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  • Lucy Powell – 2022 Speech on Cutting the Cost of Broadband

    Lucy Powell – 2022 Speech on Cutting the Cost of Broadband

    The speech made by Lucy Powell, the Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 13 October 2022.

    As family bills rocket as a result of the economic crisis made in Downing Street Labour is today calling on the government and Ofcom to stop a broadband bombshell hitting families and firms with a three-point plan to reign in expected broadband price increases and ease the cost of living crisis.

    Ofcom reports that nearly a third of households (8 million households) are having problems paying for their broadband, phone and streaming bills, double the number last year, and the highest since their records began. In a recent Lloyds Bank survey, 26 per cent of adults not using the internet in the past three months gave “it’s too expensive” as a reason. At the same time, 97 percent of eligible low-income families are currently missing out on a social tariff. Meanwhile, it has been reported that broadband firms are in line for a £1.7 billion windfall as a result of above inflation price rises.

    Labour is calling for:

    1) A reversal of changes the government made in 2019 which allowed regulated wholesale prices to rise with CPI rather than costs, so that telecoms wholesalers and internet service providers don’t get a windfall from sky high inflation whilst families and firms struggle to pay their bills.

    2) Ofcom to investigate and take action to strengthen consumer protections including taking action on mid contract price rises, early termination costs for social tariff customers, and loyalty penalties where long term customers pay more than new customers.

    3) An industry wide social tariff for low-income families. Industry including wholesalers like Openreach, must work with Ofcom and consumer groups to develop a mandatory well-advertised broadband social tariff for low-income families, or the Party will set and legislate for one in government.

    Broadband is the newest utility, an essential for everyday life, not a luxury. Yet the Conservative cost of living crisis means that many families are finding internet access increasingly unaffordable, or impossible. Without access to the online world, children can’t do homework, parents can’t access the labour market, social security, or the best rates for services or goods, and grandparents can’t stay in touch face to face with family over distances.

    Broadband wholesale price increases used to be capped at costs with prices stable over many years. However, in 2019, the government changed regulation so the price of existing Openreach networks could increase in line with CPI inflation instead. Wholesale prices for 2023 will be set this October with inflation estimated to reach a peak of 13 percent. As a result it has been reported that broadband bills could increase by a quarter.

    Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said:

    “Internet access is a necessity not a luxury, yet the economic crisis made in Downing Street is making it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet and stay connected.

    “Our three-point plan will ease the broadband bombshell facing families and firms, at a time when they are already facing eye watering energy bills, and mortgage and rent increases. Whilst the Conservatives crash our economy, Labour will ensure accessing and connecting to digital infrastructure powers growth across our economy to ensure people and places aren’t left behind.”

    In her Labour Conference speech Shadow Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lucy Powell pledged a new settlement for the digital age, building on our digital infrastructure to make Britain one of the most connected nations in the world for gigabit broadband, and industrial 5G.

  • Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    Caoimhe Archibald – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    The comments made by Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Fein’s Economic Spokesperson, on 14 October 2022.

    The Tories are now on their fourth Chancellor in four months as the fall-out of the reckless ‘mini-budget’ has resulted in Kwasi Kwarteng getting the sack.

    For the past three weeks since the announcement of the ‘mini-budget’ there has been utter chaos which will punish ordinary workers, families and businesses by pushing up mortgages and hiking business borrowing costs.

    It has been clear for some time that Liz Truss and the Tory government needs to scrap this plan, end their shameless policy of lining the pockets of the rich and halt the attack on our public services.

    Instead, they should support workers, families and small businesses who are struggling and introduce a windfall tax to cut the eye-watering profits of the big energy corporations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘British government must work with EU in good faith’ – Declan Kearney [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘British government must work with EU in good faith’ – Declan Kearney [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 14 October 2022.

    Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the commitment of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade to resolve the issues surrounding the protocol.

    Speaking following a meeting with German MEP Bernard Lange and the influential Committee on International Trade, the South Antrim MLA said:

    “Today’s meeting is a clear signal from our European partners of their determination to resolve the issues around the protocol.

    “This determination from the European Parliament must be matched with a similar resolve from the British government to reach agreement on any outstanding issues.

    “It is crucial now that the British government engages in good faith, constructive negotiations with the European Union and that they abandon the reckless approach of the past.

    “In our discussions this morning, I told the committee that the protocol protects people and businesses here across the north from the damage caused by Brexit and that the protocol continues to help in the creation of jobs and attracting investment.

    “In the current economic climate and with the worrying forecasts about what may be coming down the line, the Protocol must be built upon and protected rather than undermined. I emphasised that there is no credible alternative to the Protocol and that it must be allowed to work properly.

    “At a time when we are enduring an unprecedented cost of living crisis, our businesses, farmers and families cannot afford to lose access to both the British and European markets with access to more than 500 million people.”

  • Keir Starmer – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    Keir Starmer – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 14 October 2022.

    Changing the Chancellor doesn’t undo the damage made in Downing Street.

