labourlist--2020-01-09--How could a Barry Gardiner bid change Labour’s leadership race?

If I had to guess which Labour MP would enter the leadership race at this late stage while attending a climate change conference in Abu Dhabi , it would probably be Barry Gardiner .
There was much confusion last night when the wild card of the parliamentary party was reported by both Lewis Goodall and HuffPost to be preparing a run for the top job .
It was also claimed that Unite ’ s Len McCluskey had encouraged the move , but the general secretary issued a firm denial .
Ultimately , it was established that Gardiner ’ s support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is indeed considering his options and will confirm whether or not he is standing very soon .
What would be the impact of a Gardiner bid on Labour ’ s leadership race ?
We must first acknowledge that securing the 22 required nominations from MPs and MEPs looks unlikely .
Many of his colleagues will probably respond to the news as Louise Haigh did on Sky News this morning : with much laughter , and a comment describing the situation as “ surreal ” .
A bit like this extraordinary video from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons not to completely dismiss this potential candidacy .
Gardiner has already been endorsed by a number of Corbynite digital outriders .
You might wonder how they could overlook his apparent support for Narendra Modi , vote for the Iraq war and history of serving under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown .
But a lot of fiercely pro-EU party members overlooked Jeremy Corbyn ’ s Eurosceptic record in 2015 , and Gardiner was seen to have been very loyal to Corbyn .
Voters often have short memories .
The present appeal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered an excellent media performer , some on the Labour left believe that he would be best-placed to deal with the onslaught of attacks by the right-wing media to which every Labour leader is subjected .
He would certainly liven up those televised leadership debates .
91 Labour MPs and MEPs have already nominated a candidate , however , which is nearly half of the electorate at this stage of the process .
As the first contender to have passed the threshold for required nominations , Keir Starmer is easily scooping up votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soft Corbynsceptics .
This broad church is reflected in his campaign team , too , which comprises key Corbynite figures – Kat Fletcher and Simon Fletcher , who worked on Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign – and staffers who backed Owen Smith and Liz Kendall .
Jon Lansman and Matt Zarb-Cousin are heading up Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s team , which means both frontrunners have drawn from the Labour left to make important appointments .
In another major boost for his campaign , Starmer also received the crucial endorsement of UNISON , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As I ’ ve said before , Starmer is set to fly through the first two stages of this process , which allows him to focus on the all-member ballot earlier than others .
You can see why some of those on the Labour left who follow the Socialist Campaign Group line are nervous : the chances of a Starmer/Rayner win are increasing daily .
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If I had to guess which Labour MP would enter the leadership race at this late stage while attending a climate change conference in Abu Dhabi, it would probably be Barry Gardiner. There was much confusion last night when the wild card of the parliamentary party was reported by both Lewis Goodall and HuffPost to be preparing a run for the top job. It was also claimed that Unite’s Len McCluskey had encouraged the move, but the general secretary issued a firm denial. Ultimately, it was established that Gardiner’s support was exaggerated, but the Brent MP is indeed considering his options and will confirm whether or not he is standing very soon.
What would be the impact of a Gardiner bid on Labour’s leadership race? We must first acknowledge that securing the 22 required nominations from MPs and MEPs looks unlikely. Many of his colleagues will probably respond to the news as Louise Haigh did on Sky News this morning: with much laughter, and a comment describing the situation as “surreal”. A bit like this extraordinary video from the election campaign. But there are good reasons not to completely dismiss this potential candidacy.
Gardiner has already been endorsed by a number of Corbynite digital outriders. You might wonder how they could overlook his apparent support for Narendra Modi, vote for the Iraq war and history of serving under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. But a lot of fiercely pro-EU party members overlooked Jeremy Corbyn’s Eurosceptic record in 2015, and Gardiner was seen to have been very loyal to Corbyn. Voters often have short memories. The present appeal of the Shadow International Trade Secretary is clear: considered an excellent media performer, some on the Labour left believe that he would be best-placed to deal with the onslaught of attacks by the right-wing media to which every Labour leader is subjected. He would certainly liven up those televised leadership debates.
91 Labour MPs and MEPs have already nominated a candidate, however, which is nearly half of the electorate at this stage of the process. As the first contender to have passed the threshold for required nominations, Keir Starmer is easily scooping up votes from the soft left as well as soft Corbynsceptics. This broad church is reflected in his campaign team, too, which comprises key Corbynite figures – Kat Fletcher and Simon Fletcher, who worked on Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign – and staffers who backed Owen Smith and Liz Kendall. Jon Lansman and Matt Zarb-Cousin are heading up Rebecca Long-Bailey’s team, which means both frontrunners have drawn from the Labour left to make important appointments.
In another major boost for his campaign, Starmer also received the crucial endorsement of UNISON, as did Angela Rayner for deputy. As I’ve said before, Starmer is set to fly through the first two stages of this process, which allows him to focus on the all-member ballot earlier than others. You can see why some of those on the Labour left who follow the Socialist Campaign Group line are nervous: the chances of a Starmer/Rayner win are increasing daily. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-01-09--Lewis backs Scotland’s right to hold second indyref

Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has said that his party must not oppose Scotland ’ s right to hold a second independence referendum .
In an article for The National , the Norwich South MP argued that Scottish people should not be “ dictated to ” by English MPs on their form of government .
Lewis wrote that his party should not stand against a second referendum , and that Scottish Labour should be able to back a Yes vote .
The Labour leadership hopeful wrote : “ Given the option to exit the UK , it is little wonder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the prospect of at least five years of Tory rule imposing a Brexit that Scotland did not vote for – the question of independence and a second referendum is unavoidable.
” At the general election held last month , the SNP won 45 % of the vote in Scotland and secured 48 out of the 59 constituencies north of the border .
Lewis argued : “ In the words of the 1989 Scottish constitutional convention , supported by Labour MPs , I believe ‘ in the sovereign right of the Scottish people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suited to their needs ’ .
“ It is not for me , as an English MP for an English constituency , to dictate to Scotland what that form of government should be , and there should be no question of Labour opposing a second independence referendum if there is a mandate to hold one.
” The Norwich MP also wrote : “ Nor should any English party dictate to the Scottish .
Scottish Labour , like Welsh Labour , should have full autonomy from the English.
” In her pitch for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey criticised the decision by Labour in 2014 to cooperate with the Tories in the Better Together campaign .
Jess Phillips , also running for the top job , has ruled out supporting calls for a second independence referendum in a BBC interview , commenting : “ I don ’ t think we should have another referendum on Scottish independence – 53 % of the Scottish public in the general election did not vote for a party that was promoting independence.
” The other leadership contenders have so far been quiet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second independence referendum .
Lewis was the second Labour MP to declare his candidacy to be the next Labour leader with a call for electoral reform .
He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation .
He set out his pitch to Labour colleagues in an email ahead of the parliamentary Labour party hustings on Tuesday night , in which he said : “ Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour.
” The candidate has suggested that Labour would work with Green parliamentarians on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wins .
Lewis was broadly supportive of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership before the election but quit the shadow cabinet in 2017 to vote against triggering Article 50 .
In a BBC interview on Wednesday morning , he was asked to rate Corbyn out of ten – after Rebecca Long-Bailey gave him full marks – and he replied that he would give him “ maybe a six ” .
The Norwich South MP said that mistakes were made in terms of the way the leader handled Brexit , antisemitism and election planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 , after having previously worked as a BBC journalist and served as a British army officer .

Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has said that his party must not oppose Scotland’s right to hold a second independence referendum.
In an article for The National, the Norwich South MP argued that Scottish people should not be “dictated to” by English MPs on their form of government.
Lewis wrote that his party should not stand against a second referendum, and that Scottish Labour should be able to back a Yes vote.
The Labour leadership hopeful wrote: “Given the option to exit the UK, it is little wonder that so many now support independence and given the prospect of at least five years of Tory rule imposing a Brexit that Scotland did not vote for – the question of independence and a second referendum is unavoidable.”
At the general election held last month, the SNP won 45% of the vote in Scotland and secured 48 out of the 59 constituencies north of the border.
Lewis argued: “In the words of the 1989 Scottish constitutional convention, supported by Labour MPs, I believe ‘in the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best suited to their needs’.
“It is not for me, as an English MP for an English constituency, to dictate to Scotland what that form of government should be, and there should be no question of Labour opposing a second independence referendum if there is a mandate to hold one.”
The Norwich MP also wrote: “Nor should any English party dictate to the Scottish. Scottish Labour, like Welsh Labour, should have full autonomy from the English.”
In her pitch for the top job in Tribune, fellow leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey criticised the decision by Labour in 2014 to cooperate with the Tories in the Better Together campaign.
Jess Phillips, also running for the top job, has ruled out supporting calls for a second independence referendum in a BBC interview, commenting: “I don’t think we should have another referendum on Scottish independence – 53% of the Scottish public in the general election did not vote for a party that was promoting independence.”
The other leadership contenders have so far been quiet on Scotland and the question of backing a second independence referendum.
Lewis was the second Labour MP to declare his candidacy to be the next Labour leader with a call for electoral reform. He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation.
He set out his pitch to Labour colleagues in an email ahead of the parliamentary Labour party hustings on Tuesday night, in which he said: “Democracy and pluralism will be at the heart of my vision for Labour.”
The candidate has suggested that Labour would work with Green parliamentarians on a cross-party green new deal project, if he wins.
Lewis was broadly supportive of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership before the election but quit the shadow cabinet in 2017 to vote against triggering Article 50.
In a BBC interview on Wednesday morning, he was asked to rate Corbyn out of ten – after Rebecca Long-Bailey gave him full marks – and he replied that he would give him “maybe a six”.
The Norwich South MP said that mistakes were made in terms of the way the leader handled Brexit, antisemitism and election planning.
Lewis was first elected to parliament in 2015, after having previously worked as a BBC journalist and served as a British army officer.


labourlist--2020-01-08--Barry Gardiner considers surprise Labour leadership bid

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

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


labourlist--2020-01-09--Johnson’s Brexit bill passes without a single Labour vote in favour

The House of Commons has approved Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit bill by a large majority of 99 votes – but without a single Labour MP voting in favour of the legislation .
330 MPs voted in favour of the new withdrawal agreement bill , while 231 voted against including 169 Labour MPs .
32 members from the Labour benches had no vote recorded .
The Brexit legislation will now go to the House of Lords , where it is set to receive detailed scrutiny from peers .
The passing of the bill comes as the European Union warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trade deal .
Labour ’ s Paul Blomfield called for alignment on workers ’ rights and environmental protections , as well as policies on human rights , during the debate this afternoon .
The opposition party criticised the approach taken by the government towards EU nationals currently living in the UK , who will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme , and towards child refugees .
Before the December parliamentiary recess , Keir Starmer warned that Boris Johnson was seeking to “ tear up ” protections for child refugees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them after Brexit .
The new bill removed any obligation to negotiate in a Brexit deal that “ an unaccompanied child who has made a claim for international protection in a member state can come to the UK to join a relative ” .

The House of Commons has approved Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill by a large majority of 99 votes – but without a single Labour MP voting in favour of the legislation.
330 MPs voted in favour of the new withdrawal agreement bill, while 231 voted against including 169 Labour MPs. 32 members from the Labour benches had no vote recorded.
The Brexit legislation will now go to the House of Lords, where it is set to receive detailed scrutiny from peers. The passing of the bill comes as the European Union warned that the UK could leave the bloc without a trade deal.
Labour’s Paul Blomfield called for alignment on workers’ rights and environmental protections, as well as policies on human rights, during the debate this afternoon.
The opposition party criticised the approach taken by the government towards EU nationals currently living in the UK, who will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, and towards child refugees.
Before the December parliamentary recess, Keir Starmer warned that Boris Johnson was seeking to “tear up” protections for child refugees and had scrapped a previous commitment to protect them after Brexit.
The new bill removed any obligation to negotiate in a Brexit deal that “an unaccompanied child who has made a claim for international protection in a member state can come to the UK to join a relative”.


labourlist--2020-01-09--What Wales is looking for in Labour’s next leader

Wales needs the next Labour leader to develop and refine the policies which demonstrate that our party stands for a different and better future – not a more competent administration of the status quo .
We have to offer a genuine alternative for the future of our country .
Of course , personal qualities matter in politics .
But for me , the crucial test is always political belief , rather than personal characteristics .
When I cast my vote , it will be predicated on the person whose policy agenda and political values are closest to mine , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the country or belongs to a particular group .
I will also want to see an ability to construct and communicate a persuasive narrative to inspire voters to believe that there is a better way and to win confidence as a credible leader of the UK in uncertain and difficult times .
I believe that whoever leads next must retain our best ideas from the last two manifestos to form the basis of the party ’ s new policy agenda .
But a compelling narrative must lead the debate and create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minds of voters .
Our messaging must be simplified .
Many of our policy proposals are supported by a wide swathe of voters .
The reversal of the decline in our political fortunes will not be found in reversing long-standing – and popular – aspects of the Labour Party .
The next Labour leader must continue to espouse and refine policies which mark us out as the party of hope .
Nowhere is that agenda more important than in Wales .
Wales needs the incoming leader to speak up for our essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union .
The UK will now leave the EU – however , the banal mendacity of getting Brexit done will be exposed over the whole of this parliament .
Quitting our largest , closest and most important market fixes nothing .
Instead , it creates a new set of dilemmas , which will be with us for years to come .
We need a new Labour leader who will continue to speak up for manufacturing industry and a balanced economy , which trades as freely as possible with our European neighbours .
Leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our senses .
We have to be an outward-looking country , committed to acting internationally with others , welcoming and determined to dissolve barriers , rather than erecting new ones .
Our Welsh economy needs to recruit people to work in private businesses , public services and universities .
We must not fall into the trap of submitting to social conservatism .
We must lead an open , inclusive approach to our fellow citizens , wherever they were born , whatever their race or religion .
Our food producers and manufacturers need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new relationship with the EU , based on a form of associate status .
The new Labour leader will need to help make that happen .
The future of the UK is at greater peril now than at any time in recent history .
The next leader must speak up for a reformed UK , based on maximum self-determination for each of the four nations , while retaining the practical benefits that the UK brings to its constituent parts .
Labour won more seats in Wales than the Conservative Party won in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected in December was defeated by the SNP in Scotland , by Welsh Labour in Wales and is friendless in Northern Ireland .
Its leadership is instinctively attracted to the hollow rhetoric of imperialism and the instruments of colonialism .
Its prescription for the union – a flag-waving insistence on the presence and power of the London-based government in all parts of the UK – will simply add new impetus to the fissures already manifest in it .
The new Labour leader must commit to a broad-based constitutional convention , bringing together progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of the UK as a voluntary association of four nations , in which we make a new reality of the 100-year-plus policy of Home Rule all round .
The Welsh government ’ s 20-point plan should be a key contribution to that debate .
The next Labour leader must speak up for Wales in this parliament , resisting attempts to dilute devolution and supporting efforts to strengthen the current settlement .
While the future of the UK depends on a fundamental reform of the current arrangements , there are important short-term goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring greater coherence to Welsh devolution .
The leader must make a strong commitment to resist efforts to roll back devolution , for example through the UK government ’ s proposed shared prosperity fund .
They must also be committed to supporting strengthened devolution as a result of the outcome of the Williams review of rail ; the Thomas report on justice ; the devolution of air passenger duty ; land tax in Wales and reform of the Barnett formula .
A majority Conservative government is likely to act as a brake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the present devolution settlement .
We need a UK Labour leader who will speak up for the measures , which the Welsh Labour government needs to discharge our responsibilities effectively in Wales .
Whoever is next to lead must bring the internal arrangements of the party into line with devolution , strengthening the autonomy of Welsh Labour .
It is essential that Welsh Labour remains part of the UK Labour family , but the current arrangements do not reflect the constitutional developments of the past 20 years .
We need greater control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enhanced right to shape political campaigning and the decentralisation of staff to support devolved functions .
The incoming Labour leader should also commit to working positively to implement any changes proposed in the second phase of Lord Murphy ’ s democracy review in Wales .
The social partnership approach we have developed in Wales should be adopted as the UK Labour method of building alliances for progressive change .
Over the next five years , Labour will be out of power at Westminster but we can still exercise direct political decision-making by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
Our partners in the trade union movement and allies in civil society can help set out a distinctive , radical and popular alternative to hardline neoliberalism .
This will require a leader who sees it as their mission to act as the leader of the wider Labour movement , rather than just the parliamentary Labour party .
London – and the Houses of Parliament – exercise a centrifugal force on any leader , extracting time and energy and blotting out opportunities to invest in the broad base of progressive politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years to building the party , and its support , on a far wider partnership basis , using the social partnership model developed in Wales as the basis .
Wales is unique in the UK , having a Labour government for the last two decades .
Many of the policies that were so popular in the 2017 and 2019 manifestos were made in Wales and are an everyday reality here – from free hospital car parking and free prescriptions for all , to the retention of the education maintenance allowance and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students anywhere in the UK .
Wales and Welsh Labour seats will be key to Labour winning the next general election – winning in Wales will help the next Labour leader become our next Prime Minister .

