labourlist--2020-05-01--Labour calls on government to livestream court cases both during and after Covid-19

David Lammy and Lord Falconer have called on the government to make live streaming of court cases the norm , both during and after the coronavirus pandemic , in a bid to make sure that the justice system is “ open , transparent and fair ” .
In a letter to Robert Buckland , the Shadow Justice Secretary and Shadow Attorney General urged him to take action that they said would not only fix short-term problems but also “ address the systematic and historic failings ” of the system .
Commenting on the livestream proposal , Lammy said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underpins the justice system .
As a result of restrictions on non-essential travel , it is currently not possible for most members of the public to attend court .
“ To maintain public confidence in the justice system , with a few exceptions , all court cases should be streamed online .
Labour is calling for the live-streaming cases to become the norm during and after the Covid-19 crisis because a more transparent system is a fairer system , which gives greater access to justice for us all .
“ We know this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court can already be observed in this way .
If it takes bold steps now , the government can not only get the justice system running again , it can make improvements that will improve the system for generations to come.
” The proposal for online streaming is one of five measures that Labour is recommending the government implement as part of an “ emergency action plan ” to restart the justice system during the Covid-19 crisis .
The party is demanding : • A functioning court and tribunal system , using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in accordance with Public Health England advice ; • All court cases , with the exemption of certain criminal , family and youth cases , be streamed online and publicly accessible during and after the Covid-19 crisis ; • The rebuilding and re-investing in early advice infrastructure and legal aid ; • The Ministry of Justice work with the Treasury to secure financial support to make sure barristers and solicitors firms can survive the crisis ; • A legal framework to safeguard civil liberties and human rights while the government has emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the justice system , Lammy said : “ There were already huge backlogs in court cases before the Covid-19 crisis began .
If urgent decisions are not made now , the justice system will be at breaking point by the autumn .
“ Many large court rooms , university lecture halls , schools and leisure centres are currently sitting empty .
The Ministry of Justice should co-opt these buildings if necessary to carry out socially distanced trials according to public health advice .
Justice delayed must not be allowed to become justice denied.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Finance and Accountancy has revealed that waiting times to hear cases could increase by more than 70 % after a six-month lockdown .
There have now been a total of 171,253 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK , but with low levels of testing the true figure is expected to be much higher .
The recorded number of deaths currently stands at 26,771 .
The full text of the letter sent to the Justice Secretary is below .
Further to my letter dated 14th April 2020 regarding the prison and probation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency action plan for courts and the judicial system in response to the Covid-19 crisis .
As HM opposition has been clear throughout this crisis , our aim is to work constructively with the government .
Nonetheless we have serious concerns regarding not only how the justice system has become incapacitated by the crisis , but also around how our critically weakened infrastructure will cope with the enormous challenge it will face post Covid-19 .
We must look not only to short-term fixes , but confidently address the systematic and historic failings which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis began .
By taking a number of bold measures now , we can make improvements to the justice system that will last once the crisis is over .
A first priority must be to rebuild our early advice infrastructure , and ensure those who need advice can easily access it .
Since 2012 , legal aid has been stripped from most areas of early legal advice , including housing , family matters , employment , welfare and immigration .
The result is that issues which could have been easily resolved- for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and time-consuming litigation .
In a time of crisis , when people find themselves isolated and alone , agencies like Citizens ’ Advice not only provide much needed advice to the vulnerable , they also minimise the burden on our already overstretched justice system and protect the public purse from unnecessary cost .
The government must take steps to redirect funding back into early legal advice and undo the damage of a decade of critical underinvestment .
Failure to do so would serve no purpose other than to place our judicial system under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply can take no more .
What steps is the government taking to restore Early Advice ?
Re-opening the doors of the court system .
For matters which will inevitably result in litigation , the government must ensure that citizens have access to a functioning courts and tribunals system which is capable of dealing with a different types of cases quickly , efficiently and transparently .
As a result of Covid-19 jury trials up and down the country are stalled .
Victims and defendants alike are stuck in limbo as trials are postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an indeterminate time would result in a backlog of cases which could seize the wheels of justice for many years to come .
The government must act urgently to allow jury trials to restart in a way that is safe .
In the past month there has been speculation over whether remote jury trials could be used to reduce the current burden on the criminal justice system and restart jury trials..
While remote technology should be embraced when appropriate , it should treated with healthy skepticism with regards to criminal jury trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require jurors to have access to a quiet and private environment , as well as expensive technology , to take part .
Unfortunately , many people across the country do not have such an environment , or access to the required technology .
Until comprehensive solutions are found to prevent remote juries from becoming socially unbalanced juries , we can not support them .
In the absence of further trials and subsequent advancements in methodology , the government ’ s main priority must be to find an alternative to allow jury trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and follows public health advice .
Large courts and other large public spaces which are currently sitting empty could be used to allow socially distanced trials to take place , as it fits with advice from Public Health England .
What steps has the Ministry of Justice taken to assess the number of large courtrooms standing idly across the country ?
What steps have you taken to assess the steps needed to convert these courtrooms into socially distanced trial spaces ?
How long would this process take ?
The same considerations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Magistrates ’ Courts .
As the Magistrates ’ Courts are the first courts to which all criminal cases are referred to , it is vital that they are able to continue their work throughout the crisis .
If the Magistrates ’ Courts can not function , the rest of the criminal justice system stands still .
With this in mind , it is vital that the government develops urgent plans to ensure that Magistrates trials are able to proceed in accordance with advice from Public Health England .
In the meantime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much other business by alternative means , for example , by post or remotely .
Once more , the overwhelming priority of the government should be to enable courts to function without jeopardising the health of those involved , or the legitimacy of due process .
During the Covid-19 crisis , families across the country find themselves under immense strains of lockdown , economic pressure and employment concerns .
It is imperative that the government ensures services which support families in times of crisis are properly funded , and able to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic abuse .
As you will be aware , since the beginning of the pandemic , numerous support organisations have seen a marked increase in the number of people requesting support as a result of domestic abuse .
It is vital that family courts are able to hear urgent cases , and grant emergency orders to protect the safety of children and survivors of domestic abuse .
While some family law matters are currently being dealt with remotely , it is clear that this strategy has its limits .
The courts should always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if parents are giving evidence remotely by zoom or telephone .
Once more , the focus of the government ’ s efforts must be to implement measures , like the criminal courts and magistrates courts , to ensure that family courts are able to sit in a focused manner and in accordance with advice from Public Health England .
Has the Ministry of Justice taken any measures so far to ensure that family proceedings can proceed not only remotely , but also in person ?
What measures have been put in place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm to children have the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure their own safety , as well as that of the child ?
Some civil courts and tribunals , such as those covering mental health and special needs , have managed to implement remote hearings .
However , a number of other tribunals , such as those covering immigration and employment , are not hearing cases .
Unless measures are put in place urgently to allow interested parties to attend tribunals , a backlog will develop very quickly .
What contingencies has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the backlog of cases tribunal cases ?
How many tribunal cases are currently backlogged ?
Even in a time of national emergency , open justice is a human right that underpins the justice system and the public ’ s confidence in its ability to function .
As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown and the restriction on all non-essential travel , it is currently not possible for the public to attend court .
In order to maintain open justice , it is imperative that all criminal hearings must remain open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t possible for the public to physically attended hearings , the government must act urgently to ensure that the public are given alternative access .
In practice this means that , with the exception of certain family , criminal and youth cases , all courts should be streamed online .
Proceedings at the Supreme Court can already be observed in this way .
Once these reforms are in place , there can be no turning back .
Streaming court cases online is a reform we should keep .
Is the government taking steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court proceedings online ?
If not , what alternatives is the government pursuing to maintain its commitment to open justice , and maintain the confidence of the public in the justice system ?
Since taking my post in the Shadow Cabinet , I have been inundated with serious concerns from the Bar Council that Covid-19 could spell the end of the public Bar as we know it in England and Wales .
As you may be aware , a survey conducted by the Bar Council of 145 chambers showed 67 % of criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chambers , felt they could close in three to six months without further financial support from the support .
While 80 % of the Bar are classed as self-employed , very few find themselves eligible for the government ’ s Self-employment Income Support Scheme ( ‘ SEISS ’ ) .
This is partly due to the trading-profit threshold of £50,000 , but it also because many junior barristers who have just completed pupilage – often the youngest barristers in the country , and already saddled with thousands of pounds worth of debt- can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have tax returns for 2018-2019 .
The chambers which are most likely to close as a result of hardship caused by the covid-19 crisis are disproportionately those which rely on legal aid .
Incidentally , those chambers which rely on legal aid are home to some of the most ethnically diverse barristers .
55 % of BAME barristers earn more than half their income from legal aid work .
As a result , if these chambers close , the profession will become even less diverse than it currently is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Justice taking to secure further financial support from the Treasury to assist barristers and ensure the survival of the public Bar ?
Have you considered making representations , for example , for a tapering of the £50,000 threshold , or for chambers to exempt from business rates ?
Have you considered requesting a rescue fund for barristers who derive the majority of their income from criminal legal aid , but find themselves ineligible for SEISS ?
It would be wrong to suggest that members of the Bar are the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 crisis .
Over the past two weeks I have spoken to many solicitors ’ groups who have made it clear firms up and down the country face closure as a result of savage cuts to legal aid , and reductions to solicitors ’ fees .
As far back as 2014 , the Otterburn report warned that the financial position of most criminal solicitors firms was ‘ precarious ’ with profit margins often of between 3-5 % .
Within weeks of the publication of the Otterburn report , the Ministry of Justice cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates and further reduced the scope of legal aid .
While the final cut to legal aid rates was limited to 8.75 % , this has still not been reinstated .
This is further compounded by the fact most criminal solicitors haven ’ t received a fee rise beyond inflation since the 1990s .
In many respects , it seems like without urgent financial assistance from the government , the Covid-19 crisis could be the final straw which results in many solicitors- and especially criminal defence solicitors- closing their doors for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past decade the number of duty solicitors decreased by 33 % and many areas of the country have no duty solicitors at all .
It is vital that the Ministry of Justice acts now with the Treasury to ensure that solicitors , and in particular criminal defence solicitors , receive the financial assistance they need in order to maintain their services .
What steps is the Ministry of Justice taking to ensure that the legal professions survive after the covid-19 crisis ?
Has the Ministry of Justice called for solicitors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , or at least receive a reduction in the rates they pay ?
Will the Ministry of Justice commit to reinstating the 8.75 % cut to legal aid rates ?
Will the Ministry call on the Legal Aid Agency to amend its rules so that firms do not see reductions in Standard Monthly Payments until the crisis is over ?
Finally , in the interests of human rights and civil liberties , it is necessary and right for the government to devise a proper legal framework that gives it the powers necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains safeguards to ensure these powers are not unlimited , nor abused .
This should be done by way of a properly scrutinised Act of Parliament , which also includes when these powers will become dissolved .
Has the Ministry of Justice started this process ?
When can we expect an Act to come before the House ?
The Covid-19 crisis poses some of the greatest challenges this country ’ s criminal justice system has faced in the modern era .
It is clear it will not be over in a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of returning to the status-quo .
The actions the government takes in the coming weeks should not only consider the immediate crisis , but also keep in mind the justice system we want to see in years and decades to come .
After a decade of savage cuts , and years of undervaluing our legal professionals , we now have an opportunity to create a better and fairer system which works for all .
Rt .
Hon .
David Lammy MP Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice

