labourlist--2020-09-15--TUC pledges to defend FBU against “political attack” from government

The TUC has pledged to defend the collective bargaining rights of fire and rescue service workers against a “ political attack ” from the government that would see their union excluded from the pay review process .
In a motion passed at the TUC Congress 2020 on Monday , the body pledged to oppose a pay review body being created and argued that it would “ damage industrial relations and disrupt the UK fire and rescue service ” .
A report from the chief fire inspector in England in January recommended that a new body be imposed on the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brigades Union ( FBU ) in all wage negotiations .
The FBU , who tabled the motion , said that collective bargaining allows firefighters to offer invaluable support to the NHS during the pandemic , including by driving ambulances and assembling personal protective equipment .
General secretary Matt Wrack said : “ This government vilified teachers for demanding safe workplaces , threatened transport workers for demanding safe trains , and now they want to stop firefighters standing up for themselves too .
“ Collective bargaining delivered the fire and rescue service ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters take unprecedented steps to aid the NHS and care sector , all while protecting their communities from fire and other emergencies .
“ But , thanks to collective bargaining , it ’ s been done safely , avoiding the tragic firefighter Covid-19 deaths seen in other countries .
Each Tory attack on workers leads to lower wages and more dangerous workplaces.
” Currently , the FBU negotiates with employers on behalf of all firefighters and control staff at the National Joint Council ( NJC ) and any agreements reached between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ‘ grey book ’ .
The proposed government changes would see the current system replaced with a new pay review body that would negotiate and advise on wages without consulting the union .
The new TUC motion pledged to support the FBU ’ s collective bargaining rights and suggested there was “ no basis ” for the new process being proposed by Westminster .
Wrack concluded : “ Today , the whole union movement is sending a message to the government ; collective bargaining works – and we ’ ll stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Speaking at the conference on Monday , TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady told the government to “ stand by working families ” and introduce a targeted extension to the furlough scheme .
The full text of the motion can be found below Congress notes the long-standing collective bargaining arrangements within the UK fire and rescue service , embodied in the National Joint Council ( NJC ) and the grey book .
Congress notes the role of the NJC and the grey book in determining firefighters ’ pay and conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of disputes .
Congress commends the NJC for its rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic , including its key role in the tripartite agreement between the FBU , fire employers and the chief fire officers ’ body , the NFCC , to enable firefighters to assist the NHS .
Congress notes the evidence from the first round of fire inspection reports in England in 2018–19 , which included numerous positive comments about the role of union reps in improving matters such as equalities , health and safety , grievance and discipline .
Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grey book made by the chief fire inspector in England , Tom Winsor , in January 2020 .
In particular , his call for a pay review body to replace these existing arrangements .
Congress believes there is no basis for the chief inspector ’ s attack on collective bargaining and his attacks on the FBU .
Congress believes that any moves by the Westminster government to break up the NJC and the Grey Book would damage industrial relations and disrupt the UK fire and rescue service .
Congress supports the FBU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK fire and rescue service .

The TUC has pledged to defend the collective bargaining rights of fire and rescue service workers against a “political attack” from the government that would see their union excluded from the pay review process.
In a motion passed at the TUC Congress 2020 on Monday, the body pledged to oppose a pay review body being created and argued that it would “damage industrial relations and disrupt the UK fire and rescue service”.
A report from the chief fire inspector in England in January recommended that a new body be imposed on the fire service that would effectively circumvent the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in all wage negotiations.
The FBU, who tabled the motion, said that collective bargaining allows firefighters to offer invaluable support to the NHS during the pandemic, including by driving ambulances and assembling personal protective equipment.
General secretary Matt Wrack said: “This government vilified teachers for demanding safe workplaces, threatened transport workers for demanding safe trains, and now they want to stop firefighters standing up for themselves too.
“Collective bargaining delivered the fire and rescue service’s response to the pandemic and has seen firefighters take unprecedented steps to aid the NHS and care sector, all while protecting their communities from fire and other emergencies.
“But, thanks to collective bargaining, it’s been done safely, avoiding the tragic firefighter Covid-19 deaths seen in other countries. Each Tory attack on workers leads to lower wages and more dangerous workplaces.”
Currently, the FBU negotiates with employers on behalf of all firefighters and control staff at the National Joint Council (NJC) and any agreements reached between the two parties are published in the fire service’s ‘grey book’.
The proposed government changes would see the current system replaced with a new pay review body that would negotiate and advise on wages without consulting the union.
The new TUC motion pledged to support the FBU’s collective bargaining rights and suggested there was “no basis” for the new process being proposed by Westminster.
Wrack concluded: “Today, the whole union movement is sending a message to the government; collective bargaining works – and we’ll stand together against any attempt to undermine it.”
Speaking at the conference on Monday, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady told the government to “stand by working families” and introduce a targeted extension to the furlough scheme.
Below is the full text of the motion.
Congress notes the long-standing collective bargaining arrangements within the UK fire and rescue service, embodied in the National Joint Council (NJC) and the grey book.
Congress notes the role of the NJC and the grey book in determining firefighters’ pay and conditions, as well as resolving a wide range of disputes.
Congress commends the NJC for its rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including its key role in the tripartite agreement between the FBU, fire employers and the chief fire officers’ body, the NFCC, to enable firefighters to assist the NHS.
Congress notes the evidence from the first round of fire inspection reports in England in 2018–19, which included numerous positive comments about the role of union reps in improving matters such as equalities, health and safety, grievance and discipline.
Congress condemns the political attack on the NJC and grey book made by the chief fire inspector in England, Tom Winsor, in January 2020. In particular, his call for a pay review body to replace these existing arrangements. Congress believes there is no basis for the chief inspector’s attack on collective bargaining and his attacks on the FBU.
Congress believes that any moves by the Westminster government to break up the NJC and the Grey Book would damage industrial relations and disrupt the UK fire and rescue service.
Congress supports the FBU’s campaign to maintain collective bargaining across the UK fire and rescue service.


labourlist--2020-09-15--“My door is open”: Starmer urges PM to work with Labour to protect jobs

