labourlist--2020-04-27--Post-pandemic, Keir Starmer’s Labour must push for a greener future

Keir Starmer was widely praised for his PMQs debut last week , interrogating the government over its failure to deliver the Covid-19 testing necessary to save lives and ultimately lift the lockdown .
The pundits were agreed : he asked all the right questions .
But in the coming weeks and months , Labour ’ s new leader must also provide answers .
What kind of society should emerge from this pandemic ?
How can we address the systemic inequalities exposed by this crisis ?
And how can Labour support communities back to health where we are in power ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , those answers should present a vision of a transformed society in which people ’ s health and security come first .
Last year , Labour ’ s conference adopted the Green New Deal – a programme of investment in green jobs , warmer homes and better transport that could revive a crippled economy .
But as physical distancing continues and economists forecast the deepest recession in history , our existing plan for a Green Industrial Revolution doesn ’ t look radical enough .
Starmer ’ s Labour must now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles across our entire economy .
The past two months have transformed what is politically possible .
The coronavirus has exposed the lie and the malice behind a decade of austerity , and Tories have admitted what progressives have always argued – that we are only as secure as the most vulnerable among us .
For a rare and fragile moment , public health is coming before private profit .
And the power of the state has been revealed , with injustices like rough sleeping abolished overnight , and key services like railways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leadership will be whether those principles become permanent fixtures of our politics .
To achieve that , Labour must use its role in opposition to measure the government ’ s success not by hollow economic statistics but by the state of the nation ’ s health .
The old exploitative economic system made us vulnerable , exacerbating inequality and climate breakdown by design .
It was an unforgivable failure of those in power .
But as leaders around the world grapple with this global existential crisis , some are demonstrating what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the authorities are shifting towards a sustainable economic model that meets everyone ’ s needs without overexploiting the natural world .
It shows that carers , shop workers and fruit pickers – including the migrants who contribute so much to key sectors – must be valued at the heart of a sustainable economy .
This approach should inspire Labour ’ s thinking , from Westminster to local councils .
Covid-19 has underscored how inequality damages people ’ s health , as working-class people – particularly communities of colour – are more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them at risk .
With millions now facing unemployment , Labour should work with the trade union movement to demand a massive programme of green jobs and apprenticeships , guaranteeing decent work for all .
Polling just this week showed nearly three-quarters of the public would back this kind of scheme .
Voters want support for the people , not bailouts for corporations .
Starmer must learn from the mistakes of the 2008 crash and pressure ministers to reject the billionaires who come begging .
As tax exile Richard Branson pleads for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nationalisation of Virgin Airlines so that flights can be reduced in line with climate targets .
Working closely with unions , staff should be supported to apply their skills to new roles in renewables engineering and a dignified care sector , making a positive contribution to the health and security of the nation .
With oil companies on the brink and fundamentally incompatible with a healthy climate , Labour should be arguing for the end of subsidies and a rapid programme of rig decommissioning , with workers supported into the clean energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But a post-pandemic Green New Deal must expand its reach beyond workplaces .
Where Labour is in power , we must redesign town and city centres – pedestrianising large areas while protecting accessibility , and prioritising walkers and cyclists to keep our air clean .
On the national stage , Starmer must campaign for cheaper , greener , more accessible public transport and nationalisation of key services like energy , water and broadband , so the needs of communities are prioritised over corporate profit .
Questioning the government is a crucial part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this moment of crisis .
His leadership campaign promised another future is possible .
To deliver on that pledge and lead us forward , he must present a radical vision of hope .
That means imagining and fighting for a society that puts public health and wellbeing before profit , permanently .

Keir Starmer was widely praised for his PMQs debut last week, interrogating the government over its failure to deliver the Covid-19 testing necessary to save lives and ultimately lift the lockdown. The pundits were agreed: he asked all the right questions.
But in the coming weeks and months, Labour’s new leader must also provide answers. What kind of society should emerge from this pandemic? How can we address the systemic inequalities exposed by this crisis? And how can Labour support communities back to health where we are in power?
As the pandemic devastates families and livelihoods around the world, those answers should present a vision of a transformed society in which people’s health and security come first.
Last year, Labour’s conference adopted the Green New Deal – a programme of investment in green jobs, warmer homes and better transport that could revive a crippled economy. But as physical distancing continues and economists forecast the deepest recession in history, our existing plan for a Green Industrial Revolution doesn’t look radical enough. Starmer’s Labour must now apply the Green New Deal’s principles across our entire economy.
The past two months have transformed what is politically possible. The coronavirus has exposed the lie and the malice behind a decade of austerity, and Tories have admitted what progressives have always argued – that we are only as secure as the most vulnerable among us. For a rare and fragile moment, public health is coming before private profit. And the power of the state has been revealed, with injustices like rough sleeping abolished overnight, and key services like railways nationalised. The test of Keir Starmer’s leadership will be whether those principles become permanent fixtures of our politics.
To achieve that, Labour must use its role in opposition to measure the government’s success not by hollow economic statistics but by the state of the nation’s health. The old exploitative economic system made us vulnerable, exacerbating inequality and climate breakdown by design. It was an unforgivable failure of those in power.
But as leaders around the world grapple with this global existential crisis, some are demonstrating what success might look like. In Amsterdam, the authorities are shifting towards a sustainable economic model that meets everyone’s needs without overexploiting the natural world. It shows that carers, shop workers and fruit pickers – including the migrants who contribute so much to key sectors – must be valued at the heart of a sustainable economy. This approach should inspire Labour’s thinking, from Westminster to local councils.
Covid-19 has underscored how inequality damages people’s health, as working-class people – particularly communities of colour – are more likely to suffer the underlying conditions that put them at risk. With millions now facing unemployment, Labour should work with the trade union movement to demand a massive programme of green jobs and apprenticeships, guaranteeing decent work for all. Polling just this week showed nearly three-quarters of the public would back this kind of scheme.
Voters want support for the people, not bailouts for corporations. Starmer must learn from the mistakes of the 2008 crash and pressure ministers to reject the billionaires who come begging.
As tax exile Richard Branson pleads for a £500m bailout, Labour should be pressing for nationalisation of Virgin Airlines so that flights can be reduced in line with climate targets. Working closely with unions, staff should be supported to apply their skills to new roles in renewables engineering and a dignified care sector, making a positive contribution to the health and security of the nation.
With oil companies on the brink and fundamentally incompatible with a healthy climate, Labour should be arguing for the end of subsidies and a rapid programme of rig decommissioning, with workers supported into the clean energy industries we need for a safe future.
But a post-pandemic Green New Deal must expand its reach beyond workplaces. Where Labour is in power, we must redesign town and city centres – pedestrianising large areas while protecting accessibility, and prioritising walkers and cyclists to keep our air clean. On the national stage, Starmer must campaign for cheaper, greener, more accessible public transport and nationalisation of key services like energy, water and broadband, so the needs of communities are prioritised over corporate profit.
Questioning the government is a crucial part of Keir Starmer’s job in this moment of crisis. His leadership campaign promised another future is possible. To deliver on that pledge and lead us forward, he must present a radical vision of hope. That means imagining and fighting for a society that puts public health and wellbeing before profit, permanently.
@LabGND


labourlist--2020-04-27--Our reaction to Covid-19 could threaten the future of public transport

