need help and support to do this because they lack the organisation on the ground. That cannot be done from London. These areas need support from active MPs and councillors in the same region, who understand the local needs and can use their own experience to persuade the party that change is needed.
The selection of parliamentary candidates will be crucial in this process. It’s not going to be easy because we need people who are in it for the long haul. People who are prepared to fight two elections, if necessary, to win back their seat. People who are prepared to do the hard slog of pounding the streets whatever the weather. Conventional wisdom says candidates should not be selected too early, but conventional wisdom also said that these seats would not be lost in the first place. Now we need leadership to take on new Tory MPs before they become entrenched.
Those candidates will need to be people of an unimpeachable reputation who have shown integrity and concern for their community. We may find people like that in the constituency we want to win, or we may find them somewhere else in the region. I would never argue that you have to be born in a constituency to be selected to represent it. But I do believe that you need to have some empathy for the people you represent – an understanding of their life experiences and their needs. The days of seeing seats like these as a convenient berth for candidates who were unable to find them on a map have gone. There should be no more absentee landlords.
These people we choose will have to be resilient. In places where people have been neglected in the past, they need be able to go out and take the punishment. To listen to people’s grievances and to be able to say: “Yes, I agree. You have been neglected and this is what I’m going to do about it.” They will need to be adept at taking up the issues people raise, pursuing them assiduously and reporting back quickly because there is a desperate need to rebuild trust in these areas. To show that we are concerned about these voters and the things that matter to them.
Above, all, these candidates will need support. It will not be enough simply to select people and then leave them to struggle on alone. They will need training, help to get campaigns off the ground and support from other MPs in the area. Those local MPs can be a sounding board for ideas, a friendly ear when things go wrong, or a source of useful suggestions as someone who has been through the mill themselves.
Being a candidate is much harder than some people imagine, and doing it for a long time is wearing physically, emotionally and economically. If we want people to take on this task, we should not leave them alone. We should be actively seeking out these people now, to find the local leaders who can take on the new Tory MPs, to challenge them when they let down their communities and to lead Labour’s fightback – because tomorrow may be too late.


labourlist--2020-10-20--“188 years later, we are still waiting” – Stella Creasy brings equal pay bill

Stella Creasy told parliament that “ 188 years later , we are still waiting ” this afternoon as she introduced proposals to require wider reporting from organisations in relation to data on their gender pay gap .
Presenting her bill in the Commons this afternoon , the Labour backbencher highlighted that nine in ten women in the UK are working for a company in which women are on average paid less than their male counterparts .
The proposed law , put forward today with cross-party support , would lower the threshold for those organisations required to publish gender pay gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside a number of other measures including : • Allowing women to request data relating to a male colleague if they think there might be a gap .
• Requiring mandatory plans of action to fix any gender pay gap identified .
• Removing the time limit on women being able to claim back pay .
• Awarding damages for the emotional harm suffered as a result of discrimination .
• Making sure that current rules protecting women ’ s equal pay rights are retained after Brexit .
Creasy said : “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been here before because women have been asking for equal pay since 1833 .
The first recorded instance was in Robert Owen ’ s Labour Exchange… “ 188 years later , we are still waiting .
Indeed , last year alone there were 30,000 equal pay claims made at tribunal .
So , too , this year we ’ ve seen that the gender pay gap is actually increasing , not closing .
“ That means that nine out of ten women in this country work in companies and organisations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male counterparts , even in 2020 .
And I want to start by just nailing that it is the fault of the women themselves .
“ It ’ s not because they have kids or because they don ’ t ask for pay rises .
The evidence is crystal clear .
Absolutely , there is a pay penalty for having a kid… “ But that pay penalty was there before those children were born .
And the evidence is also clear that women ask just as often for a pay rise , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive it .
“ The research shows that the impact of the gender pay gap comes from a mixture of things , including working for less productive companies , wanting to work part-time and good old fashioned discrimination .
Even being a graduate doesn ’ t help as the pay gap begins early on in many women ’ s careers.
” The Labour MP for Walthamstow added : “ While women first started asking about equal pay in 1883 , they still don ’ t have it .
We have started the conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used her speech today to tell MPs that the coronavirus pandemic has shown why parliament needs to act now , pointing out that there are “ more mums being made redundant and furloughed than their male counterparts ” in the crisis .
The Government Equalities Office announced in March that it would not be taking action against employers that fail to submit their pay gap data due to the pandemic , effectively suspending the requirement for the year .
Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova slammed the move as “ negligent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrives on inequality ” and that such inequalities “ amplify the impact of the pandemic ” .
She said : “ The pandemic has shown that women are more likely than men to take over caring duties , more likely to be made redundant and make up most of the workforce within the health and social care sector.
” Creasy ’ s bill follows campaigning by Pregnant Then Screwed earlier in this year , which saw the group take legal action against the government for discrimination against women in the self employment income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which women who take maternity leave face discrimination on mortgage applications , those with young children were disadvantaged by support being based on a calculation of profits over the past three years .
Any woman who took maternity leave in that period automatically received less support than their male counterparts , with the impact being particularly felt on single mums .
The Chancellor ’ s new ‘ job support scheme ’ has the same flaw .
The last Labour government reduced the gender pay gap in the UK by 7.7 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen a minimal decrease in the pay gap of only 2.4 % since 2011 .
The bill presented this afternoon was also backed by MPs Nadia Whittome , Caroline Noakes , Bell Ribeiro-Addy , Harriet Harman , Neil Gray , Christine Jardine , Caroline Lucas , Florence Eshalomi , Chris Bryant , Chris Evans and Anne McLaughlin .
The legislation passed its first reading in the Commons unopposed .
As a ten-minute rule bill , it is unlikely to make further progress as this type of bill is not given priority in @ @ @ @

Stella Creasy told parliament that “188 years later, we are still waiting” this afternoon as she introduced proposals to require wider reporting from organisations in relation to data on their gender pay gap.