Keir Starmer has told the Prime Minister that his “ door is open ” and urged the government to work with Labour , trade unions and businesses to protect jobs in the coronavirus pandemic .
Addressing the online TUC Congress 2020 this morning , the Labour leader discussed the trade union movement ’ s response to the virus and thanked attendees for “ protecting millions of jobs and keeping people safe at work ” .
Starmer accused Boris Johnson of having “ failed on all counts ” in the response to the pandemic , and slammed the Prime Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit ” as Covid cases rise across the country .
He discussed the winding down of the furlough scheme and said that it makes no sense for the government to pull support away now in “ one fell swoop ” , and argued for the government to work with Labour to create a replacement .
Commenting on the government ’ s approach to the health crisis , he said : “ Whatever Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock might say : It ’ s not the British people that are to blame for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servants .
Care home workers .
Or mutant algorithms .
It ’ s this government .
It ’ s the government that ’ s holding Britain back .
And we should never let them forget it.
” The Labour leader warned that the UK is “ on the precipice of a return to Thatcher-era unemployment ” , and told the TUC Congress that the labour movement can not let the same “ scarring ” of communities happen again .
He urged the Prime Minister : “ Work with us to keep millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trade unions , and work with businesses .
Do everything possible to protect jobs and to deliver for working people .
My door is open.
” Starmer also told attendees that after the “ sacrifice ” of workers in the pandemic : “ We can ’ t go back to business as usual .
Or defend the status quo .
We can ’ t go back to a society where over half of care workers earn less than the living wage.
” Labour this morning called on the government to “ adopt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment skyrocketing after new figures showed that almost 700,000 jobs have been lost since the UK went into lockdown in March .
General secretary Frances O ’ Grady used her speech to Congress on Monday to issue a challenge to Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
She told him to “ stand by working families ” and warned of a “ tsunami of job losses ” as the furlough scheme ends .
The TUC earlier this week launched its campaign for key workers to receive decent pay , as well as fair terms and conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dignity at work ” to those who risked their lives during the coronavirus crisis .
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer ’ s speech to the TUC Congress 2020 .
Thank you , Ged .
To the TUC for inviting me to speak today .
And to everyone involved in making it possible to hold congress this week .
This time last year , I spoke to you in Brighton in a packed conference hall .
This time last week , I thought there would be an audience of thirty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yesterday – when I was told to self-isolate – it became just me !
I want to start by thanking the TUC and the trade union movement for everything you ’ ve done during this pandemic .
As ever , when it came to protecting millions of jobs , and keeping people safe at work .
It was the union movement that stood up .
Without you there would have been no furlough scheme .
No life-raft for seven million people .
And let ’ s face it , if it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been sink or swim .
The trade unions have always been the unsung heroes of our national story .
And through this crisis you have helped to write another proud chapter .
Our party was born out of the trade unions .
We are one family .
One movement .
And under my leadership , we will always stay that way .
For me , this is personal .
My mum was a nurse .
My dad was a toolmaker .
I didn ’ t know what an office looked like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , work meant a factory floor , or a hospital ward .
And care wasn ’ t an abstract concept , a policy conundrum to be debated .
It was the real-life round the clock support my mum received from the NHS when she became too ill to work .
Those values have stayed with me .
Opportunity : Fairness .
Compassion .
And , they will define my leadership .
But Congress , the task ahead of us is huge .
The general election result in December was devastating .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade union movement .
But for the millions of working people who desperately need a Labour government .
I ’ m incredibly proud of the courage and heroism the British people have shown during this crisis .
But time and time again , this government has let working people down .
Britain shouldn ’ t have one of the highest death rates in the world .
And one of the deepest recessions .
We shouldn ’ t leave our workers without protective equipment .
We shouldn ’ t have failed the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t have to traipse half-way round the country in search of a Covid test when they ’ re sick .
Yesterday , my family were able to get a test quickly when we needed one .
But only because my wife works for the NHS in a hospital that provides tests for staff and their families .
For thousands of people across the country it ’ s a very different story .
And after six months of this pandemic , that ’ s completely unacceptable .
Whatever Boris Johnson and Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the British people that are to blame for these mistakes .
It isn ’ t civil servants .
Care home workers .
Or mutant algorithms .
It ’ s this government .
It ’ s the government that ’ s holding Britain back .
And we should never let them forget it .
At the very least the Prime Minister should have spent the summer getting the basics right .
A testing system that works .
An effective track and trace system – we don ’ t need world beating , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect care homes this winter .
An exams system that parents and young people can trust .
He ’ s failed on all counts .
And as infection rates rise and our testing system collapses .
What ’ s his priority ?
Reopening old wounds on Brexit .
Trashing Britain ’ s reputation abroad .
And making it harder for us to get the trade deal we all want .
My message to the PM is simple : Get your priorities right .
Get on with defeating this virus .
And get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has exposed the total incompetence of this government .
But it also exposed something much deeper .
The ingrained injustices and inequalities we see all around us .
Austerity was always a political choice .
A bulldozer to the foundations of society .
And it left us woefully unprepared for this crisis .
Congress , We ’ re a great country .
We ’ re the sixth richest country in the world .
But our economy is one where the workers we applaud are overworked , underpaid and undervalued .
Where many – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security at work .
Where millions of people are one missed pay-packet away from hardship .
And where too few are able to save for their future and their retirement .
We ’ ve got to change this .
After all the sacrifice and the loss , We can ’ t go back to business as usual .
Or defend the status quo .
We can ’ t go back to a society where over half of care workers earn less than the living wage .
A society , where we pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the second world war .
But now we can ’ t protect them in our care homes .
Or a country where we don ’ t invest in our public services for a decade , but now expect our frontline workers to protect us .
We need to capture the bravery , the sacrifice and ingenuity we ’ ve seen from the British people .
In that , we can see a vision of a better future .
And I want to work with you every step of the way to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
By setting out what the government must do now to protect millions of jobs .
Because we ’ re on the precipice of a return to Thatcher-era unemployment .
We know only too well the scarring effect mass unemployment will have on communities and families across the country .
We can ’ t let it happen again .
And we can ’ t let the Tories use this crisis as an excuse to weaken workers ’ rights .
Hold back planned rises in the living wage .
Or embark on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the furlough scheme can ’ t go on as it is forever .
We ’ ve never suggested that .
But the truth is this : the virus is still with us .
Infections are rising .
Lockdowns are increasing .
And for some sectors of our economy – retail , aviation , hospitality .
For millions of workers .
And for towns and cities under restrictions .
It just isn ’ t possible to get back to work or reopen businesses .
That isn ’ t a choice : it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , it makes no sense at all for the government to pull support away now .
And in one fell swoop , but with a bit of imagination , and if we act in the national interest – a better approach is possible .
That ’ s why today , I ’ m calling for the government to work with us .
To create new , targeted support that can replace the Job Retention Scheme .
To develop this through urgent talks with trade unions , businesses and the Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and training to those who need it .
And prevent mass unemployment .
This would be a life-raft while we ’ re still in choppy waters .
We will approach this constructively and look at the different options that have been put forward .
Whether that ’ s the TUC ’ s Jobs Protection and Upskilling Plan ; the CBI ’ s short-time work scheme ; the German Kurzarbeit scheme .
Or similar schemes in France or Denmark .
But the principles are clear .
Expand part-time working and reward employers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Provide training and support for those who can ’ t come back full-time .
Target those sectors most in need – for example retail , hospitality , aviation and those hit by local lockdowns .
Provide certainty for workers and businesses .
At this moment of national crisis , we should take inspiration from our past .
Be willing to put party differences aside , and work together in the interest of the country .
Imagine how powerful it would be .
If we could form a genuine national plan to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in skills and training ?
So , I ’ m making an open offer to the Prime Minister : work with us to keep millions of people in work .
Work with the trade unions , and work with businesses .
Do everything possible to protect jobs and to deliver for working people .
My door is open .
And Congress , there ’ s something more the government must do .
Outlaw “ fire and re-hire ” tactics .
We ’ ve seen this happening already in the private and public sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued redundancy notices and offered new contracts on worse pay and conditions .
In disputes such as with BA and British Gas , we ’ ve seen the importance of strong trade unions in defending working people .
“ Fire and re-hire ” tactics are wrong .
They ’ re against British values .
They should also be illegal .
These tactics punish good employers .
Hit working people hard .
And harm our economy .
After a decade of pay restraint – that ’ s the last thing working people need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession – it ’ s the last thing our economy needs .
So , I ’ m calling on the government to act now .
Introduce legislation to end fire and re-hire .
And give working people the security they need .
If you do that , you will have our full support .
Congress , the months ahead are going to be rocky .
At the helm , we ’ ve got the most incompetent government I can remember .
And we face the perfect storm of the biggest economic , health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour and the trade union movement need to stand together like never before .
To show the British people that we ’ ve got their back .
And their future too .
We ’ ll fight to protect jobs , incomes and working conditions at this time of national crisis .
And show that there is a better , fairer society to come .
That is our mission .
And , I will work with you for the next five years to deliver it .
Thank you .