Wales needs the next Labour leader to develop and refine the policies which demonstrate that our party stands for a different and better future – not a more competent administration of the status quo. We have to offer a genuine alternative for the future of our country.
Of course, personal qualities matter in politics. But for me, the crucial test is always political belief, rather than personal characteristics. When I cast my vote, it will be predicated on the person whose policy agenda and political values are closest to mine, rather than because someone comes from a particular part of the country or
belongs to a particular group.
I will also want to see an ability to construct and communicate a persuasive narrative to inspire voters to believe that there is a better way and to win confidence as a credible leader of the UK in uncertain and difficult times. I believe that whoever leads next must retain our best ideas from the last two manifestos to form the basis of the party’s new policy agenda. But a compelling narrative must lead the debate and create a sense of mission and hope in the minds of voters. Our messaging must be simplified.
Many of our policy proposals are supported by a wide swathe of voters. The reversal of the decline in our political fortunes will not be found in reversing long-standing – and popular – aspects of the Labour Party. The next Labour leader must continue to espouse and refine policies which mark us out as the party of hope.
Nowhere is that agenda more important than in Wales. Wales needs the incoming leader to speak up for our essential interests as the UK leaves the European Union. The UK will now leave the EU – however, the banal mendacity of getting Brexit done will be exposed over the whole of this parliament. Quitting our largest, closest and most important market fixes nothing. Instead, it creates a new set of dilemmas, which will be with us for years to come.
We need a new Labour leader who will continue to speak up for manufacturing industry and a balanced economy, which trades as freely as possible with our European neighbours. Leaving the EU should not mean taking leave of our senses. We have to be an outward-looking country, committed to acting internationally with others, welcoming and determined to dissolve barriers, rather than erecting new ones.
Our Welsh economy needs to recruit people to work in private businesses, public services and universities. We must not fall into the trap of submitting to social conservatism. We must lead an open, inclusive approach to our fellow citizens, wherever they were born, whatever their race or religion. Our food producers and manufacturers need to trade without barriers. We need a new relationship with the EU, based on a form of associate status. The new Labour leader will need to help make that happen.
The future of the UK is at greater peril now than at any time in recent history. The next leader must speak up for a reformed UK, based on maximum self-determination for each of the four nations, while retaining the practical benefits that the UK brings to its constituent parts.
Labour won more seats in Wales than the Conservative Party won in total outside England. The UK government elected in December was defeated by the SNP in Scotland, by Welsh Labour in Wales and is friendless in Northern Ireland. Its leadership is instinctively attracted to the hollow rhetoric of imperialism and the instruments of colonialism. Its prescription for the union – a flag-waving insistence on the presence and power of the London-based government in all parts of the UK – will simply add new impetus to the fissures already manifest in it.
The new Labour leader must commit to a broad-based constitutional convention, bringing together progressive forces to agree a blueprint for the future of the UK as a voluntary association of four nations, in which we make a new reality of the 100-year-plus policy of Home Rule all round. The Welsh government’s 20-point plan should be a key contribution to that debate.
The next Labour leader must speak up for Wales in this parliament, resisting attempts to dilute devolution and supporting efforts to strengthen the current settlement. While the future of the UK depends on a fundamental reform of the current arrangements, there are important short-term goals to be pursued in the present settlement to bring greater coherence to Welsh devolution. The leader must make a strong commitment to resist efforts to roll back devolution, for example through the UK government’s proposed shared prosperity fund.
They must also be committed to supporting strengthened devolution as a result of the outcome of the Williams review of rail; the Thomas report on justice; the devolution of air passenger duty; land tax in Wales and reform of the Barnett formula. A majority Conservative government is likely to act as a brake on even the most obvious rough edges of the present devolution settlement. We need a UK Labour leader who will speak up for the measures, which the Welsh Labour government needs to discharge our responsibilities effectively in Wales.
Whoever is next to lead must bring the internal arrangements of the party into line with devolution, strengthening the autonomy of Welsh Labour. It is essential that Welsh Labour remains part of the UK Labour family, but the current arrangements do not reflect the constitutional developments of the past 20 years.
We need greater control of our own rulebook in Wales, an enhanced right to shape political campaigning and the decentralisation of staff to support devolved functions. The incoming Labour leader should also commit to working positively to implement any changes proposed in the second phase of Lord Murphy’s democracy review in Wales.
The social partnership approach we have developed in Wales should be adopted as the UK Labour method of building alliances for progressive change. Over the next five years, Labour will be out of power at Westminster but we can still exercise direct political decision-making by winning devolved, local government and mayoral elections. Our partners in the trade union movement and allies in civil society can help set out a distinctive, radical and popular alternative to hardline neoliberalism.
This will require a leader who sees it as their mission to act as the leader of the wider Labour movement, rather than just the parliamentary Labour party. London – and the Houses of Parliament – exercise a centrifugal force on any leader, extracting time and energy and blotting out opportunities to invest in the broad base of progressive politics. The coming leader must devote the next five years to building the party, and its support, on a far wider partnership basis, using the social partnership model developed in Wales as the basis.
Wales is unique in the UK, having a Labour government for the last two decades. Many of the policies that were so popular in the 2017 and 2019 manifestos were made in Wales and are an everyday reality here – from free hospital car parking and free prescriptions for all, to the retention of the education maintenance allowance and the most generous system of support for university students anywhere in the UK. Wales and Welsh Labour seats will be key to Labour winning the next general election – winning in Wales will help the next Labour leader become our next Prime Minister.


labourlist--2020-01-09--Local elections are more than just a temperature check

The lost decade of Tory austerity has hit the foundations of public services in our country and starved our communities of vital investment needed to recover after the financial crash .
For millions it has been Labour in local government that has been the last line of defence – and you ’ d expect that .
But more so , it has been our grassroots government that has given hope in hard times , driven forward growth and offered real examples of what Labour can achieve in power .
Our movement collectively owes our councillors , mayors and police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respect .
It is therefore important then that the forthcoming elections are treated with the importance they deserve as we look down the dark tunnel of a further five years of Tory rule .
Given the aftermath of Labour ’ s general election defeat , campaigns for leader and deputy leader have begun in earnest , but for many the long campaign to rebuild after the general election will come much sooner .
May 7th will see 118 English council elections – including 34 metropolitan councils , some covered by metro and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 police and crime commissioner elections .
And there will also be the not so small issue of the London mayoral and London assembly elections .
In the midst of all these pressing elections we must take the commitment to grassroots government further .
It is not enough to acknowledge that the work they do locally and regionally when , nationally , Labour sits in the cold of opposition .
For Labour to change the country we must have a new power settlement too , where the best of Labour is trusted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control .
And if we are to rebuild trust with the electorate , it is stating the obvious but it won ’ t be achieved simply by changing the leadership .
It must be rooted in community and built from the ground up .
A programme of radical localism supporting devolution and decentralisation .
It goes beyond resources – though vital as they are – to culture and how we do things .
The leadership contest allows the platform to progress these ideas , and to demonstrate that our councillors are front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a good job too , as with the timetable now set the new leader and deputy will be announced four days after nominations open for the May elections .
These elections are not simply a temperature check , they are much more important .
They mean that at least some will see the benefit of Labour in power .
And that the best of our movement is leading from the front , showing the difference that Labour can make and helping to win the country for a future Labour @ @

The lost decade of Tory austerity has hit the foundations of public services in our country and starved our communities of vital investment needed to recover after the financial crash. For millions it has been Labour in local government that has been the last line of defence – and you’d expect that. But more so, it has been our grassroots government that has given hope in hard times, driven forward growth and offered real examples of what Labour can achieve in power.
Our movement collectively owes our councillors, mayors and police and crime commissioners a great debt of gratitude and respect. It is therefore important then that the forthcoming elections are treated with the importance they deserve as we look down the dark tunnel of a further five years of Tory rule. Given the aftermath of Labour’s general election defeat, campaigns for leader and deputy leader have begun in earnest, but for many the long campaign to rebuild after the general election will come much sooner.
May 7th will see 118 English council elections – including 34 metropolitan councils, some covered by metro and directly elected mayors – as well as 40 police and crime commissioner elections. And there will also be the not so small issue of the London mayoral and London assembly elections.
In the midst of all these pressing elections we must take the commitment to grassroots government further. It is not enough to acknowledge that the work they do locally and regionally when, nationally, Labour sits in the cold of opposition. For Labour to change the country we must have a new power settlement too, where the best of Labour is trusted to do more, free from centralised command and control.
And if we are to rebuild trust with the electorate, it is stating the obvious but it won’t be achieved simply by changing the leadership. It must be rooted in community and built from the ground up. A programme of radical localism supporting devolution and decentralisation. It goes beyond resources – though vital as they are – to culture and how we do things.
The leadership contest allows the platform to progress these ideas, and to demonstrate that our councillors are front and centre of a future new settlement. It’s a good job too, as with the timetable now set the new leader and deputy will be announced four days after nominations open for the May elections.
These elections are not simply a temperature check, they are much more important. They mean that at least some will see the benefit of Labour in power. And that the best of our movement is leading from the front, showing the difference that Labour can make and helping to win the country for a future Labour government.