There is , perversely , something heartening about the atmosphere on the streets today .
Kids are pedalling away behind their parents , while drivers slow down behind them in a considerate manner .
The reduction in traffic has dramatically cut pollution , and pedestrians and joggers now outnumber cars .
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that this presages a brighter future , with a more rational balance between transport and the environment .
The benefits of the lockdown to people living in towns and cities has been notable , and should cause us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just ‘ go back to normal ’ .
The air is now safe to breathe , which is of particular benefit to poorer residents living near main roads .
These are the people who more likely to suffer serious consequences if they catch Covid-19 .
The cannier local authorities , notably some European mayors including those in Milan and Paris , have realised that this could mark a key moment in transport policy .
They have already begun to implement permanent measures to encourage more cycling and walking in their cities .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , such thinking would form the basis of re-imagining policy in such a way as to create a better balance between mobility and the environment .
But that will only happen if the right policies are implemented .
Worryingly , there is a real risk that the aftermath of this crisis may actually bring about a move away from environmentally sustainable solutions .
The UK ’ s reaction to the pandemic could threaten the very future of public transport itself .
There is a terrible irony in the fact that the policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been so successful .
Rail use around the country is down to just 5 % , and the figure for buses is around 20 % .
It is far too simplistic to celebrate the effective re-nationalisation of the railways and the fact that the buses are going to be bailed out in a way that involves strong state involvement .
It will be a pyrrhic victory if the future economics of these services are fundamentally wrecked , and all that remains is a heavily subsidised service with reduced numbers of passengers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Peter Hendy , the chairman of Network Rail and former head of Transport for London , has suggested that social distancing will need to be imposed on public transport when the lockdown is lifted .
There are two reasons for which this is unworkable .
First , while it may be practical to police such a restriction on long-distance services where advance booking could be made mandatory , it is simply impossible to see how it would work in rush hour on commuter services .
Just picture the scene for a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 8.04 from Guildford to Waterloo but the harassed staff try to allow only 100 on , telling the rest that they will have to wait for the next service .
It is simply not feasible .
Secondly , such a measure would wreck the economics of the railway , as running half-empty trains costs the same as operating full ones .
This would , in turn , make the industry dependent on vast amounts of subsidy that would be vulnerable to political whim .
Every line in the country would lose money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road lobby would be constantly trying to highlight this ‘ waste of money ’ .
The same applies to buses .
Again – half the people at stops might have to be turned away , and that will be a deterrent for anyone whose journey is necessary or urgent .
This prompts some very difficult questions about how local Labour politicians can respond to the dilemma .
First , they should do everything in their power to facilitate cycling and walking as alternatives to public transport .
That means a crash programme of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic barriers , and publicising their introduction .
Secondly , as Sadiq Khan has suggested , all public transport users should wear masks .
Although masks are not 100 % effective , they would reduce risk and – importantly – reduce the perception of risk .
It may mean a strategy of deterring the most vulnerable from using public transport , at least until a vaccine or a cure can be found .
Public transport must , once again , be portrayed in a positive light as the sustainable and healthy way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions , but we must be realistic .
Social distancing and public transport are simply incompatible .
Last week Auto Trader magazine ran an article trumpeting the fact that car sales will rise in response to the current crisis .
The last thing we need is more cars on our already crowded roads and a reversal of the trend towards increased use of public and sustainable forms of transport .
If there is one thing this pandemic has taught us , it is the dire consequences of health inequality in this country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities occurred among those with underlying morbidities , and those morbidities most prevalent in low socio-economic groups .
Increased car use and a move away from public transport will only exacerbate that shameful inequality .

There is, perversely, something heartening about the atmosphere on the streets today. Kids are pedalling away behind their parents, while drivers slow down behind them in a considerate manner. The reduction in traffic has dramatically cut pollution, and pedestrians and joggers now outnumber cars. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that this presages a brighter future, with a more rational balance between transport and the environment.
The benefits of the lockdown to people living in towns and cities has been notable, and should cause us to question whether we really want things to just ‘go back to normal’. The air is now safe to breathe, which is of particular benefit to poorer residents living near main roads. These are the people who more likely to suffer serious consequences if they catch Covid-19.
The cannier local authorities, notably some European mayors including those in Milan and Paris, have realised that this could mark a key moment in transport policy. They have already begun to implement permanent measures to encourage more cycling and walking in their cities. You might imagine that in this country, too, such thinking would form the basis of re-imagining policy in such a way as to create a better balance between mobility and the environment. But that will only happen if the right policies are implemented. Worryingly, there is a real risk that the aftermath of this crisis may actually bring about a move away from environmentally sustainable solutions.
The UK’s reaction to the pandemic could threaten the very future of public transport itself. There is a terrible irony in the fact that the policy of discouraging the use of public transport has been so successful. Rail use around the country is down to just 5%, and the figure for buses is around 20%. It is far too simplistic to celebrate the effective re-nationalisation of the railways and the fact that the buses are going to be bailed out in a way that involves strong state involvement. It will be a pyrrhic victory if the future economics of these services are fundamentally wrecked, and all that remains is a heavily subsidised service with reduced numbers of passengers and at permanent risk of being cut back.
Peter Hendy, the chairman of Network Rail and former head of Transport for London, has suggested that social distancing will need to be imposed on public transport when the lockdown is lifted. There are two reasons for which this is unworkable. First, while it may be practical to police such a restriction on long-distance services where advance booking could be made mandatory, it is simply impossible to see how it would work in rush hour on commuter services. Just picture the scene for a moment: 200 people want to get on the 8.04 from Guildford to Waterloo but the harassed staff try to allow only 100 on, telling the rest that they will have to wait for the next service. It is simply not feasible.
Secondly, such a measure would wreck the economics of the railway, as running half-empty trains costs the same as operating full ones. This would, in turn, make the industry dependent on vast amounts of subsidy that would be vulnerable to political whim. Every line in the country would lose money and require constant financial support. The road lobby would be constantly trying to highlight this ‘waste of money’. The same applies to buses. Again – half the people at stops might have to be turned away, and that will be a deterrent for anyone whose journey is necessary or urgent.
This prompts some very difficult questions about how local Labour politicians can respond to the dilemma. First, they should do everything in their power to facilitate cycling and walking as alternatives to public transport. That means a crash programme of establishing cycle lanes, using cones and plastic barriers, and publicising their introduction.
Secondly, as Sadiq Khan has suggested, all public transport users should wear masks. Although masks are not 100% effective, they would reduce risk and – importantly – reduce the perception of risk. It may mean a strategy of deterring the most vulnerable from using public transport, at least until a vaccine or a cure can be found. Public transport must, once again, be portrayed in a positive light as the sustainable and healthy way of getting about.
There are no simple solutions, but we must be realistic. Social distancing and public transport are simply incompatible. Last week Auto Trader magazine ran an article trumpeting the fact that car sales will rise in response to the current crisis. The last thing we need is more cars on our already crowded roads and a reversal of the trend towards increased use of public and sustainable forms of transport.
If there is one thing this pandemic has taught us, it is the dire consequences of health inequality in this country. At one point, 91% of fatalities occurred among those with underlying morbidities, and those morbidities most prevalent in low socio-economic groups. Increased car use and a move away from public transport will only exacerbate that shameful inequality.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Momentum needs a radical rebirth – that’s why we’re launching Momentum Internationalists

Since the general election defeat in December and the more recent change in Labour ’ s leadership , debate has opened up about the future and purpose of Momentum .
The organisation that came together following Jeremy Corbyn ’ s successful leadership campaign in 2015 now faces a fundamental question : what does Momentum mean in the post-Corbyn era ?
But there is more to the debate than just that .
Since 2015 , and especially since the Momentum leadership ‘ coup ’ of 2017 , the lack of democracy in the organisation has caused widespread disillusionment and added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project .
While Momentum has done well in mobilising activists at election time , its passive model of engagement has made for an ineffective vehicle for leading debate from the left , and for seriously building up the Labour left in CLPs and communities .
With locked-down activists debating the big questions over local Forward Momentum Zoom meetings , and with elections to Momentum ’ s national coordinating group ( NCG ) fast approaching , we now have an opportunity to properly address all of these issues .
That is why , alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , we are proud to launch Momentum Internationalists .
We are coming together around a radical and meaningful vision for Momentum and the wider labour movement – a vision with democracy , class struggle and , crucially , internationalism at its heart .
Momentum Internationalists is going to be honest about the problems we face and what needs to change : Momentum ’ s top-down political culture , tight central control , and NGO-style reshaping in 2017 were major obstacles to building a critically-minded mass movement out of Corbyn ’ s leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with .
A number of local groups ( such as Stevenage Momentum ) have managed to lead organised action in support of workers ’ struggles in their communities , despite the serious lack of support from the top .
Local activists like us don ’ t even have access to membership funds and data , which would allow us to freely contact supporters and more effectively build campaigns .
Without proper support from the centre , and crucially with no democratic structure for local activists to feed into , many groups outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2017 .
At the national level , Momentum should be a powerful campaigning force – one that promotes an internationalist response to a climate crisis that goes beyond borders , and mobilises around a positive vision of workers ’ power in a decarbonised society .
This doesn ’ t mean simply saying nice things about the climate strikes and occasionally organising around it .
It means sustained campaigning , actively supporting members who are organising against the climate crisis in their communities , and joining up with left-climate groups across Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight the climate emergency will require the left to transform the trade unions , something it failed to do during the Corbyn years .
Rather than viewing trade unions simply as stakeholders that need to be wooed , Momentum must give its supporters the resources to organise themselves for rank and file democracy and radical action within the unions .
Momentum will also have to raise demands for which it has previously been reluctant to properly campaign , such as repealing all anti-trade union legislation so that workers can more effectively take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the banks and energy giants .
We ’ ve seen what the left can achieve when it gets organised .
In recent years – through grassroots efforts such as the Labour Campaign for Free Movement and Labour for a Green New Deal – the Labour left has won many excellent motions at party conference .
Momentum can now bring these campaigns together to put pressure on the new leadership and see these ideas firmly established as party policy going forward .
But to do that effectively , it needs to change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any rightward drift in Labour , Momentum also needs to be transformed to effectively take the fight to the Tories .
With Labour almost certainly out of power until at least 2024 , climate and economic crises already upon us , and the government preparing the next round of attacks on workers and migrants , the Labour left must be organised to lead the extra-parliamentary struggle .
We can ’ t sit back and rely on Labour MPs .
We need to turn Labour and Momentum into organisations that actively participate in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a series of parliamentary manoeuvres and internal elections .
All of this means : building and sustaining large scale , member-led mobilisations ; developing campaigning local groups that are embedded in their communities ; and drawing many more people into activity through a pluralist and democratic culture .
The emergence of Forward Momentum , then , is encouraging – but we believe we need to go further than their initial , very welcome suggestions .
That is why we are promoting our Charter for Momentum Democracy , with specific proposals such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regional councils to empower members .
We also know that renewing Momentum must go beyond solely addressing issues of procedure and structure .
Working constructively with and within Forward Momentum , we hope that Momentum Internationalists can help build a bolder , more effective socialist vehicle for the Labour left .
If you ’ re with us , please sign up to both organisations on our websites , and get involved in the debate as it picks up steam during the NCG elections .
The future health of the Labour left hinges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – join us .