Keir Starmer has told the Prime Minister that his “door is open” and urged the government to work with Labour, trade unions and businesses to protect jobs in the coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing the online TUC Congress 2020 this morning, the Labour leader discussed the trade union movement’s response to the virus and thanked attendees for “protecting millions of jobs and keeping people safe at work”.
Starmer accused Boris Johnson of having “failed on all counts” in the response to the pandemic, and slammed the Prime Minister for this week “reopening old wounds on Brexit” as Covid cases rise across the country.
He discussed the winding down of the furlough scheme and said that it makes no sense for the government to pull support away now in “one fell swoop”, and argued for the government to work with Labour to create a replacement.
Commenting on the government’s approach to the health crisis, he said: “Whatever Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock might say: It’s not the British people that are to blame for these mistakes.
“It isn’t civil servants. Care home workers. Or mutant algorithms. It’s this government. It’s the government that’s holding Britain back. And we should never let them forget it.”
The Labour leader warned that the UK is “on the precipice of a return to Thatcher-era unemployment”, and told the TUC Congress that the labour movement cannot let the same “scarring” of communities happen again.
He urged the Prime Minister: “Work with us to keep millions of people in work. Work with the trade unions, and work with businesses. Do everything possible to protect jobs and to deliver for working people. My door is open.”
Starmer also told attendees that after the “sacrifice” of workers in the pandemic: “We can’t go back to business as usual. Or defend the status quo. We can’t go back to a society where over half of care workers earn less than the living wage.”
Labour this morning called on the government to “adopt a more flexible approach” or risk unemployment skyrocketing after new figures showed that almost 700,000 jobs have been lost since the UK went into lockdown in March.
General secretary Frances O’Grady used her speech to Congress on Monday to issue a challenge to Chancellor Rishi Sunak. She told him to “stand by working families” and warned of a “tsunami of job losses” as the furlough scheme ends.
The TUC earlier this week launched its campaign for key workers to receive decent pay, as well as fair terms and conditions in their contracts, to give “dignity at work” to those who risked their lives during the coronavirus crisis.
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s speech to the TUC Congress 2020.
Thank you, Ged. To the TUC for inviting me to speak today. And to everyone involved in making it possible to hold congress this week. This time last year, I spoke to you in Brighton in a packed conference hall. This time last week, I thought there would be an audience of thirty. By Wednesday that was down to six. Yesterday – when I was told to self-isolate – it became just me!
I want to start by thanking the TUC and the trade union movement for everything you’ve done during this pandemic. As ever, when it came to protecting millions of jobs, and keeping people safe at work. It was the union movement that stood up. Without you there would have been no furlough scheme. No life-raft for seven million people.
And let’s face it, if it had been down to this government, it would have been sink or swim. The trade unions have always been the unsung heroes of our national story. And through this crisis you have helped to write another proud chapter. Our party was born out of the trade unions. We are one family. One movement. And under my leadership, we will always stay that way.
For me, this is personal. My mum was a nurse. My dad was a toolmaker. I didn’t know what an office looked like until I left for university. For me, work meant a factory floor, or a hospital ward. And care wasn’t an abstract concept, a policy conundrum to be debated. It was the real-life round the clock support my mum received from the NHS when she became too ill to work. Those values have stayed with me.
Opportunity: Fairness. Compassion. And, they will define my leadership. But Congress, the task ahead of us is huge. The general election result in December was devastating. Not just for the Labour Party or the trade union movement. But for the millions of working people who desperately need a Labour government.
I’m incredibly proud of the courage and heroism the British people have shown during this crisis. But time and time again, this government has let working people down. Britain shouldn’t have one of the highest death rates in the world. And one of the deepest recessions.
We shouldn’t leave our workers without protective equipment. We shouldn’t have failed the most vulnerable in our care homes. And people shouldn’t have to traipse half-way round the country in search of a Covid test when they’re sick. Yesterday, my family were able to get a test quickly when we needed one. But only because my wife works for the NHS in a hospital that provides tests for staff and their families. For thousands of people across the country it’s a very different story.
And after six months of this pandemic, that’s completely unacceptable. Whatever Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock might say: It’s not the British people that are to blame for these mistakes. It isn’t civil servants. Care home workers. Or mutant algorithms. It’s this government. It’s the government that’s holding Britain back. And we should never let them forget it.
At the very least the Prime Minister should have spent the summer getting the basics right. A testing system that works. An effective track and trace system – we don’t need world beating, we just need effective. A plan to protect care homes this winter. An exams system that parents and young people can trust.
He’s failed on all counts. And as infection rates rise and our testing system collapses. What’s his priority? Reopening old wounds on Brexit. Trashing Britain’s reputation abroad. And making it harder for us to get the trade deal we all want. My message to the PM is simple: Get your priorities right. Get on with defeating this virus. And get the Brexit deal you promised.
This crisis has exposed the total incompetence of this government. But it also exposed something much deeper. The ingrained injustices and inequalities we see all around us. Austerity was always a political choice. A bulldozer to the foundations of society. And it left us woefully unprepared for this crisis.
Congress, We’re a great country. We’re the sixth richest country in the world. But our economy is one where the workers we applaud are overworked, underpaid and undervalued. Where many – especially the self-employed – lack basic rights and security at work. Where millions of people are one missed pay-packet away from hardship. And where too few are able to save for their future and their retirement.
We’ve got to change this. After all the sacrifice and the loss, We can’t go back to business as usual. Or defend the status quo. We can’t go back to a society where over half of care workers earn less than the living wage. A society, where we pay tribute to the generation that saved us during the second world war. But now we can’t protect them in our care homes.
Or a country where we don’t invest in our public services for a decade, but now expect our frontline workers to protect us. We need to capture the bravery, the sacrifice and ingenuity we’ve seen from the British people. In that, we can see a vision of a better future. And I want to work with you every step of the way to build it.
We can start that work today. By setting out what the government must do now to protect millions of jobs. Because we’re on the precipice of a return to Thatcher-era unemployment. We know only too well the scarring effect mass unemployment will have on communities and families across the country. We can’t let it happen again.
And we can’t let the Tories use this crisis as an excuse to weaken workers’ rights. Hold back planned rises in the living wage. Or embark on a fresh round of austerity. Of course, the furlough scheme can’t go on as it is forever. We’ve never suggested that. But the truth is this: the virus is still with us. Infections are rising. Lockdowns are increasing.
And for some sectors of our economy – retail, aviation, hospitality. For millions of workers. And for towns and cities under restrictions. It just isn’t possible to get back to work or reopen businesses. That isn’t a choice: it’s the cold reality of this crisis. So, it makes no sense at all for the government to pull support away now. And in one fell swoop, but with a bit of imagination, and if we act in the national interest – a better approach is possible.
That’s why today, I’m calling for the government to work with us. To create new, targeted support that can replace the Job Retention Scheme. To develop this through urgent talks with trade unions, businesses and the Labour Party. So that we can deliver direct support and training to those who need it. And prevent mass unemployment. This would be a life-raft while we’re still in choppy waters.
We will approach this constructively and look at the different options that have been put forward. Whether that’s the TUC’s Jobs Protection and Upskilling Plan; the CBI’s short-time work scheme; the German Kurzarbeit scheme. Or similar schemes in France or Denmark. But the principles are clear. Expand part-time working and reward employers who keep people on rather than cutting jobs. Provide training and support for those who can’t come back full-time. Target those sectors most in need – for example retail, hospitality, aviation and those hit by local lockdowns. Provide certainty for workers and businesses.
At this moment of national crisis, we should take inspiration from our past. Be willing to put party differences aside, and work together in the interest of the country. Imagine how powerful it would be. If we could form a genuine national plan to protect jobs, create new ones and invest in skills and training?
So, I’m making an open offer to the Prime Minister: work with us to keep millions of people in work. Work with the trade unions, and work with businesses. Do everything possible to protect jobs and to deliver for working people. My door is open. And Congress, there’s something more the government must do.
Outlaw “fire and re-hire” tactics. We’ve seen this happening already in the private and public sector. Where thousands of workers have been issued redundancy notices and offered new contracts on worse pay and conditions. In disputes such as with BA and British Gas, we’ve seen the importance of strong trade unions in defending working people.
“Fire and re-hire” tactics are wrong. They’re against British values. They should also be illegal. These tactics punish good employers. Hit working people hard. And harm our economy. After a decade of pay restraint – that’s the last thing working people need. And in the middle of a deep recession – it’s the last thing our economy needs.
So, I’m calling on the government to act now. Introduce legislation to end fire and re-hire. And give working people the security they need. If you do that, you will have our full support. Congress, the months ahead are going to be rocky. At the helm, we’ve got the most incompetent government I can remember. And we face the perfect storm of the biggest economic, health and social challenge for a generation.
Labour and the trade union movement need to stand together like never before. To show the British people that we’ve got their back. And their future too. We’ll fight to protect jobs, incomes and working conditions at this time of national crisis. And show that there is a better, fairer society to come. That is our mission. And, I will work with you for the next five years to deliver it. Thank you.


labourlist--2020-09-15--PM suffers at the hands of a Miliband as the latest testing fiasco emerges

Ed Miliband smashed it out of the park yesterday afternoon in the Commons .
If you missed the resurgence of the Milifandom on Twitter , he enjoyed a session debating the internal market bill in Keir Starmer ’ s place ; the Labour leader was forced to isolate yesterday after a member of his household displayed Covid symptoms .
Boris Johnson squirmed in his seat as Miliband grilled him on the controversial legislation , which the government has admitted would break international law .
But the performance by the former Labour leader did not stop the bill passing its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 340 MPs to 263 against , a majority of 77 .
Some 30 Tories abstained however , indicating that we could see more rebellions as MPs try to amend the bill in the coming parliamentary stages .
The online TUC Congress 2020 got underway yesterday and general secretary Frances O ’ Grady had a message for the Chancellor .
Today , Starmer will have another one for the PM .
O ’ Grady told Rishi Sunak to “ stand by working families ” and warned of a “ tsunami of job losses ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest job figures this morning showed that unemployment rose to 4.1 % in the three months to July and the total number of people without a job rose by 62,000 .
At the same time , payroll data shows that 695,000 fewer people were employed in August 2020 compared to March .
The Labour leader is expected to use his speech this morning to tell Johnson to stop trying to “ reopen old wounds over Brexit ” and “ get on with defeating this virus ” .
He will reiterate his call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace the furlough scheme with new mechanisms to protect jobs and support hard-hit UK sectors .
Watch out for that at 11am .
Meanwhile , we saw the latest Covid testing fiasco emerge yesterday .
After the PM unveiled his ‘ Moonshot ’ plan last week to deliver ten million tests a day by next spring , reports have shown that there were none available in the UK ’ s ten worst coronavirus hotspots .
According to LBC Radio , there were no walk-in , drive-through or home tests in Bolton , Salford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Preston , Pendle , Rochdale , Tameside and Manchester yesterday .
The Times has reported that ministers are now putting together plans to restrict “ frivolous demands ” for tests – a marked change in tone since Matt Hancock told parliament several times in July that people should get a test “ if in doubt ” .
Given this latest news , mass testing plans to save Christmas don ’ t look good .
The Health Secretary will come to parliament to make a statement on coronavirus today .
Away from Westminster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next May has suggested a three-way fight at the ballot box .
According to the Welsh Political Barometer poll , voting intention is divided largely between Labour , the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru with a poor showing for the Lib Dems and the Brexit Party .
Labour saw no change in its predicted vote share on the last iteration of the survey in June at 34 % , while the Tories have fallen two points to 29 % and Plaid Cymru has seen a boost of +2 to 24 % .
Sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Ed Miliband smashed it out of the park yesterday afternoon in the Commons. If you missed the resurgence of the Milifandom on Twitter, he enjoyed a session debating the internal market bill in Keir Starmer’s place; the Labour leader was forced to isolate yesterday after a member of his household displayed Covid symptoms. Boris Johnson squirmed in his seat as Miliband grilled him on the controversial legislation, which the government has admitted would break international law. But the performance by the former Labour leader did not stop the bill passing its first legislative hurdle. It was backed by 340 MPs to 263 against, a majority of 77. Some 30 Tories abstained however, indicating that we could see more rebellions as MPs try to amend the bill in the coming parliamentary stages.
The online TUC Congress 2020 got underway yesterday and general secretary Frances O’Grady had a message for the Chancellor. Today, Starmer will have another one for the PM. O’Grady told Rishi Sunak to “stand by working families” and warned of a “tsunami of job losses” as the furlough scheme ends. The latest job figures this morning showed that unemployment rose to 4.1% in the three months to July and the total number of people without a job rose by 62,000. At the same time, payroll data shows that 695,000 fewer people were employed in August 2020 compared to March. The Labour leader is expected to use his speech this morning to tell Johnson to stop trying to “reopen old wounds over Brexit” and “get on with defeating this virus”. He will reiterate his call for targeted support and urge the PM to replace the furlough scheme with new mechanisms to protect jobs and support hard-hit UK sectors. Watch out for that at 11am.
Meanwhile, we saw the latest Covid testing fiasco emerge yesterday. After the PM unveiled his ‘Moonshot’ plan last week to deliver ten million tests a day by next spring, reports have shown that there were none available in the UK’s ten worst coronavirus hotspots. According to LBC Radio, there were no walk-in, drive-through or home tests in Bolton, Salford, Bradford, Blackburn, Oldham, Preston, Pendle, Rochdale, Tameside and Manchester yesterday. The Times has reported that ministers are now putting together plans to restrict “frivolous demands” for tests – a marked change in tone since Matt Hancock told parliament several times in July that people should get a test “if in doubt”. Given this latest news, mass testing plans to save Christmas don’t look good. The Health Secretary will come to parliament to make a statement on coronavirus today.
Away from Westminster, new polling on the Welsh Senedd elections next May has suggested a three-way fight at the ballot box. According to the Welsh Political Barometer poll, voting intention is divided largely between Labour, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru with a poor showing for the Lib Dems and the Brexit Party. Labour saw no change in its predicted vote share on the last iteration of the survey in June at 34%, while the Tories have fallen two points to 29% and Plaid Cymru has seen a boost of +2 to 24%. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-09-15--Labour calls for “more flexible approach” after 700,000 jobs lost to Covid

