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 New use for your Car Tax Disc Holder – download an Emergency Contact Disc. (PDF 368KB) 
A weapon that comes down as still as snowflakes fall upon the sod; But executes a freeman’s will, As lightening does the will of God; And from its force, nor doors nor locks can shield you; ‘tis the ballot box. John Pierpont One affordable way to help the Labour Party is to donate some of your loose change. Just use an old container and put in a few small coins every day. When you are ready to make the donation, contact us to arrange collection. admin@pendlelabour.com (copy and paste into your email application)
Last updated: Saturday 6 October, 2018 |
 Tuesday 04 September 2018 Labour Campain Against Rail Chaos  Pendle Labour Party members joined Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Azhar Ali, yesterday (3rd September) to highlight the failings of the rail network in the region. Speaking to rail users at both Colne and Nelson stations, the activists provided information about Labour’s plans to improve the network. Since the Tories came to power rail fares are up by 32%, leaving some passengers paying thousands of pounds more each year. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 01 August 2018 Celebrating the NHS  NHS workers were invited to join local residents over tea and homemade cakes at a tea party to celebrate the 70th Birthday of the NHS, organised by Pendle Labour Party on Saturday 28th July. The event which took place at Primet Community Centre, Colne, gave people the opportunity to thank NHS staff, both past and present, for their hard work and was attended by around 100 people including 8 current and former NHS workers. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 25 July 2018 A Victory for Common Sense  The brakes were put on Pendle Conservative’s plan to give away public land to a private businessman, at a meeting of Pendle’s Policy and Resources committee on 24th July. Labour councillors lodged objections to the plan after consulting residents living in the Holt House area of Colne and asked for more information to be available before any decision was made. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 18 July 2018 Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Pendle, Azhar Ali, was joined, this morning by Party members from all across the constituency to celebrate 70 years of the National Health Service.  At a street stall in Colne, Pendle Labour Party invited members of the public to sign a giant birthday card which will be presented to health workers at an event later in the month to which the public will also be invited. Labour’s birthday card was chosen following a nationwide online competition. Azhar Ali said: “The NHS is the Labour Party’s proudest achievement. I’m really looking forward to the community coming together to appreciate an institution that has bound us together for the last 70 years and to thank the staff past and present who look after us.” Tuesday 03 July 2018 Pendle’s Labour Councillors have “called in” the Conservative administration’s decision to hand over the Holt House sports facility, free of charge, to a private business.  The move, which is supported by the Lib Dems, comes after it was agreed by the Pendle Conservatives that the land, which houses both Colne and Nelson Rugby Club and Colne FC, be given to the owners of Colne FC without a penny changing hands. The land, which is presently under a 99 year lease from Pendle Borough Council, would therefore pass into private ownership when currently it is a public asset. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 04 May 2018 Borough of Pendle Elections Thursday 04 May 2018  The Labour Party retained all of the previously held council seats that were up for election in 2018 Russell Tennant, Chair of Pendle Labour Party sends his thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for all of our candidates and also to our members involved in the election campaign, for their hard work and dedication to the people of Pendle. Visit the Elections page for more informatiom. Tuesday 27 March 2018 Pendle Labour party has announced its candidates for the local elections on 03 May 2018 
Follow this hyperlink to the Elections page to find out who is the Labour Party Candidate for your area of Pendle. Wednesday 14 February 2018 Councillor to offer free service to assist in claims against Council for pothole damage to cars  Pendle Councillor, Yasser Iqbal who represent the Reedley Ward has called on residents to make a claim against Lancashire County Council for damage caused to cars by potholes. Councillor Yasser Iqbal who is also a Barrister has said that he has been inundated with calls from residents in the area he represents who have been left out of pocket due to the poor state of the roads. He has offered to help his constituents for free in taking Lancashire County Council to Court if they fail to deal with the claim. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Monday 05 February 2018 Pendle Women Celebrate 100 Years of the Vote  Wearing rosettes and corsages in the colours of the suffrage movement, women from Pendle Labour Party have gathered at Unity Hall in Nelson to mark the 100th anniversary of women first being given the vote. The location was chosen because of its historical significance in the Women’s Movement – starting its life as the Independent Labour Party's “Socialist Institute”, where local suffragist and social campaigner, Selina Cooper, laid a cornerstone at the building and gave talks and lectures. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 26 January 2018 Lancashire better off under Labour claim by senior Pendle Conservative!  Leader of Pendle Council and Lancashire County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal has welcomed the views of Deputy Leader of Pendle Conservatives and former County Councillor Paul White who made the comments: “The Tories under Geoff Driver are screwing Pendle, we were better off under Labour”. His comments were made prior to a meeting with Burnley and Pendle Citizens Advice Bureau and Pendle Cllrs Mohammed Iqbal, David Whipp and Paul White at Nelson town hall on Wednesday 24 January 2018. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 24 January 2018 Consultation on proposed Multi Academy Trust (MAT)  Russell Tennant, Chairman of Pendle Labour Party has written a letter to the Nelson Leader Colne Times series raising substantial questions about the proposed Multi Academy Trust (MAT) which involves schools in Pendle. The letter is reproduced below: I recently contributed to the consultation about the proposed formation of the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) which involves Blacko Primary, Laneshaw Bridge Primary, Lord Street Primary and Park High School. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Tuesday 23 January 2018 Local NHS Crisis  Members of Pendle Labour Party hosted an information stall in Colne on Saturday 20th January, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the National Health Service. Despite Jeremy Hunt persistently claiming that the NHS was better prepared than ever before to deal with this year’s winter flu crisis, many local people are currently experiencing record waiting times at A&E and many others are having essential operations cancelled. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 10 January 2018 Potholes in Pendle Roads The Leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal has today written to the leader of Lancashire County Council asking for the urgent release of funds to address the pothole crisis across Pendle Cllr Iqbal said“ I and other Councillors have been inundated with genuine complaints from residents at the pothole crisis across Pendle. The response from the County Council has been very slow despite an election pledge from the conservatives in pendle saying they would be allocating extra money to Pendle , the reality is that the Conservatives are neglecting Pendle. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 22 December 2017  Thursday 23 November 2017 M65 Flooding - Councillor Iqbal urges County action The Leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal has written to the Cabinet Member for Highways at Lancashire County Council, Keith Iddon asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the lack of gully cleaning on the M65 which has led to very dangerous driving conditions in recent days. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 22 November 2017 Labour Pledges to Reopen Rail Lines  Ahead of the Autumn Budget Shadow Transport Secretary, Andy McDonald MP, is calling on the Government to match the Labour Party’s commitment to boost investment in and expand the rail network by filling in the missing rail links. Re-opening rail lines have local support, are positive for business and can boost areas of economic deprivation. They can also alleviate congestion, reduce social isolation and improve productivity. That is why Labour is announcing the establishment of a working group to develop proposals for reopening rail lines across the United Kingdom. The group will work with local politicians, campaign and passenger groups, businesses, and devolved authorities to identify and set out plans for investing to open lines where there is a social and economic case to do so. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 29 September 2017 A letter from Councillor Mohammed Iqbal Leader of Pendle Council to Andrew Stephenson MP, concerning “ Pendle Council’s plans to build on Earby’s green fields”  Dear Andrew, I understand from correspondence that I have received that you are encouraging residents in Earby to “help me fight Pendle Council’s plans to build on Earby’s green fields” and oppose the proposed disposal of Council-owned land in their area. Having had sight of the letter you have issued, I am disappointed that you have neither set out the reasons why Pendle Council is considering the disposal of these sites nor explained the considerable pressure being placed by the Government of which you are a member on local authorities such as Pendle both to deliver new housing and to deal with the funding reductions imposed by you. Download a copy of the letter here (PDF 397KB) Friday 22 September 2017 Pendle Public Meeting on Public Sector Pay - Pay Up Now.  Public sector workers have lost thousands since 2010 due to the pay freeze and 1% cap. At long last the cap is beginning to crack, but we need to make sure that the government funds a substantial pay rise for all public sector workers. As part of the pay campaign North West TUC and Unison have arranged a public meeting in Pendle on Monday 25th September 2017. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, at the Unity Wellbeing Centre, Vernon Street, Nelson BB9 9DX. Wednesday 06 September 2017 Peaceful protest against genocide in Burma Leader of Pendle Council Mohammed Iqbal has with support of fellow councillors organised a peaceful protest against the killing of thousands of innocent Rohingya Muslims in Burma Councillor Iqbal said: "It is a crime against humanity what the world is witnessing in Burma and I have been asked by many Pendle people to organise a peaceful protest on Friday 8 September outside Nelson library at 2.30pm. "I have also written to the Member of Parliament asking that he asks the Prime Minister to intervene and stop any further killings. I am appalled at our government keeping quiet on such atrocities." Saturday 19 August 2017 Jeremy Corbyn in Pendle  Jeremy Corbyn addressed a rally in Victoria Park, Nelson on Thursday (17 Aug 2017). He had a tremendous reception from the people who attended (estimated at 2,500). Follow this link to the Pendle News Page>> We intend to put more photographs on our Facebook page. Tuesday 15 August 2017 Tory Councillor found guilty by panel! Conservative former Mayor and Earby Councillor Rosemary Carroll was found guilty at a Special Meeting of Pendle Council Hearings Panel on Monday 14 August 2017. The panel considered a report from the Council's Monitoring Officer following 2 complaints on 29th June 2017 by Councillor Wayne Blackburn and Councillor Mohammed Iqbal relating to the sharing on social media of a highly offensive and racist joke by Cllr Carroll. The report from the Monitoring Officer concluded "I consider the post to be derogatory and insulting to benefit claimants, and also racist", he also added“My finding is that there is sufficient evidence of a failure to comply with the Code of Conduct”. Saturday 12 August 2017 Pendle Labour Party are pleased to announce the details of Jeremy Corbyn's much anticipated visit to Pendle on Thursday 17th August.  Mr Corbyn will be addressing a public rally at 4.30pm from The Bandstand in Victoria Park, Nelson. The visit forms part of his whistle-stop tour of marginal seats across the country this summer. Pendle is now one of the key seats that Labour must win to form the next government. Pendle Labour Chair, Russell Tennant said: “We are delighted to welcome Jeremy to Pendle. He is somebody who has inspired so many people to make their voices heard and to stand up for the values that will lead to a better society" . People are asked to make their way to the park on foot where possible, to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues Friday 21 July 2017 Shadow Minister visits threatened Colne Jobcentre  Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Debbie Abrahams MP, visited Colne yesterday (20th July 2017) to meet with disabled residents and activists from across Pendle and to discuss issues surrounding Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Many raised concerns about the imminent closure of Colne jobcentre and the effect that this would have on people’s lives. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Sunday 09 July 2017 Pendle Labour Party have been made aware of threats made against Andrew Stephenson MP and his staff on Tuesday, 4th July. Whilst we and Mr Stephenson differ in our political views, Pendle Labour opposes any form of violence and condemns these threats in the strongest terms. Political discourse should be about robust debate and putting your position across strongly, not threats and intimidation. Actions such as these are nothing more than an attack on our democracy which we should all vigorously defend. Mark Porter Chair of Pendle Labour Party Wednesday 28 June 2017 Pendle Conservative MP votes against ending cuts to our police and fire service and lifting the public sector pay cap.  Wayne Blackburn, Pendle CLP Secretary and recent labour parliamentary candidate commenting on today’s vote in parliament said: "During the General Election campaign, Andrew Stephenson attempted to portray himself as "Pendle's Champion". Today, he voted not to give public sector workers a pay rise despite years of nurses and firefighters dealing with a 1% rise in their wages, amounting to a real terms cut in their income. I wonder how he will look those public sector workers in Pendle in the eye tomorrow and still claim to be their champion?" Friday 09 June 2017 Wednesday 30 May 2017 Friday 26 May 2017 Barrowford Q&A and Meet  When: tomorrow, Saturday, 27 May 2017 between 11:00 & 13:00. Venue: Holmefield House, Gisburn Road, Barrowford, BB9 8ND This is a public meeting, hosted by Wayne Blackburn, the Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate for Pendle. If you can't attend, find out more about Wayne here. Saturday 13 May 2017 Monday 01 May 2017 Pendle Disability Champion selected for Labour Pendle Labour Party is pleased to announce that Councillor Wayne Blackburn has been selected to stand as the Labour Party candidate in the General Election on Thursday 8th June. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Visit Wayne's Facebook page. Monday 10 April 2017 Thursday 06 April 2017 He is the only councillor who was Mayor of Pendle twice - once in 1998/99 and again in 2001/02. Colin served the Clover Hill ward as a borough councillor for 15 years until his retirement on 8 May 2006. Saturday 25 March 2017 Fighting to Protect Local Services  Pendle Labour Party has announced its candidates for May’s County Council elections. The prospective County Councillors have a wide range of experience ranging from Housing, Health and Wellbeing, Youth and Community, Disability Issues, Education, The Arts and The Environment. Chair of Pendle Labour Mark Porter says: “We have a really strong team this year. All are dedicated to protecting vital public services in Pendle against cuts imposed by the Conservative Government. Labour is the only Party that is standing up for ordinary people in the face of unprecedented, Conservative attacks on their standard of living and quality of life.” Pictured are: Azhar Ali (Nelson East); Manzar Iqbal (Pendle Hill); Wayne Blackburn (Pendle Rural); Yvonne Tennant (Pendle Central) and Mohammed Iqbal (Brierfield and Nelson West). Further information on the Elections Page Thursday 09 March 2017 Public Statement from Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Councillor for Brierfield & Nelson North “It is evident that the Pendle Conservative Party are getting desperate when they resort to accusing me of colluding with or 'doing a deal' with the British National Party. " For the record I can confirm that no deal of any kind has been done with the BNP. “Unfortunately, this smear campaign and many other failed attempts to tarnish the Labour Party's and my reputation is all part of poorly orchestrated attempt to regain the leadership of the council and an attempt to influence the local electorate with their false stories. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Monday 27 February 2017 Pendle Council Budget Update  Leader of the Council, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal reluctantly proposed a Council Tax increase of £5 per year on a Band D property and said: “It is a fact that the Conservative government has since 2010 made savage cuts to the money Pendle received and by 2020, we will have suffered a 68% cut or over £8 million in real cash terms. “It is simply unsustainable for the council to continue provide the level of service expected by local residents in the face of such cuts by the Conservative government. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Tuesday 14 February 2017 Burnley MP slams government pharmacy cuts - Pendle Today  Burnley MP Julie Cooper has slammed the Government over its “ill-conceived and simplistic cuts” to community pharmacies. The Labour MP, who ran a pharmacy with her husband before entering Parliament, was speaking in the wake of impending government funding cuts. Read more here. Saturday 21 January 2017 Fantastic response to our Care for the NHS campaign in Barnoldswick this morning.  Huge thanks to all the members who came to help and thank you to the residents of Barnoldswick who took the time, on a freezing day, to talk to us and sign the petition. Clearly, Barnoldswick cares for the NHS. More about The NHS campaign>> Wednesday 21 December 2016  Friday 18 November 2016 Council praised for balancing the books - Pendle Today Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Labour Leader of Pendle Council, said: “These are tough times as we balance the budget each year with fewer resources, but I’m happy the auditors acknowledge that we do a good job. “We produced the audited accounts two months earlier than last year and were among the earliest councils in Lancashire to do so.” Read more on the Pendle Today web site Tuesday 11 October 2016 Fracking Motion – Pendle Council  Reedley ward labour Councillor Yasser Iqbal has tabled a motion at the Pendle full council meeting on 20 October regarding the decision by the government to allow fracking in Lancashire. Cllr Iqbal said "I am very concerned that the conservative government is supporting fracking in Lancashire and they granted a licence last year for Burnley and Pendle. I know that people living in the top part of Brierfield and Reedley are very worried the effect of possible fracking will have on the area. I'm calling on our member of parliament to stand up for the people of Reedley and join my campaign to stop any fracking in Reedley" Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 05 October 2016 In memory of John David. Pendle Labour Party wishes to offer our condolences to the family and friends of John David. John was a much respected figure in the Pendle community and will be missed by all. There is further information on the Pendle Today web site. Monday 03 October 2016 Labour Party members from across Pendle took part in The Party’s national day of campaigning for “Education Not Segregation” last weekend.  Campaigners took to Colne Town Centre to publicise Labour’s call for action on childcare to ensure early learning for all children; an education maintenance allowance for 16-18 year olds in full-time education to help students from low and middle incomes; grants for university students to help with living costs and a halt to new grammar schools that divide our children at age 11. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Tuesday 13 September 2016 Proposed Parliamentary Boundary Changes  Commenting on the proposed changes, Mark Porter President of Pendle CLP said: Pendle Labour Party has received notification of the electoral commission's proposal regarding the parliamentary boundary changes; we are currently reviewing what this all means for the Labour Party in Pendle and the impact on the wider Pendle electorate. Whilst we make no comment on the details of the said proposal at this time, but reducing the number of MP's after the EU referendum result whilst increasing the number of unelected peers to the House of Lords, in addition to the difficult negotiations concerning Brexit that lie ahead, does raise some concerns that require serious consideration, they need to be factored into the discussions. Wednesday 24 August 2016 Cllr Iqbal to Host Civic Reception for Olympic Champion Steve Burke.  Pendle Council welcomes home triple Olympic cycling champion and one of the borough’s greatest sporting ambassadors. Steven Burke represented Britain in the Men’s Team Pursuit, scooping the gold medal and setting the new team pursuit world record, alongside Ed Clancy, Bradley Wiggins and Owain Doull, in Rio. And the Council is planning to mark the latest Olympic achievements of the 28 year old former Park High School pupil, known locally as the Colne Cyclone, in October. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Tuesday 02 August 2016 Members of The Labour Party in Pendle have voted overwhelmingly to oppose any proposals for fracking in the area.  The vote took place at the Constituency Labour Party’s Annual General meeting where it was noted that recent opinion polls show that only 19% of the population supports fracking, while 81% support increased use of renewable energy. Barrowford member, Sue Nike, said that fracking is “unwanted, unnecessary and unsafe, involving risks to workers, local residents and the wider population.” Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Thursday 30 June 2016 Pendle Labour Party statement Pendle Labour Party is becoming increasingly concerned about the continued undemocratic attacks on Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the Labour Party. This statement is not seeking to provide any commentary on the merits of who is or indeed who should be leading our party, however, we are deeply upset at the manner in which the current turmoil has arisen when strong opposition is what the country needs most at these uncertain times. Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 17 June 2016  Thursday 16 June 2016 Pendle Labour Party are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of Jo Cox  We would like to echo the sentiments of Jeremy Corbyn who said: "But for now all our thoughts are with Jo's husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for." Monday 13 June 2016 Local voters are saying why they are voting IN  Download the leaflet in PDF form now Thursday 19 May 2016 Many of our initiatives will soon come to fruition and the opportunity to continue and build on this work is vital. Councillors have tonight voted to re-elect Councillor Mohammed Iqbal as leader of Pendle Borough Council. This will see the continuation of the Labour / Liberal Democrat Executive of the Council which has been in place for the past year. Councillor Iqbal said: “I am delighted that the councillors have once again put their faith in me and I look forward to building on our last 12 months achievements where Labour and the Liberal Democrats have worked together for the benefit of the residents of the Borough. Many of our initiatives will soon come to fruition and the opportunity to continue and build on this work is vital.” Follow this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Saturday 07 May 2016 Well done Champs!  3-0, what a way to win the Championship. Great for the team, great for the fans. Friday 06 May 2016 Pendle Borough Council Elections Information about the 2016 election results can be found on the Elections page and the Pendle Borough Council web site. Tuesday 03 May 2016 Pendle Labour Party congratulates Burnley FC on their return to the Premiership  What a day yesterday - a terrific speech by Jeremy Corbyn at Towneley Park, followed by a good result for the 'Clarets' at Turf Moor. Burnley are back in the Premiership, where they deserve to be and we are all holding our breath untill next saturday. Monday 02 May 2016 Jeremy Corbyn delights the people at Burnley May Day celebrations  Applause and cheering from trade unionists and Labour supporters accompanied Jeremy Corbyn's address at the East Lancs Trades Council's May Day celebrations in Towneley Park, this afternoon. Speaking to an audience of several thousand supporters from Lancashire and Yorkshire, he laid out his vision of how life would be better for working people under a future Labour Government. Sunday 10 April 2016 Pendle Labour Party names their candidates for the Pendle Borough Council elections.  We will be contesting all the seats listed for elections in Pendle on the 5th of May. We have a diverse group of candidates who between them have a wealth of experience within the Pendle community including experience in local government, retail, health, education and charity sectors. Further information is available on the "Election Page" |