labourlist--2020-01-09--Labour is the party of the workers – and we’ll hold the Tories to account

UK workers endure some of the longest working hours in Europe .
The rise of zero-hour contracts and the gig economy are blighting workers ’ lives .
Many who are self-employed act as the economic barometer in an ever more insecure and volatile economy , with no rights or protections .
Without fundamental change that values workers and puts them first , our economy will only stumble forwards .
As a senior trade union official I witnessed a workplace culture where bullying , work-related stress and long hours were rife .
Dignifying workers , taking a zero-tolerance approach to abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and giving staff a real stake in their workplace through trade union organisation , are vital in tackling a pernicious culture that not only damages people but businesses too .
The philanthropist and businessman Joseph Rowntree , a famous son of my constituency of York , noted that “ there may be no better way of advancing the objects one has at heart than to strengthen the hands of those who are effectively doing the work that needs to be done ” .
Rowntree recognised that if you genuinely value your workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be greater : it improves productivity and people ’ s lives .
Rowntree invested in good quality housing which became the blueprint of the 1919 Housing Act , in education , in healthcare and pensions , as well as sports facilities , a theatre and a park .
Over a century ago , he demonstrated how paying decent wages and treating workers well help to build a strong global business .
Today , many business leaders would do well to look to Rowntree ’ s wisdom .
The average Briton will work 3,507 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant amount of their waking hours at work .
It should be an enriching experience – drawing on the talents and interests of every worker , ensuring workers are rewarded with decent pay , high quality terms and conditions and guaranteed job security .
Employers who exploit their workers must always be held to account , but the government could and should do more to ensure businesses work more closely with trade unions to improve workers ’ rights .
We also can not ignore how travel to work effects our climate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport for all is available .
We need flexibility to work for the worker , not just the employer .
Those with family , young or old , need to be empowered to make adjustments to help bring the right balances into their lives .
The Tories will never be on the side of workers and trade unions – just look at the Trade Union Act that David Cameron ’ s government brought in and Boris Johnson is committed to maintaining .
We need strong trade unions as much now as we did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they helped to found the Labour Party .
Reaching back to their roots as social movements of change , tackling society ’ s injustices of poverty , inequality and workplace abuse and exploitation .
Labour is the party of the workers and we will hold this Conservative government to account every step of the way on its record of failure that not only lets down workers but undermines businesses and damages our economy .

UK workers endure some of the longest working hours in Europe. The rise of zero-hour contracts and the gig economy are blighting workers’ lives. Many who are self-employed act as the economic barometer in an ever more insecure and volatile economy, with no rights or protections. Without fundamental change that values workers and puts them first, our economy will only stumble forwards.
As a senior trade union official I witnessed a workplace culture where bullying, work-related stress and long hours were rife. Dignifying workers, taking a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, bullying, harassment and discrimination, and giving staff a real stake in their workplace through trade union organisation, are vital in tackling a pernicious culture that not only damages people but businesses too.
The philanthropist and businessman Joseph Rowntree, a famous son of my constituency of York, noted that “there may be no better way of advancing the objects one has at heart than to strengthen the hands of those who are effectively doing the work that needs to be done”.
Rowntree recognised that if you genuinely value your workers and treat them well, the return will be greater: it improves productivity and people’s lives. Rowntree invested in good quality housing which became the blueprint of the 1919 Housing Act, in education, in healthcare and pensions, as well as sports facilities, a theatre and a park. Over a century ago, he demonstrated how paying decent wages and treating workers well help to build a strong global business. Today, many business leaders would do well to look to Rowntree’s wisdom.
The average Briton will work 3,507 days in their lifetime, spending a significant amount of their waking hours at work. It should be an enriching experience – drawing on the talents and interests of every worker, ensuring workers are rewarded with decent pay, high quality terms and conditions and guaranteed job security. Employers who exploit their workers must always be held to account, but the government could and should do more to ensure businesses work more closely with trade unions to improve workers’ rights.
We also cannot ignore how travel to work effects our climate, and we must ensure that sustainable and accessible transport for all is available. We need flexibility to work for the worker, not just the employer. Those with family, young or old, need to be empowered to make adjustments to help bring the right balances into their lives.
The Tories will never be on the side of workers and trade unions – just look at the Trade Union Act that David Cameron’s government brought in and Boris Johnson is committed to maintaining. We need strong trade unions as much now as we did more than 100 years ago, when they helped to found the Labour Party. Reaching back to their roots as social movements of change, tackling society’s injustices of poverty, inequality and workplace abuse and exploitation. Labour is the party of the workers and we will hold this Conservative government to account every step of the way on its record of failure that not only lets down workers but undermines businesses and damages our economy.


labourlist--2020-01-09--Arguing to rejoin the EU now isn’t credible – 2020 needs to be a year of realities