Labour has called on the government to “ adopt a more flexible approach ” or risk unemployment skyrocketing after new figures showed that almost 700,000 jobs have been lost since the UK went into lockdown in March .
The latest estimates published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) this morning reveal that the number of employees on company payrolls fell by 695,000 between March and August this year .
The number claiming unemployment-related benefits , which includes those with no work or those with few hours and low pay , also rose in August to 2.7 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ONS also reported today that Britain ’ s unemployment rate has risen to 4.1 % – or roughly five million people – in July as the total number of those without jobs rose by 62,000 compared to June .
The Labour Party has warned that more job losses are on the horizon if the government does not consider targeted support for sectors that have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
Commenting on the figures today , Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said : “ These new figures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not working and 2.5 million have been out of work for three months or more .
“ Unemployment will continue to rise unless the government acts now and adopts a more flexible approach targeted at the sectors that need it most.
” General secretary Frances O ’ Grady told the TUC Congress on Monday that Tory Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to extend the furlough scheme or risk a further “ tsunami of job losses “ .
Commenting on the new statistics , she said : “ These are deeply worrying figures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of mass unemployment is very real .
Ministers must act now to protect and create jobs .
“ That means building on the furlough scheme by setting up a new job retention and upskilling deal , to keep people employed at firms that have a viable future .
“ And it means creating good new jobs too .
Recent TUC analysis shows the government could create 1.85m jobs in two years by fast-tracking green infrastructure investment and unlocking 600,000 public sector vacancies.
” The general secretary concluded : “ When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would do ‘ whatever it takes ’ .
He must keep that promise.
” Labour has been consistently critical of the government ’ s “ one-size-fits-all approach ” to the complete withdrawal of furlough support by the end of October , with Anneliese Dodds calling the move a “ historic mistake ” .
The Shadow Chancellor put forward a motion last week to provide a targeted extension to the scheme for hard-hit sectors , such as manufacturing or aviation , but the proposal was heavily rejected by the Commons .
The figures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious in Scotland , where the unemployment rate is sitting at 4.6 % , compared to the UK-wide level of 4.1 % .
Commenting , Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said : “ These troubling figures show 4,700 workers joined Scotland ’ s dole queues last month alone , and Scotland continues to have the highest unemployment rate out of the nations of the UK .
“ Just as the SNP government left Scotland unprepared for the public health crisis , this SNP government has left us unprepared too for this jobs crisis.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment could increase to somewhere between 8 % and 12 % by the end of the year as the economic effects of Covid begin to fully materialise .

Labour has called on the government to “adopt a more flexible approach” or risk unemployment skyrocketing after new figures showed that almost 700,000 jobs have been lost since the UK went into lockdown in March.
The latest estimates published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) this morning reveal that the number of employees on company payrolls fell by 695,000 between March and August this year.
The number claiming unemployment-related benefits, which includes those with no work or those with few hours and low pay, also rose in August to 2.7 million – a 121% increase on March.
The ONS also reported today that Britain’s unemployment rate has risen to 4.1% – or roughly five million people – in July as the total number of those without jobs rose by 62,000 compared to June.
The Labour Party has warned that more job losses are on the horizon if the government does not consider targeted support for sectors that have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on the figures today, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “These new figures are deeply concerning, over five million people are not working and 2.5 million have been out of work for three months or more.
“Unemployment will continue to rise unless the government acts now and adopts a more flexible approach targeted at the sectors that need it most.”
General secretary Frances O’Grady told the TUC Congress on Monday that Tory Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to extend the furlough scheme or risk a further “tsunami of job losses“.
Commenting on the new statistics, she said: “These are deeply worrying figures. With state support coming to an end the threat of mass unemployment is very real. Ministers must act now to protect and create jobs.
“That means building on the furlough scheme by setting up a new job retention and upskilling deal, to keep people employed at firms that have a viable future.
“And it means creating good new jobs too. Recent TUC analysis shows the government could create 1.85m jobs in two years by fast-tracking green infrastructure investment and unlocking 600,000 public sector vacancies.”
The general secretary concluded: “When the crisis began, the Chancellor said he would do ‘whatever it takes’. He must keep that promise.”
Labour has been consistently critical of the government’s “one-size-fits-all approach” to the complete withdrawal of furlough support by the end of October, with Anneliese Dodds calling the move a “historic mistake”.
The Shadow Chancellor put forward a motion last week to provide a targeted extension to the scheme for hard-hit sectors, such as manufacturing or aviation, but the proposal was heavily rejected by the Commons.
The figures have also shown that the problem is particularly serious in Scotland, where the unemployment rate is sitting at 4.6%, compared to the UK-wide level of 4.1%.
Commenting, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “These troubling figures show 4,700 workers joined Scotland’s dole queues last month alone, and Scotland continues to have the highest unemployment rate out of the nations of the UK.
“Just as the SNP government left Scotland unprepared for the public health crisis, this SNP government has left us unprepared too for this jobs crisis.”
It has been predicted that Scottish unemployment could increase to somewhere between 8% and 12% by the end of the year as the economic effects of Covid begin to fully materialise.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Labour: “Generation of children left to pay price for government incompetence”

Labour has accused the government of leaving “ a generation of children to pay the price ” for its “ chronic incompetence ” as a new study shows that the Tories imposed the largest school spending cut in 40 years .
The new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) has found that per-pupil spending in English schools fell by 9 % in real terms between 2010 and 2020 as a result of Tory-led government funding cuts .
According to the paper , the new national funding formula is set to increase spending in deprived areas by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The IFS says the gap will leave poorer schools badly placed to deal with the challenges of Covid .
Commenting on the study , Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green said : “ The Tories have slashed school budgets for the first time in decades , leaving a generation of children to pay the price for this government ’ s chronic incompetence .
“ The cuts that they imposed on schools were a dangerous false economy that simply made it harder for them to respond to the ongoing pandemic , with the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This incompetence can not be allowed to continue , and the government must ensure that schools , pupils , and staff are given the support they need in the months and years ahead.
” The IFS study details that between 2000 and 2010 , the extra per-pupil funding of the most deprived schools grew by nearly 10 % – but in the following decade , the rise in funding for poorer pupils was entirely reversed .
Covid-19 has posed a variety of challenges to the education sector , with one report from earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widened the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by as much as 75 % .
Labour called on the government earlier this month to implement a ‘ Close the Gap ’ strategy that would address the educational inequalities made worse by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months .
Commenting on the release of the new IFS report , NEU head Dr Mary Bousted said : “ This is a historic failure of the nation ’ s children .
It is also striking that despite government rhetoric of ‘ levelling up ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is those schools that serve children from the poorest backgrounds which have had their funding cut the hardest… Children only get one chance to go to school but a whole generation of pupils have had the whole of their time in school blighted by cuts.
” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced a public outcry in August when the government ’ s algorithm for allocating exam grades disproportionately downgraded disadvantaged students .
Although the government eventually U-turned , Labour has since urged them to release all documents relating to the “ fiasco ” after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignored official advice when creating the controversial system .