David Lammy and Lord Falconer have called on the government to make live streaming of court cases the norm, both during and after the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to make sure that the justice system is “open, transparent and fair”.
In a letter to Robert Buckland, the Shadow Justice Secretary and Shadow Attorney General urged him to take action that they said would not only fix short-term problems but also “address the systematic and historic failings” of the system.
Commenting on the livestream proposal, Lammy said: “Open justice is a fundamental right that underpins the justice system. As a result of restrictions on non-essential travel, it is currently not possible for most members of the public to attend court.
“To maintain public confidence in the justice system, with a few exceptions, all court cases should be streamed online. Labour is calling for the live-streaming cases to become the norm during and after the Covid-19 crisis because a more transparent system is a fairer system, which gives greater access to justice for us all.
“We know this is possible because proceedings at the Supreme Court can already be observed in this way. If it takes bold steps now, the government can not only get the justice system running again, it can make improvements that will improve the system for generations to come.”
The proposal for online streaming is one of five measures that Labour has put forward as part of an “emergency action plan” to restart the justice system during the Covid-19 crisis. The party is demanding:
A functioning court and tribunal system, using a combination of socially distanced and virtual courts, in accordance with Public Health England advice;
All court cases, with the exemption of certain criminal, family and youth cases, be streamed online and publicly accessible during and after the Covid-19 crisis;
The rebuilding and re-investing in early advice infrastructure and legal aid;
The Ministry of Justice work with the Treasury to secure financial support to make sure barristers and solicitors firms can survive the crisis;
A legal framework to safeguard civil liberties and human rights while the government has emergency powers.
On the current state of the justice system, Lammy said: “There were already huge backlogs in court cases before the Covid-19 crisis began. If urgent decisions are not made now, the justice system will be at breaking point by the autumn.
“Many large court rooms, university lecture halls, schools and leisure centres are currently sitting empty. The Ministry of Justice should co-opt these buildings if necessary to carry out socially distanced trials according to public health advice. Justice delayed must not be allowed to become justice denied.”
Research by the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy has revealed that waiting times to hear cases could increase by more than 70% after a six-month lockdown.
There have now been a total of 171,253 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, but with low levels of testing the true figure is expected to be much higher. The recorded number of deaths currently stands at 26,771.
The full text of the letter sent to the Justice Secretary is below.
Dear Robert,
Further to my letter dated 14th April 2020 regarding the prison and probation system, Labour is calling for an emergency action plan for courts and the judicial system in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
As HM opposition has been clear throughout this crisis, our aim is to work constructively with the government. Nonetheless we have serious concerns regarding not only how the justice system has become incapacitated by the crisis, but also around how our critically weakened infrastructure will cope with the enormous challenge it will face post Covid-19.
We must look not only to short-term fixes, but confidently address the systematic and historic failings which left it critically weakened long before the crisis began. By taking a number of bold measures now, we can make improvements to the justice system that will last once the crisis is over.
Access to Early Advice
A first priority must be to rebuild our early advice infrastructure, and ensure those who need advice can easily access it. Since 2012, legal aid has been stripped from most areas of early legal advice, including housing, family matters, employment, welfare and immigration. The result is that issues which could have been easily resolved- for example, housing disputes – escalate into costly and time-consuming litigation.
In a time of crisis, when people find themselves isolated and alone, agencies like Citizens’ Advice not only provide much needed advice to the vulnerable, they also minimise the burden on our already overstretched justice system and protect the public purse from unnecessary cost. The government must take steps to redirect funding back into early legal advice and undo the damage of a decade of critical underinvestment. Failure to do so would serve no purpose other than to place our judicial system under additional pressure at a time when it simply can take no more. What steps is the government taking to restore Early Advice?
Re-opening the doors of the court system.
For matters which will inevitably result in litigation, the government must ensure that citizens have access to a functioning courts and tribunals system which is capable of dealing with a different types of cases quickly, efficiently and transparently.
Crown court criminal cases
As a result of Covid-19 jury trials up and down the country are stalled. Victims and defendants alike are stuck in limbo as trials are postponed indefinitely. To continue in this manner for an indeterminate time would result in a backlog of cases which could seize the wheels of justice for many years to come. The government must act urgently to allow jury trials to restart in a way that is safe.
In the past month there has been speculation over whether remote jury trials could be used to reduce the current burden on the criminal justice system and restart jury trials.. While remote technology should be embraced when appropriate, it should treated with healthy skepticism with regards to criminal jury trials.
Labour is concerned that remote trials will require jurors to have access to a quiet and private environment, as well as expensive technology, to take part. Unfortunately, many people across the country do not have such an environment, or access to the required technology. Until comprehensive solutions are found to prevent remote juries from becoming socially unbalanced juries, we cannot support them.
In the absence of further trials and subsequent advancements in methodology, the government’s main priority must be to find an alternative to allow jury trials to continue in a way that is safe and follows public health advice. Large courts and other large public spaces which are currently sitting empty could be used to allow socially distanced trials to take place, as it fits with advice from Public Health England.
What steps has the Ministry of Justice taken to assess the number of large courtrooms standing idly across the country? What steps have you taken to assess the steps needed to convert these courtrooms into socially distanced trial spaces? How long would this process take?
Magistrates
The same considerations, in relation to safety, apply to the Magistrates’ Courts. As the Magistrates’ Courts are the first courts to which all criminal cases are referred to, it is vital that they are able to continue their work throughout the crisis. If the Magistrates’ Courts cannot function, the rest of the criminal justice system stands still.
With this in mind, it is vital that the government develops urgent plans to ensure that Magistrates trials are able to proceed in accordance with advice from Public Health England. In the meantime, Magistrates should be given guidance to complete as much other business by alternative means, for example, by post or remotely. Once more, the overwhelming priority of the government should be to enable courts to function without jeopardising the health of those involved, or the legitimacy of due process.
Family cases
During the Covid-19 crisis, families across the country find themselves under immense strains of lockdown, economic pressure and employment concerns. It is imperative that the government ensures services which support families in times of crisis are properly funded, and able to provide protection to children, and those suffering domestic abuse. As you will be aware, since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous support organisations have seen a marked increase in the number of people requesting support as a result of domestic abuse.
It is vital that family courts are able to hear urgent cases, and grant emergency orders to protect the safety of children and survivors of domestic abuse. While some family law matters are currently being dealt with remotely, it is clear that this strategy has its limits. The courts should always tread carefully when making child welfare considerations if parents are giving evidence remotely by zoom or telephone.
Once more, the focus of the government’s efforts must be to implement measures, like the criminal courts and magistrates courts, to ensure that family courts are able to sit in a focused manner and in accordance with advice from Public Health England. Has the Ministry of Justice taken any measures so far to ensure that family proceedings can proceed not only remotely, but also in person? What measures have been put in place to ensure that authorities who investigate allegations of harm to children have the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure their own safety, as well as that of the child?
Civil courts and tribunals
Some civil courts and tribunals, such as those covering mental health and special needs, have managed to implement remote hearings. However, a number of other tribunals, such as those covering immigration and employment, are not hearing cases. Unless measures are put in place urgently to allow interested parties to attend tribunals, a backlog will develop very quickly. What contingencies has the Ministry of Justice put in place to deal with the backlog of cases tribunal cases? How many tribunal cases are currently backlogged?
Open justice
Even in a time of national emergency, open justice is a human right that underpins the justice system and the public’s confidence in its ability to function. As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown and the restriction on all non-essential travel, it is currently not possible for the public to attend court.
In order to maintain open justice, it is imperative that all criminal hearings must remain open to the public. If it isn’t possible for the public to physically attended hearings, the government must act urgently to ensure that the public are given alternative access. In practice this means that, with the exception of certain family, criminal and youth cases, all courts should be streamed online. Proceedings at the Supreme Court can already be observed in this way. Once these reforms are in place, there can be no turning back. Streaming court cases online is a reform we should keep.
Is the government taking steps to ensure the public can observe live court proceedings online? If not, what alternatives is the government pursuing to maintain its commitment to open justice, and maintain the confidence of the public in the justice system?
Protection of legal professionals
Barristers
Since taking my post in the Shadow Cabinet, I have been inundated with serious concerns from the Bar Council that Covid-19 could spell the end of the public Bar as we know it in England and Wales.
As you may be aware, a survey conducted by the Bar Council of 145 chambers showed 67% of criminal chambers, and 55% of all chambers, felt they could close in three to six months without further financial support from the support. While 80% of the Bar are classed as self-employed, very few find themselves eligible for the government’s Self-employment Income Support Scheme (‘SEISS’). This is partly due to the trading-profit threshold of £50,000, but it also because many junior barristers who have just completed pupilage – often the youngest barristers in the country, and already saddled with thousands of pounds worth of debt- can’t access the scheme as they don’t have tax returns for 2018-2019.
The chambers which are most likely to close as a result of hardship caused by the covid-19 crisis are disproportionately those which rely on legal aid. Incidentally, those chambers which rely on legal aid are home to some of the most ethnically diverse barristers. 55% of BAME barristers earn more than half their income from legal aid work. As a result, if these chambers close, the profession will become even less diverse than it currently is.
What steps, if any, is the Ministry of Justice taking to secure further financial support from the Treasury to assist barristers and ensure the survival of the public Bar? Have you considered making representations, for example, for a tapering of the £50,000 threshold, or for chambers to exempt from business rates? Have you considered requesting a rescue fund for barristers who derive the majority of their income from criminal legal aid, but find themselves ineligible for SEISS?
Solicitors
It would be wrong to suggest that members of the Bar are the only legal professionals struggling to survive during the Covid-19 crisis. Over the past two weeks I have spoken to many solicitors’ groups who have made it clear firms up and down the country face closure as a result of savage cuts to legal aid, and reductions to solicitors’ fees.
As far back as 2014, the Otterburn report warned that the financial position of most criminal solicitors firms was ‘precarious’ with profit margins often of between 3-5%. Within weeks of the publication of the Otterburn report, the Ministry of Justice cut 17.5% from criminal Solicitor Legal Aid rates and further reduced the scope of legal aid. While the final cut to legal aid rates was limited to 8.75%, this has still not been reinstated. This is further compounded by the fact most criminal solicitors haven’t received a fee rise beyond inflation since the 1990s.
In many respects, it seems like without urgent financial assistance from the government, the Covid-19 crisis could be the final straw which results in many solicitors- and especially criminal defence solicitors- closing their doors for the last time. Even before this crisis, in the past decade the number of duty solicitors decreased by 33% and many areas of the country have no duty solicitors at all.
It is vital that the Ministry of Justice acts now with the Treasury to ensure that solicitors, and in particular criminal defence solicitors, receive the financial assistance they need in order to maintain their services. What steps is the Ministry of Justice taking to ensure that the legal professions survive after the covid-19 crisis? Has the Ministry of Justice called for solicitors to be exempt from business rates during the crisis, or at least receive a reduction in the rates they pay? Will the Ministry of Justice commit to reinstating the 8.75% cut to legal aid rates? Will the Ministry call on the Legal Aid Agency to amend its rules so that firms do not see reductions in Standard Monthly Payments until the crisis is over?
Legal framework post Covid-19
Finally, in the interests of human rights and civil liberties, it is necessary and right for the government to devise a proper legal framework that gives it the powers necessary to manage the pandemic, but also contains safeguards to ensure these powers are not unlimited, nor abused. This should be done by way of a properly scrutinised Act of Parliament, which also includes when these powers will become dissolved. Has the Ministry of Justice started this process? When can we expect an Act to come before the House?
The Covid-19 crisis poses some of the greatest challenges this country’s criminal justice system has faced in the modern era. It is clear it will not be over in a matter of weeks. Furthermore, there is no possibility of returning to the status-quo. The actions the government takes in the coming weeks should not only consider the immediate crisis, but also keep in mind the justice system we want to see in years and decades to come. After a decade of savage cuts, and years of undervaluing our legal professionals, we now have an opportunity to create a better and fairer system which works for all.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon. David Lammy MP
Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice
Rt Hon. Lord Charles Falconer QC
Shadow Attorney General