Since the general election defeat in December and the more recent change in Labour’s leadership, debate has opened up about the future and purpose of Momentum. The organisation that came together following Jeremy Corbyn’s successful leadership campaign in 2015 now faces a fundamental question: what does Momentum mean in the post-Corbyn era?
But there is more to the debate than just that. Since 2015, and especially since the Momentum leadership ‘coup’ of 2017, the lack of democracy in the organisation has caused widespread disillusionment and added to a deeper democratic deficit within the Corbyn project. While Momentum has done well in mobilising activists at election time, its passive model of engagement has made for an ineffective vehicle for leading debate from the left, and for seriously building up the Labour left in CLPs and communities.
With locked-down activists debating the big questions over local Forward Momentum Zoom meetings, and with elections to Momentum’s national coordinating group (NCG) fast approaching, we now have an opportunity to properly address all of these issues.
That is why, alongside a number of activists from across the UK, we are proud to launch Momentum Internationalists. We are coming together around a radical and meaningful vision for Momentum and the wider labour movement – a vision with democracy, class struggle and, crucially, internationalism at its heart.
Momentum Internationalists is going to be honest about the problems we face and what needs to change: Momentum’s top-down political culture, tight central control, and NGO-style reshaping in 2017 were major obstacles to building a critically-minded mass movement out of Corbyn’s leadership, and need to be done away with.
A number of local groups (such as Stevenage Momentum) have managed to lead organised action in support of workers’ struggles in their communities, despite the serious lack of support from the top. Local activists like us don’t even have access to membership funds and data, which would allow us to freely contact supporters and more effectively build campaigns. Without proper support from the centre, and crucially with no democratic structure for local activists to feed into, many groups outside the big cities have simply fallen into inactivity since 2017.
At the national level, Momentum should be a powerful campaigning force – one that promotes an internationalist response to a climate crisis that goes beyond borders, and mobilises around a positive vision of workers’ power in a decarbonised society. This doesn’t mean simply saying nice things about the climate strikes and occasionally organising around it. It means sustained campaigning, actively supporting members who are organising against the climate crisis in their communities, and joining up with left-climate groups across Europe and beyond.
Preparing the labour movement to fight the climate emergency will require the left to transform the trade unions, something it failed to do during the Corbyn years. Rather than viewing trade unions simply as stakeholders that need to be wooed, Momentum must give its supporters the resources to organise themselves for rank and file democracy and radical action within the unions.
Momentum will also have to raise demands for which it has previously been reluctant to properly campaign, such as repealing all anti-trade union legislation so that workers can more effectively take on the big polluters, and public ownership of the banks and energy giants.
We’ve seen what the left can achieve when it gets organised. In recent years – through grassroots efforts such as the Labour Campaign for Free Movement and Labour for a Green New Deal – the Labour left has won many excellent motions at party conference. Momentum can now bring these campaigns together to put pressure on the new leadership and see these ideas firmly established as party policy going forward. But to do that effectively, it needs to change.
While pushing for better policy and against any rightward drift in Labour, Momentum also needs to be transformed to effectively take the fight to the Tories. With Labour almost certainly out of power until at least 2024, climate and economic crises already upon us, and the government preparing the next round of attacks on workers and migrants, the Labour left must be organised to lead the extra-parliamentary struggle.
We can’t sit back and rely on Labour MPs. We need to turn Labour and Momentum into organisations that actively participate in and lead struggles, rather than seeing politics as a series of parliamentary manoeuvres and internal elections. All of this means: building and sustaining large scale, member-led mobilisations; developing campaigning local groups that are embedded in their communities; and drawing many more people into activity through a pluralist and democratic culture.
The emergence of Forward Momentum, then, is encouraging – but we believe we need to go further than their initial, very welcome suggestions. That is why we are promoting our Charter for Momentum Democracy, with specific proposals such as establishing a sovereign, decision-making conference, and regional councils to empower members. We also know that renewing Momentum must go beyond solely addressing issues of procedure and structure.
Working constructively with and within Forward Momentum, we hope that Momentum Internationalists can help build a bolder, more effective socialist vehicle for the Labour left. If you’re with us, please sign up to both organisations on our websites, and get involved in the debate as it picks up steam during the NCG elections. The future health of the Labour left hinges on seizing this moment for our politics – join us.
@momentumint_


labourlist--2020-04-28--Momentum reveals timetable for upcoming internal elections

Momentum has revealed the timetable for the next internal elections to its national coordinating group , which current NCG members have decided will conclude on June 30th .
Following a meeting of the NCG over the weekend , members of the organisation that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign have been told the following : “ Nominations for those wanting to stand for our NCG will open at midday on Thursday 28 May and end at midday on Thursday 11 June .
“ A one-member-one-vote ballot will then be held from midday on Tuesday 16 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ All members who have joined Momentum and are up to date with their membership payments by midday on Thursday 11 June will be eligible to vote.
” The elections will take place entirely online due to the coronavirus lockdown .
Momentum has promised to send out more details on the application process in due course .
The network held “ online activist meet-ups ” over the weekend , which saw over 400 members join discussions on the future of the movement .
Momentum says a report is being written on these for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitution of Momentum , NCG elections must be held annually – but the 2019 contests were postponed to avoid clashing with local elections , then delayed further by the general election and Labour leadership elections .
These NCG elections will be the first held by the group since 2018 .
In anticipation of the contests , campaigns such as Forward Momentum have been launched – and they intend to organise slates of candidates .
Forward Momentum has said it wants to “ refound ” and “ democratise ” Momentum , and “ re-energise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has expressed support for the initiative .
It has criticised Momentum for being “ too London-centric ” and “ not sufficiently member-led ” .
The activists are calling for a more “ inclusive ” culture , with a greater focus on organising in workplaces and communities .
Officers of Momentum ’ s NCG recently said the organisation “ can not continue as it has been ” .
In a statement , they called for “ unity , reflection and comradely debate on the way forward ” .

Momentum has revealed the timetable for the next internal elections to its national coordinating group, which current NCG members have decided will conclude on June 30th.
Following a meeting of the NCG over the weekend, members of the organisation that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign have been told the following:
“Nominations for those wanting to stand for our NCG will open at midday on Thursday 28 May and end at midday on Thursday 11 June.
“A one-member-one-vote ballot will then be held from midday on Tuesday 16 June until midday on Tuesday 30 June.
“All members who have joined Momentum and are up to date with their membership payments by midday on Thursday 11 June will be eligible to vote.”
The elections will take place entirely online due to the coronavirus lockdown. Momentum has promised to send out more details on the application process in due course.
The network held “online activist meet-ups” over the weekend, which saw over 400 members join discussions on the future of the movement. Momentum says a report is being written on these for the new NCG.
According to the constitution of Momentum, NCG elections must be held annually – but the 2019 contests were postponed to avoid clashing with local elections, then delayed further by the general election and Labour leadership elections.
These NCG elections will be the first held by the group since 2018. In anticipation of the contests, campaigns such as Forward Momentum have been launched – and they intend to organise slates of candidates.
Forward Momentum has said it wants to “refound” and “democratise” Momentum, and “re-energise” the Labour left. John McDonnell has expressed support for the initiative.
It has criticised Momentum for being “too London-centric” and “not sufficiently member-led”. The activists are calling for a more “inclusive” culture, with a greater focus on organising in workplaces and communities.
Officers of Momentum’s NCG recently said the organisation “cannot continue as it has been”. In a statement, they called for “unity, reflection and comradely debate on the way forward”.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Labour sets out six key areas of action to tackle social care Covid-19 crisis