 Saturday 06 October 2018 We have said time and time again that the rollout of Universal Credit should be halted to fix the many problems the Tories have created – McDonnell  John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on the Times’ story about families losing £200 a month in the Universal Credit switch over, said: “We have said time and time again that the rollout of Universal Credit should be halted to fix the many problems the Tories have created, but now it is time to go further. More>> Friday 05 October 2018 The spike in crime on our railways underlines the importance of a properly staffed railway to keep passengers and employees safe – Maskell  Rachael Maskell MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Minister, responding to new Police figures which have shown that crime recorded on British railways has increased by almost a fifth, including a rise in the number of violent and sexual offences, said: “The spike in crime on our railways, including a sharp rise in sexual offences, underlines the importance of a properly staffed railway to keep passengers and employees safe. “Labour has warned the Government of the risks posed by the expansion of Driver Only Operation and today’s figures show why the de-staffing of trains and stations must be halted immediately.” Thursday 04 October 2018 Rebecca Long Bailey responds to the Government’s late payments consultation  Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, responding to the Government’s late payments consultation, said: “Late payments still blight SMEs because the Conservatives refuse to address the imbalance between large companies and small businesses. Today’s astonishingly weak policy announcement won’t change that one bit. This is just tinkering around the edges. More>> Wednesday 03 October 2018 Labour Party Chair Ian Lavery MP responds to Theresa May’s speech  Ian Lavery MP, Labour Party Chair, responding to Theresa May’s speech to Conservative Party conference, said: “While the country is crying out for real change, all Theresa May and her party offer are pinched ideas and tinkering around at the edges, relying on petty attacks to cover up their lack of vision. “Austerity is not an economic necessity. It is a political choice made by the Conservatives to hack away at our public services and communities, leaving workers worse off while gifting huge tax cuts to big business. And as long as Britain has a Conservative Prime Minister, we’ll never see an end to austerity. More>> Tuesday 02 October 2018 Tinkering at the edges will not solve social care crisis – Barbara Keeley  Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Member for Social Care, responding to Matthew Hancock’s Conservative Party conference announcement, said: “There is a severe crisis in social care caused by eight years of Tory austerity, and tinkering at the edges like this is not going to solve it. “With 400,000 fewer people receiving care under this Government than in 2010, funding such a small number of care packages is a drop in the ocean. “Labour will rebuild social care services, starting with an extra £8 billion across a Parliament to start to ease the crisis, to lift care quality and ensure more people get the support they need.” Monday 01 October 2018 The Chancellor’s speech confirmed the bankrupt state of the Tory party – McDonnell John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to Philip Hammond’s speech at Conservative Party conference, said: “The Chancellor’s speech confirmed the bankrupt state of the Tory party, increasingly irrelevant and cut off from the real day to day life most people experience. “The Tories are bereft of any fresh ideas, forced to resort to a half-hearted filching of policies from others and desperately trying to revive long outdated slogans. As the Tories sink into a pit of bitter infighting, we mustn’t allow them to take the country down with it.” Sunday 30 September 2018 May’s refusal to apologise on Marr show is disgusting  Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on Theresa May’s interview with Andrew Marr this morning, said: “Theresa May’s refusal to apologise for her hostile environment policy is disgusting. “It is astonishing that the Prime Minister doesn’t care to know how many people have been denied access to healthcare or lost their homes. “The Windrush scandal has exposed a moral failure at the heart of this rotten Government. Lives have been destroyed. Theresa May should hang her head in shame.” Saturday 29 September 2018 The Tories are finally taking their lead from Labour on tackling the Big Four audit firms – John McDonnell John McDonnell, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to reports that Business Secretary Greg Clark has called for a review of the auditing industry, said: “The Tories are finally taking their lead from Labour on tackling the Big Four audit firms. “Labour commissioned an independent review of the UK’s corporate auditing and accounting regime earlier in the year, and now the Business Secretary is trying to play catch up. “But the Government cannot use this review to sweep issues under the carpet. Failures of auditing and accounting on the Tories’ watch led to the collapse of Carillion. The next Labour government will change regulations to make sure scandals like Carillion never happen again.” Friday 28 September 2018 Tom Watson responds to Facebook’s data breach  Tom Watson, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, responding to Facebook’s data breach, said: “Facebook reaps enormous financial value from the data of its users. One of their single biggest responsibilities is to protect that data and detect breaches. They have failed to do that. “Facebook should have discovered this industrial scale data breach months ago. It is very disappointing that it has only come to light now. More>> Thursday 27 September 2018 Statement by Jeremy Corbyn MP after attending the ceremony naming a square in Brussels in memory of Jo Cox MP Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party, speaking after attending the ceremony naming a square in Brussels in memory of Jo Cox MP, said: “Today is a difficult day for Jo’s family and friends. And it is a difficult day for Jo’s friends and colleagues in the Labour Party, who also knew and loved Jo, and who mourn her passing. More>> Wednesday 26 September 2018 Jeremy Corbyn speaking at Labour Party Conference today  Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, speaking at Labour Party Conference today, said: Thank you for that welcome. I want to start by thanking the workers, the fantastic staff at the Conference Centre and hotels, the Labour Party staff who make this possible, and the people of Liverpool who have made us feel so welcome this week. And I want to thank my family, but in particular my wife Laura. Tu eres mi fuerza y mi apoyo. Gracias Laurita. And congratulations conference, to all of you on what’s been a great conference. A conference of a Labour Party that’s ready to take charge and start the work of rebuilding our divided country. More>> Tuesday 25 September 2018 Rebecca Long Bailey speaking at Labour Party Conference today Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary, speaking at Labour Party Conference, said: Conference. There’s a saying that “if Liverpool did not exist, it would have to be invented." I think that captures the energy, the creativity, eternal pride and solidarity of this city. But in today’s Britain that energy is being held back. I don’t need to tell you in Liverpool about the Tories and “managed decline”. But it sometimes feels as if managed decline is the Tory’s plan for the entire country. We have a government overwhelmed by