labourlist--2020-05-01--Keir Starmer sets out Covid testing and tracing targets for government

Keir Starmer has set out new coronavirus targets for the government to reach on the number of tests conducted daily , of contract tracers to be recruited , and of volunteers to be harnessed .
The Labour leader has been reluctant to put forward a “ rival strategy ” to that of the government as it would be “ the wrong thing to do ” .
He has promised not to offer “ opposition for opposition ’ s sake ” .
But in a new Evening Standard interview today , Starmer laid out specific demands for the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tracking and tracing programme .
Maintaining his focus on how the UK ’ s coronavirus lockdown will be lifted , or at least see physical distancing restrictions eased , the opposition leader has called on the government to : • Increase the daily testing target from 100,000 to 250,000 • Increase the target for recruiting contract tracers from 18,000 to 50,000 • Harness the 750,000 people who answered the call to join a ‘ volunteer army ’ of NHS responders “ Almost every country that has managed to get to the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the strategy .
The UK needs to do that too , ” Starmer told the Evening Standard .
“ That means hitting the 100,000 tests a day target , but then going further .
The Prime Minister previously promised 250,000 tests a day .
The government ’ s advisers will know whether that is precisely the right target .
But I do believe the government should recommit to such an ambition.
” Reiterating his criticism made in his first Prime Minister ’ s Questions , in which he argued that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow on testing , slow on protective equipment ” , Starmer said “ it looks like we are going to be slow on the exit strategy ” .
The Labour leader revealed that he would be putting his new demands to the Prime Minister when they hold talks next week , as well as continuing to back a pay increase for NHS staff and carers .
In the exclusive interview , Starmer was also asked about a £25,000 donation to his leadership campaign from the founder of gambling firm Bet365 .
He rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as having “ batted away questions ” regarding the pledge made during his campaign to “ bring back ” EU freedom of movement .
At the time , he said : “ We have to make the case for freedom of movement.
” Recognising the importance of “ large scale ” tracing in relaxing coronavirus measures , Health Secretary Matt Hancock this week committed both to recruiting 18,000 contact tracers and to having a finalised NHS app by mid-May .