Labour has set out six key areas of action for the government to address in its effort to tackle the Covid-19 crisis in the social care sector , where staff have experienced shortages of equipment .
The opposition party ’ s six key areas are : • A new intermediate care strategy for people being discharged from hospital who test positive for Covid-19 , and to support struggling care homes ; • Improved access to , and priority testing for social care workers ; • Guaranteeing all care workers get the PPE they need : for domiciliary care workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as staff in residential care ; • Ensuring social care has “ whatever resources it takes ” to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic ; • New leadership for social care sector , with a new Chief Care Officer ; • Daily reporting of Covid-19 deaths outside hospital , including in care homes .
The call for action by new shadow social care minister Liz Kendall comes after new data showed one third of UK coronavirus deaths were in care homes in the week ending April 17th .
4,343 people in care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , between April 10th and 24th , according to the official figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics .
Commenting on the fresh statistics , Kendall said : “ These new figures show the devastating impact Covid-19 is having on care homes , and will be desperately worrying for residents , their families , and staff .
“ Urgent action is needed to get a grip of this problem .
That is why I have today written to the Health Secretary outlining six areas where further steps should be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and help bring these appalling death rates down.
” The daily death tolls announced every day by the government including only those who died with coronavirus in hospital , excluding Covid-19 deaths taking place in the community and in care homes .
There is a lag in the collection of data from outside hospitals because this information is based on registrations received by the statistical office , which arrive several days later later than the date of death .
Labour has called for a change in how deaths are reported , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count the deaths in care homes in the same way they ’ re counted in hospitals on a daily basis ” .
Below is the full text of Liz Kendall ’ s letter sent to Matt Hancock today .
The statistics published today by the ONS and CQC provide yet more evidence of the appalling impact Covid-19 is having on people who use social care , especially in care homes .
For families and care staff each one of these deaths is a heart-breaking reminder of how quickly the virus spreads amongst vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure everything possible is done to protect people who use social care , and the staff who provide these vital services .
It is within this context that I am writing to set out six areas where I believe further action is necessary to tackle Covid-19 : 1 .
A new intermediate care strategy for people being discharged from hospital who test positive for Covid-19 , and to support struggling care homes 2 .
Improved access to , and priority testing for social care workers 3 .
Guaranteeing all care workers get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers and Personal Assistants employed via Direct Payments , as well as staff in residential care 4 .
Ensuring social care has “ whatever resources it takes ” to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic 5 .
New leadership for social care sector , with a new Chief Care Officer 6 .
Daily reporting of Covid-19 deaths outside hospital , including in care homes .
First , I am glad that the new guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care issued on 16 April says everyone who is discharged from hospital prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be tested for Covid-19 .
However , not all of those who test positive can be effectively isolated in care homes , and many providers are extremely worried about accepting Covid positive patients because of the risk this poses to other residents .
We therefore need a new intermediate care strategy to ensure there are appropriate services to help slow the spread of the virus , both in terms of ‘ step down ’ from hospital and ‘ step up ’ from care homes who are struggling to cope .
Whilst these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country , they now need much greater priority and focus .
Plans should be jointly drawn up locally by councils and the NHS , using any spare NHS capacity – for example in NHS Nightingale hospitals – as well as other local services .
Second , further action is vital to improve access to , and ensure priority testing for , care workers .
Care workers are looking after some of the most vulnerable people in society , who are at especially high risk from Covid-19 .
They are at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet too many care workers are still being asked to travel miles for their tests , which simply isn ’ t possible if they are sick or don ’ t have a car .
In my own area , whilst there is a testing facility for NHS staff in Leicester , care workers are asked to travel to Beeston in order to get their test .
This can not continue .
Studies suggest weekly testing all care staff , even when they don ’ t have symptoms would help bring transmission rates down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres , including allowing care staff to use NHS testing facilities , more mobile testing units and a substantial increase in tests being sent directly to carers own homes , including for their families .
We must ensure social care staff are a priority for Covid-19 testing .
Third , frontline care workers are still reporting serious and unacceptable difficulties in obtaining enough of the right type of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) .
The Government must spell out what additional steps it will take to guarantee all care workers get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , care home staff , and the 70,000 Personal Assistants currently employed via Direct Payments .
I would also be grateful if you could explain why UK guidance on PPE in care homes is inconsistent with that of the World Health Organisation , for example in terms of the use of eye protection by staff , masks for residents , PPE for care home cleaners , and guidance on washing and disinfection .
Fourth , social care must get the funding it needs to meet all of the additional costs of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care system .
Last week I wrote to you outlining the serious concerns expressed to me by several national organisations about the financial stability of many residential and domiciliary care providers .
Providers were already stretched before the Covid-19 Pandemic due to years of public underfunding of social care .
They now face substantial additional costs for staffing ( due to higher absence rates ) and PPE at the same time as seeing a fall in their income , for example because of fewer new care home residents .
The Government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever resources it needs ” : the same must be true for social care .
Care providers must be compensated for all the additional costs caused by Covid-19 and if necessary , the Government should consider giving this funding directly to care providers , as has been the case in countries like Ireland .
With 70 per cent of unpaid family carers saying they are picking up even more care – an extra 10 hours on average a week – funding must also be provided to ensure proper support for carers , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic has thrown into sharper focus than ever before the differences in how the NHS and social care are treated .
For too long social care has lacked the priority , focus and attention of the NHS , and care workers have been undervalued and underpaid .
Longer term reform is , in my view , essential but as an immediate step I urge you to consider establishing a Chief Care Officer , to sit alongside the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer , to help provide the national leadership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic and beyond .
Finally , I once again urge you to publish one clear daily set of Covid-19 death rate figures outside hospitals including deaths in care homes .
For families and care staff , each and every death from Covid-19 counts .
Accurate and timely reporting of deaths of people in care homes is also essential to helping us tackle the problem and save as many lives as possible .
I hope you will consider these suggestions in the positive and constructive spirit they are made .
I look forward @ @ @ @ @ @