Labour has accused the government of leaving “a generation of children to pay the price” for its “chronic incompetence” as a new study shows that the Tories imposed the largest school spending cut in 40 years.
The new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has found that per-pupil spending in English schools fell by 9% in real terms between 2010 and 2020 as a result of Tory-led government funding cuts.
According to the paper, the new national funding formula is set to increase spending in deprived areas by 3-4% less than in wealthier areas. The IFS says the gap will leave poorer schools badly placed to deal with the challenges of Covid.
Commenting on the study, Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green said: “The Tories have slashed school budgets for the first time in decades, leaving a generation of children to pay the price for this government’s chronic incompetence.
“The cuts that they imposed on schools were a dangerous false economy that simply made it harder for them to respond to the ongoing pandemic, with the most disadvantaged areas hit the hardest.
“This incompetence cannot be allowed to continue, and the government must ensure that schools, pupils, and staff are given the support they need in the months and years ahead.”
The IFS study details that between 2000 and 2010, the extra per-pupil funding of the most deprived schools grew by nearly 10% – but in the following decade, the rise in funding for poorer pupils was entirely reversed.
Covid-19 has posed a variety of challenges to the education sector, with one report from earlier this month suggesting the pandemic may have widened the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by as much as 75%.
Labour called on the government earlier this month to implement a ‘Close the Gap’ strategy that would address the educational inequalities made worse by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months.
Commenting on the release of the new IFS report, NEU head Dr Mary Bousted said: “This is a historic failure of the nation’s children. It is also striking that despite government rhetoric of ‘levelling up’ the reverse is true.
“It is those schools that serve children from the poorest backgrounds which have had their funding cut the hardest… Children only get one chance to go to school but a whole generation of pupils have had the whole of their time in school blighted by cuts.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced a public outcry in August when the government’s algorithm for allocating exam grades disproportionately downgraded disadvantaged students.
Although the government eventually U-turned, Labour has since urged them to release all documents relating to the “fiasco” after Ofqual officials said that the Education Secretary ignored official advice when creating the controversial system.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Labour MPs back launch of Tessa Jowell Foundation

A group of Labour MPs including Keir Starmer and Jonathan Ashworth have joined with other politicians , campaigners and public health experts to back the launch of the Tessa Jowell Foundation .
The newly established organisation has been launched today on the anniversary of the day the Baroness announced that she had a brain tumour , and on what would have been the former Labour minister ’ s 73rd birthday .
Also backing the foundation are Labour ’ s Lisa Nandy , Helen Hayes and Sarah Jones , Tories Jeremy Hunt and Health Secretary Matt Hancock , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Gilbertson .
The foundation will be led by Jowell ’ s daughter Jess Mills with support from other members of the south London MP ’ s family , and will focus on delivering her “ public health legacies ” .
Commenting on the launch and Jowell ’ s legacy , Starmer said : “ Tessa was an inspiration .
A true public servant , she strived throughout her life to make this country a better place for all .
“ She is sorely missed but lives on in the memories she gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympics and securing life-changing cancer research funding – her incredible legacy.
” Baroness Jowell was the first ever UK minister for public health and used the platform to develop and implement the Labour government ’ s flagship Sure Start policy , designed to help give disadvantaged children the best possible start in life .
More than 3,000 Sure Start centres were opened across the country during Labour ’ s 13 years in power , but many were subsequently closed when the coalition government took office in 2010 .
The Labour leader added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with Tessa and call her my friend .
It is fitting that her vision and immense dedication will live on in the Tessa Jowell Foundation .
“ Her final campaign to transform brain cancer treatment inspired us all and I wholeheartedly support the foundation in continuing to drive this crucial work , giving patients the hope that Tessa personified.
” Jowell was diagnosed with cancer in May 2017 and dedicated the remainder of her life to campaigning for change to brain tumour treatment funding and research .
She passed away at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Following a final parliamentary speech from the Baroness in 2018 , the government committed to supporting the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission that brings together experts in research , science , trials , technology and patient charities .
The foundation has stated that its starting focus will be to “ secure the delivery of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission ” including the launch of the accreditation of ten Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence throughout the NHS in 2021 .
The body will take a leadership role in the mission , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the illness , as well as leading clinicians , forming its steering committee and four working groups .
It focuses on six key areas : • Patient-led advocacy to support the development of data sharing protocols and a registry ; • Collaboration with pharma in expediting drug repurposing and trial development ; • Implementation of new models of patient care , such as the Cambridge model and appropriate measurement of patient outcomes/satisfaction ; and • National roll out of the ‘ pink drink ’ and other proven tools .
Professor Gilbertson explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ more robust and stable level of support so that we can deliver our transformational national strategy for brain cancer treatment and care throughout the NHS ” .
Ashworth described Jowell as an “ inspiration ” and added : “ We all miss her desperately and remain dedicated to truly honouring her memory by doing all we can to ensure the very best modern treatment possible for those with brain cancer.
” The other Labour MPs added their tributes to the former minister .
Nandy said Jowell was “ single minded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live richer , larger lives full of opportunity , whatever their circumstances ” .
Hayes , who replaced Jowell as the Dulwich and West Norwood MP , said the foundation and the Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence will “ deliver the step-change that Tessa was so passionate to see , and which is so urgently needed ” .
Conservative Health Secretary Hancock said that Jowell ’ s “ impact on others and the legacy she left was achieved always with kindness , compassion and with great integrity ” .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long time to come ” .
Jowell was first elected as an MP in 1992 and became the minister for public health in 1997 .
She was appointed as the Culture , Media and Sport Secretary in 2001 before serving as the minister for the Olympics between 2005 and 2010 .

A group of Labour MPs including Keir Starmer and Jonathan Ashworth have joined with other politicians, campaigners and public health experts to back the launch of the Tessa Jowell Foundation.
The newly established organisation has been launched today on the anniversary of the day the late Labour peer announced that she had a brain tumour, and on what would have been her 73rd birthday.
Also backing the foundation are Labour’s Lisa Nandy, Helen Hayes and Sarah Jones, Tory MPs Jeremy Hunt and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as well as Cancer Research UK Cambridge centre director Professor Richard Gilbertson.
The foundation will be led by Jowell’s daughter Jess Mills with support from other members of the former south London MP’s family, and will focus on delivering her “public health legacies”.
Commenting on the launch and Jowell’s legacy, Starmer said: “Tessa was an inspiration. A true public servant, she strived throughout her life to make this country a better place for all.
“She is sorely missed but lives on in the memories she gave us and – from Sure Start to the Olympics and securing life-changing cancer research funding – her incredible legacy.”
Jowell was the first ever UK minister for public health and used the platform to develop and implement the Labour government’s flagship Sure Start policy, designed to help give disadvantaged children the best possible start in life.
More than 3,000 Sure Start centres were opened across the country during Labour’s 13 years in power, but many were subsequently closed when the coalition government took office in 2010.
The Labour leader added: “It was a personal privilege to work with Tessa and call her my friend. It is fitting that her vision and immense dedication will live on in the Tessa Jowell Foundation.
“Her final campaign to transform brain cancer treatment inspired us all and I wholeheartedly support the foundation in continuing to drive this crucial work, giving patients the hope that Tessa personified.”
Jowell was diagnosed with cancer in May 2017 and dedicated the remainder of her life to campaigning for change to brain tumour treatment funding and research. She passed away at the age of 70 a year later.
Following a final parliamentary speech from Jowell in 2018, the government committed to supporting the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission that brings together experts in research, science, trials, technology and patient charities.
The foundation has stated that its starting focus will be to “secure the delivery of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission” including the launch of the accreditation of ten Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence throughout the NHS in 2021.
The body will take a leadership role in the mission, which is mainly made up of those affected by the illness, as well as leading clinicians, forming its steering committee and four working groups. It focuses on six key areas:
“Patient-led advocacy to support the development of data sharing protocols and a registry;
“Improved access to experimental medicines;
“Collaboration with pharma in expediting drug repurposing and trial development;
“Development of a clear timeline to reduce diagnosis;
“Implementation of new models of patient care, such as the Cambridge model and appropriate measurement of patient outcomes/satisfaction; and
“National roll out of the ‘pink drink’ and other proven tools.”
Professor Gilbertson explained that the foundation will give the mission a “more robust and stable level of support so that we can deliver our transformational national strategy for brain cancer treatment and care throughout the NHS”.
Ashworth described Jowell as an “inspiration”, adding: “We all miss her desperately and remain dedicated to truly honouring her memory by doing all we can to ensure the very best modern treatment possible for those with brain cancer.”
Other Labour MPs added their tributes to the former minister. Nandy said Jowell was “single minded in her belief that people should be able to live richer, larger lives full of opportunity, whatever their circumstances”.
Hayes, who replaced Jowell as the Dulwich and West Norwood MP, said the foundation and the Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence will “deliver the step-change that Tessa was so passionate to see, and which is so urgently needed”.
Health Secretary Hancock said Jowell’s “impact on others and the legacy she left was achieved always with kindness, compassion and with great integrity”. He added that her achievements “will be with us for a long time to come”.
Jowell was first elected as an MP in 1992 and became the minister for public health in 1997. She was appointed as the Culture, Media and Sport Secretary in 2001 before serving as the Olympics minister between 2005 and 2010.
She died aged 70 in May 2018 after being diagnosed with brain cancer the previous year. Five months before her death, she delivered a moving speech in the House of Lords that received a rare and emotional standing ovation.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Government must extend Covid evictions ban ending this weekend, says Labour