Since 2015 , Britain has been a fantasy island .
Our politics have been mired in a series of unrealistic Brexit-centred constructs .
At 10.05pm on December 12th , with the ‘ lost decade ’ creaking to its close , the landscape changed .
The certainty of the UK ’ s exit from the European Union ’ s institutions on January 31st demands political reality from government and the opposition alike .
Pragmatism must become the prevailing ideology in the coming months .
Too many people have too much to lose should our elected leaders fail to tack towards seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s departure .
It is time to get real .
Brexit is now a fact , but it still won ’ t be good .
The acceptance of reality , does not mean that those who opposed the UK leaving the EU ‘ getting behind Brexit ’ .
Boris Johnson ’ s victory is a fact , but it doesn ’ t change the facts : the UK ’ s exit from the EU remains a grave mistake .
Whatever future relationship is defined will be inferior to that which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s influence in the world as it evolves will be diminished and many of our commercial interests will be weakened .
Decisions over standards and markets that affect the UK will still be made in Brussels – just without the UK at the table .
The impossible promises made during and after the referendum will not be delivered .
The fantasy white knight of ‘ free trade ’ with the Commonwealth , the ‘ anglo-sphere ’ or any other ‘ global partners ’ , will not charge to the rescue .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens will be removed .
These consequences remain unavoidable – there is no good Brexit and it remains unclear what it is that the Leavers have actually won .
Johnson and his English nationalists should be called out , and made to own that Brexit is an ongoing failure .
Unfortunately , making that stick will be another matter .
Johnson ’ s ability to transfer blame is proficient , well-rehearsed and the mood music is unfavourable .
The government holds all the best propaganda cards and understandably , as the general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough of Brexit .
Though the difficulties are not to be underestimated , a deal of some sort will probably be concluded between the UK and the EU during 2020 .
Perhaps a deal not terribly good for the UK – perhaps an extension to the transition just called something else – but one that avoids the deferred crash out on December 31st , buying time and diverting the attention of a bored and disinterested public .
Brexit still won ’ t be done – but few will any longer care .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , be another ‘ wonderful deal ’ dressed up by Downing Street as a political triumph .
Boz and Dom both understand that nothing succeeds like success – and as nobody actually knows what success looks like , it will be whatever they say it is .
Rebadging will be the order of the day – starting with ‘ not the extended transition period ’ .
When , for example , the UK accepts reality and pays over the odds to participate in EU research programmes with no control over their terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country will have secured a leading role in global scientific partnerships – or something similar , that doesn ’ t explicitly say ‘ EU ’ , to make acceptable that element of selling out their ERG zealots .
Whether or not things will go as far as the ‘ not-the-customs-union-customs-union ’ , and the ‘ not-the-single-market-single-market ’ , trailed in Theresa May ’ s political declaration remains to be seen .
Johnson has indicated otherwise , but has got a new problem in a bunch of Tory gains in places that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 31st .
But we all know that he would re-brand bacon as delicious vegan goodness , if it served his interests .
After January 31st all things are once again possible for the first electorally successful Conservative leader since Margaret Thatcher .
Calling out failure will be difficult .
If a disruptive end to 2020 is avoided – and no responsible UK politician should wish the consequences of no-trade deal on our people – calling out failure becomes difficult .
Other than the chaos of no deal , it was always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cataclysm .
The economic consequences will unfold over many years , though will in all likelihood remain grim .
Even so , waters will be inevitably muddy and the forecasters will be ‘ wrong ’ – even if they are 80 % right .
That ’ s how economics is , that ’ s how markets are , businesses will find a way – more costly , less efficient and fundamentally constrained but ‘ a way ’ nonetheless .
Short and long term deflection will be easy for the government ; too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever may happen solely on Brexit , even when it is true .
So , while pointing out inconvenient truths has to be part of any credible fact-based politics , carrying on the fight as a matter of principle is a nonsense unlikely to get a hearing .
After January 31st , the UK needs a credible European policy based on engagement with the EU as a third country .
While I firmly believe that , eventually , we will be once again be a member of the EU , arguing that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics for a serious political party in the 2020s .
I doubt it will be in my lifetime – though I hope I ’ m wrong .
Keeping the flame alive matters .
Many will do so and some of us will be Labour members , but it can not be the Labour Party ’ s aspiration right now .
Just as there has been no contradiction – nor any betrayal of principle – in arguing to Remain while seeking to mitigate the worst aspects of Brexit , neither is there any contradiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can achieve outside the EU while knowing that the best interests of UK citizens lie in co-operation with our neighbours .
Campaigning for rights removed and diminished by the appalling Withdrawal Agreement will be ongoing , and will remain a duty .
Pointing out that we would all have been better off had Brexit never happened is a continuing obligation .
It is not healthy for pro-EU politicians to delude ourselves that we ‘ won the argument ’ .
Yes , we came close to stopping Brexit but there is no ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning .
It doesn ’ t matter in the slightest that battles were won – that ’ s how wars go .
Analysis of the history will continue , but the outcome will not change .
Ironically , the largest pro-European movement anywhere in the EU28 is now that found in the UK and it will keep the flame alight , but channeling pro-EU sentiment into a coherent political direction will be a challenge .
Though few who went on demonstrations or signed petitions will forgive the Conservatives any time soon .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both pro-Europeans and Leavers .
The UK is to become a third country without the hard power that comes with a 14 % block vote , 10 % of MEPs and the clout that comes with a major budget contribution .
It is remarkable how many people I meet on either side of the argument have yet to even grasp that we will not have MEPs .
The EU will now make decisions that are in the EU ’ s interests – or at least that they believe to be – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , to some extent .
The interests of the EU will sometimes coincide with the priorities of the UK , sometimes they will not .
Sometimes there will be conflicts and the EU will not always recognise mutual interest over self-interest but , as a rules-based organisation , it will not act to subvert its own rules .
The object of UK policy should be to ensure that mutual interest is recognised and acted upon as often as possible , and to identify how this can happen without undermining the rules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if for the next few years it is hard to get a hearing .
To have any chance of success in this , the UK-EU relationship will need to step beyond the rancour of the last five years .
This will be as difficult for the EU as it will be for the UK – the overwhelming desire is to move on , which in the short term really means ‘ move off entirely ’ .
National interests will also come into play without the means of mitigation for the common good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the table .
At present it is hard to see a dynamic to negotiations that is not adversarial , however , maybe it will dawn on Johnson that it will be in everyone ’ s interests to change the tone .
An early and necessary move from the ‘ nothing is agreed until everything is agreed ’ approach , to a series of staged agreements , would help build a culture of success .
Early wins matter .
If Johnson fails to take the initiative on phasing , which the EU may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lack of ‘ strategic genius ’ in Downing Street .
Where we are right now is still a bad place for all concerned .
A phased timetable is a first step toward a better place but , in substance , changing the prospects for a sensible outcome requires leadership of the sort that has been in short supply .
Resetting the terms of the debate requires a shared vision – not total agreement but common ground .
Can the UK and the EU agree that there is an active threat to democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat to the security and freedom of Europe ; that we have common interests in combatting organised crime ; that co-operation around climate , medical and scientific research continues to make sense , that co-operation around a common study area is a mutual benefit ?
An early big picture declaration of common interest as the basis for re-building relationships is essential .
The current political declaration does not meet the test .
The fudge is past its sell-by date… The EU and the UK each need , for their own good , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
The EU didn ’ t initiate Brexit , but it failed and continues to fail to respond effectively to the challenges that helped Brexit come about ; history will judge the Juncker commission harshly .
The reality of significant democratic change in the EU was never communicated .
The evolution of EU institutions toward a recognisably transparent form of governance has been painfully slow .
The high-flying rhetoric of federalism persists within the bubble , while the conflicting reality of a club of member states with shared and competing interests prevails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountability .
And the budget process institutionalises conflict .
President Macron ’ s demands for change are as legitimate as they are essential .
What they will deliver is less clear , and must go beyond institutional change to a reform of political priorities .
Blaming Brussels for all our ills isn ’ t just a British affliction .
The complacency that runs deep in the mainstream political currents has been shaken but little action has been stirred .
Brexit should have been the catalyst for change .
It could yet prove so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signs are not hopeful .
The realisation that a new , proactive socioeconomic settlement is required to combat populism is taking too long to dawn .
The EU usually finds a way – but muddling through is no longer enough .
For the UK the problems run deeper .
The UK/Britain/England – there ’ s the problem in a nutshell .
The rapid decline of empire ; the avoidance of military defeat and foreign occupation ; ending up on the winning side at enormous cost in 1918 and 1945 ; and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masked the need to build a new purpose for the UK as a large European state made up of several nations .
Britain , uniquely , has failed to nation build for the modern era .
It is not surprising that the Scots , the different Irish traditions , and Wales have carved out post-imperial identities based on differing social movements .
Entering the EU in an act of desperation , without a clear sense of what modern Britain might become , delivered on many levels but has proved unsustainable .
Outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be forced – finally – to come to terms with itself and understand its real position in the world .
That at least might be no bad thing .