Labour has set out six key areas of action for the government to address in its effort to tackle the Covid-19 crisis in the social care sector, where staff have experienced shortages of equipment.
The opposition party’s six key areas are:
A new intermediate care strategy for people being discharged from hospital who test positive for Covid-19, and to support struggling care homes; Improved access to, and priority testing for social care workers; Guaranteeing all care workers get the PPE they need: for domiciliary care workers and personal assistants employed via direct payments, as well as staff in residential care; Ensuring social care has “whatever resources it takes” to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic; New leadership for social care sector, with a new Chief Care Officer; Daily reporting of Covid-19 deaths outside hospital, including in care homes.
The call for action by new shadow social care minister Liz Kendall comes after new data showed one third of UK coronavirus deaths were in care homes in the week ending April 17th.
4,343 people in care homes died from Covid-19 within a fortnight, between April 10th and 24th, according to the official figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics.
Commenting on the fresh statistics, Kendall said: “These new figures show the devastating impact Covid-19 is having on care homes, and will be desperately worrying for residents, their families, and staff.
“Urgent action is needed to get a grip of this problem. That is why I have today written to the Health Secretary outlining six areas where further steps should be taken to help protect care users and staff, and help bring these appalling death rates down.”
The daily death tolls announced every day by the government including only those who died with coronavirus in hospital, excluding Covid-19 deaths taking place in the community and in care homes.
There is a lag in the collection of data from outside hospitals because this information is based on registrations received by the statistical office, which arrive several days later later than the date of death.
Labour has called for a change in how deaths are reported, with Rachel Reeves urging the government to “count the deaths in care homes in the same way they’re counted in hospitals on a daily basis”.
Below is the full text of Liz Kendall’s letter sent to Matt Hancock today.
Dear Matt,
The statistics published today by the ONS and CQC provide yet more evidence of the appalling impact Covid-19 is having on people who use social care, especially in care homes. For families and care staff each one of these deaths is a heart-breaking reminder of how quickly the virus spreads amongst vulnerable elderly and disabled people.
We must ensure everything possible is done to protect people who use social care, and the staff who provide these vital services. It is within this context that I am writing to set out six areas where I believe further action is necessary to tackle Covid-19:
1. A new intermediate care strategy for people being discharged from hospital who test positive for Covid-19, and to support struggling care homes
2. Improved access to, and priority testing for social care workers
3. Guaranteeing all care workers get the PPE they need: for domiciliary care workers and Personal Assistants employed via Direct Payments, as well as staff in residential care
4. Ensuring social care has “whatever resources it takes” to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic
5. New leadership for social care sector, with a new Chief Care Officer
6. Daily reporting of Covid-19 deaths outside hospital, including in care homes.
First, I am glad that the new guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care issued on 16 April says everyone who is discharged from hospital prior to admission to a care home should now be tested for Covid-19. However, not all of those who test positive can be effectively isolated in care homes, and many providers are extremely worried about accepting Covid positive patients because of the risk this poses to other residents. We therefore need a new intermediate care strategy to ensure there are appropriate services to help slow the spread of the virus, both in terms of ‘step down’ from hospital and ‘step up’ from care homes who are struggling to cope. Whilst these services are being developed in some parts of the country, they now need much greater priority and focus. Plans should be jointly drawn up locally by councils and the NHS, using any spare NHS capacity – for example in NHS Nightingale hospitals – as well as other local services.
Second, further action is vital to improve access to, and ensure priority testing for, care workers. Care workers are looking after some of the most vulnerable people in society, who are at especially high risk from Covid-19. They are at the absolute frontline in fighting this pandemic. Yet too many care workers are still being asked to travel miles for their tests, which simply isn’t possible if they are sick or don’t have a car. In my own area, whilst there is a testing facility for NHS staff in Leicester, care workers are asked to travel to Beeston in order to get their test. This cannot continue. Studies suggest weekly testing all care staff, even when they don’t have symptoms would help bring transmission rates down. Delivering this means more local testing centres, including allowing care staff to use NHS testing facilities, more mobile testing units and a substantial increase in tests being sent directly to carers own homes, including for their families. We must ensure social care staff are a priority for Covid-19 testing.
Third, frontline care workers are still reporting serious and unacceptable difficulties in obtaining enough of the right type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Government must spell out what additional steps it will take to guarantee all care workers get the PPE they need, including home care workers, care home staff, and the 70,000 Personal Assistants currently employed via Direct Payments. I would also be grateful if you could explain why UK guidance on PPE in care homes is inconsistent with that of the World Health Organisation, for example in terms of the use of eye protection by staff, masks for residents, PPE for care home cleaners, and guidance on washing and disinfection.
Fourth, social care must get the funding it needs to meet all of the additional costs of Covid-19 and to bring stability to the fragile social care system. Last week I wrote to you outlining the serious concerns expressed to me by several national organisations about the financial stability of many residential and domiciliary care providers. Providers were already stretched before the Covid-19 Pandemic due to years of public underfunding of social care. They now face substantial additional costs for staffing (due to higher absence rates) and PPE at the same time as seeing a fall in their income, for example because of fewer new care home residents.
The Government has rightly said the NHS will get “whatever resources it needs”: the same must be true for social care. Care providers must be compensated for all the additional costs caused by Covid-19 and if necessary, the Government should consider giving this funding directly to care providers, as has been the case in countries like Ireland. With 70 per cent of unpaid family carers saying they are picking up even more care – an extra 10 hours on average a week – funding must also be provided to ensure proper support for carers, including respite breaks where necessary.
Fifth, this pandemic has thrown into sharper focus than ever before the differences in how the NHS and social care are treated. For too long social care has lacked the priority, focus and attention of the NHS, and care workers have been undervalued and underpaid. Longer term reform is, in my view, essential but as an immediate step I urge you to consider establishing a Chief Care Officer, to sit alongside the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, to help provide the national leadership, focus and attention social care deserves throughout this pandemic and beyond.
Finally, I once again urge you to publish one clear daily set of Covid-19 death rate figures outside hospitals including deaths in care homes. For families and care staff, each and every death from Covid-19 counts. Accurate and timely reporting of deaths of people in care homes is also essential to helping us tackle the problem and save as many lives as possible.
I hope you will consider these suggestions in the positive and constructive spirit they are made. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Liz Kendall
Shadow Minister for Social Care


labourlist--2020-04-28--Remember the dead, fight for the living

Remember the dead, fight for the living

Keir Starmer has marked International Workers ’ Memorial Day with a video message , which you can read and watch here .
This day takes place around the world on April 28th every year , as one of both remembrance and action for those killed or injured while working .
It offers the opportunity to highlight how measures can be put in place to avoid some of this harm .
‘ Remember the dead , fight for the living ’ is the slogan .
All of this is more relevant than ever during the coronavirus pandemic that has seen hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands in the UK , where workers have been endangered by a lack of personal protective equipment .
As noted by the Labour leader , we will reflect on these deaths in a minute ’ s silence at 11am this morning .
It is also worth reflecting on the difference that the labour movement has made in this crisis .
Unite the Union assistant general secretaries Diana Holland and Gail Cartmail have explained the representations made by their union and the challenges they have faced in a detailed piece for LabourList .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workplace , which are now commonly discussed issues , to more specific demands such as access to toilet and welfare facilities and closing front doors on London buses , huge risk assessments and changes have become essential .
Steve Rotheram , Labour ’ s metro-mayor of the Liverpool City Region , puts it well in his piece for LabourList today : “ It should not take the death of key workers to make us demand better , but the sacrifices made during this crisis should not be in vain.
” There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were outlined by Unite .
These are causing avoidable suffering right now .
The voices of those affected must be further amplified by Labour .
There are past mistakes .
An investigation by BBC Panorama confirmed last night that there were no gowns , visors , swabs or body bags in the UK ’ s pandemic stockpile when Covid-19 arrived .
That is despite experts advising the government to buy this kit .
And there are also , crucially , the long-term attitudes and systems that underlie all of these problems , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they are ignored , this crisis – like that of 2008 – will not lead to any meaningful change , and instead only prove the resilience of those for whom this current settlement works .
The domestic abuse bill is being debated by MPs this afternoon .
It is timely because services have reported significant increases in demand amid the coronavirus lockdown .
Labour is proposing changes to the legislation that would force 10 % of the recently announced funding for charities to be ring-fenced for domestic abuse charities .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and £2m extra for helplines so far , and more is needed .
Labour ’ s amendments to this bill are a good start .
But women and children also need accommodation to flee abusive homes , and refuges are full .
This was highlighted on LabourList last week .
Refuges were already having to turn away victims before this crisis .
And women were already being disproportionately affected according to their personal wealth or immigration status .
There should be no talk of ‘ going back to normal ’ – because normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Keir Starmer has marked International Workers’ Memorial Day with a video message, which you can read and watch here. This day takes place around the world on April 28th every year, as one of both remembrance and action for those killed or injured while working. It offers the opportunity to highlight how measures can be put in place to avoid some of this harm. ‘Remember the dead, fight for the living’ is the slogan. All of this is more relevant than ever during the coronavirus pandemic that has seen hundreds of thousands die globally, including tens of thousands in the UK, where workers have been endangered by a lack of personal protective equipment.
As noted by the Labour leader, we will reflect on these deaths in a minute’s silence at 11am this morning. It is also worth reflecting on the difference that the labour movement has made in this crisis. Unite the Union assistant general secretaries Diana Holland and Gail Cartmail have explained the representations made by their union and the challenges they have faced in a detailed piece for LabourList. From PPE provision and physical distancing in the workplace, which are now commonly discussed issues, to more specific demands such as access to toilet and welfare facilities and closing front doors on London buses, huge risk assessments and changes have become essential.
Steve Rotheram, Labour’s metro-mayor of the Liverpool City Region, puts it well in his piece for LabourList today: “It should not take the death of key workers to make us demand better, but the sacrifices made during this crisis should not be in vain.” There are the immediate issues, many of which were outlined by Unite. These are causing avoidable suffering right now. The voices of those affected must be further amplified by Labour.
There are past mistakes. An investigation by BBC Panorama confirmed last night that there were no gowns, visors, swabs or body bags in the UK’s pandemic stockpile when Covid-19 arrived. That is despite experts advising the government to buy this kit. And there are also, crucially, the long-term attitudes and systems that underlie all of these problems, which must be brought to the fore. If they are ignored, this crisis – like that of 2008 – will not lead to any meaningful change, and instead only prove the resilience of those for whom this current settlement works.
The domestic abuse bill is being debated by MPs this afternoon. It is timely because services have reported significant increases in demand amid the coronavirus lockdown. Labour is proposing changes to the legislation that would force 10% of the recently announced funding for charities to be ring-fenced for domestic abuse charities. The government has only announced a public awareness campaign and £2m extra for helplines so far, and more is needed.
Labour’s amendments to this bill are a good start. But women and children also need accommodation to flee abusive homes, and refuges are full. This was highlighted on LabourList last week. Refuges were already having to turn away victims before this crisis. And women were already being disproportionately affected according to their personal wealth or immigration status. There should be no talk of ‘going back to normal’ – because normal wasn’t working for so many.


labourlist--2020-04-28--On International Workers’ Memorial Day, let’s demand better