Keir Starmer has set out new coronavirus targets for the government to reach on the number of tests conducted daily, of contract tracers to be recruited, and of volunteers to be harnessed.
The Labour leader has been reluctant to put forward a “rival strategy” to that of the government as it would be “the wrong thing to do”. He has promised not to offer “opposition for opposition’s sake”.
But in a new Evening Standard interview today, Starmer laid out specific demands for the government’s handling of Covid-19 – and specifically for a tracking and tracing programme.
Maintaining his focus on how the UK’s coronavirus lockdown will be lifted, or at least see physical distancing restrictions eased, the opposition leader has called on the government to:
Increase the daily testing target from 100,000 to 250,000
Increase the target for recruiting contract tracers from 18,000 to 50,000
Harness the 750,000 people who answered the call to join a ‘volunteer army’ of NHS responders
“Almost every country that has managed to get to the next stage has had testing and tracing as part of the strategy. The UK needs to do that too,” Starmer told the Evening Standard.
“That means hitting the 100,000 tests a day target, but then going further. The Prime Minister previously promised 250,000 tests a day. The government’s advisers will know whether that is precisely the right target. But I do believe the government should recommit to such an ambition.”
Reiterating his criticism made in his first Prime Minister’s Questions, in which he argued that the government was “slow into lockdown, slow on testing, slow on protective equipment”, Starmer said “it looks like we are going to be slow on the exit strategy”.
The Labour leader revealed that he would be putting his new demands to the Prime Minister when they hold talks next week, as well as continuing to back a pay increase for NHS staff and carers.
In the exclusive interview, Starmer was also asked about a £25,000 donation to his leadership campaign from the founder of gambling firm Bet365. He rejected criticism of the donation.
He is described as having “batted away questions” regarding the pledge made during his campaign to “bring back” EU freedom of movement. At the time, he said: “We have to make the case for freedom of movement.”
Recognising the importance of “large scale” tracing in relaxing coronavirus measures, Health Secretary Matt Hancock this week committed both to recruiting 18,000 contact tracers and to having a finalised NHS app by mid-May.


labourlist--2020-05-01--Left activists prepare for Momentum internal elections

Labour left activists are set to launch open primaries as they prepare to run candidates in the upcoming internal elections of Corbynite network Momentum , which revealed a timetable earlier this week .
Forward Momentum , a new campaign aiming to “ refound ” and “ democratise ” the organisation chaired by Jon Lansman , has confirmed that it will run a slate for the national coordinating group ( NCG ) .
It has announced today that candidates for its slate will be selected through a process of open primaries , with organised hustings , in an effort to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on internal democracy .
Members have argued that these plans stand in contrast to the ones established by the current NCG of Momentum , which has decided not to hold digital hustings for the elections .
Forward Momentum ’ s Deborah Hermanns said : “ Momentum ’ s officers have said they want to listen to and empower members .
And while it is understandable that physical hustings may not now be possible , their decision not to hold even digital hustings closes down the vital debate over Momentum ’ s future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage with those who want to represent them , calling into question this commitment .
Forward Momentum will be holding hustings to decide our slate of NCG candidates and we urge Momentum ’ s leadership to reverse their decision and give all members the opportunity to make an informed decision about who they want to lead Momentum.
” It has been pointed out that Momentum held “ online activist meet-ups ” involving over 400 members last weekend , which shows that hustings are viable according to some activists .
Ahead of the NCG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of May , Forward Momentum has opened nominations for prospective candidates who must be members of Momentum and the Labour Party .
To have a chance of securing a place on the slate , hopefuls need to be nominated by 15 people from their region or nation who have signed up as supporters of Forward Momentum .
Nominations for the Forward Momentum slate will close on May 9th , with voting set to start taking place in the following week .
A one-member-one-vote system will be used .
Almost 2,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , which aims to change the direction of Momentum and has been backed by John McDonnell and the party-affiliated Fire Brigades ’ Union .
It is expected that there will be at least two slates for the Momentum NCG , as well as independent candidates .
Sources say it is not yet certain whether Jon Lansman , currently chair , will stand again himself .
There has been speculation that a slate could be formed around the Tribune magazine , which recently published an editorial setting out its ideas for the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed by LabourList earlier in the week , the newly launched Momentum Internationalists group will seek to promote its own candidates via the Forward Momentum slate .
Momentum NCG elections will see nominations open from May 28th until June 11th , and a one-member-one-vote ballot held from June 16th to June 30th .

Labour left activists are set to launch open primaries as they prepare to run candidates in the upcoming internal elections of Corbynite network Momentum, which revealed a timetable earlier this week.
Forward Momentum, a new campaign aiming to “refound” and “democratise” the organisation chaired by Jon Lansman, has confirmed that it will run a slate for the national coordinating group (NCG).
It has announced today that candidates for its slate will be selected through a process of open primaries, with organised hustings, in an effort to show they “practice what they preach” on internal democracy.
Members have argued that these plans stand in contrast to the ones established by the current NCG of Momentum, which has decided not to hold digital hustings for the elections.
Forward Momentum’s Deborah Hermanns said: “Momentum’s officers have said they want to listen to and empower members. And while it is understandable that physical hustings may not now be possible, their decision not to hold even digital hustings closes down the vital debate over Momentum’s future.
“This denies members a chance to engage with those who want to represent them, calling into question this commitment. Forward Momentum will be holding hustings to decide our slate of NCG candidates and we urge Momentum’s leadership to reverse their decision and give all members the opportunity to make an informed decision about who they want to lead Momentum.”
It has been pointed out that Momentum held “online activist meet-ups” involving over 400 members last weekend, which shows that hustings are viable according to some activists.
Ahead of the NCG contests due to kick off at the end of May, Forward Momentum has opened nominations for prospective candidates who must be members of Momentum and the Labour Party.
To have a chance of securing a place on the slate, hopefuls need to be nominated by 15 people from their region or nation who have signed up as supporters of Forward Momentum.
Nominations for the Forward Momentum slate will close on May 9th, with voting set to start taking place in the following week. A one-member-one-vote system will be used.
Almost 2,000 people have so far signed up to support the campaign, which aims to change the direction of Momentum and has been backed by John McDonnell and the party-affiliated Fire Brigades’ Union.
It is expected that there will be at least two slates for the Momentum NCG, as well as independent candidates. Sources say it is not yet certain whether Jon Lansman, currently chair, will stand again himself.
There has been speculation that a slate could be formed around the Tribune magazine, which recently published an editorial setting out its ideas for the future of Labour left and Momentum.
As revealed by LabourList earlier in the week, the newly launched Momentum Internationalists group will seek to promote its own candidates via the Forward Momentum slate.
Momentum NCG elections will see nominations open from May 28th until June 11th, and a one-member-one-vote ballot held from June 16th to June 30th.


labourlist--2020-05-01--GMB president urges “fully independent investigation” into Tim Roache allegations

GMB national president Barbara Plant called for a “ fully independent investigation into the serious allegations raised around the departure of our previous [ general secretary ] ” on Thursday evening .
The trade union has launched an investigation , but reportedly rejected the proposal for it to be an external probe , as suggested by Plant at a meeting this week and now publicly .
Three members of the shadow cabinet and seven senior GMB officials were accused of knowing about allegations against former head of the union Tim Roache in an anonymous letter sent to Plant last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations made anonymously against Roache , Plant said : “ The safety of our people , particularly women , and the integrity of our union is paramount to me as GMB national president.
” Roache , who was first elected as GMB general secretary in 2015 and re-elected in November , resigned on Tuesday evening .
The next day , GMB announced the launch of an investigation into his conduct while in post .
It has been reported by The Times that the 600,000-member party-affiliated trade union intends to appoint a QC to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ The committee unanimously decided at the meeting to accept Tim Roache ’ s resignation from the position of general secretary .
“ Our code of conduct also makes clear GMB will treat all complaints of discrimination and harassment seriously and will independently investigate them promptly , efficiently and in confidence.
” The anonymous letter sent to Plant , signed by “ GMB sisters ” , has circulated on social media .
It claims that several GMB officials and Labour MPs were aware of the accusations and “ colluded in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the senders “ can not vouch for the veracity ” of the main accusation against Roache , but comments that “ we do not consider it likely that an allegation this serious would have been invented ” .
In a statement released on Wednesday , which announced the launch of an investigation , GMB confirmed that it received the anonymous letter last week .
The trade union also said the resignation of Roache was as a result of his diagnosis with myalgic encephalomyelitis , which saw him newly “ advised to refrain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that allies of Lisa Johnson , the GMB ’ s director of external relations tipped for the Labour general secretary role , have told the publication that the letter “ appeared to be deliberately aimed at implicating her in the controversy ” .
Roache has strongly denied any wrongdoing when asked directly about the claims made against him .
It is understood that the allegations have never been referred to the police .
John Phillips , GMB regional secretary for Wales and the South West , is now acting general secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected , with a contest to “ be held as soon as practically possible ” .