Presenting her bill in the Commons this afternoon, the Labour backbencher highlighted that nine in ten women in the UK are working for a company in which women are on average paid less than their male counterparts.
The proposed law, put forward today with cross-party support, would lower the threshold for those organisations required to publish gender pay gap data from 250 employees to 100, alongside a number of other measures including:
Allowing women to request data relating to a male colleague if they think there might be a gap.
Requiring mandatory plans of action to fix any gender pay gap identified.
Removing the time limit on women being able to claim back pay.
Giving women back pension rights lost because of pay discrimination.
Awarding damages for the emotional harm suffered as a result of discrimination.
Making sure that current rules protecting women’s equal pay rights are retained after Brexit.
Creasy said: “You could be forgiven for thinking that we’ve been here before because women have been asking for equal pay since 1833. The first recorded instance was in Robert Owen’s Labour Exchange…
“188 years later, we are still waiting. Indeed, last year alone there were 30,000 equal pay claims made at tribunal. So, too, this year we’ve seen that the gender pay gap is actually increasing, not closing.
“That means that nine out of ten women in this country work in companies and organisations that pay them less on average than their male counterparts, even in 2020. And I want to start by just nailing that it is the fault of the women themselves.
“It’s not because they have kids or because they don’t ask for pay rises. The evidence is crystal clear. Absolutely, there is a pay penalty for having a kid…
“But that pay penalty was there before those children were born. And the evidence is also clear that women ask just as often for a pay rise, but men are four times more likely to receive it.
“The research shows that the impact of the gender pay gap comes from a mixture of things, including working for less productive companies, wanting to work part-time and good old fashioned discrimination. Even being a graduate doesn’t help as the pay gap begins early on in many women’s careers.”
The Labour MP for Walthamstow added: “While women first started asking about equal pay in 1883, they still don’t have it. We have started the conversation and now we need action.”
Creasy used her speech today to tell MPs that the coronavirus pandemic has shown why parliament needs to act now, pointing out that there are “more mums being made redundant and furloughed than their male counterparts” in the crisis.
The Government Equalities Office announced in March that it would not be taking action against employers that fail to submit their pay gap data due to the pandemic, effectively suspending the requirement for the year.
Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Marsha de Cordova slammed the move as “negligent”, pointing out that coronavirus “thrives on inequality” and that such inequalities “amplify the impact of the pandemic”.
She said: “The pandemic has shown that women are more likely than men to take over caring duties, more likely to be made redundant and make up most of the workforce within the health and social care sector.”
Creasy’s bill follows campaigning by Pregnant Then Screwed earlier in this year, which saw the group take legal action against the government for discrimination against women in the self employment income support scheme.
Similar to the way in which women who take maternity leave face discrimination on mortgage applications, those with young children were disadvantaged by support being based on a calculation of profits over the past three years.
Any woman who took maternity leave in that period automatically received less support than their male counterparts, with the impact being particularly felt on single mums. The Chancellor’s new ‘job support scheme’ has the same flaw.
The last Labour government reduced the gender pay gap in the UK by 7.7%, whereas progress under the current Conservative government has seen a minimal decrease in the pay gap of only 2.4% since 2011.
The bill presented this afternoon was also backed by MPs Nadia Whittome, Caroline Noakes, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Harriet Harman, Neil Gray, Christine Jardine, Caroline Lucas, Florence Eshalomi, Chris Bryant, Chris Evans and Anne McLaughlin.
The legislation passed its first reading in the Commons unopposed. As a ten-minute rule bill, it is unlikely to make further progress as this type of bill is not given priority in the parliamentary calendar.


labourlist--2020-10-20--Shama Tatler: Why I’m standing to represent local parties on Labour’s NEC

We need Labour ’ s national executive committee to be the foundation on which we rebuild the party into an election-winning machine .
We need a Labour government .
Our country and our communities need a Labour government .
But we need to be a Labour Party that personifies unity , competence and professionalism .
A Labour Party ready and able to win .
Labour needs to be a party true to its roots , and it needs to be a place of safety for our members and staff .
We can not keep going as we are .
Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get its house in order .
We need an NEC that can address the concerns about the complaints process , including fully implementing the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) , and help safeguard our members because we can not be a place that tolerates discrimination or hate in any form .
An NEC that can monitor and ask questions about the party ’ s finances , provides constructive challenge , and is representative of the communities we seek to serve .
Crucially , we need an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing competent governance .
I believe my personal , professional and political experience make me a strong candidate for the NEC .
The impact of austerity in both education and health since 2010 has shaped my life .
My late husband ’ s health , along with my experiences as a teacher , have driven my motivation to do all I can to get Labour elected at every level .
I was proud to be elected to Brent Council in 2014 and became a cabinet member in 2016 .
This has enabled me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a real and lasting difference in people ’ s lives .
I have been fortunate to work with a great Labour group in Brent and am proud of our achievements despite years of brutal austerity .
I understand the importance of good governance to the success of an organisation .
It is vital we elect candidates to the NEC who will focus on that .
I am proud to stand alongside friends from Labour To Win – Terry Paul , Michael Payne , Gurinder Singh Josan , Johanna Baxter and Luke Akehurst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
If I am lucky enough to be elected to the NEC , these will be my priorities : • Rebuilding the party into an election-winning , modern campaigning machine that take Keir Starmer to Downing Street and delivers a transformational Labour government .
• Representation and inclusion .
I believe the party ’ s values have to be demonstrated and not just something we talk about .
Equality of opportunity and inclusivity are areas that we must do better on within all our party structures .
We can not truly represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve if we do not reflect those communities .
• Unity , culture and confidence .
The party and all its structures need to be a safe and united space .