Today marks International Workers ’ Memorial Day , when the labour movement comes together to remember those who have lost their lives at work .
Every year more people are killed at work than in wars .
This year , however , the day will take on a particular poignancy as we pause to remember those key workers who have lost their lives while trying to keep us safe from Covid-19 .
It is not just our brave doctors and nurses , but the hospital porters and cleaners too .
It is our public transport workers , our posties and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do their jobs without the proper protective equipment .
It is the teachers , retail workers and delivery drivers who are keeping the country running .
It is the amazing voluntary and community groups who have stepped up to fill the gaps where a decade of austerity has slashed at our safety nets .
This crisis must serve as a turning point in this country ’ s history .
The past few weeks has shown that the value of many people ’ s work is simply not reflected in their pay packets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not even paid the real living wage , and many are stuck on zero-hour contracts .
The sad reality is that too many of these everyday heroes are in fact minimum wage heroes .
Research published last week by the Institute for Fiscal Studies showed that a third of key workers earn less than £10 an hour , while the earnings gap between key and non-key workers has nearly doubled since 2010 .
Without our “ minimum-wage heroes ” , the country would not have stood a chance against the pandemic .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so much owed to so many , by so many .
Make no mistake – our country is at war with this virus , but we will come out the other side .
When we do emerge , there will be a massive job of work on all of our hands to rebuild the country – not just its economy but our society too .
One thing is certain : we can not return to business as usual .
Personally , I would not want to anyway .
Why would we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valuable workers so poorly ?
We have a real , exciting opportunity to fundamentally change the way our country works .
It is an opportunity that we must grasp with both hands .
After this crisis , these minimum wage heroes should become living wage heroes , with proper terms and conditions to match .
It should not take the death of key workers to make us demand better , but the sacrifices made during this crisis should not be in vain .
Let ’ s build back better .

Today marks International Workers’ Memorial Day, when the labour movement comes together to remember those who have lost their lives at work. Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. This year, however, the day will take on a particular poignancy as we pause to remember those key workers who have lost their lives while trying to keep us safe from Covid-19.
It is not just our brave doctors and nurses, but the hospital porters and cleaners too. It is our public transport workers, our posties and our care workers who are being asked to do their jobs without the proper protective equipment. It is the teachers, retail workers and delivery drivers who are keeping the country running. It is the amazing voluntary and community groups who have stepped up to fill the gaps where a decade of austerity has slashed at our safety nets.
This crisis must serve as a turning point in this country’s history. The past few weeks has shown that the value of many people’s work is simply not reflected in their pay packets. Many of these essential staff are not even paid the real living wage, and many are stuck on zero-hour contracts.
The sad reality is that too many of these everyday heroes are in fact minimum wage heroes. Research published last week by the Institute for Fiscal Studies showed that a third of key workers earn less than £10 an hour, while the earnings gap between key and non-key workers has nearly doubled since 2010.
Without our “minimum-wage heroes”, the country would not have stood a chance against the pandemic. To misquote a famous wartime leader, never was so much owed to so many, by so many. Make no mistake – our country is at war with this virus, but we will come out the other side.
When we do emerge, there will be a massive job of work on all of our hands to rebuild the country – not just its economy but our society too. One thing is certain: we cannot return to business as usual. Personally, I would not want to anyway. Why would we want to return to a society that treats valuable workers so poorly?
We have a real, exciting opportunity to fundamentally change the way our country works. It is an opportunity that we must grasp with both hands. After this crisis, these minimum wage heroes should become living wage heroes, with proper terms and conditions to match. It should not take the death of key workers to make us demand better, but the sacrifices made during this crisis should not be in vain. Let’s build back better.


labourlist--2020-04-28--How Unite the Union has fought to protect workers from Covid-19

This year ’ s International Workers ’ Memorial Day comes amid the Covid-19 pandemic .
Trade unions have always put the safety and welfare of their members first , but in recent weeks that commitment has been tested to its limit .
Our challenge has been to meet the requirements and needs of the 20 industrial sectors Unite represents , each with their own priorities as well as measures that span several sectors .
In recent weeks , unions have been instrumental in reducing the spread of coronavirus by ensuring workers are protected .
Infection rates and deaths would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an invisible foe , and workers can potentially succumb to the infection at any time and in any place , not simply at work , which means assessing additional risks presented by coronavirus is a complicated task .
Unite has lost many members to this terrible disease , every one of which is an individual tragedy .
Occupational health and safety risk assessments have a hierarchy and Covid-19 is no exception .
Social distancing is at the top of the hierarchy , with all other measures being mitigation .
There are job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where mitigation is essential hence the emphasis Unite has put on the availability of good quality personal protective equipment .
A huge amount of focus has been given to our key workers who are undertaking vital roles and must be protected from Covid-19 .
It is heart-breaking that over 20 London bus workers have died due to coronavirus , with many more left fighting for their lives .
The number of bus worker deaths outside the capital is also rising .
Following classic health and safety rules Unite ’ s priority has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers wherever possible .
This has involved enhanced cleaning regimes , sealing the screen around the driver , making seating around the driver out of bounds and ensuring that Unite safety reps are stood down from driving to ensure that these measures are enforced and that social distancing is maintained at garages and depots at all times .
Unite is also seeking action to close front doors on buses .
Following pressure from our union last week , Transport for London closed the front door on all buses , as rear and middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similar action is being taken outside of London , but here often the biggest challenge remains the collection of money .
This is particularly concerning where there is a lack of regular access to hand-washing facilities .
It has been proven that the virus can be easily transmitted when touching money , so Unite has been pressurising bus operators to introduce measures to remove direct access to cash .
A major national risk assessment is now being carried out .
If the risk of contamination can not be removed , it is is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect our members .
The failure to provide the correct PPE across all sectors but especially in the NHS and the care sector is nothing short of a national scandal .
The government has been guilty of mixed messages , false hope and lacking a strategic plan .
It is no coincidence given the government ’ s failures on PPE that the feedback we have received from our frontline members is hair-raising .
Unite paramedic members , who are working round the clock report that “ huge numbers of colleagues are off sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the levels of PPE each trust is supplying ” .
The danger faced by our paramedics was brought painfully home when one of Unite ’ s paramedics in Wales succumbed to Covid-19 last week .
The plight of members in the care sector is even worse .
From the start of the lockdown , concerned workers were contacting Unite , describing how PPE was not available and often managers were indifferent to their concerns .
It is impossible to escape the belief that the initial lack of PPE and consequently adequate safety measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in care homes , which has killed care workers as well as their elderly and vulnerable residents .
In care homes , where there is often no union organisation , Unite ’ s advice has been clear .
Demand risk assessments are completed and followed – and if workers believe their health is being directly endangered , they have a right to withdraw their labour .
The failure to supply and distribute PPE was why Unite called on the government to appoint a minister responsible for co-ordinating provision .
It belatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will hopefully finally ensure that sufficient PPE is available and provided to those who need it .
Ensuring that workers are able to socially distance at work has presented another significant challenge that covers a huge number of workplaces .
The response from employers has varied .
In refuse collection , councils that directly employ their bin workers have been generally more prepared to work with Unite to ensure that social distancing occurs .
But many private sector outsourced operators have been far more reluctant to introduce such policies , with Unite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of our members .
In other sectors , such as construction , food processing and retail , and in aviation on repatriation flights , Unite continues to confront huge challenges .
With the repatriation flights , staff are being required to assist clearly ill passengers return to the UK , physical distancing is not taking place , and the quality and availability of PPE remains at best variable .
The aim of keeping our construction members safe has been made far more difficult by changes to government-sponsored guidance , which now allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if no other option is available .
This is downright dangerous .
Unite has been clear that if social distancing can not be ensured for construction workers from the moment they leave home until they return , sites should be closed .
In construction , the government and many employers are placing the economy over health .
With over half of the industry self-employed , and those workers receiving no financial support until late June , workers are being effectively starved back to work .
Social distancing has been a real problem in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members – many on the minimum wage – became key workers overnight .
Employers have adapted to deal with this issue , either through agreement with the union or because union members organising together have forced them to do so .
Where they have been slow or reluctant to act , they have been exposed and forced to change their practices .
Social distancing has also been a major issue for our members who work in call centres .
Some are now working from home , but for those still required to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contesting a serious lack of distancing , as well as compulsory hot-desking and the hygiene issues that this creates .
It isn ’ t just on social distancing that Unite has had to protect the wellbeing of workers .
When the pandemic began , the maximum driving hours of HGV drivers were relaxed to help meet the demand for food and medicines .
This was a measure that Unite and a number of employers did not believe was necessary , and we have been ensuring the safety of these workers is not compromised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies began illegally refusing HGV drivers access to toilets and welfare facilities , when making deliveries .
Which given the nature of COVID-19 is potentially lethal .
Unite has been working with the government and the Health and Safety Executive , to ensure that such problems are resolved , while naming and shaming companies that deny welfare provisions .
When the pandemic ends , we can not simply return to business as normal .
Across all sectors , Unite is helping workers struggling with anxiety and mental health issues .
These problems won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work and have to contend with the “ new normal ” – in fact , they are likely to increase .
This crisis has shows that the UK ’ s inspection and enforcement regime is threadbare and weak .
It has been ineffective during the pandemic , with no evidence of any decisive interventions .
Considering this is the biggest public health emergency in over a century , that is a damning indictment .
We must demand that the regulators are given the powers , funding and confidence to tackle the employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers in the pursuit of profits .
For the first time in a decade , the government has given the union movement houseroom during this pandemic .
Ministers have listened to what we have had to say and often acted on our concerns .
Moving forward , while there will be clear differences , the government needs to recognise that unions play and will continue to play a vital role in ensuring safety , security and social justice for workers .
Workplaces that have been closed , equipment that has been unused , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked , cleaned and made safe .
New practices to protect workers , their families and communities will have to be introduced .
It is irrefutable that as members continue to face the dreadful challenges of this pandemic the slogan of IWMD – “ remember the dead but fight like hell for the living ” – has never been more important .