Labour ’ s Thangam Debbonaire has called on the government to extend the emergency evictions ban put in place to protect renters in the coronavirus pandemic ahead of the measure ending on September 20th .
Commenting just days before the suspension is due to be lifted , the Shadow Housing Secretary accused the Conservative government of “ prioritising reopening old wounds on Brexit above protecting renters ” .
The intervention comes after Labour warned last week that the government had failed to set aside time in parliament to consider extending the measure before its ends , as called for by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commenting on the crisis facing renters , Debbonaire said : “ Coronavirus cases are rising , vast swathes of the country are set to be under local lockdown , and the Covid jobs crisis is set to get worse .
This is no time for the government to restart evictions .
“ The government is walking right into a homelessness crisis this winter .
They ’ ve wasted the short time they bought themselves by extending the ban in August , prioritising reopening old wounds on Brexit above protecting renters.
” The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from taking court proceedings to evict people during the pandemic .
The initial rule change was intended to last for three months but has since been extended .
The Shadow Housing Secretary added : “ The ban must be extended before Sunday , and the government needs to come forward with a credible plan to keep their promise that no renter will lose their home because of coronavirus.
” Following pressure from charities , Labour and other MPs from other parties , the government extended the original ban to end on August 23rd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , last-minute U-turn to provide renters protection for another month .
Think tank IPPR at the time called on the government to extend the ban for another six months , rather than just four weeks , and to offer more financial assistance to those in the private rented sector .
The organisation advised that local housing allowance should be increased to cover 50 % of market rates , as the current 30 % of market-rate level means there are too few properties attainable for people needing to move .
The leading housing charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private renters will be at risk of eviction when the ban is lifted , and campaigners are urging the government to put further measures in place .
London Renters Union organiser Ghazal Haqani reacted to the reports of the government ’ s U-turn last month by pointing out that Tory ministers were simply “ kicking the can down the road ” .
Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy , Debbonaire and shadow minister for legal aid Karl Turner also wrote to Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland last month to warn that English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted that the stay on eviction proceedings coming to an end “ risks unleashing a tsunami of cases , which could leave tens of thousands of people homeless and overwhelm our courts ” .
A number of Labour MPs on the left , such as Zarah Sultana and Bell Ribeiro-Addy , are demanding a cancellation of rent debt .
But the party as a whole has not backed the idea so far .
Labour has highlighted that instead of bringing forward legislation to protect renters in the health crisis , the government chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make arrangements for the end of the Brexit transition period .

Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire has called on the government to extend the emergency evictions ban put in place to protect renters in the coronavirus pandemic ahead of the measure ending on September 20th.
Commenting just days before the suspension is due to be lifted, the Shadow Housing Secretary accused the Conservative government of “prioritising reopening old wounds on Brexit above protecting renters”.
The intervention comes after Labour warned last week that the government had failed to set aside time in parliament to consider extending the measure before its ends, as called for by charities, housing organisations and councils.
Commenting on the crisis facing renters, Debbonaire said: “Coronavirus cases are rising, vast swathes of the country are set to be under local lockdown, and the Covid jobs crisis is set to get worse. This is no time for the government to restart evictions.
“The government is walking right into a homelessness crisis this winter. They’ve wasted the short time they bought themselves by extending the ban in August, prioritising reopening old wounds on Brexit above protecting renters.”
The government introduced legislation in March that stopped landlords from taking court proceedings to evict people during the pandemic. The initial rule change was intended to last for three months but has since been extended.
The Shadow Housing Secretary added: “The ban must be extended before Sunday, and the government needs to come forward with a credible plan to keep their promise that no renter will lose their home because of coronavirus.”
Following pressure from charities, Labour and other MPs from other parties, the government extended the original ban to end on August 23rd. The government then made a second, last-minute U-turn to provide renters protection for another month.
Think tank IPPR at the time called on the government to extend the ban for another six months, rather than just four weeks, and to offer more financial assistance to those in the private rented sector.
The organisation advised that local housing allowance should be increased to cover 50% of market rates, as the current 30% of market-rate level means there are too few properties attainable for people needing to move.
The leading housing charity Shelter warned earlier this year that 227,000 private renters will be at risk of eviction when the ban is lifted, and campaigners are urging the government to put further measures in place.
London Renters Union organiser Ghazal Haqani reacted to the reports of the government’s U-turn last month by pointing out that Tory ministers were simply “kicking the can down the road”.
Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy, Debbonaire and shadow minister for legal aid Karl Turner also wrote to Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland last month to warn that English County Courts could be overwhelmed.
They predicted that the stay on eviction proceedings coming to an end “risks unleashing a tsunami of cases, which could leave tens of thousands of people homeless and overwhelm our courts”.
A number of Labour MPs on the left, such as Zarah Sultana and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, are demanding a cancellation of rent debt. But the party as a whole has not backed the idea so far.
Labour has highlighted that instead of bringing forward legislation to protect renters in the health crisis, the government chose to introduce its controversial internal market bill to make arrangements for the end of the Brexit transition period.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Why we’ve founded the new Labour Foreign Policy Group

Almost 20 years ago , when we were still in school , the 9/11 attacks in New York set in motion events that changed our lives , those of our families and impacted the way we viewed the world .
They set in motion the ‘ War on Terror ’ – the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 – that still defines much of the United Kingdom ’ s foreign policy landscape today .
But the landscape has undeniably changed .
Our multilateral institutions , built to solve the problems of the 20th century , have suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fast moving and complex global issues of today .
Global cooperation is crumbling in the wake of an increasingly isolationist US under Trump and increasingly assertive Russia and China under Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping .
And in the UK , Brexit has unearthed fundamental questions about our identity and place in the world that are wanting for answers .
Covid-19 is putting additional pressure on these trends .
The need for global cooperation is confronting nationalist tendencies .
We have been forced to look at our political leadership and our relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy challenges have not demanded of us in the past .
There have been rays of hope .
In 2015 , the world came together to agree the UN sustainable development goals .
Around the world , people are fighting for democracy : in Hong Kong , Belarus and Lebanon people are rising up against the forces of authoritarianism and corruption .
And over the past few years , we have seen a democratic revolution in how foreign policy is done .
We have seen young people like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have seen climate protests and social justice movements light up the streets and squares of cities far from their ignition points .
People harnessing social media and communications technology to build global movements for change .
Cities and communities are also playing a leading role in defining their countries ’ relationships with the rest of the world .
No longer is foreign policy simply seen as the preserve of the elite .
The changes we have witnessed over the past few years require a new story about Britain ’ s place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is humble about our historic role but builds on our strengths and values .
The Labour Party has a unique window of opportunity over the next four years to take stock and articulate a truly new and progressive approach to the UK ’ s relationship with the world .
Under the leadership of Keir Starmer , it has an opportunity to dig deep into defining this new approach and to involving its members .
There is a raft of experience amongst party members that could contribute to this process in a coordinated manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy task .
Over the past few years , we ’ ve both been part of a number of conversations attempting to define a new progressive foreign policy .
But far too often these end in vague proclamations or break down because participants can not move beyond their own narrowly-defined interests .
Foreign policy also remains a divisive subject for party members .
We want to remedy this .
We believe we can start to harness the expertise that exists within the party and facilitate the right types of conversations : conversations about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our relationships with other nations post-Brexit look like , how we deal with the trade offs that inevitably come from operating in a globalised world , and what values underpin this .
This is why we founded the Labour Foreign Policy Group .
We want to look at our strategic relationships post-Brexit and also our role in dragging multilateral institutions into the 21st century .
We want to explore how we do foreign policy differently , by harnessing new actors and new technologies , and to tease through what implementing a progressive foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020s .
The UK needs a sophisticated response to the key policy challenges which will define the coming years outside the Covid-19 crisis .
It must respond to an evolving agenda in areas including trade , development , climate , peace , diplomacy , technology and security .
Equally it must respond to wider geopolitical tensions and shifts , and Britain ’ s evolving relationships with its allies and rivals .
This means moving beyond the politics that has defined our approach to foreign policy for the past 20 years .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , Labour has the opportunity to play a leading role in defining the UK ’ s new relationship with the world – its priorities , its values and its orientation .
In the current climate of political activism where people ’ s voices have the power to elevate issues that change their lives , Labour needs to seize its moment and define its approach to foreign policy – one that breaks from the past , draws on our values , and is well-evidenced , coherent , inclusive and progressive .
We hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey .
Labour Foreign Policy Group is launching on Monday 21st September at 6.30pm with an event featuring former Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Margot Wallstrom and Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy MP .
They will be discussing how to build a coherent and progressive foreign policy .
For more info and to register , click here .
Interested in becoming a member of LFPG ?
Click here .
Or to join our mailing list , click here .