Since 2015, Britain has been a fantasy island.
Our politics have been mired in a series of unrealistic Brexit-centred constructs. At 10.05pm on December 12th, with the ‘lost decade’ creaking to its close, the landscape changed. The certainty of the UK’s exit from the European Union’s institutions on January 31st demands political reality from government and the opposition alike. Pragmatism must become the prevailing ideology in the coming months. Too many people have too much to lose should our elected leaders fail to tack towards seeking a sustainable, economically manageable outcome to the UK’s departure. It is time to get real.
Brexit is now a fact, but it still won’t be good.
The acceptance of reality, does not mean that those who opposed the UK leaving the EU ‘getting behind Brexit’. Boris Johnson’s victory is a fact, but it doesn’t change the facts: the UK’s exit from the EU remains a grave mistake. Whatever future relationship is defined will be inferior to that which we have until January 31st. Britain’s influence in the world as it evolves will be diminished and many of our commercial interests will be weakened. Decisions over standards and markets that affect the UK will still be made in Brussels – just without the UK at the table. The impossible promises made during and after the referendum will not be delivered.
The fantasy white knight of ‘free trade’ with the Commonwealth, the ‘anglo-sphere’ or any other ‘global partners’, will not charge to the rescue. The freedoms and rights we acquired as EU citizens will be removed. These consequences remain unavoidable – there is no good Brexit and it remains unclear what it is that the Leavers have actually won.
Johnson and his English nationalists should be called out, and made to own that Brexit is an ongoing failure. Unfortunately, making that stick will be another matter. Johnson’s ability to transfer blame is proficient, well-rehearsed and the mood music is unfavourable. The government holds all the best propaganda cards and understandably, as the general election perfectly illustrated, the public has had enough of Brexit.
A deal during 2020?
Though the difficulties are not to be underestimated, a deal of some sort will probably be concluded between the UK and the EU during 2020. Perhaps a deal not terribly good for the UK – perhaps an extension to the transition just called something else – but one that avoids the deferred crash out on December 31st, buying time and diverting the attention of a bored and disinterested public. Brexit still won’t be done – but few will any longer care.
For those who do care it will, however, be another ‘wonderful deal’ dressed up by Downing Street as a political triumph. Boz and Dom both understand that nothing succeeds like success – and as nobody actually knows what success looks like, it will be whatever they say it is.
Rebadging will be the order of the day – starting with ‘not the extended transition period’. When, for example, the UK accepts reality and pays over the odds to participate in EU research programmes with no control over their terms. We’ll be told that the country will have secured a leading role in global scientific partnerships – or something similar, that doesn’t explicitly say ‘EU’, to make acceptable that element of selling out their ERG zealots.
Whether or not things will go as far as the ‘not-the-customs-union-customs-union’, and the ‘not-the-single-market-single-market’, trailed in Theresa May’s political declaration remains to be seen. Johnson has indicated otherwise, but has got a new problem in a bunch of Tory gains in places that will be hit hardest by a no-trade deal on December 31st.
But we all know that he would re-brand bacon as delicious vegan goodness, if it served his interests. After January 31st all things are once again possible for the first electorally successful Conservative leader since Margaret Thatcher.
Calling out failure will be difficult.
If a disruptive end to 2020 is avoided – and no responsible UK politician should wish the consequences of no-trade deal on our people – calling out failure becomes difficult. Other than the chaos of no deal, it was always wrong to paint Brexit as an overnight cataclysm. The economic consequences will unfold over many years, though will in all likelihood remain grim.
Even so, waters will be inevitably muddy and the forecasters will be ‘wrong’ – even if they are 80% right. That’s how economics is, that’s how markets are, businesses will find a way – more costly, less efficient and fundamentally constrained but ‘a way’ nonetheless. Short and long term deflection will be easy for the government; too many other issues will be around to pin whatever may happen solely on Brexit, even when it is true. So, while pointing out inconvenient truths has to be part of any credible fact-based politics, carrying on the fight as a matter of principle is a nonsense unlikely to get a hearing.
We need a credible European policy.
After January 31st, the UK needs a credible European policy based on engagement with the EU as a third country. While I firmly believe that, eventually, we will be once again be a member of the EU, arguing that the UK should rejoin is simply not credible politics for a serious political party in the 2020s. I doubt it will be in my lifetime – though I hope I’m wrong. Keeping the flame alive matters. Many will do so and some of us will be Labour members, but it cannot be the Labour Party’s aspiration right now.
Just as there has been no contradiction – nor any betrayal of principle – in arguing to Remain while seeking to mitigate the worst aspects of Brexit, neither is there any contradiction in working for the best outcome that we can achieve outside the EU while knowing that the best interests of UK citizens lie in co-operation with our neighbours. Campaigning for rights removed and diminished by the appalling Withdrawal Agreement will be ongoing, and will remain a duty. Pointing out that we would all have been better off had Brexit never happened is a continuing obligation.
It is not healthy for pro-EU politicians to delude ourselves that we ‘won the argument’. Yes, we came close to stopping Brexit but there is no ‘moral victory’. Losing is not winning. It doesn’t matter in the slightest that battles were won – that’s how wars go. Analysis of the history will continue, but the outcome will not change. Ironically, the largest pro-European movement anywhere in the EU28 is now that found in the UK and it will keep the flame alight, but channeling pro-EU sentiment into a coherent political direction will be a challenge. Though few who went on demonstrations or signed petitions will forgive the Conservatives any time soon.
A credible European policy will recognise uncomfortable truths for both pro-Europeans and Leavers. The UK is to become a third country without the hard power that comes with a 14% block vote, 10% of MEPs and the clout that comes with a major budget contribution. It is remarkable how many people I meet on either side of the argument have yet to even grasp that we will not have MEPs. The EU will now make decisions that are in the EU’s interests – or at least that they believe to be – and most of those decisions will affect the UK, to some extent.
The interests of the EU will sometimes coincide with the priorities of the UK, sometimes they will not. Sometimes there will be conflicts and the EU will not always recognise mutual interest over self-interest but, as a rules-based organisation, it will not act to subvert its own rules. The object of UK policy should be to ensure that mutual interest is recognised and acted upon as often as possible, and to identify how this can happen without undermining the rules. We should not be surprised, however, if for the next few years it is hard to get a hearing.
We must recognise mutual interests.
To have any chance of success in this, the UK-EU relationship will need to step beyond the rancour of the last five years. This will be as difficult for the EU as it will be for the UK – the overwhelming desire is to move on, which in the short term really means ‘move off entirely’. National interests will also come into play without the means of mitigation for the common good – just when you needed that seat at the table.
At present it is hard to see a dynamic to negotiations that is not adversarial, however, maybe it will dawn on Johnson that it will be in everyone’s interests to change the tone. An early and necessary move from the ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’ approach, to a series of staged agreements, would help build a culture of success. Early wins matter. If Johnson fails to take the initiative on phasing, which the EU may well resist, then it will indicate a lack of ‘strategic genius’ in Downing Street.
Where we are right now is still a bad place for all concerned. A phased timetable is a first step toward a better place but, in substance, changing the prospects for a sensible outcome requires leadership of the sort that has been in short supply. Resetting the terms of the debate requires a shared vision – not total agreement but common ground.
Can the UK and the EU agree that there is an active threat to democratic institutions; that there is a direct threat to the security and freedom of Europe; that we have common interests in combatting organised crime; that co-operation around climate, medical and scientific research continues to make sense, that co-operation around a common study area is a mutual benefit? An early big picture declaration of common interest as the basis for re-building relationships is essential. The current political declaration does not meet the test.
The fudge is past its sell-by date…
The EU and the UK each need, for their own good, to recognise the failures that have got us here. The EU didn’t initiate Brexit, but it failed and continues to fail to respond effectively to the challenges that helped Brexit come about; history will judge the Juncker commission harshly.
The reality of significant democratic change in the EU was never communicated. The evolution of EU institutions toward a recognisably transparent form of governance has been painfully slow. The high-flying rhetoric of federalism persists within the bubble, while the conflicting reality of a club of member states with shared and competing interests prevails. EU institutions remain poor at democratic accountability. And the budget process institutionalises conflict.
President Macron’s demands for change are as legitimate as they are essential. What they will deliver is less clear, and must go beyond institutional change to a reform of political priorities. Blaming Brussels for all our ills isn’t just a British affliction. The complacency that runs deep in the mainstream political currents has been shaken but little action has been stirred. Brexit should have been the catalyst for change. It could yet prove so once the UK has gone, but the signs are not hopeful. The realisation that a new, proactive socioeconomic settlement is required to combat populism is taking too long to dawn. The EU usually finds a way – but muddling through is no longer enough.
…and you can’t eat nostalgia.
For the UK the problems run deeper. The UK/Britain/England – there’s the problem in a nutshell. The rapid decline of empire; the avoidance of military defeat and foreign occupation; ending up on the winning side at enormous cost in 1918 and 1945; and the dominance of the English language have all masked the need to build a new purpose for the UK as a large European state made up of several nations.
Britain, uniquely, has failed to nation build for the modern era. It is not surprising that the Scots, the different Irish traditions, and Wales have carved out post-imperial identities based on differing social movements. Entering the EU in an act of desperation, without a clear sense of what modern Britain might become, delivered on many levels but has proved unsustainable. Outside the EU the UK, especially England, will be forced – finally – to come to terms with itself and understand its real position in the world. That at least might be no bad thing.


labourlist--2020-01-10--Richard Corbett MEP: Why I’m backing Dr Rosena Allin-Khan for deputy leader

There are many strong candidates in the Labour leadership and deputy leadership races .
As leader of Labour ’ s MEPs , I have , of course , worked very closely with Keir Starmer in his shadow cabinet Brexit role , but I have also seen first hand how effective he can be on other issues .
I have nominated him for leader and wish him and his excellent campaign well .
For deputy leader , I have nominated Tooting ’ s Dr Rosena Allin-Khan .
She may be less well-known than some of the candidates , but she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope colleagues in the Labour Party will take a few minutes to consider why I think they too should support her .
An NHS doctor , Rosena was elected as an MP on the same day that the incredible Jo Cox was brutally murdered .
With the 2016 referendum coming just a week later , Dr Rosena had a tempestuous and tragic start to her parliamentary term .
Within a year she was fighting for her seat again , increasing her majority by around 9,000 and holding it again in 2019 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is a remarkable achievement for a BAME woman with mixed Pakistani-Polish heritage .
And her commitment to her heritage and her values is strong – she speaks Polish , a fact I was delighted to discover recently .
The increase in her majority is a tribute to her campaigning skills , further illustrated by her recent video based on a scene from the film Love Actually .
Most impressive , though , is her drive to give voice to the voiceless at home and abroad .
As vice-chair of the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked with her to raise awareness of the plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh – including thousands of children who had lost their parents – ‘ unaccompanied minors ’ .
We both saw first-hand the terrible conditions in which these children suffered , and as ever , Rosena rolled up her sleeves and used her medical expertise to help where she could .
Minorities always suffer more in times of trouble – be they wars , terrorism , natural disasters or climate change .
Regardless of Brexit , compassionate policies on refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark of a civilised modern democracy .
Rosena has long been an advocate of former Battersea MP ( now Lord ) Alf Dubs ’ amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill protecting the rights of child refugees .
This was shamefully voted down by the Tories this week , but I know that this will not be the end of the battle as far as Rosena is concerned .
From a difficult background herself , Rosena has spent her adult life helping others in need – as a doctor , a councillor and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all that is best in the labour movement , which is why I am proud to have nominated her .
Her NHS experience will resonate across the country .
I hope I can encourage you to support her in becoming Labour ’ s deputy leader .