GMB national president Barbara Plant called for a “fully independent investigation into the serious allegations raised around the departure of our previous [general secretary]” on Thursday evening.
The trade union has launched an investigation, but reportedly rejected the proposal for it to be an external probe, as suggested by Plant at a meeting this week and now publicly.
Three members of the shadow cabinet and seven senior GMB officials were accused of knowing about allegations against former head of the union Tim Roache in an anonymous letter sent to Plant last week.
Alluding to the nature of the allegations made anonymously against Roache, Plant said: “The safety of our people, particularly women, and the integrity of our union is paramount to me as GMB national president.”
Roache, who was first elected as GMB general secretary in 2015 and re-elected in November, resigned on Tuesday evening. The next day, GMB announced the launch of an investigation into his conduct while in post.
It has been reported by The Times that the 600,000-member party-affiliated trade union intends to appoint a QC to lead the inquiry.
A GMB spokesman said: “The committee unanimously decided at the meeting to accept Tim Roache’s resignation from the position of general secretary.
“Our code of conduct also makes clear GMB will treat all complaints of discrimination and harassment seriously and will independently investigate them promptly, efficiently and in confidence.”
The anonymous letter sent to Plant, signed by “GMB sisters”, has circulated on social media. It claims that several GMB officials and Labour MPs were aware of the accusations and “colluded in a cover up”.
The letter acknowledges that the senders “cannot vouch for the veracity” of the main accusation against Roache, but comments that “we do not consider it likely that an allegation this serious would have been invented”.
In a statement released on Wednesday, which announced the launch of an investigation, GMB confirmed that it received the anonymous letter last week.
The trade union also said the resignation of Roache was as a result of his diagnosis with myalgic encephalomyelitis, which saw him newly “advised to refrain completely from work”.
HuffPostUK has reported that allies of Lisa Johnson, the GMB’s director of external relations tipped for the Labour general secretary role, have told the publication that the letter “appeared to be deliberately aimed at implicating her in the controversy”.
Roache has strongly denied any wrongdoing when asked directly about the claims made against him. It is understood that the allegations have never been referred to the police.
John Phillips, GMB regional secretary for Wales and the South West, is now acting general secretary of GMB until a new general secretary is elected, with a contest to “be held as soon as practically possible”.


labourlist--2020-05-01--BAME people need real change, not yet another report

Throughout the world , communities are affected by a global health pandemic that has disrupted all parts of citizens ’ day-to-day lives .
Coronavirus sees no race , age , class , sex or religion .
And yet , as we mourn those who have sadly been taken by the silent killer , emerging figures highlight that Covid-19 appears to be disproportionately affecting black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities .
This might be an uncomfortable truth for some , but the revelation comes as no surprise to me and many who identify as BAME .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry – led by the NHS and Public Health England – is merely a token gesture and a tick-box exercise .
Many of us already know the underlying cause of the disparity and what the conclusions of the review will reveal .
It is well-known that individuals of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to suffer from poor health , and those individuals in the UK are usually BAME people .
BAME people are more likely to be in overcrowded , poor accommodation and insecure , low-paid employment .
This all contributes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health issues – and it ’ s already been confirmed that Covid-19 preys on those with such conditions .
And BAME people are more likely to be employed in frontline roles , like the NHS .
These key worker roles put them at greater risk of contracting the virus .
The first ten doctors in the UK to die were from BAME backgrounds .
Clearly , we have not learned from the Grenfell Tower inquiry or the Windrush report .
This pandemic has shown that BAME deaths are the consequence of inequalities deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not addressed , despite review after review .
We do not need yet another report catching dust on the government ’ s website and used as mere references in academic research papers or political speeches .
We need life-changing action .
While these underlying causes can not be addressed in the short term to save lives , the government can start capturing the ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of coronavirus – currently only age and sex are recorded .
This will allow us to explore how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not hesitate to join the conversation and take action .
Coronavirus equality impact assessments ( EIAs ) should be carried out to assess the impact on different communities protected under the 2010 Equality Act .
Temporary overview and scrutiny committees should be formed to look at coronavirus-related issues , such as this one , allowing local councillors to put forward life-saving policies and recommendations based on information extrapolated from EIAs .
Communication is a powerful tool .
Councils should produce information sheets , electronic or otherwise , targeted at BAME communities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Covid-19 is and isn ’ t spread , and tackle some of the myths .
Councils should work with charities and local groups to ensure that people previously not known to them are receiving relevant support .
And once this crisis is over , we do not need another roundtable discussion or committee formed to analyse the report .
I hope for my future – and for those from similar communities – we will see real legislative changes , backed by government funding .
But I won ’ t hold my breath @

Throughout the world, communities are affected by a global health pandemic that has disrupted all parts of citizens’ day-to-day lives. Coronavirus sees no race, age, class, sex or religion. And yet, as we mourn those who have sadly been taken by the silent killer, emerging figures highlight that Covid-19 appears to be disproportionately affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. This might be an uncomfortable truth for some, but the revelation comes as no surprise to me and many who identify as BAME.
I feat that the recently announced coronavirus BAME inquiry – led by the NHS and Public Health England – is merely a token gesture and a tick-box exercise. Many of us already know the underlying cause of the disparity and what the conclusions of the review will reveal. It is well-known that individuals of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to suffer from poor health, and those individuals in the UK are usually BAME people.
BAME people are more likely to be in overcrowded, poor accommodation and insecure, low-paid employment. This all contributes to a lower life expectancy and serious underlying health issues – and it’s already been confirmed that Covid-19 preys on those with such conditions. And BAME people are more likely to be employed in frontline roles, like the NHS. These key worker roles put them at greater risk of contracting the virus. The first ten doctors in the UK to die were from BAME backgrounds.
Clearly, we have not learned from the Grenfell Tower inquiry or the Windrush report. This pandemic has shown that BAME deaths are the consequence of inequalities deep within our society that the government has not addressed, despite review after review. We do not need yet another report catching dust on the government’s website and used as mere references in academic research papers or political speeches. We need life-changing action. While these underlying causes cannot be addressed in the short term to save lives, the government can start capturing the ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of coronavirus – currently only age and sex are recorded. This will allow us to explore how best to protect communities.
Local authorities should not hesitate to join the conversation and take action. Coronavirus equality impact assessments (EIAs) should be carried out to assess the impact on different communities protected under the 2010 Equality Act. Temporary overview and scrutiny committees should be formed to look at coronavirus-related issues, such as this one, allowing local councillors to put forward life-saving policies and recommendations based on information extrapolated from EIAs.
Communication is a powerful tool. Councils should produce information sheets, electronic or otherwise, targeted at BAME communities. This will help reaffirm the facts about how Covid-19 is and isn’t spread, and tackle some of the myths. Councils should work with charities and local groups to ensure that people previously not known to them are receiving relevant support. And once this crisis is over, we do not need another roundtable discussion or committee formed to analyse the report. I hope for my future – and for those from similar communities – we will see real legislative changes, backed by government funding. But I won’t hold my breath.


labourlist--2020-05-01--WATCH: “No going back to business as usual” after Covid-19, says Unite

Len McCluskey has said that “ there can be no going back to business as usual ” as he called for a new deal for the workers who have “ kept the nation moving , fed and clothed , safe and cared for ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
In a video message released on May Day , the general secretary of Unite declared that although the usual marches are not going ahead , the contribution of workers to the nation ’ s wellbeing has “ never been more evident ” .
McCluskey said that the people who have kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and admiration , called for a “ decent wage , secure and safe work ” and said that it is “ time for a new deal ” .
Union leaders are calling for a pay rise for key workers performing vital tasks across the country throughout the health crisis .
The TUC has launched its # ThankAWorker campaign urging members of the public to thank a member of frontline staff .
At least 85 members of the NHS workforce have died after contracting Covid-19 , while 23 people in the care sector are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The unions have highlighted that seven in 10 care workers earn less than £10 an hour while the average wage for a nurse in the UK is £11.63 .
There have now been a total of 171,253 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK , but with low levels of testing the true figure is expected to be much higher .
The recorded number of deaths currently stands at 26,771 .