Almost 20 years ago, when we were still in school, the 9/11 attacks in New York set in motion events that changed our lives, those of our families and impacted the way we viewed the world. They set in motion the ‘War on Terror’ – the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 – that still defines much of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy landscape today. But the landscape has undeniably changed.
Our multilateral institutions, built to solve the problems of the 20th century, have suffered from paralysis when faced with the multifaceted, fast moving and complex global issues of today. Global cooperation is crumbling in the wake of an increasingly isolationist US under Trump and increasingly assertive Russia and China under Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. And in the UK, Brexit has unearthed fundamental questions about our identity and place in the world that are wanting for answers.
Covid-19 is putting additional pressure on these trends. The need for global cooperation is confronting nationalist tendencies. We have been forced to look at our political leadership and our relationship with other nations in ways that foreign policy challenges have not demanded of us in the past.
There have been rays of hope. In 2015, the world came together to agree the UN sustainable development goals. Around the world, people are fighting for democracy: in Hong Kong, Belarus and Lebanon people are rising up against the forces of authoritarianism and corruption. And over the past few years, we have seen a democratic revolution in how foreign policy is done. We have seen young people like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg influence the agenda of international institutions.
We have seen climate protests and social justice movements light up the streets and squares of cities far from their ignition points. People harnessing social media and communications technology to build global movements for change. Cities and communities are also playing a leading role in defining their countries’ relationships with the rest of the world. No longer is foreign policy simply seen as the preserve of the elite.
The changes we have witnessed over the past few years require a new story about Britain’s place in the world – one that acknowledges and is humble about our historic role but builds on our strengths and values.
The Labour Party has a unique window of opportunity over the next four years to take stock and articulate a truly new and progressive approach to the UK’s relationship with the world. Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, it has an opportunity to dig deep into defining this new approach and to involving its members. There is a raft of experience amongst party members that could contribute to this process in a coordinated manner.
We know that this is no easy task. Over the past few years, we’ve both been part of a number of conversations attempting to define a new progressive foreign policy. But far too often these end in vague proclamations or break down because participants cannot move beyond their own narrowly-defined interests. Foreign policy also remains a divisive subject for party members.
We want to remedy this. We believe we can start to harness the expertise that exists within the party and facilitate the right types of conversations: conversations about our role in the world, what our relationships with other nations post-Brexit look like, how we deal with the trade offs that inevitably come from operating in a globalised world, and what values underpin this. This is why we founded the Labour Foreign Policy Group.
We want to look at our strategic relationships post-Brexit and also our role in dragging multilateral institutions into the 21st century. We want to explore how we do foreign policy differently, by harnessing new actors and new technologies, and to tease through what implementing a progressive foreign policy actually looks like for Britain in the 2020s.
The UK needs a sophisticated response to the key policy challenges which will define the coming years outside the Covid-19 crisis. It must respond to an evolving agenda in areas including trade, development, climate, peace, diplomacy, technology and security. Equally it must respond to wider geopolitical tensions and shifts, and Britain’s evolving relationships with its allies and rivals. This means moving beyond the politics that has defined our approach to foreign policy for the past 20 years.
With just under four years to the next election, Labour has the opportunity to play a leading role in defining the UK’s new relationship with the world – its priorities, its values and its orientation. In the current climate of political activism where people’s voices have the power to elevate issues that change their lives, Labour needs to seize its moment and define its approach to foreign policy – one that breaks from the past, draws on our values, and is well-evidenced, coherent, inclusive and progressive. We hope to play a big part in that journey.
Labour Foreign Policy Group is launching on Monday 21st September at 6.30pm with an event featuring former Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Margot Wallstrom and Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy MP. They will be discussing how to build a coherent and progressive foreign policy. For more info and to register, click here.
Interested in becoming a member of LFPG? Click here. Or to join our mailing list, click here.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Unite: £100,000 job for Grayling a “slap in the face” to staff on pay reductions

Unite has described Tory MP Chris Grayling ’ s new £100,000 a year part-time job at Hutchinson Ports as a “ slap in the face ” to company staff who are shouldering pay reductions as a result of coronavirus .
The union has said the move is an “ insult ” to workers at the company , which runs Harwich and Felixstowe ports , who have had their shifts adjusted and Christmas bonuses cancelled due to the pandemic .
Unite , which has more than 2,000 members working across the port in Felixstowe , also accused Hutchinson Ports of having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was prepared to spend £100,000 on the Epsom and Ewell MP as a part-time adviser .
According to the MPs ’ register of financial interests , the new role secured by the former Shadow Transport Secretary will see him receive a six-figure annual pay cheque for only around seven hours of work a week .
Unite regional officer Miles Hubbard said : “ Mr Grayling ’ s appointment by Hutchinson Ports is a slap in the face to its Felixstowe workforce .
While still serving as an MP , Mr Grayling will pocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of work .
“ For Felixstowe port ’ s hourly paid staff , who have lost their annual Christmas bonus and undergone detrimental shift changes to help the company get through the pandemic , Mr Grayling ’ s cushy number at the port is an insult .
“ Hutchinson Ports clearly has money to burn if it can afford to spend £100,000 on a part-time advisor who once gave a multimillion-pound shipping contract to a company with no ships and who was dubbed ‘ the worst Transport Secretary of all time ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role despite having a controversial record as a Tory MP and cabinet member .
Notable incidents include offering a £13.8m channel ferry contract to a company that did not own a single ferry .
Labour has claimed that Grayling ’ s long-history of gaffes during his time as a cabinet minister has wasted a total of £2.7bn of taxpayers ’ money , which led Andy McDonald to remark last year that “ the Tories seem obsessed with rewarding incompetence ” .
£2bn of the wasted spending was due to the collapse of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the decision taken to nationalise the route .
A further £437m was attributed to his failed privatisation of the prison probation service .

Unite has described Tory MP Chris Grayling’s new £100,000 a year part-time job at Hutchinson Ports as a “slap in the face” to company staff who are shouldering pay reductions as a result of coronavirus.
The union has said the move is an “insult” to workers at the company, which runs Harwich and Felixstowe ports, who have had their shifts adjusted and Christmas bonuses cancelled due to the pandemic.
Unite, which has more than 2,000 members working across the port in Felixstowe, also accused Hutchinson Ports of having “money to burn” if it was prepared to spend £100,000 on the Epsom and Ewell MP as a part-time adviser.
According to the MPs’ register of financial interests, the new role secured by the former Shadow Transport Secretary will see him receive a six-figure annual pay cheque for only around seven hours of work a week.
Unite regional officer Miles Hubbard said: “Mr Grayling’s appointment by Hutchinson Ports is a slap in the face to its Felixstowe workforce. While still serving as an MP, Mr Grayling will pocket nearly £2,000 a week for just seven hours of work.
“For Felixstowe port’s hourly paid staff, who have lost their annual Christmas bonus and undergone detrimental shift changes to help the company get through the pandemic, Mr Grayling’s cushy number at the port is an insult.
“Hutchinson Ports clearly has money to burn if it can afford to spend £100,000 on a part-time advisor who once gave a multimillion-pound shipping contract to a company with no ships and who was dubbed ‘the worst Transport Secretary of all time’.”
Grayling has been offered the role despite having a controversial record as a Tory MP and cabinet member. Notable incidents include offering a £13.8m channel ferry contract to a company that did not own a single ferry.
Labour has claimed that Grayling’s long-history of gaffes during his time as a cabinet minister has wasted a total of £2.7bn of taxpayers’ money, which led Andy McDonald to remark last year that “the Tories seem obsessed with rewarding incompetence”.
£2bn of the wasted spending was due to the collapse of the Virgin Trains east coast franchise in 2018 and the decision taken to nationalise the route. A further £437m was attributed to his failed privatisation of the prison probation service.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Young Labour has an online bullying problem. Here’s how to fix it

I joined the Labour Party when I was 16 , thinking I could bring real change to my community and to the national agenda .
I was excited to meet like-minded people because I had grown up in a space where political activism was not normal , or indeed cared about .
I , like so many other young members , wanted to be part of something bigger than myself .
But as a young person in the Labour Party , I ’ ve never felt any smaller .
Young Labour has a problem with online bullying .
The youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) elections have amplified this crisis .
In recent weeks , Twitter has revealed some commonalities : name calling , young candidates feeling like they should step down from running in elections , screenshots kept and released for public revenge and en masse attacks that target young individuals all seem to be a daily occurrence .
This behaviour applies to every faction of the party , and the attacks are often directed at our most vulnerable and underrepresented members : women , people of colour , Jewish and trans people .
Standing against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for election shouldn ’ t be held accountable for their words or actions .
As prospective representatives of our movement , they should .
But there is a difference between holding young members accountable for their actions and to be so scathing that they no longer feel welcome in the Labour Party .
Being a young person in the labour movement is challenging .
Figuring out who we are , personally and politically , can take time .
This learning process should be nurtured .
Instead , it is often shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or words should not be tolerated – moments when actions or words are racist , Islamophobic , antisemitic or homophobic , for instance .
When this isn ’ t the case , young members should be encouraged to explore their political identity .
After all , the youngest members of Labour are the party ’ s future .
With increasing rates of online bullying deterring young people from joining the movement , the future looks dire .
Young people are an asset to the labour movement – an indispensable part of it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action and commit firmly to anti-bullying in its young ranks .
Personal responsibility is also needed to fix this problem .
In Labour ’ s safeguarding code of conduct , it states that when communicating online , any party member or elected representative must be respectful and not use any language that could be understood as bullying , intimidation or discrimination .
Every young member must remember this when engaging with other people online .
Blaming individual young members alone , however , will not fix the problem .
Bullying within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provoke an institutional resolution .
It is time that Labour took responsibility for tackling bullying in its youth wing .
What might this responsibility look like ?
First , the party should recommit to and implement its safeguarding policy .
It needs to make the reporting of safeguarding concerns accessible .
Right now , if a member wants to report a concern , it must be directed to their regional safeguarding lead – ten points to any young member who knows who theirs is – or to the online safeguarding unit no later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This timeframe needs to be changed .
Often , online bullying may not be immediately identified as abuse by the victim .
This means reporting a safeguarding concern is rarely considered an option to young members , especially if they fear the party may not act seriously on their concern anyway .
Labour should provide safeguarding training to its abundance of youth groups – the national committee , Constituency Labour Party youth groups and university Labour clubs , to name a few .
It is important that Young Labour members know their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act if they become one of the many victims of online bullying within Labour .
Finally , Young Labour is solely run by volunteers .
It ’ s about time that Labour invested in it financially .
If sufficiently funded , Young Labour representatives could put anti-bullying at the top of its agenda .
There would be money to create resources , facilitate training workshops and to organise without volunteer burn-out .
Labour must act now .
At a time when much of our party activism takes place online , I worry that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Young Labour ’ s bullying crisis unless the party takes vital action .
Labour ’ s future will falter if its emerging talent can not organise in a safe online space , free from bullying .