the process of Brexit – with no idea about the type of country they actually want to live in. More>> Monday 24 September 2018 John McDonnell’s full speech to Labour Conference 2018 John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, speaking at Labour Party Conference today, said:I I want to start by thanking the Treasury Team: Peter Dowd, Shadow Chief Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, Annaliese Dodds, Clive Lewis, Lynne Brown, Lord Dennis Tunnicliffe, Lord Bryan Davies and PPS Thelma Walker who won back Colne Valley from the Tories last year. This month is the 10th anniversary of the financial crash. J.K.Galbraith in his book on the 1929 crash said sure you can try to create institutions to avoid crashes in the future but the best protection is memory. So it’s worth remembering. The causes of the crash were: More>> Sunday 23 September 2018 Jennie Formby speaking at Labour Party Conference today  Jennie Formby, Labour’s General Secretary, speaking at Labour Party Conference today, said: Thank you Chair. Conference, it’s a huge honour to be elected as General Secretary of our great party, only the second woman in the history of our movement to hold that position and with our party at the strongest it has ever been with over half a million members. I joined the party when I joined my trade union, over 40 years ago now. Not long afterwards I was excited to be elected as a ward organiser. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would stand before you as General Secretary. So I’m very proud. More>> Saturday 22 September 2018 Dawn Butler speech to Labour Party Women’s Conference  Dawn Butler MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities speaking at Labour Party Women’s Conference today, said: Good morning conference. What a year it’s been for us. Sadly, we have lost the wonderful Tessa Jowell. But in her memory we have marched in our thousands against Trump, said enough is enough to sexual harassment, fought for the reproductive rights of women in Northern Ireland, called for an end to period poverty. And all this – in the centenary year of when some – but not all – women got the vote. This reminds us that – no woman should ever be left behind. More>> Friday 21 September 2018 Jeremy Corbyn responds to Theresa May’s statement on the Brexit negotiations  Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, responding to Theresa May’s Downing Street statement this afternoon, said: “Theresa May’s Brexit negotiating strategy has been a disaster. The Tories have spent more time arguing among themselves than negotiating with the EU. “From day one, the Prime Minister has looked incapable of delivering a good Brexit deal for Britain. “The political games from both the EU and our Government need to end because no deal is not an option.” Thursday 20 September 2018 With just weeks to go until a deal must be struck, the Prime Minister cannot keep ignoring reality – Starmer  Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, responding to the head of the European Council, Donald Tusk, saying that Theresa May’s Chequers deal “will not work”, said: “It has been clear for weeks that Theresa May’s Chequers’ proposals cannot deliver the comprehensive plan we need to protect jobs, the economy and avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland. “With just weeks to go until a deal must be struck, the Prime Minister cannot keep ignoring this reality. She needs to urgently drop her reckless red lines and put forward a credible plan for Brexit.” Wednesday 19 September 2018 Transport Secretary Chris Grayling presided over timetabling fiasco – Rachael Maskell Rachael Maskell, Labour’s Shadow Rail Minister, commenting on the Office of Rail and Road’s assessment of the introduction of the May 2018 rail timetable, said: “It’s clear that the timetabling chaos was caused because Chris Grayling failed to get the rail industry to work together effectively. “This report from the rail regulator is merely the latest to highlight the dysfunctional buck passing which goes on across the rail industry. More>> Tuesday 18 September 2018 Labour vows to tackle “off-rolling” scandal as thousands of students disappear off school rolls  Labour have announced steps to tackle “off-rolling” by removing perverse incentives which could reward schools when pupils leave the system Funding loopholes will also be closed to ensure that there are no windows in which students can be removed from the roll of a school without consequences; Labour will take steps to tackle the problem of pupils falling off school rolls and out of the education system, shadow education Angela Rayner MP has announced. More>> Monday 17 September 2018 Labour will put tackling poverty back at the heart of government policy – Margaret Greenwood  Margaret Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on a proposal for a new measure of poverty from the Social Metrics Commission, said: “The Government’s strategy to tackle poverty consists of trying to mask the deep cuts it has made to social security by disputing the numbers of people in poverty. The Commission highlights how over 10% of people in the UK are trapped in poverty. More>> Sunday 16 September 2018 Gove’s decision to kill up to 42,000 badgers betrays the Government’s deep hypocrisy on animal welfare – Sue Hayman  Sue Hayman MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to Michael Gove’s comments on the Andrew Marr Show, said: “Michael Gove’s decision to kill up to 42,000 badgers, including in low risk areas, regardless of whether the badgers are carrying TB or not, is unjustifiable and betrays the Government’s deep hypocrisy on animal welfare. “The Government must immediately cease this mass destruction of wildlife and focus attention and tax payer money on improving testing, vaccinations and on controlling the movement of infected cattle.” Friday 14 September 2018 Labour has consistently called for a public judge-led inquiry into GRG – Jonathan Reynolds  Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow City Minister, responding to RBS CEO Ross McEwan’s failure to disclose criminal investigations related to its Global Restructuring Group to the Treasury Select Committee, said: “Given how seriously the RBS-GRG scandal has damaged trust in banking, it is shocking that the CEO of RBS has chosen to conceal information like this from a select committee. More>> Thursday 13 September 2018 Threat to patient safety from the Health Secretary’s rush to endorse privately run online GP services – Justin Madders  Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to Matt Hancock’s latest endorsement of the privately run GP at Hand health app, said: “There is a huge threat to patient safety from the Health Secretary’s rush to endorse privately run, online GP services without proper mechanisms in place to protect patients “What’s more he is openly endorsing the use of services from a private health firm where patients are encouraged to pay for a GP appointment. More>> Wednesday 12 September 2018 The Archbishop of Canterbury has set out a bold vision for a different society – John McDonnell John McDonnell, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s speech, at the TUC, said: “The Archbishop of Canterbury has set out a bold vision for a different society, one without the evils of the gig economy, the exploitation of workers and tax dodging of the multinationals. “I welcome his speech, and the growing movement against the failures of austerity and neoliberalism. Labour will end zero hours contracts, clamp down on the tax avoiders, and ensure everyone has access to sick pay, parental leave and protections at work.” Monday 10 September 2018 Rachael Maskell responds to Network Rail’s commercial estate sale Rachael Maskell MP, Labour’s Shadow Rail Minister, commenting on Network Rail’s commercial estate sale, said: “The selloff of Network Rail’s commercial estate is a short term decision that will undermine the financial sustainability of the railway and damage small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Archways are both an asset and a revenue stream for Network Rail so this move highly irresponsible. The Secretary of State must intervene and prevent this sale or businesses and the railway will pay for this decision for years to come.” Friday 07 September 2018 Our schools inspections regime isn’t fit for purpose – Angela Rayner Angela Rayner, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s warnings about Ofsted, said: “This stark report is the latest evidence that the