Len McCluskey has said that “there can be no going back to business as usual” as he called for a new deal for the workers who have “kept the nation moving, fed and clothed, safe and cared for” during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a video message released on May Day, the general secretary of Unite declared that although the usual marches are not going ahead, the contribution of workers to the nation’s wellbeing has “never been more evident”.
McCluskey said that the people who have kept the country moving deserve more than gratitude and admiration, called for a “decent wage, secure and safe work” and said that it is “time for a new deal”.
Working people have kept our communities strong through this crisis. They deserve recognition – and a fair reward. They deserve a #NewDeal Please share this #MayDay message from our GS @LenMcCluskey, dedicated to workers everywhere from the greatest union in the UK & Ireland. pic.twitter.com/O2O7ddP7df — Unite the union (@unitetheunion) April 30, 2020
Union leaders are calling for a pay rise for key workers performing vital tasks across the country throughout the health crisis. The TUC has launched its #ThankAWorker campaign urging members of the public to thank a member of frontline staff.
At least 85 members of the NHS workforce have died after contracting Covid-19, while 23 people in the care sector are known to have died from the virus. The unions have highlighted that seven in 10 care workers earn less than £10 an hour while the average wage for a nurse in the UK is £11.63.
There have now been a total of 171,253 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, but with low levels of testing the true figure is expected to be much higher. The recorded number of deaths currently stands at 26,771.


labourlist--2020-05-01--Labour’s ruling body appoints panel to investigate leaked report

Labour ’ s ruling national executive committee ( NEC ) has appointed a four-person panel to investigate the leaked report on the party ’ s handling of internal antisemitism complaints .
Martin Forde QC , an experienced barrister currently acting as the independent advisor on the Windrush Compensation Scheme , has been chosen by the NEC to chair the independent inquiry .
He will be supported by three Labour peers : Baroness Debbie Wilcox , a councillor and former leader of Newport City Council ; Lord Larry Whitty , a former Labour general secretary ; Baroness Ruth Lister , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first woman to lead the Welsh Local Government Association in 2017 .
She was appointed to the Lords last year , and stepped down as a council leader to focus on her new role .
Whitty became general secretary of the Labour Party in 1985 , and held the post until 1994 .
He oversaw many of the party reforms implemented by Labour leader Neil Kinnock .
A former director of the Child Poverty Action Group , Lister has previously served on a number of independent commissions , such as the Opsahl Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following the NEC meeting today , a Labour spokesperson confirmed : “ The NEC has appointed Martin Forde to chair the independent investigation into the circumstances , contents and release of an internal report .
“ Forde will be supported by a panel of three experts who have expertise in the law and the Labour Party ’ s structures .
The NEC has agreed that the investigation should endeavour to deliver its report by the middle of July.
” Several sources have told LabourList that Momentum chair and NEC member Jon Lansman proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no Jewish representation .
However , this suggestion was voted down in the meeting today , including by Keir Starmer .
The stated reason was that Dubs had vocally supported Keir Starmer ’ s leadership bid .
It was pointed out by NEC sources that Baroness Wilcox backed Starmer ’ s leadership campaign this year .
But it has also been argued that Dubs is a higher-profile backer of the leader .
Sources say the other factor taken into account was gender balance , particularly as the chair chosen is male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the lack of Jewish representation on the panel .
The vote on the proposal to include Dubs was lost 16-18 , according to one NEC source , and there was a request in the meeting for it to voted on again after it was argued that Wilcox had vocally supported Keir Starmer and Rosena Allin-Khan .
One NEC member , who wanted to remain anonymous , told LabourList : “ Baroness Debbie Wilcox was a high-profile supporter of Keir and Rosena , who has liked tweets attacking Corbyn and Unite the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s NEC slate.
” They added : “ There is no excuse for appointing Debbie Wilcox to the panel but not Alf Dubs .
This reeks of a stitch-up .
Keir and Angela refused to share names of panel members in advance of the meeting so they could railroad the decision.
” Lansman later tweeted that he had “ assumed due diligence had been done on all to ensure their impartiality ” , adding that in his view Wilcox was “ clearly unsuitable ” to be a panel member .
The party-affiliated Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel , adding that it still believes “ the leadership and governance of the party is not fit for purpose in dealing with antisemitism ” .
JLM said : “ We continue to hold the view that only an external body with legally binding enforcement powers has the necessary independence to address the party ’ s ongoing and repeated failures , and we await the outcome of the EHRC investigation this summer.
” Commenting on the launch of the inquiry , a Momentum spokesperson described those who compiled the leaked report as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be persecuted ” .
Momentum has called on the inquiry to guarantee protections for those people , and also to publish a redacted version of the report in full so that Labour members are able to read its contents .
The spokesperson added : “ In any other organisation , members accused of racism , sexism and misuse of funds would be suspended pending investigation… we call on Labour to suspend those named in the report while the investigation is ongoing.
” Labour ’ s ruling body met last week to agree the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner told the NEC that the inquiry does not preclude any disciplinary action that may arise from the contents of the report .
The NEC decided that the scope of the inquiry would cover the allegations in the report , its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data .
LabourList published the agreed terms of reference in full .

Labour’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) has appointed a four-person panel to investigate the leaked report on the party’s handling of internal antisemitism complaints.
Martin Forde QC, an experienced barrister currently acting as the independent advisor on the Windrush Compensation Scheme, has been chosen by the NEC to chair the independent inquiry.
He will be supported by three Labour peers: Baroness Debbie Wilcox, a councillor and former leader of Newport City Council; Lord Larry Whitty, a former Labour general secretary; Baroness Ruth Lister, a social policy professor and chair of Compass.
Wilcox was the first woman to lead the Welsh Local Government Association in 2017. She was appointed to the Lords last year, and stepped down as a council leader to focus on her new role.
Whitty became general secretary of the Labour Party in 1985, and held the post until 1994. He oversaw many of the party reforms implemented by Labour leader Neil Kinnock.
A former director of the Child Poverty Action Group, Lister has previously served on a number of independent commissions, such as the Opsahl Commission into the Future of Northern Ireland.
Following the NEC meeting today, a Labour spokesperson confirmed: “The NEC has appointed Martin Forde to chair the independent investigation into the circumstances, contents and release of an internal report.
“Forde will be supported by a panel of three experts who have expertise in the law and the Labour Party’s structures. The NEC has agreed that the investigation should endeavour to deliver its report by the middle of July.”
Several sources have told LabourList that Momentum chair and NEC member Jon Lansman proposed Alf Dubs as a panel member because there was no Jewish representation.
However, this suggestion was voted down in the meeting today, including by Keir Starmer. The stated reason was that Dubs had vocally supported Keir Starmer’s leadership bid.
It was pointed out by NEC sources that Baroness Wilcox backed Starmer’s leadership campaign this year. But it has also been argued that Dubs is a higher-profile backer of the leader.
Sources say the other factor taken into account was gender balance, particularly as the chair chosen is male. However, there are still concerns about the lack of Jewish representation on the panel.
The vote on the proposal to include Dubs was lost 16-18, according to one NEC source, and there was a request in the meeting for it to voted on again after it was argued that Wilcox had vocally supported Keir Starmer and Rosena Allin-Khan.
One NEC member, who wanted to remain anonymous, told LabourList: “Baroness Debbie Wilcox was a high-profile supporter of Keir and Rosena, who has liked tweets attacking Corbyn and Unite the Union and promoting right-wing faction Labour First’s NEC slate.”
They added: “There is no excuse for appointing Debbie Wilcox to the panel but not Alf Dubs. This reeks of a stitch-up. Keir and Angela refused to share names of panel members in advance of the meeting so they could railroad the decision.”
Lansman later tweeted that he had “assumed due diligence had been done on all to ensure their impartiality”, adding that in his view Wilcox was “clearly unsuitable” to be a panel member.
The party-affiliated Jewish Labour Movement welcomed the appointment of the panel, adding that it still believes “the leadership and governance of the party is not fit for purpose in dealing with antisemitism”.
JLM said: “We continue to hold the view that only an external body with legally binding enforcement powers has the necessary independence to address the party’s ongoing and repeated failures, and we await the outcome of the EHRC investigation this summer.”
Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, a Momentum spokesperson described those who compiled the leaked report as “brave whistleblowers” who “must not be persecuted”.
Momentum has called on the inquiry to guarantee protections for those people, and also to publish a redacted version of the report in full so that Labour members are able to read its contents.
The spokesperson added: “In any other organisation, members accused of racism, sexism and misuse of funds would be suspended pending investigation… we call on Labour to suspend those named in the report while the investigation is ongoing.”
Labour’s ruling body met last week to agree the terms of reference of the independent investigation. Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner told the NEC that the inquiry does not preclude any disciplinary action that may arise from the contents of the report.
The NEC decided that the scope of the inquiry would cover the allegations in the report, its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data. LabourList published the agreed terms of reference in full.