There are many strong candidates in the Labour leadership and deputy leadership races. As leader of Labour’s MEPs, I have, of course, worked very closely with Keir Starmer in his shadow cabinet Brexit role, but I have also seen first hand how effective he can be on other issues. I have nominated him for leader and wish him and his excellent campaign well.
For deputy leader, I have nominated Tooting’s Dr Rosena Allin-Khan. She may be less well-known than some of the candidates, but she is an impressive and engaging woman. I hope colleagues in the Labour Party will take a few minutes to consider why I think they too should support her.
An NHS doctor, Rosena was elected as an MP on the same day that the incredible Jo Cox was brutally murdered. With the 2016 referendum coming just a week later, Dr Rosena had a tempestuous and tragic start to her parliamentary term. Within a year she was fighting for her seat again, increasing her majority by around 9,000 and holding it again in 2019.
In a climate of rising Euroscepticism and racism, this is a remarkable achievement for a BAME woman with mixed Pakistani-Polish heritage. And her commitment to her heritage and her values is strong – she speaks Polish, a fact I was delighted to discover recently. The increase in her majority is a tribute to her campaigning skills, further illustrated by her recent video based on a scene from the film Love Actually.
Most impressive, though, is her drive to give voice to the voiceless at home and abroad. As vice-chair of the European Parliament delegation to SE Asia, I worked with her to raise awareness of the plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh – including thousands of children who had lost their parents – ‘unaccompanied minors’. We both saw first-hand the terrible conditions in which these children suffered, and as ever, Rosena rolled up her sleeves and used her medical expertise to help where she could.
Minorities always suffer more in times of trouble – be they wars, terrorism, natural disasters or climate change. Regardless of Brexit, compassionate policies on refugees, especially child refugees, are the mark of a civilised modern democracy. Rosena has long been an advocate of former Battersea MP (now Lord) Alf Dubs’ amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill protecting the rights of child refugees. This was shamefully voted down by the Tories this week, but I know that this will not be the end of the battle as far as Rosena is concerned.
From a difficult background herself, Rosena has spent her adult life helping others in need – as a doctor, a councillor and as an MP. She is an example of all that is best in the labour movement, which is why I am proud to have nominated her. Her NHS experience will resonate across the country. I hope I can encourage you to support her in becoming Labour’s deputy leader.


labourlist--2020-01-10--Labour must “modernise or die”: Clive Lewis sets out vision for Labour

Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has set out his vision for the party in a campaign launch speech today , making the case that it is currently “ in crisis ” and must “ modernise or die ” .
In a speech entitled “ Transform to Win ” in Brixton , the contender – who is struggling to win the support from colleagues that is required to stay in the race – laid out his priorities ahead of the close of MP and MEP nominations on January 13th .
Lewis told supports and press in attendance that he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s culture and organisation in line with socialist values and “ the fast-changing context of the 21st century ” .
He argued that Labour needed to work with other progressive parties and “ admit that we don ’ t have the monopoly on all the answers ” .
He also expressed support for proportional representation and abolishing the House of Lords .
Speaking to a crowd at the Black Cultural Archives , Lewis said : “ We can ’ t have more of the same .
The Labour Party needs to modernise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m fed up with the top-down style of politics , where real debate and discussion in our party is stifled because of sectarianism and tribalism .
We can ’ t grow as a party if we ’ re afraid of having difficult discussions.
” Lewis added that Labour needed to address “ fundamental issues ” and that a “ few tweaks of policy here , or a slight change of leader ” wouldn ’ t bring “ the real change that this country urgently needs ” .
The candidate has suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a cross-party green new deal project , if he were to win the leadership contest .
Lewis was the second Labour MP to declare his candidacy to be the next Labour leader with a call for electoral reform .
He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation .
MP nominations close on January 13th and to enter the next stage of the process , each candidate needs to secure the backing of 22 colleagues .
Lewis currently has the support of four .

Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has set out his vision for the party in a campaign launch speech today, making the case that it is currently “in crisis” and must “modernise or die”.
In a speech entitled “Transform to Win” in Brixton, the contender – who is struggling to win the support from colleagues that is required to stay in the race – laid out his priorities ahead of the close of MP and MEP nominations on January 13th.
Lewis told supports and press in attendance that he wanted to “completely transform and democratise” Labour’s culture and organisation in line with socialist values and “the fast-changing context of the 21st century”.
He argued that Labour needed to work with other progressive parties and “admit that we don’t have the monopoly on all the answers”. He also expressed support for proportional representation and abolishing the House of Lords.
Speaking to a crowd at the Black Cultural Archives, Lewis said: “We can’t have more of the same. The Labour Party needs to modernise, or it will die.
“I’m fed up with the top-down style of politics, where real debate and discussion in our party is stifled because of sectarianism and tribalism. We can’t grow as a party if we’re afraid of having difficult discussions.”
Lewis added that Labour needed to address “fundamental issues” and that a “few tweaks of policy here, or a slight change of leader” wouldn’t bring “the real change that this country urgently needs”.
The candidate has suggested that Labour would work with Green parliamentarians on a cross-party green new deal project, if he were to win the leadership contest.
Lewis was the second Labour MP to declare his candidacy to be the next Labour leader with a call for electoral reform. He has been a longstanding advocate of proportional representation.
MP nominations close on January 13th and to enter the next stage of the process, each candidate needs to secure the backing of 22 colleagues. Lewis currently has the support of four.


labourlist--2020-01-10--How Labour members can play a role in resisting a war on Iran

The world is a more dangerous place following events in Iraq last week .
In a move that has been widely condemned as “ reckless ” , the US President assassinated both Quasem Soleimani , Commander of Iran ’ s Quds Force , and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis , a leader of the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi ( PMF ) .
The assassination of Soleimani in particular was not the US ’ s first aggression against Iran – and it does not take a ground invasion of troops to make it a war .
Trump ’ s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal ) began the warpath .
Now , after months of imposing secondary sanctions which have pushed the Iranian economy to the brink , Trump is ramping up the pressure on European nations to do the same , while imposing an almost complete economic embargo – including sanctions on all Iranian imports , financial institutions and on companies doing business with Iran or with other companies or countries that do .
The result of this action is that the cost of meat and vegetables has more than doubled , with a shortage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to destabilise the country and force regime change , are also a form of economic warfare .
Not necessarily a bloodless one , either – starving a nation is no more humane than bombing them .
We should also be wary of an escalation of war in places where the US and its allies Saudi Arabia and Israel are essentially already at war with Iran .
For example in Yemen , where nearly 100,000 have already died and another three million displaced .
Trump undoubtedly sees this aggression as a muscle-flex strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson , likely without his own electoral fate to worry about for some time , will be more concerned about US-UK relations in the context of EU withdrawal trade arrangements .
What has our own government ’ s response been so far ?
Boris Johnson has justified the assassination and not ruled out support for a full-scale war .
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has met with Mike Pompeo – the hawkish US Secretary of State – in Washington .
This came after already placing warships , helicopters and troops on standby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would join the 400 British troops already there .
We must not allow our own government to play to the tune of US warmongers Trump and Pompeo .
Labour members have a role to play in bolstering opposition among the wider public .
The response by leading figures in the Labour Party has been , on the whole , reassuring – but only a minority of Labour ’ s MPs have any history in the anti-war movements .
We need Labour members to help mount a public campaign to demonstrate the weight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting any further US war with Iran .
As one of the six signatories of the JCPOA , our country has a duty to do all it can to revive the deal in order to de-escalate .
We can help play a role in resisting a war by attending events and protests , passing motions and joining Stop the War , which is co-ordinating activity – just as it did in 2003 against the invasion of Iraq .
The majority of people in this country are not in favour of military intervention : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice that feeling .
Demonstrations are being held on Saturday in Chesterfield , Harrogate , Manchester , Newcastle , Liverpool , London and Bristol ; on Sunday in Bradford ; and on the following Saturday in Swansea , Canterbury and Warrington .
A full list can be found here .
The London protest will be addressed by Jeremy Corbyn , in his first rally speech since the election .
A model motion is available here which can be submitted to your union or Labour branch or CLP .
Consider organising a meeting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : reaching out to people concerned by the prospect of a war will help grow local Labour networks , allow people to feel more informed and able to take action in other ways .
Stop the War can advise and suggest speakers for meetings .