Tories are badly failing the entire education system, with even Ofsted hit by swingeing cuts. Our schools inspections regime clearly isn’t fit for purpose. “This is a cross-party warning that the Government is focused on cost, not value, and it is a damning indictment of the Tories’ priorities. Instead of cutting school budgets, the Government should match Labour’s investment and give our education system the funding it needs. More>> Wednesday 05 September 3018 IPPR commission has produced Beveridge report for today John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on the IPPR commission’s call for an overhaul and rebalancing of the UK economy, said: “This is today’s equivalent of the historic Beveridge report. The IPPR have provided a clear analysis of the underlying long-term weaknesses of our economy, setting out a series of creative policy initiatives. Just as Beveridge did for welfare, this report could transform our approach to economic policy making.” Download the report here. Tuesday 04 September 2018 Jonathan Reynolds responds to news that Paul Pester is stepping down as chief executive of TSB Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Treasury Minister, responding to news that Paul Pester is stepping down as chief executive of TSB, amid disruption caused for millions of customers by the bank’s disastrous IT upgrade earlier this year, said: “TSB customers have suffered inexcusable levels of disruption and received service which has fallen far short of accepted standards. It is right that the most senior person at the bank has been held accountable for this. “A decade on from the financial crisis, senior individuals taking responsibility in this way will be an essential building block of restoring public trust in our banking sector.” Monday 03 September 2018 Labour reveals Tory Rail Mayhem: Corbyn pledges to deliver Crossrail for the North as millions of passengers face overcrowding, delays and cancellations Labour reveals Tory Rail Mayhem: Corbyn pledges to deliver Crossrail for the North as millions of passengers face overcrowding, delays and cancellations. On Monday 3rd September Jeremy Corbyn will travel the proposed route of Crossrail for the North, talking to passengers about their experiences on Britain’s creaking rail services and Labour’s plans for public ownership of rail and boosting infrastructure investment in the North. Labour has committed at least £10 billion to Crossrail for the North. More>> Sunday 02 September 2018 Help to Buy should be overhauled and tightly targeted on first-time buyers with ordinary incomes – Healey  John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, responding to reports that the Government is concerned about the impact of Help to Buy on house prices, said: “There are long-run flaws in the Help to Buy scheme which Ministers have failed to fix. One in five helped by Help to Buy aren’t even first-time buyers. “As it stands, the scheme is poorly targeted and poor value for taxpayers’ money. Help to Buy should be overhauled and tightly targeted on first-time buyers with ordinary incomes, as Labour has long-argued.” Friday 31 August 2018 May must bring Trump into line  Barry Gardiner, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, commenting on President Trump’s threats to pull the USA out of the WTO, said: “Donald Trump’s threat to pull the US out of the WTO is a threat to the entire rules-based trading system. The world is already on the brink of a full-scale trade war, and this is the just the sort of action to tip it over the edge. “Theresa May must use her much-vaunted special relationship with the US President to bring him back into line. Britain’s workers and businesses need a government that stands up for them and which fights for the rules that protect them from unfair competition.” Thursday 30 August 2018 The Government is following Labour’s lead on energy drinks ban but pushing back decision with yet another consultation – Hodgson  Sharon Hodgson MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Public Health, commenting on the Government’s proposals to consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children, said: “It is good to see the Prime Minister following Labour’s lead with proposals for a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children, but yet again a decision has been pushed back with plans for yet another consultation. More>> Wednesday 29 August 2018 These alarming figures show the depth of the children’s mental health crisis in this country – Barbara Keeley Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Social Care, commenting on the new report by the Children’s Society on children’s wellbeing in the UK, said: “These alarming figures show the depth of the children’s mental health crisis in this country as a result of this Government’s failure to invest properly in children and young people’s mental health services. More>> Tuesday 28 August 2018 Almost half of maternity units close doors to new mothers  New research published today by the Labour Party has revealed that nearly half of England’s maternity units closed to new mothers at some point in 2017, up on the previous year. The most commonly reported reason for closures was capacity and staffing issues. The Royal College of Midwives’ latest estimate is that the NHS in England has a shortage of 3,500 midwives. More>> Sunday 26 August 2018 Diane Abbott responds to reports that frontline police numbers have been cut by a third  Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to reports that frontline police numbers have been cut by a third, said: “We cannot have security on the cheap and Tory cuts are making our communities less safe. Cutting over 7,000 neighbourhood police officers means that vital intelligence is missed and relations between the police and the communities they serve become more removed. More>> Saturday 25 August 2018 Sharon Hodgson responds to use of early medical abortion pills Sharon Hodgson MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Public Health, responding to the Government’s intention to approve the home use of early medical abortion pills, said: “Making this change to the regulations governing abortion in England is the right thing to do. The World Health Organisation says the home use of misoprostol is safe and, given a choice, many women who have opted for early medical abortion would prefer to complete this process at home rather than remain in a clinical setting. More>> Friday 24 August 2018 Andy McDonald responding to the planned Northern Rail strikes  Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the planned Northern Rail strikes, said: “Northern Rail passengers have endured months of disruption and face yet another above-inflation fares hike in January. The government and Northern Rail should be focused on delivering reliable services and keeping fares down. Instead, they are pushing ahead with staffing changes that will reduce accessibility for disabled passengers and increase safety risks. “Labour would freeze fares on Northern Rail next year, funded by a tax on the profits of failing train companies, halt the expansion of cuts to staff on trains and bring the railway into public ownership.” Thursday 23 August 2018 “No deal would represent complete failure of Government’s negotiating strategy” – Starmer Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, responding to Dominic Raab’s speech, said: “Dominic Raab’s speech exposes the reality that this Government is simply not prepared for a no deal scenario. “The speech was thin on detail, thin on substance and provided no answers to how ministers intend to mitigate the serious consequences of leaving the EU without an agreement. More>> Wednesday 22 August 2018 Resolution Foundation report shows the disastrous impact of nearly a decade of austerity on earnings – McDonnell John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to a new report by the Resolution Foundation which has shown that earnings are still £13 a week down on a decade ago, said: “These figures show the disastrous impact of nearly a decade of austerity on earnings, with workers in the UK losing out under Tory rule. “The findings are a stark example of how brutal Tory pay restraint and austerity has led to a crisis in living standards for families. “Labour will be a government for the many, not the few. We will reverse the disastrous Tory austerity agenda and give workers a decent pay increase, while ensuring the richest pay their fair share of tax to fund the public services we all