We should always welcome a broad spectrum of views and ideas .
Bullying , harassment and discrimination should never be tolerated .
Neither should we be in denial about the experiences some of our members , councillors and staff have faced .
I welcome mandatory unconscious bias training but there also needs to be more .
• Fully implementing the recommendations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguarding and sexual harassment .
Work to implement then monitor an independent complaints process .
Look at ways to resource better mental health provision/support at all levels of the party .
• Supporting our Constituency Labour Parties .
Covid has changed the way we work and communicate , and as such we as a party need to support CLPs to embrace the changes .
There is currently a huge disparity in the resources of different CLPs .
If we are truly going to get back into government we need to support local parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountability .
Robust discussion , collective decision making , review and monitoring policy , as well communication with the wider membership are all vital .
I joined the party because I want to be part of shaping and improving the quality of life and representation for every community , particularly minorities and those most disadvantaged .
I want to improve participation , training and tolerance in our party and will support learning every possible lesson from our past to ensure that we can all go forward together ; united in the common cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My name is Shama Tatler and I am seeking your vote for the NEC .

We need Labour’s national executive committee to be the foundation on which we rebuild the party into an election-winning machine. We need a Labour government. Our country and our communities need a Labour government. But we need to be a Labour Party that personifies unity, competence and professionalism. A Labour Party ready and able to win. Labour needs to be a party true to its roots, and it needs to be a place of safety for our members and staff. We cannot keep going as we are.
Keir has started well but the party needs to get its house in order. We need an NEC that can address the concerns about the complaints process, including fully implementing the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and help safeguard our members because we cannot be a place that tolerates discrimination or hate in any form. An NEC that can monitor and ask questions about the party’s finances, provides constructive challenge, and is representative of the communities we seek to serve. Crucially, we need an NEC that is transparent and committed to providing competent governance.
I believe my personal, professional and political experience make me a strong candidate for the NEC. The impact of austerity in both education and health since 2010 has shaped my life. My late husband’s health, along with my experiences as a teacher, have driven my motivation to do all I can to get Labour elected at every level. I was proud to be elected to Brent Council in 2014 and became a cabinet member in 2016. This has enabled me to see how Labour in power can make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. I have been fortunate to work with a great Labour group in Brent and am proud of our achievements despite years of brutal austerity.
I understand the importance of good governance to the success of an organisation. It is vital we elect candidates to the NEC who will focus on that. I am proud to stand alongside friends from Labour To Win – Terry Paul, Michael Payne, Gurinder Singh Josan, Johanna Baxter and Luke Akehurst – who can and will do just that. If I am lucky enough to be elected to the NEC, these will be my priorities:
Rebuilding the party into an election-winning, modern campaigning machine that take Keir Starmer to Downing Street and delivers a transformational Labour government.
into an election-winning, modern campaigning machine that take Keir Starmer to Downing Street and delivers a transformational Labour government. Representation and inclusion . I believe the party’s values have to be demonstrated and not just something we talk about. Equality of opportunity and inclusivity are areas that we must do better on within all our party structures. We cannot truly represent and understand the communities we want to serve if we do not reflect those communities.
. I believe the party’s values have to be demonstrated and not just something we talk about. Equality of opportunity and inclusivity are areas that we must do better on within all our party structures. We cannot truly represent and understand the communities we want to serve if we do not reflect those communities. Unity, culture and confidence . The party and all its structures need to be a safe and united space. We should always welcome a broad spectrum of views and ideas. Bullying, harassment and discrimination should never be tolerated. Neither should we be in denial about the experiences some of our members, councillors and staff have faced. I welcome mandatory unconscious bias training but there also needs to be more.
. The party and all its structures need to be a safe and united space. We should always welcome a broad spectrum of views and ideas. Bullying, harassment and discrimination should never be tolerated. Neither should we be in denial about the experiences some of our members, councillors and staff have faced. I welcome mandatory unconscious bias training but there also needs to be more. Fully implementing the recommendations of the EHRC . Prioritise mandatory training in safeguarding and sexual harassment. Work to implement then monitor an independent complaints process. Look at ways to resource better mental health provision/support at all levels of the party.
. Prioritise mandatory training in safeguarding and sexual harassment. Work to implement then monitor an independent complaints process. Look at ways to resource better mental health provision/support at all levels of the party. Supporting our Constituency Labour Parties . Covid has changed the way we work and communicate, and as such we as a party need to support CLPs to embrace the changes. There is currently a huge disparity in the resources of different CLPs. If we are truly going to get back into government we need to support local parties in all seats.
. Covid has changed the way we work and communicate, and as such we as a party need to support CLPs to embrace the changes. There is currently a huge disparity in the resources of different CLPs. If we are truly going to get back into government we need to support local parties in all seats. Transparency and accountability. Robust discussion, collective decision making, review and monitoring policy, as well communication with the wider membership are all vital.
I joined the party because I want to be part of shaping and improving the quality of life and representation for every community, particularly minorities and those most disadvantaged. I want to improve participation, training and tolerance in our party and will support learning every possible lesson from our past to ensure that we can all go forward together; united in the common cause of securing the next Labour government. My name is Shama Tatler and I am seeking your vote for the NEC.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Why Andy Burnham is right to say this fight is not over

The coronavirus crisis has always been intensely political , but it has only recently become intensely party political .
With the confidence of a man who has fought many Westminster and internal Labour battles , before finding clarity of purpose in a mayoral post , Andy Burnham has spoken up for Greater Manchester and every area that will soon enter Tier 3 .
This is why the government backlash has been so fierce : not only do they resent a politician who can talk like a normal person while giving voice to very real concerns on the ground ; ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and crucially opaque – local negotiation approach to keep us quiet .
Agreeing to an 80 % furlough for employees and the self-employed in Tier 3 would have been a victory for the whole country and a huge concession by this stubborn government .