I joined the Labour Party when I was 16, thinking I could bring real change to my community and to the national agenda. I was excited to meet like-minded people because I had grown up in a space where political activism was not normal, or indeed cared about. I, like so many other young members, wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. But as a young person in the Labour Party, I’ve never felt any smaller.
Young Labour has a problem with online bullying. The youth committee and national executive committee (NEC) elections have amplified this crisis. In recent weeks, Twitter has revealed some commonalities: name calling, young candidates feeling like they should step down from running in elections, screenshots kept and released for public revenge and en masse attacks that target young individuals all seem to be a daily occurrence. This behaviour applies to every faction of the party, and the attacks are often directed at our most vulnerable and underrepresented members: women, people of colour, Jewish and trans people.
Standing against bullying does not mean that young members running for election shouldn’t be held accountable for their words or actions. As prospective representatives of our movement, they should. But there is a difference between holding young members accountable for their actions and to be so scathing that they no longer feel welcome in the Labour Party.
Being a young person in the labour movement is challenging. Figuring out who we are, personally and politically, can take time. This learning process should be nurtured. Instead, it is often shut down. There are times when some actions or words should not be tolerated – moments when actions or words are racist, Islamophobic, antisemitic or homophobic, for instance. When this isn’t the case, young members should be encouraged to explore their political identity. After all, the youngest members of Labour are the party’s future.
With increasing rates of online bullying deterring young people from joining the movement, the future looks dire. Young people are an asset to the labour movement – an indispensable part of it. That’s why Labour needs to take action and commit firmly to anti-bullying in its young ranks.
Personal responsibility is also needed to fix this problem. In Labour’s safeguarding code of conduct, it states that when communicating online, any party member or elected representative must be respectful and not use any language that could be understood as bullying, intimidation or discrimination. Every young member must remember this when engaging with other people online. Blaming individual young members alone, however, will not fix the problem. Bullying within the party is an institutional crisis that must provoke an institutional resolution. It is time that Labour took responsibility for tackling bullying in its youth wing.
What might this responsibility look like? First, the party should recommit to and implement its safeguarding policy. It needs to make the reporting of safeguarding concerns accessible. Right now, if a member wants to report a concern, it must be directed to their regional safeguarding lead – ten points to any young member who knows who theirs is – or to the online safeguarding unit no later than a day after the incident occurs. This timeframe needs to be changed. Often, online bullying may not be immediately identified as abuse by the victim. This means reporting a safeguarding concern is rarely considered an option to young members, especially if they fear the party may not act seriously on their concern anyway.
Labour should provide safeguarding training to its abundance of youth groups – the national committee, Constituency Labour Party youth groups and university Labour clubs, to name a few. It is important that Young Labour members know their rights within the party and how to act if they become one of the many victims of online bullying within Labour.
Finally, Young Labour is solely run by volunteers. It’s about time that Labour invested in it financially. If sufficiently funded, Young Labour representatives could put anti-bullying at the top of its agenda. There would be money to create resources, facilitate training workshops and to organise without volunteer burn-out. Labour must act now. At a time when much of our party activism takes place online, I worry that we won’t see an end to Young Labour’s bullying crisis unless the party takes vital action. Labour’s future will falter if its emerging talent cannot organise in a safe online space, free from bullying.


labourlist--2020-09-17--Keir Starmer expresses confidence in Scottish Labour’s Richard Leonard

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and said he hopes that the party will “ pull together ” ahead of the Holyrood elections taking place in May 2021 .
The Scottish Labour leader has recently come under criticism from his own side , with James Kelly quitting the shadow cabinet in protest at his leadership and several Labour MSPs calling for his resignation .
The internal battle came to a head last weekend , when Labour ’ s Scottish executive committee ( SEC ) considered a motion of no confidence in Leonard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special meeting .
Responding to the motion being withdrawn , the Scottish Labour leader called on his party to “ stand together ” and “ stand with the Scottish people at a time when risks caused by pandemic are rising again ” .
Starmer is in Edinburgh today in his first in-person visit since becoming Labour Party leader in April this year .
He is visiting research facilities to discuss cutting-edge research into Covid-19 , air pollution and cardiovascular health .
Asked by journalists this afternoon whether Leonard had his confidence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support Richard Leonard , and that ’ s why we ’ ll be working together on what we need to do together over the coming weeks and months into the May elections.
” On Ian Murray , who was present at the SEC meeting last week and serves as the Shadow Secretary for Scotland , Starmer said : “ Ian Murray is a first-class member of my shadow cabinet , widely respected and doing a really good job.
” The UK leader emphasised that his leadership campaign was partly based on the principle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s among the reasons I am here in Scotland today… because what I want to see here in Scotland is our party to pull together and to focus on the job at hand.
” Both Starmer and Leonard have toughened Labour ’ s line against a fresh Scottish independence referendum in recent weeks and months .
The UK leader this afternoon dismissed the idea of a “ further divisive referendum ” taking place now .
Writing for The Scotsman today , Starmer urged governments across the UK not to engage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged them to “ get a grip , focus on the job in hand and work together to defeat this virus ” .
He concluded : “ I am in no doubt that we have a mountain to climb , both at the next UK general election and next year ’ s Holyrood elections .
But I am confident of the platform Labour will enter those elections on .
“ Our priority will not be another divisive independence referendum – it will be properly funding our National Health Service , protecting jobs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those are the priorities of the Scottish people , and they are my priorities as leader of the Labour Party.
” Leonard has recently focused his efforts on promoting Scottish Labour proposals for setting up a state-run National Care Service and for implementing a Scottish Green New Deal that would create 130,000 new jobs .

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and said he hopes that the party will “pull together” ahead of the Holyrood elections taking place in May 2021.
The Scottish Labour leader has recently come under criticism from his own side, with James Kelly quitting the shadow cabinet in protest at his leadership and several Labour MSPs calling for his resignation.
The internal battle came to a head last weekend, when Labour’s Scottish executive committee (SEC) considered a motion of no confidence in Leonard. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn during the special meeting.
Responding to the motion being withdrawn, the Scottish Labour leader called on his party to “stand together” and “stand with the Scottish people at a time when risks caused by pandemic are rising again”.
Starmer is in Edinburgh today in his first in-person visit since becoming Labour Party leader in April this year. He is visiting research facilities to discuss cutting-edge research into Covid-19, air pollution and cardiovascular health.
Asked by journalists this afternoon whether Leonard had his confidence, he replied: “Yes, I support Richard Leonard, and that’s why we’ll be working together on what we need to do together over the coming weeks and months into the May elections.”
On Ian Murray, who was present at the SEC meeting last week and serves as the Shadow Secretary for Scotland, Starmer said: “Ian Murray is a first-class member of my shadow cabinet, widely respected and doing a really good job.”
The UK leader emphasised that his leadership campaign was partly based on the principle of party unity, saying: “That’s among the reasons I am here in Scotland today… because what I want to see here in Scotland is our party to pull together and to focus on the job at hand.”
Both Starmer and Leonard have toughened Labour’s line against a fresh Scottish independence referendum in recent weeks and months. The UK leader this afternoon dismissed the idea of a “further divisive referendum” taking place now.
Writing for The Scotsman today, Starmer urged governments across the UK not to engage in a “blame-game over testing” and urged them to “get a grip, focus on the job in hand and work together to defeat this virus”.
He concluded: “I am in no doubt that we have a mountain to climb, both at the next UK general election and next year’s Holyrood elections. But I am confident of the platform Labour will enter those elections on.
“Our priority will not be another divisive independence referendum – it will be properly funding our National Health Service, protecting jobs and investing in our children’s future. Those are the priorities of the Scottish people, and they are my priorities as leader of the Labour Party.”
Leonard has recently focused his efforts on promoting Scottish Labour proposals for setting up a state-run National Care Service and for implementing a Scottish Green New Deal that would create 130,000 new jobs.