need.” Tuesday 21 August 2018 Labour analysis finds “shameful” inequality in England’s education system Labour analysis finds “shameful” inequality in England’s education system Ahead of GCSE results day on Thursday, Labour analysis of Ofsted data has found that students at schools in the poorest areas in England are nine times more likely to be in a school rated as inadequate, compared to those in the wealthiest areas. They are also half as likely to be in an outstanding school. The analysis found sharp inequalities between students at schools in the most and least deprived areas in England at national and regional levels. More>> Monday 20 August 2018 John McDonnell has condemned a “sickening” celebration by Lehman bankers who are reuniting for a secret 10-year party in London The Shadow Chancellor hit out after it was reported that hundreds of former bankers at Lehman Brothers are to gather for a controversial reunion in London to mark the 10-year anniversary of the collapse of the investment bank. The private gathering, which was organised via an email chain, is to take place around September 15 — the date of Lehman’s collapse 10 years ago, it is understood. Organisers have gone to great lengths to keep details of the event secret but the plan to share cocktails and canapes was heavily criticised by the Shadow Chancellor. More>> Sunday 19 August 2018 A social care ISA will do nothing to tackle the social care crisis – Barbara Keeley Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Social Care, commenting on reports about plans for a social care ISA, said: “The government appears to have learnt nothing from the debacle of its Lifetime ISA plans. This proposal may benefit a limited number of wealthy people but will do nothing to tackle the social care crisis we now face.” Friday 17 August 2018 Hundreds of millions of pounds cut from prison budgets created a deep crisis in our prisons – Richard Burgon  Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to new conferment project for challenging prisons, said: “The Conservatives’ decision to axe thousands of officers and cut hundreds of millions of pounds from prison budgets created a deep crisis in our prisons. “The Government should go much further than this project. It must set out an emergency plan across the prisons estate with substantial new funding to put an end to this crisis and makes our prisons safe and humane for staff and inmates.” Thursday 16 August 2018 Government needs to bring back nursing bursaries before patient safety is compromised – Madders Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to the news that nursing student numbers in England have fallen by a further 4% in the past year, said: “Ever since the Government first proposed removing the nurse bursary we have warned it would have disastrous consequences for the future nursing workforce. More>> Wednesday 15 August 2018 John McDonnell responds to latest ONS inflation and prices index John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to the newly released ONS inflation and prices index, said: “The latest ONS figures show the disastrous impact of nearly a decade of austerity on the living standards of families. “The ONS findings are a stark example of how brutal Tory pay restraint and austerity has led to living costs outstripping earnings for families. “These findings coupled with CIPD data that total FTSE 100 Chief Executive pay has increased by 11% in the past year and at a time when rail passengers face a substantial fares increase, will give rise to widespread public anger about the fairness of our society.” Tuesday 14 August 2018 Rebecca Long Bailey responds to announcement that Homebase is set to close 42 stores Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Shadow Business Secretary, responding to the announcement that Homebase is set to close 42 stores, said: “Another household name is closing more stores with workers and their families fearing for what the future might hold. “Continued inaction from the Tories on the issues facing our high street retailers has allowed the crisis facing the sector to spiral out of control. More>> Monday 13 August 2018 Government admits rough sleeping announcement includes no additional money John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary, responding to Housing Secretary James Brokenshire’s admission that there is no additional money for the rough sleeping announcement made today, said: “The Government’s rough sleeping plan has unravelled just hours after it was announced. It’s now clear there is no additional money for the Housing Department to tackle the crisis of rough sleeping.More>> Friday 10 August 2018 John McDonnell responds to GDP figures John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on the latest GDP figures, said: “More than eight years of unnecessary ideologically-driven austerity has created an economy unable to cope with the instability brought about by the Tories’ mismanagement of the Brexit negotiations. The result is low growth and stagnant pay. More>> Thursday 09 August 2018 Boris Johnson’s flagrant breach of ministerial rules shows the utter contempt he has for democracy and ridding politics of vested interests – Trickett  Jon Trickett MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, responding to the news that Boris Johnson broke ministerial rules when he took on his Daily Telegraph column after quitting as foreign secretary, said: “Boris Johnson’s flagrant breach of the rules shows the utter contempt he has for democracy and ridding politics of vested interests, and raises serious questions about why he was so desperate to start writing for the Telegraph again. More>> Wednesday 08 August 2018 The energy companies have gone way too far in ripping off their customers – Rebecca Long Bailey responds to British Gas energy price hike Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, responding to the second energy price hike by British Gas this year, said: “The energy companies have gone way too far in ripping off their customers. “If it wasn’t for the Government’s delay implementing their promised energy price cap, customers would have been protected from this rise. Now, the cap will not be coming into force until later this year and energy companies are hiking their tariffs before it does. “The next Labour government will tackle our broken energy market and bring parts of the energy system back into public ownership, so it works in the interests of the people and not rich shareholders.” Tuesday 07 August 2018 John McDonnell calls for launch of a new broad-based nationwide movement to resist racism and the growth of the far right McDonnell said anti-racists should seek to emulate the work of the Anti-Nazi League, which was launched in the 1970s with high profile backing from trade unions and leading musicians from that era such as the iconic band The Clash. McDonnell spoke out against the backdrop of demonstrations in support of far right activist Tommy Robinson, last week’s attack on Socialist bookshop Bookmarks and Islamophobic remarks from former Tory foreign secretary Boris Johnson. More>> Monday 06 August 2018 This Government’s privatisation agenda is a huge threat to patient care – Justin Madders Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to reports that Virgin has been awarded almost £2bn worth of NHS contracts over the past five years, said: “The Tories’ expansion of the internal market has led to one-third of contracts being awarded to private providers since the Health and Social Care Act. Some of these contracts are vast and their failures have wasted millions of pounds of public money. More>> Sunday 05 August 2018 NHS workforce in crisis under Tories as apprenticeship targets missed Department for Education statistics have revealed that the total number of people starting apprenticeships in the NHS fell by more than a third (36%) between 2015/16 and 2017/18. Buried in the figures were the embarrassing admissions that in the six months to January 2018 just 20 apprentices started the government’s flagship Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, while there were just 10 nursing associate starts in the same period. More>> Saturday 04 August 2018 Government has been too slow to prevent domestic abusers being granted visas through marriage – Abbott Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on Sajid Javid’s announcement regarding forced marriages, said: “The Government has been too slow to act on preventing domestic abusers being granted visas through marriage. It also