The 4pm press conference by Andy Burnham and other Greater Manchester leaders was the start of an extraordinary few hours in the coronavirus crisis yesterday .
Announcing that the government had walked away from negotiations after rejecting the local leaders ’ proposals , the mayor asked whether they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives ” and declared that “ this fight is not over ” .
He was then shown a message that said Greater Manchester MPs had been told the area would only be getting £22m , which turned into a viral clip .
Tories are frustrated because apparently this amount is only for test and trace and the £60m is still “ on the table ” – but the Prime Minister refused to confirm as much in his 5pm press conference , and it was only suggested by Matt Hancock in a 7pm statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour will today back up Burnham ’ s efforts with real action .
Since last week , the party has replaced its original ‘ fire and rehire ’ and social care opposition day motions with debates on free school meals and a “ fair deal ” for those living under Tier 3 .
Both of these votes should make Tory MPs feel deeply uncomfortable .
Conservative Robert Halfon , a former minister , has said he will vote with Labour today on free school meals unless the government backs down in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is highly unusual for an opposition day motion .
The other vote will force Tories to admit that they do not want a “ fair one nation deal ” for those living under the toughest Covid restrictions .
The motion explicitly calls for 80 % furlough , rather than 67 % , and the government struggles to defend the lower rate because it is unjustifiable .
Why would people deserve 80 % in March but only two thirds now ?
Burnham is right : this fight is not over .
Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied to every Tier 3 area , which is £8 per head for track and trace and £20 per head for business support .
But as Lucy Powell points out , this would mean a better-off rural area with fewer businesses and more retired residents could receive more than an area with a high concentration of business and low-paid , working age residents .
“ The very definition of levelling down , not up.
” Meanwhile , ministers intend to cut Universal Credit back to its pre-Covid rate in April , despite repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the less generous local furlough scheme .
Yet we don ’ t know what the pandemic will look like next year , and what we can accurately predict is that unemployment and poverty will have risen .
And while the North-South divide is key in all of this , London is not protected from hardship either : the government is threatening to take direct control of Transport for London unless Sadiq Khan accepts a hugely enlarged congestion zone and higher fares including cut concessions for children and pensioners .
Playing poker with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The coronavirus crisis has always been intensely political, but it has only recently become intensely party political. With the confidence of a man who has fought many Westminster and internal Labour battles, before finding clarity of purpose in a mayoral post, Andy Burnham has spoken up for Greater Manchester and every area that will soon enter Tier 3. This is why the government backlash has been so fierce: not only do they resent a politician who can talk like a normal person while giving voice to very real concerns on the ground; ministers are determined to preserve the messy – and crucially opaque – local negotiation approach to keep us quiet. Agreeing to an 80% furlough for employees and the self-employed in Tier 3 would have been a victory for the whole country and a huge concession by this stubborn government.
The 4pm press conference by Andy Burnham and other Greater Manchester leaders was the start of an extraordinary few hours in the coronavirus crisis yesterday. Announcing that the government had walked away from negotiations after rejecting the local leaders’ proposals, the mayor asked whether they were “playing poker with people’s lives” and declared that “this fight is not over”. He was then shown a message that said Greater Manchester MPs had been told the area would only be getting £22m, which turned into a viral clip. Tories are frustrated because apparently this amount is only for test and trace and the £60m is still “on the table” – but the Prime Minister refused to confirm as much in his 5pm press conference, and it was only suggested by Matt Hancock in a 7pm statement that this was the case.
UK Labour will today back up Burnham’s efforts with real action. Since last week, the party has replaced its original ‘fire and rehire’ and social care opposition day motions with debates on free school meals and a “fair deal” for those living under Tier 3. Both of these votes should make Tory MPs feel deeply uncomfortable. Conservative Robert Halfon, a former minister, has said he will vote with Labour today on free school meals unless the government backs down in the face of Marcus Rashford’s renewed campaign. This is highly unusual for an opposition day motion. The other vote will force Tories to admit that they do not want a “fair one nation deal” for those living under the toughest Covid restrictions. The motion explicitly calls for 80% furlough, rather than 67%, and the government struggles to defend the lower rate because it is unjustifiable. Why would people deserve 80% in March but only two thirds now?
Burnham is right: this fight is not over. Robert Jenrick claims there is a formula being applied to every Tier 3 area, which is £8 per head for track and trace and £20 per head for business support. But as Lucy Powell points out, this would mean a better-off rural area with fewer businesses and more retired residents could receive more than an area with a high concentration of business and low-paid, working age residents. “The very definition of levelling down, not up.” Meanwhile, ministers intend to cut Universal Credit back to its pre-Covid rate in April, despite repeatedly referring to the benefit as justification for the less generous local furlough scheme. Yet we don’t know what the pandemic will look like next year, and what we can accurately predict is that unemployment and poverty will have risen. And while the North-South divide is key in all of this, London is not protected from hardship either: the government is threatening to take direct control of Transport for London unless Sadiq Khan accepts a hugely enlarged congestion zone and higher fares including cut concessions for children and pensioners. Playing poker with people’s lives, indeed. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-10-21--WATCH: Government “weirdly obsessed” with Andy Burnham, says Lisa Nandy

Labour ’ s Lisa Nandy has remarked that the government is “ weirdly obsessed ” with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham after talks over a lockdown support package for the region broke down yesterday .
Asked on Sky News this morning whether Burnham and Labour were politicising the situation , the Shadow Foreign Secretary said it was the government that was “ playing party politics ” by repeatedly attacking the mayor .
Nandy said : “ I just think this is absolutely bizarre from the government .
From day one , there has been an attack on the Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ministers seem weirdly obsessed by in all of this .
“ In the call last night , Matt Hancock spent the first five minutes of a 25-minute call having a go at Andy Burnham , which , to be honest , didn ’ t go down well at all with his Conservative colleagues .