This year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day comes amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Trade unions have always put the safety and welfare of their members first, but in recent weeks that commitment has been tested to its limit. Our challenge has been to meet the requirements and needs of the 20 industrial sectors Unite represents, each with their own priorities as well as measures that span several sectors.
In recent weeks, unions have been instrumental in reducing the spread of coronavirus by ensuring workers are protected. Infection rates and deaths would have been far higher without us. Covid-19 is an invisible foe, and workers can potentially succumb to the infection at any time and in any place, not simply at work, which means assessing additional risks presented by coronavirus is a complicated task. Unite has lost many members to this terrible disease, every one of which is an individual tragedy.
Occupational health and safety risk assessments have a hierarchy and Covid-19 is no exception. Social distancing is at the top of the hierarchy, with all other measures being mitigation. There are job roles, such as clinical care, where mitigation is essential hence the emphasis Unite has put on the availability of good quality personal protective equipment.
A huge amount of focus has been given to our key workers who are undertaking vital roles and must be protected from Covid-19. It is heart-breaking that over 20 London bus workers have died due to coronavirus, with many more left fighting for their lives. The number of bus worker deaths outside the capital is also rising.
Following classic health and safety rules Unite’s priority has been to remove the risks faced by bus workers wherever possible. This has involved enhanced cleaning regimes, sealing the screen around the driver, making seating around the driver out of bounds and ensuring that Unite safety reps are stood down from driving to ensure that these measures are enforced and that social distancing is maintained at garages and depots at all times.
Unite is also seeking action to close front doors on buses. Following pressure from our union last week, Transport for London closed the front door on all buses, as rear and middle door entry further protects bus drivers. Similar action is being taken outside of London, but here often the biggest challenge remains the collection of money.
This is particularly concerning where there is a lack of regular access to hand-washing facilities. It has been proven that the virus can be easily transmitted when touching money, so Unite has been pressurising bus operators to introduce measures to remove direct access to cash. A major national risk assessment is now being carried out.
If the risk of contamination cannot be removed, it is is essential that adequate PPE is provided to protect our members. The failure to provide the correct PPE across all sectors but especially in the NHS and the care sector is nothing short of a national scandal. The government has been guilty of mixed messages, false hope and lacking a strategic plan. It is no coincidence given the government’s failures on PPE that the feedback we have received from our frontline members is hair-raising.
Unite paramedic members, who are working round the clock report that “huge numbers of colleagues are off sick, and there are massive differences between the levels of PPE each trust is supplying”. The danger faced by our paramedics was brought painfully home when one of Unite’s paramedics in Wales succumbed to Covid-19 last week.
The plight of members in the care sector is even worse. From the start of the lockdown, concerned workers were contacting Unite, describing how PPE was not available and often managers were indifferent to their concerns. It is impossible to escape the belief that the initial lack of PPE and consequently adequate safety measures is linked to the rapid spread of the virus in care homes, which has killed care workers as well as their elderly and vulnerable residents.
In care homes, where there is often no union organisation, Unite’s advice has been clear. Demand risk assessments are completed and followed – and if workers believe their health is being directly endangered, they have a right to withdraw their labour.
The failure to supply and distribute PPE was why Unite called on the government to appoint a minister responsible for co-ordinating provision. It belatedly agreed, and appointed Lord Deighton, who will hopefully finally ensure that sufficient PPE is available and provided to those who need it.
Ensuring that workers are able to socially distance at work has presented another significant challenge that covers a huge number of workplaces. The response from employers has varied. In refuse collection, councils that directly employ their bin workers have been generally more prepared to work with Unite to ensure that social distancing occurs. But many private sector outsourced operators have been far more reluctant to introduce such policies, with Unite having to threaten action to defend the health of our members.
In other sectors, such as construction, food processing and retail, and in aviation on repatriation flights, Unite continues to confront huge challenges. With the repatriation flights, staff are being required to assist clearly ill passengers return to the UK, physical distancing is not taking place, and the quality and availability of PPE remains at best variable.
The aim of keeping our construction members safe has been made far more difficult by changes to government-sponsored guidance, which now allows workers to be face-to-face for 15 minutes if no other option is available. This is downright dangerous. Unite has been clear that if social distancing cannot be ensured for construction workers from the moment they leave home until they return, sites should be closed.
In construction, the government and many employers are placing the economy over health. With over half of the industry self-employed, and those workers receiving no financial support until late June, workers are being effectively starved back to work.
Social distancing has been a real problem in food processing and retail, where our members – many on the minimum wage – became key workers overnight. Employers have adapted to deal with this issue, either through agreement with the union or because union members organising together have forced them to do so. Where they have been slow or reluctant to act, they have been exposed and forced to change their practices.
Social distancing has also been a major issue for our members who work in call centres. Some are now working from home, but for those still required to go into the workplace, Unite has been contesting a serious lack of distancing, as well as compulsory hot-desking and the hygiene issues that this creates.
It isn’t just on social distancing that Unite has had to protect the wellbeing of workers. When the pandemic began, the maximum driving hours of HGV drivers were relaxed to help meet the demand for food and medicines. This was a measure that Unite and a number of employers did not believe was necessary, and we have been ensuring the safety of these workers is not compromised.
At the same time, many companies began illegally refusing HGV drivers access to toilets and welfare facilities, when making deliveries. Which given the nature of COVID-19 is potentially lethal. Unite has been working with the government and the Health and Safety Executive, to ensure that such problems are resolved, while naming and shaming companies that deny welfare provisions.
When the pandemic ends, we cannot simply return to business as normal. Across all sectors, Unite is helping workers struggling with anxiety and mental health issues. These problems won’t disappear overnight when workers return to work and have to contend with the “new normal” – in fact, they are likely to increase.
This crisis has shows that the UK’s inspection and enforcement regime is threadbare and weak. It has been ineffective during the pandemic, with no evidence of any decisive interventions. Considering this is the biggest public health emergency in over a century, that is a damning indictment. We must demand that the regulators are given the powers, funding and confidence to tackle the employers who risk the health and safety of workers in the pursuit of profits.
For the first time in a decade, the government has given the union movement houseroom during this pandemic. Ministers have listened to what we have had to say and often acted on our concerns. Moving forward, while there will be clear differences, the government needs to recognise that unions play and will continue to play a vital role in ensuring safety, security and social justice for workers.
Workplaces that have been closed, equipment that has been unused, vehicles and buildings will need to be checked, cleaned and made safe. New practices to protect workers, their families and communities will have to be introduced. It is irrefutable that as members continue to face the dreadful challenges of this pandemic the slogan of IWMD – “remember the dead but fight like hell for the living” – has never been more important.


labourlist--2020-04-28--‘Remember the dead, protect the living’: Keir Starmer’s worker memorial day message

In the video , the new Labour leader pays tribute to those frontline workers and their family members who have died after contracting coronavirus .
Noting the one minute ’ s silence at 11am for those who have died , he declares that we must “ continue to fight for those on the frontline to protect their lives ” .
“ We owe it to them to make sure they ’ ve got the right equipment , in the right place , at the right time , and we will continue to press on that , ” Starmer adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer ’ s IWMD message .
“ Today is International Workers ’ Memorial Day , and it ’ s the day every year when we remember and reflect on all of those that have lost their lives at work .
A tragic thing for anybody ; for their family , their friends or their community and really important that we remember it .
“ This year of course is overlaid by the coronavirus .
Every day we see our key workers going out on the frontline , risking their lives on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many of them have lost their lives .
“ And we owe them a huge debt and as we reflect today , 11am a minute ’ s silence , on behalf of everybody who ’ s lost their lives , we think particularly of all the grieving families that have lost a loved one .
“ But remembering those that have lost their lives at work doesn ’ t end today .
Our movement was built to be a voice for working people , a force for working people and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Throughout this crisis we must continue to fight for those on the frontline to protect their lives .
Nobody should put their lives at risk because they haven ’ t got the right protective equipment .
“ We owe it to them to make sure they ’ ve got the right equipment , in the right place , at the right time and we will continue to press on that .
“ And we go out every Thursday to clap our key workers , to those that are taking that risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t go out and clap on a Thursday , and pretend that when this is over we can return to business as usual .
“ Many of those on the frontline have been undervalued and underpaid for far , far too long and we owe them and the whole country a vision of a better future when we come through this pandemic , as we will .
”