labourlist--2020-05-01--Labour calls on government to livestream court cases

David Lammy and Lord Falconer have called on the government to make live streaming of court cases the norm , both during and after the coronavirus pandemic , in a bid to make sure that the justice system is “ open , transparent and fair ” .
In a letter to Robert Buckland , the Shadow Justice Secretary and Shadow Attorney General urged him to take action that they said would not only fix short-term problems but also “ address the systematic and historic failings ” of the system .
Commenting on the livestream proposal , Lammy said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underpins the justice system .
As a result of restrictions on non-essential travel , it is currently not possible for most members of the public to attend court .
“ To maintain public confidence in the justice system , with a few exceptions , all court cases should be streamed online .
Labour is calling for the live-streaming cases to become the norm during and after the Covid-19 crisis because a more transparent system is a fairer system , which gives greater access to justice for us all .
“ We know this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court can already be observed in this way .
If it takes bold steps now , the government can not only get the justice system running again , it can make improvements that will improve the system for generations to come.
” The proposal for online streaming is one of five measures that Labour has put forward as part of an “ emergency action plan ” to restart the justice system during the Covid-19 crisis .
The party is demanding : • A functioning court and tribunal system , using a combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordance with Public Health England advice ; • All court cases , with the exemption of certain criminal , family and youth cases , be streamed online and publicly accessible during and after the Covid-19 crisis ; • The rebuilding and re-investing in early advice infrastructure and legal aid ; • The Ministry of Justice work with the Treasury to secure financial support to make sure barristers and solicitors firms can survive the crisis ; • A legal framework to safeguard civil liberties and human rights while the government has emergency powers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , Lammy said : “ There were already huge backlogs in court cases before the Covid-19 crisis began .
If urgent decisions are not made now , the justice system will be at breaking point by the autumn .
“ Many large court rooms , university lecture halls , schools and leisure centres are currently sitting empty .
The Ministry of Justice should co-opt these buildings if necessary to carry out socially distanced trials according to public health advice .
Justice delayed must not be allowed to become justice denied.
” Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Accountancy has revealed that waiting times to hear cases could increase by more than 70 % after a six-month lockdown .
There have now been a total of 171,253 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK , but with low levels of testing the true figure is expected to be much higher .
The recorded number of deaths currently stands at 26,771 .
The full text of the letter sent to the Justice Secretary is below .
Further to my letter dated 14th April 2020 regarding the prison and probation system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for courts and the judicial system in response to the Covid-19 crisis .
As HM opposition has been clear throughout this crisis , our aim is to work constructively with the government .
Nonetheless we have serious concerns regarding not only how the justice system has become incapacitated by the crisis , but also around how our critically weakened infrastructure will cope with the enormous challenge it will face post Covid-19 .
We must look not only to short-term fixes , but confidently address the systematic and historic failings which left it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By taking a number of bold measures now , we can make improvements to the justice system that will last once the crisis is over .
A first priority must be to rebuild our early advice infrastructure , and ensure those who need advice can easily access it .
Since 2012 , legal aid has been stripped from most areas of early legal advice , including housing , family matters , employment , welfare and immigration .
The result is that issues which could have been easily resolved- for example , housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litigation .
In a time of crisis , when people find themselves isolated and alone , agencies like Citizens ’ Advice not only provide much needed advice to the vulnerable , they also minimise the burden on our already overstretched justice system and protect the public purse from unnecessary cost .
The government must take steps to redirect funding back into early legal advice and undo the damage of a decade of critical underinvestment .
Failure to do so would serve no purpose other than to place our judicial system under additional pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take no more .
What steps is the government taking to restore Early Advice ?
Re-opening the doors of the court system .
For matters which will inevitably result in litigation , the government must ensure that citizens have access to a functioning courts and tribunals system which is capable of dealing with a different types of cases quickly , efficiently and transparently .
As a result of Covid-19 jury trials up and down the country are stalled .
Victims and defendants alike are stuck in limbo as trials are postponed indefinitely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeterminate time would result in a backlog of cases which could seize the wheels of justice for many years to come .
The government must act urgently to allow jury trials to restart in a way that is safe .
In the past month there has been speculation over whether remote jury trials could be used to reduce the current burden on the criminal justice system and restart jury trials..
While remote technology should be embraced when appropriate , it should treated with healthy skepticism with regards to criminal jury trials .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurors to have access to a quiet and private environment , as well as expensive technology , to take part .
Unfortunately , many people across the country do not have such an environment , or access to the required technology .
Until comprehensive solutions are found to prevent remote juries from becoming socially unbalanced juries , we can not support them .
In the absence of further trials and subsequent advancements in methodology , the government ’ s main priority must be to find an alternative to allow jury trials to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows public health advice .
Large courts and other large public spaces which are currently sitting empty could be used to allow socially distanced trials to take place , as it fits with advice from Public Health England .
What steps has the Ministry of Justice taken to assess the number of large courtrooms standing idly across the country ?
What steps have you taken to assess the steps needed to convert these courtrooms into socially distanced trial spaces ?
How long would this process take ?
The same considerations , in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Courts .
As the Magistrates ’ Courts are the first courts to which all criminal cases are referred to , it is vital that they are able to continue their work throughout the crisis .
If the Magistrates ’ Courts can not function , the rest of the criminal justice system stands still .
With this in mind , it is vital that the government develops urgent plans to ensure that Magistrates trials are able to proceed in accordance with advice from Public Health England .
In the meantime , Magistrates should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other business by alternative means , for example , by post or remotely .
Once more , the overwhelming priority of the government should be to enable courts to function without jeopardising the health of those involved , or the legitimacy of due process .
During the Covid-19 crisis , families across the country find themselves under immense strains of lockdown , economic pressure and employment concerns .
It is imperative that the government ensures services which support families in times of crisis are properly funded , and able to provide protection to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As you will be aware , since the beginning of the pandemic , numerous support organisations have seen a marked increase in the number of people requesting support as a result of domestic abuse .
It is vital that family courts are able to hear urgent cases , and grant emergency orders to protect the safety of children and survivors of domestic abuse .
While some family law matters are currently being dealt with remotely , it is clear that this strategy has its limits .
The courts should always tread carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are giving evidence remotely by zoom or telephone .
Once more , the focus of the government ’ s efforts must be to implement measures , like the criminal courts and magistrates courts , to ensure that family courts are able to sit in a focused manner and in accordance with advice from Public Health England .
Has the Ministry of Justice taken any measures so far to ensure that family proceedings can proceed not only remotely , but also in person ?
What measures have been put in place to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children have the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure their own safety , as well as that of the child ?
Some civil courts and tribunals , such as those covering mental health and special needs , have managed to implement remote hearings .
However , a number of other tribunals , such as those covering immigration and employment , are not hearing cases .
Unless measures are put in place urgently to allow interested parties to attend tribunals , a backlog will develop very quickly .
What contingencies has the Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backlog of cases tribunal cases ?
How many tribunal cases are currently backlogged ?
Even in a time of national emergency , open justice is a human right that underpins the justice system and the public ’ s confidence in its ability to function .
As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown and the restriction on all non-essential travel , it is currently not possible for the public to attend court .
In order to maintain open justice , it is imperative that all criminal hearings must remain open to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the public to physically attended hearings , the government must act urgently to ensure that the public are given alternative access .
In practice this means that , with the exception of certain family , criminal and youth cases , all courts should be streamed online .
Proceedings at the Supreme Court can already be observed in this way .
Once these reforms are in place , there can be no turning back .
Streaming court cases online is a reform we should keep .
Is the government taking steps to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online ?
If not , what alternatives is the government pursuing to maintain its commitment to open justice , and maintain the confidence of the public in the justice system ?
Since taking my post in the Shadow Cabinet , I have been inundated with serious concerns from the Bar Council that Covid-19 could spell the end of the public Bar as we know it in England and Wales .
As you may be aware , a survey conducted by the Bar Council of 145 chambers showed 67 % of criminal chambers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt they could close in three to six months without further financial support from the support .
While 80 % of the Bar are classed as self-employed , very few find themselves eligible for the government ’ s Self-employment Income Support Scheme ( ‘ SEISS ’ ) .
This is partly due to the trading-profit threshold of £50,000 , but it also because many junior barristers who have just completed pupilage – often the youngest barristers in the country , and already saddled with thousands of pounds worth of debt- can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have tax returns for 2018-2019 .
The chambers which are most likely to close as a result of hardship caused by the covid-19 crisis are disproportionately those which rely on legal aid .
Incidentally , those chambers which rely on legal aid are home to some of the most ethnically diverse barristers .
55 % of BAME barristers earn more than half their income from legal aid work .
As a result , if these chambers close , the profession will become even less diverse than it currently is .
What steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Justice taking to secure further financial support from the Treasury to assist barristers and ensure the survival of the public Bar ?
Have you considered making representations , for example , for a tapering of the £50,000 threshold , or for chambers to exempt from business rates ?
Have you considered requesting a rescue fund for barristers who derive the majority of their income from criminal legal aid , but find themselves ineligible for SEISS ?
It would be wrong to suggest that members of the Bar are the only legal professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the past two weeks I have spoken to many solicitors ’ groups who have made it clear firms up and down the country face closure as a result of savage cuts to legal aid , and reductions to solicitors ’ fees .
As far back as 2014 , the Otterburn report warned that the financial position of most criminal solicitors firms was ‘ precarious ’ with profit margins often of between 3-5 % .
Within weeks of the publication of the Otterburn report , the Ministry of Justice cut 17.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further reduced the scope of legal aid .
While the final cut to legal aid rates was limited to 8.75 % , this has still not been reinstated .
This is further compounded by the fact most criminal solicitors haven ’ t received a fee rise beyond inflation since the 1990s .
In many respects , it seems like without urgent financial assistance from the government , the Covid-19 crisis could be the final straw which results in many solicitors- and especially criminal defence solicitors- closing their doors for the last time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past decade the number of duty solicitors decreased by 33 % and many areas of the country have no duty solicitors at all .
It is vital that the Ministry of Justice acts now with the Treasury to ensure that solicitors , and in particular criminal defence solicitors , receive the financial assistance they need in order to maintain their services .
What steps is the Ministry of Justice taking to ensure that the legal professions survive after the covid-19 crisis ?
Has the Ministry of Justice called for solicitors to be exempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or at least receive a reduction in the rates they pay ?
Will the Ministry of Justice commit to reinstating the 8.75 % cut to legal aid rates ?
Will the Ministry call on the Legal Aid Agency to amend its rules so that firms do not see reductions in Standard Monthly Payments until the crisis is over ?
Finally , in the interests of human rights and civil liberties , it is necessary and right for the government to devise a proper legal framework that gives it the powers necessary to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure these powers are not unlimited , nor abused .
This should be done by way of a properly scrutinised Act of Parliament , which also includes when these powers will become dissolved .
Has the Ministry of Justice started this process ?
When can we expect an Act to come before the House ?
The Covid-19 crisis poses some of the greatest challenges this country ’ s criminal justice system has faced in the modern era .
It is clear it will not be over in a matter of weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to the status-quo .
The actions the government takes in the coming weeks should not only consider the immediate crisis , but also keep in mind the justice system we want to see in years and decades to come .
After a decade of savage cuts , and years of undervaluing our legal professionals , we now have an opportunity to create a better and fairer system which works for all .
Rt Hon .
David Lammy MP Shadow Lord Chancellor and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice


labourlist--2020-05-01--Labour must fight for the survival of its natural business allies

The new Labour leadership team is rightly focusing on the emergency health response to Covid-19 .
But as we look at easing the lockdown , we are now starting to see the economic debate gain prominence .
Longer term , we know that the decisions made today will shape the future of our economy for years to come .
Labour must continue to give the government ’ s economic package the same level of scrutiny as its health response .
The initial Treasury reaction to the crisis was bold and ambitious , with tens of billions of grants for small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We all recognise that no package of measures was ever going be perfect first-time around – however , rather than taking on board suggestions from the Labour frontbench , business leaders and experts , the government has been slow to respond .
This would be bad enough , but not all businesses are being affected equally by the government ’ s measures .
Some parts of our economy are particularly at risk – and it is these businesses , which represent the core of Labour values , that are most likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of sinking tens of thousands of co-operatives and social enterprises .
These businesses often work in the toughest markets and in our poorest communities .
Social enterprises alone employ two million people and contribute £60bn to the UK economy .
Beyond just their economic contribution , these businesses are at the core of Labour ’ s economic vision of spreading wealth and opportunity more evenly through our society .
According to research by Social Enterprise UK , half of social enterprises could run out of cash by June .
Co-operatives UK has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cooperative sector .
Social enterprise and co-operative sector business leaders are reporting that they can not get access to business grants because of the restrictive eligibility criteria .
The coronavirus business interruption loan scheme ( CBILS ) is not appropriate for many co-operatives and social enterprises because they work in markets where they can not afford to repay commercial interest rates .
Yet the government is refusing to expand the scheme or provide specialised financial support .
One in five social enterprises work in the most deprived communities , as measured by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North East of England , an area which has seen the slowest economic recovery in the past decade , is the most ‘ co-operative ’ region in the UK with 1.89 for every 10,000 people .
Social enterprises and co-operatives are the economic backbone of the places where they are based , and their loss will take years to replace .
They are also mobilising communities during the pandemic and providing help to people left behind by the state .
This crisis has shown that the Conservatives do not care about these forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not think that having a social purpose to business is important .
Spreading wealth to workers or communities is not a priority .
They want business to focus on one thing : profit .
This is an agenda that suits an elite rather than the people that are most at risk during the crisis .
This is how the Conservative government has given Tesco a £600m tax break whilst the company hands out £900m in dividends to its shareholders .
That £600m could have provided a £10,000 cash grant to 60,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the crisis .
A small amount that could have made a big difference .
Not only that , but we have the absurd situation where casinos , betting shops and massage parlours are getting government grants but community-owned co-operatives and social enterprises get nothing .
Labour must shine a light on this and demonstrate how it would put our poorest communities , workers and socially responsible businesses first .
People want to know that as we come out of this health emergency , our best businesses have survived .
Co-operatives and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in demonstrating what a better economy can look like .
If they go to the wall , we will weaken our own cause of developing an alternative to the laissez- faire capitalism of the Conservative Party .
And , more immediately , it is Labour communities across the country that will suffer the most from the loss of these good businesses .
Labour must raise the profile of this issue before it is too late .

The new Labour leadership team is rightly focusing on the emergency health response to Covid-19. But as we look at easing the lockdown, we are now starting to see the economic debate gain prominence. Longer term, we know that the decisions made today will shape the future of our economy for years to come. Labour must continue to give the government’s economic package the same level of scrutiny as its health response.
The initial Treasury reaction to the crisis was bold and ambitious, with tens of billions of grants for small businesses, VAT deferrals and government-backed loans. We all recognise that no package of measures was ever going be perfect first-time around – however, rather than taking on board suggestions from the Labour frontbench, business leaders and experts, the government has been slow to respond.
This would be bad enough, but not all businesses are being affected equally by the government’s measures. Some parts of our economy are particularly at risk – and it is these businesses, which represent the core of Labour values, that are most likely to disappear. The economic crisis is at risk of sinking tens of thousands of co-operatives and social enterprises. These businesses often work in the toughest markets and in our poorest communities. Social enterprises alone employ two million people and contribute £60bn to the UK economy.
Beyond just their economic contribution, these businesses are at the core of Labour’s economic vision of spreading wealth and opportunity more evenly through our society. According to research by Social Enterprise UK, half of social enterprises could run out of cash by June. Co-operatives UK has asked people to join the fight for the cooperative sector.
Social enterprise and co-operative sector business leaders are reporting that they cannot get access to business grants because of the restrictive eligibility criteria. The coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBILS) is not appropriate for many co-operatives and social enterprises because they work in markets where they cannot afford to repay commercial interest rates. Yet the government is refusing to expand the scheme or provide specialised financial support.
One in five social enterprises work in the most deprived communities, as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation. The North East of England, an area which has seen the slowest economic recovery in the past decade, is the most ‘co-operative’ region in the UK with 1.89 for every 10,000 people. Social enterprises and co-operatives are the economic backbone of the places where they are based, and their loss will take years to replace. They are also mobilising communities during the pandemic and providing help to people left behind by the state.
This crisis has shown that the Conservatives do not care about these forms of business. They are apathetic because they do not think that having a social purpose to business is important. Spreading wealth to workers or communities is not a priority. They want business to focus on one thing: profit. This is an agenda that suits an elite rather than the people that are most at risk during the crisis.
This is how the Conservative government has given Tesco a £600m tax break whilst the company hands out £900m in dividends to its shareholders. That £600m could have provided a £10,000 cash grant to 60,000 social enterprises and co-operatives to get them through the crisis. A small amount that could have made a big difference. Not only that, but we have the absurd situation where casinos, betting shops and massage parlours are getting government grants but community-owned co-operatives and social enterprises get nothing. Labour must shine a light on this and demonstrate how it would put our poorest communities, workers and socially responsible businesses first.
People want to know that as we come out of this health emergency, our best businesses have survived. Co-operatives and social enterprises are Labour’s natural allies in demonstrating what a better economy can look like. If they go to the wall, we will weaken our own cause of developing an alternative to the laissez- faire capitalism of the Conservative Party. And, more immediately, it is Labour communities across the country that will suffer the most from the loss of these good businesses. Labour must raise the profile of this issue before it is too late.