“ What they fail to recognise is that the anger is real here .
It ’ s across the board now .
And you ’ ve got Conservative MPs who are far more critical of the government than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders as well .
“ The Tory council leader in Bolton , who is telling the government that this money is not sufficient , that the strategy is not good enough and they need to negotiate in good faith .
We are not politicising this issue in Greater Manchester , the only people who are doing that is the government .
“ And , as I asked Matt Hancock last night , I ’ ll just politely say to Robert Jenrick – please stop doing this , we ’ re in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need a government that stops playing party politics and just helps us to get through.
” Nandy ’ s comments follow a debate on the implementation of Tier 3 restrictions in Greater Manchester .
Burnham and several other local leaders were opposed to the lockdown without more support being offered to the region .
But negotiations with the government broke down yesterday as ministers refused to offer £65m in support , and it was confirmed that the region would be forced into Tier 3 restrictions on Friday evening without local agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday afternoon that the region would only receive £22m in funding , but ITV ’ s Daniel Hewitt has since reported that this amount is for the test and trace system .
Boris Johnson led a coronavirus press conference yesterday , following Burnham ’ s , in which he refused to clarify what extra support Greater Manchester will receive beyond the £22m for test and trace and enforcement .
Matt Hancock subsequently confirmed in a House of Commons statement from 7pm on Tuesday that the £60m of support being discussed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester was “ still on the table ” .

Labour’s Lisa Nandy has remarked that the government is “weirdly obsessed” with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham after talks over a lockdown support package for the region broke down yesterday.
Asked on Sky News this morning whether Burnham and Labour were politicising the situation, the Shadow Foreign Secretary said it was the government that was “playing party politics” by repeatedly attacking the mayor.
Nandy said: “I just think this is absolutely bizarre from the government. From day one, there has been an attack on the Labour Party, and particularly on Andy Burnham, who ministers seem weirdly obsessed by in all of this.
“In the call last night, Matt Hancock spent the first five minutes of a 25-minute call having a go at Andy Burnham, which, to be honest, didn’t go down well at all with his Conservative colleagues.
“What they fail to recognise is that the anger is real here. It’s across the board now. And you’ve got Conservative MPs who are far more critical of the government than I have been, and Tory council leaders as well.
“The Tory council leader in Bolton, who is telling the government that this money is not sufficient, that the strategy is not good enough and they need to negotiate in good faith. We are not politicising this issue in Greater Manchester, the only people who are doing that is the government.
“And, as I asked Matt Hancock last night, I’ll just politely say to Robert Jenrick – please stop doing this, we’re in the middle of a crisis in this country and we need a government that stops playing party politics and just helps us to get through.”
"On the call last night, @MattHancock spent the first five minutes of a 25 minute conversation having a go at @AndyBurnhamGM."@lisanandy says the Government are "weirdly obsessed" with the Mayor of Greater Manchester. JJ#KayBurley pic.twitter.com/UDGqpRPrjC — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) October 21, 2020
Nandy’s comments follow a debate on the implementation of Tier 3 restrictions in Greater Manchester. Burnham and several other local leaders were opposed to the lockdown without more support being offered to the region.
But negotiations with the government broke down yesterday as ministers refused to offer £65m in support, and it was confirmed that the region would be forced into Tier 3 restrictions on Friday without local agreement.
Burnham was told during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that the region would only receive £22m in funding, but ITV’s Daniel Hewitt has since reported that this amount is for the test and trace system.
Boris Johnson led a coronavirus press conference yesterday, following Burnham’s, in which he refused to clarify what extra support Greater Manchester will receive beyond the £22m for test and trace and enforcement.
Matt Hancock subsequently confirmed in a House of Commons statement from 7pm on Tuesday that the £60m of support being discussed in the final stage of the negotiations with Greater Manchester was “still on the table”.


labourlist--2020-10-21--“We will stand up for Wales,” says Drakeford as he warns of tough times ahead

Labour ’ s Mark Drakeford is expected to declare he will “ stand up for Wales ” while warning the Welsh people that there are tough months ahead for the devolved nation amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic .
In his keynote address to the online Welsh Labour Together conference later today , the First Minister will tell party members that his government is “ taking the actions to get us through the coming winter months ” .
The Welsh Labour leader is expected to say that the “ sacrifices are not at an end ” and will pledge to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ assertive and confident way that devolution in Wales allows ” .
Drakeford will say : “ These last seven months have been the most difficult many of us have known .
Some of us have lost loved ones .
We ’ ve been separated from family and friends .
We ’ ve had to adapt the way we live , work and travel .
“ Unfortunately , those sacrifices are not at an end .
As recent weeks have demonstrated , the virus never went away and is now spreading fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary in the last week for us to introduce new restrictions to halt the spread of the virus and protect our NHS .
Steps none of us welcome – but have had to take in order to keep the people of Wales safe through the coming winter .
“ What gives me confidence that we can get through these next , difficult , few months is that we have shown in Wales what can be achieved when we work together .
“ Shown that when we put our Labour values into practical action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these toughest of times .
Values of cooperation not competition .
Looking out for one another , not divided against each other.
” The Welsh government announced earlier this week that Wales will go into a national “ time-limited firebreak ” lockdown on Friday , describing the measure as a “ short , sharp , shock to turn back the clock , slow down the virus and buy us more time ” .
The lockdown will cover a two-week period , which Drakeford said was the shortest that the devolved government could make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to be “ sharp and deep to have the maximum impact on the virus ” .
He is expected to say today that the Welsh government is now “ taking the actions to get us through the coming winter months ” , ensuring that the NHS is prepared and building extra capacity into the track and trace system .
Drakeford will tell the conference : “ The months ahead look tougher than the months behind us because we are all tired and wish the virus would go away .