has no idea of the scale of the problem. “Government immigration policy means that people in the system are routinely disregarded. But not listening to vulnerable women can have terrible consequences and lead to a life of abuse. “Immigration applicants must be heard, and the Government must act decisively on this issue.” Friday 03 August 2018 Margaret Greenwood comments on latest Trussell Trust report Margaret Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Trussell Trust report on increased foodbank need during the summer holidays, said: “It is a scandal that this summer, thousands of families are having to rely on foodbanks to stave off hunger. “Child poverty in the UK shows no sign of slow down; over four million children are growing up in poverty and that number is set to rise sharply over this Parliament as a direct result of government policies. More>> Thursday 02 August 2018 Interest rate rises will push more families into higher levels of debt – John McDonnell John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to reports that the Bank of England is poised to raise interest rates, said : “With wages still below 2010 levels and the gap between people’s income and outgoings at record levels, the concern must be that a pattern of interest rate rises will push more families into higher levels of debt. “The Government needs to end its counterproductive austerity programme and raise people’s incomes.” Wednesday 01 August 2018 Delays in payments of Universal Credit are sending victims back to abusive partners – Margaret Greenwood Margaret Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to the Work and Pensions Select Committee report on single household Universal Credit payments putting claimants at risk of domestic abuse, said: “Universal Credit single household payments make it easier for perpetrators of domestic abuse to control and exploit their victims, leaving vulnerable people – often women and children – wholly reliant on an abusive partner for money to fulfil even their most basic needs. More>> Tuesday 31 July 2018 Labour announce bold vision for Statutory Youth Services   Today, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Cat Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement and Youth Affairs announce Labour’s plans for a Statutory Youth Service alongside a new consultation. Labour is committed to creating a quality youth service for all young people that is protected by new legislation. To deliver on this ambition, the next Labour government would mandate a national body with dedicated ring-fenced funding to oversee youth service provision across England. This national body would work with local youth partnerships in every local area to support service delivery across the country. More>> Monday 30 July 2018 Labour Build it in Britain campaign – disastrous exporting of rail manufacturing to end under Labour Visiting Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education as part of Labour’s Build It In Britain campaign for reviving the UK’s rich industrial heritage, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary will reveal that:
Sunday 29 July 2018 The Government needs to wake up to the new challenges we face and finally update our electoral laws – Tom Watson Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee report on digital campaigning, said: “The integrity of our democracy is vital and must be defended. “Labour called for increased powers for Electoral Commission during the passage of the Data Protection bill on digital imprints, the disclosure of funding sources and settings for targeted adverts and increasing the commissions’ investigatory powers. “These calls were rejected by the Conservatives. More>> Friday 27 July 2018 Richard Burgon responds to Government’s announcement on probation Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the Government’s announcement on probation, said: “This announcement is further evidence that the Conservatives’ decision to outsource whole swathes of probation to the private sector has created an unprecedented crisis in the system. This ideological experiment has been a costly failure, just as Labour warned it would be. More>> Thursday 26 July 2018 Brutal Tory pay restraint and austerity has led to living costs outstripping earnings for families – John McDonnell John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on ONS findings showing that UK households’ outgoings have surpassed their income for the first time since 1988, with the average household experiencing a £900 shortfall in 2017, said: “In the same week that the Tory government delivered a slap in the face to workers over public sector pay, the ONS findings show the disastrous impact of eight years of austerity on the living standards of families. More>> Wednesday 25 July 2018 Emma Lewell-Buck responds to Education Committee report saying that excluded pupils are being failed by the education system  Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Families, commenting on the Education Committee report saying that excluded pupils are being failed by the education system, said: “This report is a stark reminder of the thousands of forgotten children across this country who are not getting the help they need in our school system and are being let down by this Conservative Government. More>> Tuesday 24 July 2018 Peter Dowd comments on reported public sector pay deal  Peter Dowd MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, commenting on the reported public sector pay deal, said: “Ministers must end the cruel pay cap once and for all. “Public sector workers have faced nearly a decade of austerity pay cuts and an onslaught on their living standards. “The Government’s offer fails to compensate workers for the huge losses in income they have faced under the Tories’ brutal pay restraint policy.More>> Monday 23 July 2018 Friday 20 July 2018 Senior Tories have undermined public trust in politics and must resign – Tom Watson Tory chair Brandon Lewis and Chief Whip Julian Smith should have the “honour” to resign over the pairing scandal or be sacked, Labour says. Tom Watson MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, responding to the Prime Minister’s refusal to accept the scandal undermined public trust and repeat of the claim it was an “honest mistake” at her Belfast press conference, said: “It is unbelievable that the Prime Minister has repeated the desperate and blatantly untrue excuses made by her Party Chair and Chief Whip. More>> Thursday 19 July 2018 1.07: PM Julian Smith and Brandon Lewis must now resign or be sacked – Ian Lavery Ian Lavery MP, Chair of the Labour Party, responding to the revelations from a Tory MP that the Tory whips did order their MPs to break pairing deals, said: “The Tories’ story is changing by the minute as they desperately scramble to cover up their appalling actions. This Government is rotten to its core. Julian Smith and Brandon Lewis must now resign or be sacked, and Theresa May must apologise for misleading the House.” Thursday 19 July 2018 7.35: AM Dawn Butler comments on Conservatives breaking pairing arrangement Dawn Butler MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, responding to reports that the Tory Chief whip, Julian Smith, told MPs to defy pairing deals, said: “If these reports are correct, the Tory whips, Brandon Lewis and even the Prime Minister have been telling untruths about their shocking move against an MP on maternity leave. “Breaking a pairing arrangement was a desperate move by a collapsing government and makes politics even more inaccessible for women. “We need a full, honest explanation of what’s gone on. If they can’t do so, surely the Chief Whip and Conservative Party Chair should resign.” Wednesday 18 July 2018 Barry Gardiner response to the defeat of New Clause 18 Barry Gardiner MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, responding to the defeat of New Clause 18, said: “The Government’s handling of Brexit over the past week has been an utter shambles. We have a Prime Minister who is in office, but not in power. “Each day that Ministers waste arguing amongst themselves increases the risk of the UK crashing out of Europe without an agreement. “Labour is clear that a new comprehensive customs union with the EU after Brexit is the best way to protect jobs, the economy and to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland. Theresa May should finally accept that and get on with the job of negotiating for Britain.” |
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