The world is a more dangerous place following events in Iraq last week. In a move that has been widely condemned as “reckless”, the US President assassinated both Quasem Soleimani, Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, a leader of the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF). The assassination of Soleimani in particular was not the US’s first aggression against Iran – and it does not take a ground invasion of troops to make it a war. Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran nuclear deal) began the warpath.
Now, after months of imposing secondary sanctions which have pushed the Iranian economy to the brink, Trump is ramping up the pressure on European nations to do the same, while imposing an almost complete economic embargo – including sanctions on all Iranian imports, financial institutions and on companies doing business with Iran or with other companies or countries that do.
The result of this action is that the cost of meat and vegetables has more than doubled, with a shortage of necessities like nappies. These sanctions, designed to destabilise the country and force regime change, are also a form of economic warfare. Not necessarily a bloodless one, either – starving a nation is no more humane than bombing them.
We should also be wary of an escalation of war in places where the US and its allies Saudi Arabia and Israel are essentially already at war with Iran. For example in Yemen, where nearly 100,000 have already died and another three million displaced.
Trump undoubtedly sees this aggression as a muscle-flex strategy to bolster his 2020 re-election bid. Boris Johnson, likely without his own electoral fate to worry about for some time, will be more concerned about US-UK relations in the context of EU withdrawal trade arrangements.
What has our own government’s response been so far? Boris Johnson has justified the assassination and not ruled out support for a full-scale war. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has met with Mike Pompeo – the hawkish US Secretary of State – in Washington. This came after already placing warships, helicopters and troops on standby for deployment to Iraq – troops who would join the 400 British troops already there.
We must not allow our own government to play to the tune of US warmongers Trump and Pompeo. Labour members have a role to play in bolstering opposition among the wider public. The response by leading figures in the Labour Party has been, on the whole, reassuring – but only a minority of Labour’s MPs have any history in the anti-war movements.
We need Labour members to help mount a public campaign to demonstrate the weight of opposition against our own Government joining or supporting any further US war with Iran. As one of the six signatories of the JCPOA, our country has a duty to do all it can to revive the deal in order to de-escalate.
We can help play a role in resisting a war by attending events and protests, passing motions and joining Stop the War, which is co-ordinating activity – just as it did in 2003 against the invasion of Iraq. The majority of people in this country are not in favour of military intervention: it’s over to us to voice that feeling.
Join the demonstrations
Demonstrations are being held on Saturday in Chesterfield, Harrogate, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, London and Bristol; on Sunday in Bradford; and on the following Saturday in Swansea, Canterbury and Warrington. A full list can be found here. The London protest will be addressed by Jeremy Corbyn, in his first rally speech since the election.
Pass the motion
A model motion is available here which can be submitted to your union or Labour branch or CLP.
Organise a meeting
Consider organising a meeting to discuss the situation within your local area: reaching out to people concerned by the prospect of a war will help grow local Labour networks, allow people to feel more informed and able to take action in other ways. Stop the War can advise and suggest speakers for meetings.


labourlist--2020-01-10--Farewell to Gardiner and Mahmood, as candidates look ahead to next steps

Bringing a bizarre 24-hour-long potential candidacy to a close , Barry Gardiner has confirmed that he is not , in fact , standing to be the next Labour leader .
After assuring us he could win an election , the Brent MP admitted last night that he could not secure enough nominations from his colleagues – which probably wasn ’ t helped by the fact that he declared five days late .
The leadership debates will be a quieter affair without his bombastic flair – who can forget that time he took down a Tory minister over a bowl of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their spot in the next stage of the process in the leadership race .
Keir Starmer did so first and is way out in front with 63 nominations ; Rebecca Long-Bailey currently has 26 ; Lisa Nandy is close behind with 24 ; and Jess Phillips has just achieved the requisite 22 .
But it ’ s not looking good for leadership hopefuls Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis , who are behind with the backing of just nine and four MPs respectively .
Lewis has been busy laying out his policy priorities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy ideas just after the election with this article for LabourList , in which he called for constitutional reform .
He described his pluralist vision for the party to colleagues ahead of hustings , invited the Greens to do a bit of cross-party working , said that Scotland should have the right to decide again on independence , and argued for electoral reform as highlighted by Charter 88 campaigner Anthony Barnett in LabourList today .
All of these ideas and more will be set out in a speech in Brixton that I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure more nominations before the deadline on Monday – or at least shape the debate before he goes .
Over in the deputy leadership contest , Angela Rayner has pulled away from the rest with 71 nominations from Labour colleagues so far .
The next closest candidate – and as yet the only other person who has won enough support to get on the ballot – is Corbyn-opposed Scottish MP Ian Murray with 29 .
Richard Burgon has 18 , Rosena Allin-Khan 16 , and Dawn Butler is on 14 .
Khalid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made for MPs to now nominate tactically in order to diversify the debate and get some of the others through to the next stage .
LabourList understands that Rayner has been privately talking to MPs who want to do just that , and we ’ ll likely see similar tweets to those of Preet Gill and Alex Sobel before the deadline of 2.30pm on Monday .
For those with at least 22 nominations , they can now look to the next hurdle .
The candidates need to secure the backing of 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or three affiliated groups – two of which must be unions – that between them represent 5 % of affiliated members .
Starmer has already secured the backing of UNISON , as has Rayner , but other unions are yet to declare .
Their choices will mostly be made in the second half of the month .
We can be fairly certain that Starmer and Long-Bailey will fly through this next stage , probably via both the local party and affiliate routes , but it will prove more challenging for the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead , yet there is nearly three months to go and a lot can change in that time .
Also , remember 2015 ?
MP nominations aren ’ t reflective of the wider selectorate .
Long-Bailey will still be seen as the Corbynite candidate by many members , and thus the safest pair of hands for those who want to see the current party ’ s policies taken forward .
It ’ s also worth noting that Momentum is set to decide if and how they will be backing a leadership candidate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an all-member ballot , or a direct Long-Bailey endorsement ?
The decision could have significant consequences for how party members cast their votes – check LabourList tomorrow for news on that key moment .

Bringing a bizarre 24-hour-long potential candidacy to a close, Barry Gardiner has confirmed that he is not, in fact, standing to be the next Labour leader. After assuring us he could win an election, the Brent MP admitted last night that he could not secure enough nominations from his colleagues – which probably wasn’t helped by the fact that he declared five days late. The leadership debates will be a quieter affair without his flair – who can forget that time he took down a Tory minister over a bowl of cornflakes?
Four candidates have now secured their spot in the next stage of the process in the leadership race. Keir Starmer did so first and is way out in front with 63 nominations; Rebecca Long-Bailey currently has 26; Lisa Nandy is close behind with 24; and Jess Phillips has just achieved the requisite 22. But it’s not looking good for leadership hopefuls Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis, who are behind with the backing of just nine and four MPs respectively.
Lewis has been busy laying out his policy priorities as leader: he started churning out the policy ideas just after the election with this article for LabourList, in which he called for constitutional reform. He described his pluralist vision for the party to colleagues ahead of hustings, invited the Greens to do a bit of cross-party working, said that Scotland should have the right to decide again on independence, and argued for electoral reform as highlighted by Charter 88 campaigner Anthony Barnett in LabourList today. All of these ideas and more will be set out in a speech in Brixton that I am attending later this morning as Lewis attempts to secure more nominations before the deadline on Monday – or at least shape the debate before he goes.
Over in the deputy leadership contest, Angela Rayner has pulled away from the rest with 71 nominations from Labour colleagues so far. The next closest candidate – and as yet the only other person who has won enough support to get on the ballot – is Corbyn-opposed Scottish MP Ian Murray with 29. Richard Burgon has 18, Rosena Allin-Khan 16, and Dawn Butler is on 14. Khalid Mahmood dropped out. Calls have been made for MPs to now nominate tactically in order to diversify the debate and get some of the others through to the next stage. LabourList understands that Rayner has been privately talking to MPs who want to do just that, and we’ll likely see similar tweets to those of Preet Gill and Alex Sobel before the deadline of 2.30pm on Monday.
For those with at least 22 nominations, they can now look to the next hurdle. The candidates need to secure the backing of 5% of constituency Labour parties (CLPs), or three affiliated groups – two of which must be unions – that between them represent 5% of affiliated members. Starmer has already secured the backing of UNISON, as has Rayner, but other unions are yet to declare. Their choices will mostly be made in the second half of the month. We can be fairly certain that Starmer and Long-Bailey will fly through this next stage, probably via both the local party and affiliate routes, but it will prove more challenging for the other candidates.
Starmer has taken a definite lead, yet there is nearly three months to go and a lot can change in that time. Also, remember 2015? MP nominations aren’t reflective of the wider selectorate. Long-Bailey will still be seen as the Corbynite candidate by many members, and thus the safest pair of hands for those who want to see the current party’s policies taken forward. It’s also worth noting that Momentum is set to decide if and how they will be backing a leadership candidate in a meeting on Saturday. Will it be an all-member ballot, or a direct Long-Bailey endorsement? The decision could have significant consequences for how party members cast their votes – check LabourList tomorrow for news on that key moment.