Sadly , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen .
“ But we can get through this if we continue to work together and recognise the enormous strength that we draw from our public services , especially our NHS.
” The Welsh government clashed with the Westminster Tory administration earlier this month after Downing Street ignored requests from the First Minister to limit people travelling to Wales and other areas in the UK from Covid hotspots in England .
Drakeford told listeners in a recent LBC radio interview that he was “ genuinely baffled ” by the Prime Minister ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he argued would have “ reinforced the sense of acting together across the UK ” .
The dispute between the First Minister and Boris Johnson was followed by Drakeford ’ s announcement of the firebreak measure earlier this week , unveiled with a package of support including £300m in an enhanced ‘ economic resilience fund ’ .
His speech forms part of the a programme of online events arranged after the usual party gathering was cancelled due to the pandemic .
Drakeford launched the Welsh Labour Together conference last week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Labour’s Mark Drakeford is expected to declare he will “stand up for Wales” while warning the Welsh people that there are tough months ahead for the devolved nation amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic.
In his keynote address to the online Welsh Labour Together conference later today, the First Minister will tell party members that his government is “taking the actions to get us through the coming winter months”.
The Welsh Labour leader is expected to say that the “sacrifices are not at an end” and will pledge to use the powers available to his administration in the “assertive and confident way that devolution in Wales allows”.
Drakeford will say: “These last seven months have been the most difficult many of us have known. Some of us have lost loved ones. We’ve been separated from family and friends. We’ve had to adapt the way we live, work and travel.
“Unfortunately, those sacrifices are not at an end. As recent weeks have demonstrated, the virus never went away and is now spreading fast once again.
“It has been necessary in the last week for us to introduce new restrictions to halt the spread of the virus and protect our NHS. Steps none of us welcome – but have had to take in order to keep the people of Wales safe through the coming winter.
“What gives me confidence that we can get through these next, difficult, few months is that we have shown in Wales what can be achieved when we work together.
“Shown that when we put our Labour values into practical action we can support one another, even these toughest of times. Values of cooperation not competition. Looking out for one another, not divided against each other.”
The Welsh government announced earlier this week that Wales will go into a national “time-limited firebreak” lockdown on Friday, describing the measure as a “short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time”.
The lockdown will cover a two-week period, which Drakeford said was the shortest that the devolved government could make it. He explained that it is designed to be “sharp and deep to have the maximum impact on the virus”.
He is expected to say today that the Welsh government is now “taking the actions to get us through the coming winter months”, ensuring that the NHS is prepared and building extra capacity into the track and trace system.
Drakeford will tell the conference: “The months ahead look tougher than the months behind us because we are all tired and wish the virus would go away. Sadly, we know, that is not going to happen.
“But we can get through this if we continue to work together and recognise the enormous strength that we draw from our public services, especially our NHS.”
The Welsh government clashed with the Westminster Tory administration earlier this month after Downing Street ignored requests from the First Minister to limit people travelling to Wales and other areas in the UK from Covid hotspots in England.
Drakeford told listeners in a recent LBC radio interview that he was “genuinely baffled” by the Prime Minister’s refusal to put in place the measures, which he argued would have “reinforced the sense of acting together across the UK”.
The dispute between the First Minister and Boris Johnson was followed by Drakeford’s announcement of the firebreak measure earlier this week, unveiled with a package of support including £300m in an enhanced ‘economic resilience fund’.
His speech forms part of the a programme of online events arranged after the usual party gathering was cancelled due to the pandemic. Drakeford launched the Welsh Labour Together conference last week in a Q&A with members.


labourlist--2020-10-21--Trade unions, mayors, MPs and councillors demand 80% Covid wage support

Trade union general secretaries , mayors including Sadiq Khan , Labour MPs and councillors have come together to release a joint statement setting out a series of demands for the next phase of coronavirus .
Declaring that the government ’ s handling of Covid-19 has been “ disastrous ” for lives and livelihoods , the statement urges those in power to follow the “ whatever it takes ” approach that the Chancellor originally vowed to adopt .
The signatories are demanding 80 % wage support in an extended furlough scheme , an increase in statutory sick pay and extending SSP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources for public services .
Brought together by Unite the Union , supporters of the statement come from across the labour movement – from Len McCluskey to Usdaw ’ s Paddy Lillis , and from FBU ’ s Matt Wrack to Community ’ s Roy Rickhuss .
Many of the Labour MPs are from the party ’ s left , such as Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott , but the list also includes current frontbencher Tracy Brabin , ‘ moderate ’ backbencher John Spellar and veteran George Howarth .
Greater Manchester ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent days by demanding stronger support from government for the low-paid and self-employed , is among the mayors who have signed up to the statement .
The demands come ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak providing a fresh economic update in a House of Commons ministerial statement on Thursday .
This will be his third economic policy statement in a month .
Labour urged the government to offer a “ fair deal ” for those workers living in Tier 3 areas , currently only being offered 67 % furlough rather than the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeated today by Tory MPs .
The influential Resolution Foundation has recommended that the Treasury prioritise protecting the incomes of those whose work is affected by local lockdowns and limit the upcoming rise in unemployment .
Below is the full text of the statement and list of signatories .
This government ’ s handling of the pandemic has been disastrous for people ’ s lives and their livelihoods .
We have the highest death rate in Europe and it continues to grow .
We are sliding into the deepest recession in history with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction of our communities threatened .
The government said at the start of the crisis that they would do ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
Instead , by failing to provide support for businesses , jobs and incomes , they are denying people the help they desperately need .
Ministers must urgently provide a comprehensive financial package of support to protect jobs and incomes , in the way France , Germany , Spain and others are doing , including an extension of the job retention scheme with 80 % wage support , action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate by increasing the level for statutory sick pay and enabling all to claim it , and equipping our public services with the resources they need .