    Liz Truss’ reckless approach has crashed the economy, causing mortgages to skyrocket, and has undermined Britain’s standing on the world stage.

    We need a change in government.

    With my leadership, Labour will secure Britain’s economy and get us out of this mess.

  • Alastair Campbell – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    Alastair Campbell – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    The comments made by Alastair Campbell on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

    I know we are talking small sums compared to the many billions spaffed on extra borrowing costs, not to mention the Covid billions wasted and lost to incompetence and corruption. But another consequence of the constant ministerial merry go round under Johnson and Truss is the continuing cost to the public purse after these useless charlatans lose their jobs. Johnson gets a huge PM allowance for life. They get pay-offs/pensions that rise because they have been “ministers.” The system has to be changed. Incompetence cannot keep being rewarded

  • Nadhim Zahawi – 2022 Comments on Jeremy Hunt Becoming Chancellor

    Nadhim Zahawi – 2022 Comments on Jeremy Hunt Becoming Chancellor

    The comments made by Nadhim Zahawi, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 14 October 2022.

    Congratulations to my friend Jeremy Hunt on becoming Chancellor. He is a successful businessman, a diligent and committed public servant and a good man. I’m looking forward to working with him, delivering on this Government’s promise to make a real difference to peoples lives.

  • Caroline Lucas – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    Caroline Lucas – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    The comments made by Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

    Throwing out one bad apple in Kwarteng doesn’t undo damage that an entirely rotten tree of a Liz Truss Govt has done to economy, international relations, natural environment & so much more, after barely 40 days in office.

    We didn’t vote for this – we need a #GeneralElectionNow.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cabinet and Ministerial Reshuffle Statement [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cabinet and Ministerial Reshuffle Statement [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Downing Street on 14 October 2022.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

    • Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP as Chancellor of the Exchequer
    • Rt Hon Edward Argar MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury
    • Rt Hon Chris Philp MP as Paymaster General, and Minister for the Cabinet Office
  • PRESS RELEASE : International Day of the Girl – Joint statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Day of the Girl – Joint statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2022.

    Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear from Canada marks International Day of the Girl, and urges that human rights of all girls must be respected.

    Mr Chair,

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and my own country, Canada.

    On October 11th, the global community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl. In 2012, Canada tabled UNGA resolution 66/170 whereby states agreed to dedicate this day to celebrating the voices and power of girls, championing their rights worldwide, and reflecting on the challenges they continue to face because of their gender.

    Over the past ten years, we have seen a growing recognition that the empowerment of and investment in girls is integral to achieving each of the Sustainable Development Goals. We have acknowledged repeatedly that the meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect them is essential to breaking cycles of discrimination and violence. OSCE participating States have consistently underlined that gender equality and ending violence against women and girls is vital to fulfilling OSCE commitments. Through the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, we have accepted that it is impossible to achieve lasting peace if you exclude half of society from the process.

    Over the past ten years, we have witnessed girls acting as agents of change in their communities and far beyond. They are leading the way as students, entrepreneurs, volunteers and activists, and proving that you are never too young to shape the future and improve the lives of others.

    Yet, girls remain at risk and their voices are too often ignored.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing gender inequalities. It has put girls at higher risk of early marriage due to a combination of economic shocks, school closures and interruptions in reproductive health services. Up to 10 million girls worldwide are at risk of child marriage.

    Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is having a devastating impact on the safety and security of women and girls. The aggression against Ukraine must end.

    Mr Chair, we know that violence against women and girls further escalates in both scale and severity in situations of conflict and crisis. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, ODIHR and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism have documented egregious cases of sexual and gender based violence perpetrated against women and girls by Russian troops. Women and girls make up the majority of the almost 14 million IDPs and refugees who have been driven from their homes by Russian aggression. Women and girls are the most at risk for human trafficking. All of these risks are exacerbated where there are intersectional vulnerabilities such as for persons with disabilities; LGBTQI people; and members of racial and ethnic minorities.

    Outside the OSCE region, in Iran, we have witnessed the reprehensible detention and death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, as a direct result of the systemic repression of women and girls in Iran. In the ensuing weeks, we have witnessed the courage of young Iranian women and girls – and the men and boys who have joined them as allies – as they have peacefully protested and fought for their human rights and for their rightful role in Iranian society and government. We stand in solidarity with Iranian women and girls.

    Mr Chair, we know what needs to be done. The human rights of all girls must be respected. They must be heard and given a meaningful voice in decision-making.

    We must ensure that girls are not attacked, violated, abused or silenced. Our future depends upon it.

    Thank you very much Mr Chair.

     

  • Jeremy Corbyn – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    Jeremy Corbyn – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

    The comments made by Jeremy Corbyn, the Independent MP for Islington North, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

    As Liz Truss sacks Kwasi Kwarteng for implementing her own economic policies, millions of people are still waiting for a plan to tackle the cost-of-living emergency.

    It doesn’t matter how many Chancellors they get through, this Tory government is rotten to its very core.