Keir Starmer has released a video message marking International Workers’ Memorial Day this year.
In the video, the new Labour leader pays tribute to those frontline workers and their family members who have died after contracting coronavirus.
Noting the one minute’s silence at 11am for those who have died, he declares that we must “continue to fight for those on the frontline to protect their lives”.
“We owe it to them to make sure they’ve got the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time, and we will continue to press on that,” Starmer adds.
We owe workers who have died at work – and those who continue to risk their lives during the coronavirus pandemic – a vision of a better future. Join me in observing a minute’s silence at 11am today to remember those who have lost their lives. #InternationalWorkersMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/deQy0LARxP — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 28, 2020
Below is the full text of Keir Starmer’s IWMD message.
“Today is International Workers’ Memorial Day, and it’s the day every year when we remember and reflect on all of those that have lost their lives at work. A tragic thing for anybody; for their family, their friends or their community and really important that we remember it.
“This year of course is overlaid by the coronavirus. Every day we see our key workers going out on the frontline, risking their lives on behalf of all of us and, tragically, too many of them have lost their lives.
“And we owe them a huge debt and as we reflect today, 11am a minute’s silence, on behalf of everybody who’s lost their lives, we think particularly of all the grieving families that have lost a loved one.
“But remembering those that have lost their lives at work doesn’t end today. Our movement was built to be a voice for working people, a force for working people and that’s what we will always be.
“Throughout this crisis we must continue to fight for those on the frontline to protect their lives. Nobody should put their lives at risk because they haven’t got the right protective equipment.
“We owe it to them to make sure they’ve got the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time and we will continue to press on that.
“And we go out every Thursday to clap our key workers, to those that are taking that risk to their lives. But we can’t go out and clap on a Thursday, and pretend that when this is over we can return to business as usual.
“Many of those on the frontline have been undervalued and underpaid for far, far too long and we owe them and the whole country a vision of a better future when we come through this pandemic, as we will.”


labourlist--2020-04-28--Tim Roache resigns as GMB general secretary

Tim Roache has resigned as general secretary of GMB today , the party-affiliated trade union has confirmed .
He was first elected in 2015 , and re-elected in November 2019 with 61 % of votes cast in his favour against challenger Kathleen Walker Shaw .
GMB , one of the UK ’ s biggest trade unions and a major backer of the Labour Party , supported the leadership bid of Lisa Nandy in the contest this year .
The 60-member executive council of the union , which represents over 620,000 members in nearly all industrial sectors , also backed Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race .
GMB made no formal recommendation for the 2015 Labour leadership election but supported Owen Smith in the 2016 contest after balloting its members .
Earlier this month , Roache clashed with Labour members online who had criticised the GMB response to the leaked report on Labour ’ s complaints system .
Rebutting claims that his union was working to oppose Labour ’ s general secretary Jennie Formby , he tweeted : “ The GMB is NOT going for Jennie .
FACT.
” His resignation , coming soon after his re-election as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a surprise to the labour movement .
Below is the full text of the GMB statement released tonight .
Today , our general secretary , Tim Roache has submitted his resignation .
Tim has unfortunately been suffering with ill health for some time now and has made the difficult decision to stand down from his role , that he does not feel able to continue , in leading our union going forward .
A meeting with the Finance and General Purposes Committee will be convened to discuss the resignation and further updates @ @ @

Tim Roache resigned as general secretary of GMB today, the party-affiliated trade union has confirmed.
He was first elected in 2015, and re-elected in November 2019 with 61% of votes cast in his favour against challenger Kathleen Walker Shaw.
GMB, one of the UK’s biggest trade unions and a major backer of the Labour Party, supported the leadership bid of Lisa Nandy in the contest this year.
The 60-member executive council of the union, which represents over 620,000 members in nearly all industrial sectors, also backed Angela Rayner in Labour’s deputy leadership race.
GMB made no formal recommendation for the 2015 Labour leadership election but supported Owen Smith in the 2016 contest after balloting its members.
Earlier this month, Roache clashed with Labour members online who had criticised the GMB response to the leaked report on Labour’s complaints system.
Rebutting claims that his union was working to oppose Labour’s general secretary Jennie Formby, he tweeted: “The GMB is NOT going for Jennie. FACT.”
His resignation, coming soon after his re-election as general secretary of GMB, has come as a surprise to the labour movement.
Below is the full text of the GMB statement released tonight.
Today, our general secretary, Tim Roache has submitted his resignation.
Tim has unfortunately been suffering with ill health for some time now and has made the difficult decision to stand down from his role, that he does not feel able to continue, in leading our union going forward.
A meeting with the Finance and General Purposes Committee will be convened to discuss the resignation and further updates will follow.


labourlist--2020-04-28--Terms of reference set by Labour NEC for investigation into leaked report – full text

Labour ’ s ruling national executive committee last week agreed the terms of reference for the independent investigation announced by the leadership into the recently leaked report .
As NEC members used the meeting to amend the terms put forward by Keir Starmer , these changes had to be made to the text before it could be released more widely .
Newly elected local party representative Johanna Baxter included the full text in her first NEC report since being chosen by Labour members to sit on the ruling body at the beginning of April .
The NEC decided that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations in the report , its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data .
The independent investigation will also look into the “ structure , culture and practices ” of the party , and the panel will be allowed to make recommendations where considered appropriate .
The probe will be led by an independent investigator , whose identity is as yet unknown .
It will conclude with its own report , which Labour has said should be published by mid-July .
Below is the full text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and agreed by the NEC .
The panel shall investigate and report on : • None The truth or otherwise of the main allegations in the report ( the panel shall determine which are the most significant allegations which require investigation but they shall include the extent of racist , sexist and other discriminatory culture within Labour Party workplaces , the attitudes and conduct of the senior staff of the Labour Party , and their relationships with the elected leadership of the Labour Party ) ; • None The background and circumstances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and circulated within the Labour Party , with its advisers and any other individuals external to the Labour Party , including the question of the purpose for which the report was commissioned and prepared , and the circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain ; and • None The structure , culture and practices of the Labour Party organisation including the relationship between senior party staff and the elected leadership of the Labour Party , as the panel think appropriate having regard to their investigation as a whole .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it considers appropriate concerning the organisation and structures of the Labour Party , arising out of its investigation , recognising that Labour Party structures are covered in rule .
This document was approved by a meeting of the national executive committee of the Labour Party held on 23 April 2020 .

Labour’s ruling national executive committee last week agreed the terms of reference for the independent investigation announced by the leadership into the recently leaked report.
As NEC members used the meeting to amend the terms put forward by Keir Starmer, these changes had to be made to the text before it could be released more widely.
Newly elected local party representative Johanna Baxter included the full text in her first NEC report since being chosen by Labour members to sit on the ruling body at the beginning of April.
The NEC decided that the scope of the inquiry will cover the allegations in the report, its commissioning and how it was put into the public domain despite containing personal data.
The independent investigation will also look into the “structure, culture and practices” of the party, and the panel will be allowed to make recommendations where considered appropriate.
The probe will be led by an independent investigator, whose identity is as yet unknown. It will conclude with its own report, which Labour has said should be published by mid-July.
Below is the full text of the terms of reference as amended and agreed by the NEC.
The panel shall investigate and report on:
The truth or otherwise of the main allegations in the report (the panel shall determine which are the most significant allegations which require investigation but they shall include the extent of racist, sexist and other discriminatory culture within Labour Party workplaces, the attitudes and conduct of the senior staff of the Labour Party, and their relationships with the elected leadership of the Labour Party); The background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned, written and circulated within the Labour Party, with its advisers and any other individuals external to the Labour Party, including the question of the purpose for which the report was commissioned and prepared, and the circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain; and The structure, culture and practices of the Labour Party organisation including the relationship between senior party staff and the elected leadership of the Labour Party, as the panel think appropriate having regard to their investigation as a whole.
And the panel shall make such recommendations as it considers appropriate concerning the organisation and structures of the Labour Party, arising out of its investigation, recognising that Labour Party structures are covered in rule.
This document was approved by a meeting of the national executive committee of the Labour Party held on 23 April 2020.