Sadiq Khan , mayor , London Andy Burnham , mayor , Greater Manchester Steve Rotheram , metro mayor , Liverpool Jamie Driscoll , metro mayor , North of Tyne Len McCluskey , general secretary , Unite the Union Paddy Lillis , general secretary , USDAW Dave Ward , general secretary , CWU John Phillips , general secretary , GMB Mick Whelan , general secretary , ASLEF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manuel Cortes , general secretary , TSSA Roy Rickhuss , general secretary , Community Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary , NEU Michelle Stanistreet , general secretary , NUJ Faiza Shaheen , director , CLASS Miatta Fahnbulleh , chief executive , NEF Jeremy Corbyn MP John McDonnell MP Dan Carden MP Zarah Sultana MP Andrew Gwynne MP Diane Abbott MP Jon Trickett MP Apsana Begum MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP Sarah Owen MP Paula Barker MP Olivia Blake MP Nav Mishra MP Nadia Whittome MP Mohammed Yasin MP Margaret Greenwood MP Rebecca Long-Bailey MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson MP Richard Burgon MP Kate Osborne MP Ian Lavery MP Ian Mearns MP Grahame Morris MP Mick Whitley MP Jon Cruddas MP Claudia Webbe MP Rachel Hopkins MP Beth Winter MP Clive Lewis MP Sarah Champion MP Rosie Cooper MP Tracy Brabin MP Paula Barker MP George Howarth MP John Spellar MP Virendra Sharma MP Jack Dromey MP Jessie Joe Jacobs , Labour candidate for Tees Valley mayor Jennie Formby Baroness Christine Blower Cllr Andy Western , Leader , Trafford Cllr Peter Lamb , Leader , Crawley Cllr Elaine Murray , Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Southend-on-Sea Cllr Noordad Aziz , Hyndburn Cllr Ruth Bennett , Liverpool Cllr Salma Mumtaz , Nottingham Cllr Silvana Kelleher , Lewisham Cllr Nina Killen , Sefton Cllr John Vickers , Wigan Cllr Maureen Worby , Barking and Dagenham Cllr Rachel Massey , Rochdale Cllr Mike Kearns , Knowsley Cllr Margaret Mullae , Barking and Dagenham Cllr Majid Mahmood , Birmingham Cllr Archie Dryburgh , Dumfries and Galloway Cllr Peter Bradbury , Cardiff Cllr Christine Martin , Cannock Chase Cllr Mike Roberts , Rushmoor Cllr Tony Concepcion , Liverpool Cllr Melvyn Worth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sherwood Cllr Rob Fail , Wyre Cllr Bev Craig , Manchester Cllr Sarah Doyle , Liverpool Cllr Sean Halsall , Sefton Cllr Danny Gee , Chorley Cllr Gary O ’ Donnell , Leicester Cllr Ibrahim Dogus , Lambeth Cllr Stan Hill , Halton Cllr Christine Roberts , Wigan Cllr Carla McQueen , Cambridge Cllr Nazia Rehman , Wigan Cllr Marina Asvachin , Devon Cllr Danny Myers , York Cllr Ben Clay , Manchester Cllr Paul Cummins , Sefton Cllr Yousuf Motala , Lancashire Cllr Sue Waddington , Leicester Cllr Mark Blake , Haringey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis , Oldham Cllr Maureen Bateson , Blackburn Cllr Lorraine Beavers , Lancashire Cllr David Meller , Stockport Cllr Martin Donaghy , Bolton Cllr Peter Smith , Crawley Cllr Lesley Walton , Swansea Cllr Neil Gethin , Doncaster Cllr Michael Hood , Gateshead Cllr Harry Howard , Halton Cllr Michael McPake , North Lanarkshire Cllr Brian Smedley , Sedgemoor Cllr Ian Wingfield , Southwark Cllr Gary Hewson , Lincoln Cllr David Hughes , Doncaster Cllr Rob Vernon , Cheshire East Cllr Jill Lovecy , Manchester Cllr Francesco De Molfetta , Lancashire Cllr Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Swansea Cllr Aisling Gallagher , Lewisham Cllr Eddy Newman , Manchester Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis , Nottingham Cllr Stephen Homer , Tameside Cllr Surinder Singh Purewal , Hounslow Cllr Alistair Chisholm , Newcastle Cllr Michelle Gregory , Hackney Cllr Samantha Charles , Malvern Hills Cllr Hassan Ahmed , Nottingham Cllr John Edwards , Sandwell Cllr Mike McCusker , Salford

Trade union general secretaries, mayors including Sadiq Khan, Labour MPs and councillors have come together to release a joint statement setting out a series of demands for the next phase of coronavirus.
Declaring that the government’s handling of Covid-19 has been “disastrous” for lives and livelihoods, the statement urges those in power to follow the “whatever it takes” approach that the Chancellor originally vowed to adopt.
The signatories are demanding 80% wage support in an extended furlough scheme, an increase in statutory sick pay and extending SSP eligibility to all workers, plus more resources for public services.
Brought together by Unite the Union, supporters of the statement come from across the labour movement – from Len McCluskey to Usdaw’s Paddy Lillis, and from FBU’s Matt Wrack to Community’s Roy Rickhuss.
Many of the Labour MPs are from the party’s left, such as Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott, but the list also includes current frontbencher Tracy Brabin, ‘moderate’ backbencher John Spellar and veteran George Howarth.
Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham, who has made waves in recent days by demanding stronger support from government for the low-paid and self-employed, is among the mayors who have signed up to the statement.
The demands come ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak providing a fresh economic update in a House of Commons ministerial statement on Thursday. This will be his third economic policy statement in a month.
Labour urged the government to offer a “fair deal” for those workers living in Tier 3 areas, currently only being offered 67% furlough rather than the previous 80%, but this motion was defeated today by Tory MPs.
The influential Resolution Foundation has recommended that the Treasury prioritise protecting the incomes of those whose work is affected by local lockdowns and limit the upcoming rise in unemployment.
Below is the full text of the statement and list of signatories.
This government’s handling of the pandemic has been disastrous for people’s lives and their livelihoods. We have the highest death rate in Europe and it continues to grow. We are sliding into the deepest recession in history with mass unemployment, poverty and the widespread destruction of our communities threatened.
The government said at the start of the crisis that they would do ‘whatever it takes’. Instead, by failing to provide support for businesses, jobs and incomes, they are denying people the help they desperately need.
Ministers must urgently provide a comprehensive financial package of support to protect jobs and incomes, in the way France, Germany, Spain and others are doing, including an extension of the job retention scheme with 80% wage support, action to support incomes, helping people to self-isolate by increasing the level for statutory sick pay and enabling all to claim it, and equipping our public services with the resources they need.
Sadiq Khan, mayor, London
Andy Burnham, metro mayor, Greater Manchester
Steve Rotheram, metro mayor, Liverpool
Jamie Driscoll, metro mayor, North of Tyne
Marvin Rees, mayor, Bristol
Len McCluskey, general secretary, Unite the Union
Paddy Lillis, general secretary, USDAW
Dave Ward, general secretary, CWU
John Phillips, general secretary, GMB
Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF
Matt Wrack, general secretary, FBU
Manuel Cortes, general secretary, TSSA
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary, Community
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary, NEU
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary, NUJ
Faiza Shaheen, director, CLASS
Miatta Fahnbulleh, chief executive, NEF
Jeremy Corbyn MP
John McDonnell MP
Dan Carden MP
Zarah Sultana MP
Andrew Gwynne MP
Diane Abbott MP
Jon Trickett MP
Apsana Begum MP
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Sarah Owen MP
Paula Barker MP
Olivia Blake MP
Nav Mishra MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Mohammed Yasin MP
Margaret Greenwood MP
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
Mary Foy MP
Ian Byrne MP
Kim Johnson MP
Richard Burgon MP
Kate Osborne MP
Ian Lavery MP
Ian Mearns MP
Grahame Morris MP
Mick Whitley MP
Jon Cruddas MP
Claudia Webbe MP
Rachel Hopkins MP
Beth Winter MP
Clive Lewis MP
Sarah Champion MP
Rosie Cooper MP
Tracy Brabin MP
Paula Barker MP
George Howarth MP
John Spellar MP
Virendra Sharma MP
Jack Dromey MP
Jessie Joe Jacobs, Labour candidate for Tees Valley mayor
Jennie Formby
Baroness Christine Blower
Cllr Andy Western, Leader, Trafford
Cllr Peter Lamb, Leader, Crawley
Cllr Elaine Murray, Leader, Dumfries and Galloway
Cllr Matt Dent, Southend-on-Sea
Cllr Noordad Aziz, Hyndburn
Cllr Ruth Bennett, Liverpool
Cllr Salma Mumtaz, Nottingham
Cllr Silvana Kelleher, Lewisham
Cllr Nina Killen, Sefton
Cllr John Vickers, Wigan
Cllr Maureen Worby, Barking and Dagenham
Cllr Rachel Massey, Rochdale
Cllr Mike Kearns, Knowsley
Cllr Margaret Mullae, Barking and Dagenham
Cllr Majid Mahmood, Birmingham
Cllr Archie Dryburgh, Dumfries and Galloway
Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cardiff
Cllr Christine Martin, Cannock Chase
Cllr Mike Roberts, Rushmoor
Cllr Tony Concepcion, Liverpool
Cllr Melvyn Worth, Cumbria
Cllr Paul Peacock, Newark and Sherwood
Cllr Rob Fail, Wyre
Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester
Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool
Cllr Sean Halsall, Sefton
Cllr Danny Gee, Chorley
Cllr Gary O’Donnell, Leicester
Cllr Ibrahim Dogus, Lambeth
Cllr Stan Hill, Halton
Cllr Christine Roberts, Wigan
Cllr Carla McQueen, Cambridge
Cllr Nazia Rehman, Wigan
Cllr Marina Asvachin, Devon
Cllr Danny Myers, York
Cllr Ben Clay, Manchester
Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton
Cllr Yousuf Motala, Lancashire
Cllr Sue Waddington, Leicester
Cllr Mark Blake, Haringey
Cllr Lily Bath, Hounslow
Cllr Peter Davis, Oldham
Cllr Maureen Bateson, Blackburn
Cllr Lorraine Beavers, Lancashire
Cllr David Meller, Stockport
Cllr Martin Donaghy, Bolton
Cllr Peter Smith, Crawley
Cllr Lesley Walton, Swansea
Cllr Neil Gethin, Doncaster
Cllr Michael Hood, Gateshead
Cllr Harry Howard, Halton
Cllr Michael McPake, North Lanarkshire
Cllr Brian Smedley, Sedgemoor
Cllr Ian Wingfield, Southwark
Cllr Gary Hewson, Lincoln
Cllr David Hughes, Doncaster
Cllr Rob Vernon, Cheshire East
Cllr Jill Lovecy, Manchester
Cllr Francesco De Molfetta, Lancashire
Cllr Kevin Richard, South Derbyshire
Cllr Des Thomas, Swansea
Cllr Aisling Gallagher, Lewisham
Cllr Eddy Newman, Manchester
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Nottingham
Cllr Stephen Homer, Tameside
Cllr Surinder Singh Purewal, Hounslow
Cllr Alistair Chisholm, Newcastle
Cllr Michelle Gregory, Hackney
Cllr Samantha Charles, Malvern Hills
Cllr Hassan Ahmed, Nottingham
Cllr John Edwards, Sandwell
Cllr Mike McCusker, Salford