Category: Speeches

  • Lisa Nandy – 2021 Comments Ahead of G7 Meeting

    Lisa Nandy – 2021 Comments Ahead of G7 Meeting

    The comments made by Lisa Nandy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, on 23 August 2021.

    This virtual G7 meeting is a make or break test of the Prime Minister’s ability to bring together international partners, rise to the occasion and show leadership.

    The UK must step up and demand three crucial outcomes. First, that as many people as possible have safe passage out of Afghanistan by prioritising efforts to extend the air bridge out of Kabul beyond 31st August. Second, global agreement to deal with the unfolding refugee crisis by working with neighbouring countries to keep land borders open. And third, a strategy for supporting those who will be left behind.

    The G7 must agree a joint strategy to safeguard our collective security and guarantee Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorist organisations that pose a threat to the UK.

    The Prime Minister has had eighteen months to plan for this – the world’s eyes are on tomorrow’s meeting to make the next seven days count.

  • Sajid Javid – 2021 Comments on CO2 Monitoring in Schools

    Sajid Javid – 2021 Comments on CO2 Monitoring in Schools

    The comments made by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 23 August 2021.

    We are all enjoying the return to a more normal way of life and getting our children back into school is a really important part of that process. We want to ensure schools are both safe and comfortable for students and staff – and have been clear that good ventilation is crucial.

    As well as offering vaccines to 16 and 17 year olds and regular testing, we continue to work with the Department for Education to manage COVID-19 in schools and colleges. This includes the pilot we are running to test different air cleaning methods in school settings.

  • Gavin Williamson – 2021 Comments on CO2 Monitoring in Schools

    Gavin Williamson – 2021 Comments on CO2 Monitoring in Schools

    The comments made by Gavin Williamson, the Secretary of State for Education, on 21 August 2021.

    Providing all schools with CO2 monitors will help them make sure they have the right balance of measures in place, minimising any potential disruption to education and allowing them to focus on world class lessons and catch up for the children who need it.

    By keeping up simple measures such as ventilation and testing, young people can now enjoy more freedom at school and college.

  • Sajid Javid – 2021 Comments on National Antibody Testing

    Sajid Javid – 2021 Comments on National Antibody Testing

    The comments made by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 22 August 2021.

    Our new national antibody testing will be quick and easy to take part in, and by doing so you’ll be helping strengthen our understanding of COVID-19 as we cautiously return to a more normal life.

    I’m proud to see all parts of the UK uniting around this new initiative and working together to arm ourselves with even more valuable insights into how COVID-19 vaccines are protecting people up and down the UK.

    Our phenomenal vaccination programme continues to build a massive wall of defence across the country – already preventing around 24 million infections and more than 100,000 deaths in England alone. I urge everyone across the UK to get both vaccinations as soon as possible.

  • Bridget Phillipson – 2021 Comments on Inflation Figures

    Bridget Phillipson – 2021 Comments on Inflation Figures

    The comments made by Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, on 18 August 2021.

    People are already feeling the effects of inflation, whether it’s at the supermarket, petrol pump or paying for home improvements.

    The Government must do all it can do to keep materials and other supplies moving to prevent the shortages that can lead to higher costs.

    Whether the inflation is temporary or otherwise, families should not have to pay the price for the Government’s lack of plan for HGV drivers and the costly red tape following their deal with the European Union.

  • Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Rail Fare Increases

    Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Rail Fare Increases

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 18 August 2021.

    Rail travel has long been unaffordable for many people, thanks to the Conservatives prioritising the profits of private companies over passengers. This would be yet another eye-watering hike hot on the heels of the failure of the Government’s so-called money saving flexi ticket scheme.

  • Keir Starmer – 2021 Statement on Death of Austin Mitchell

    Keir Starmer – 2021 Statement on Death of Austin Mitchell

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 18 August 2021.

    Austin served his constituency of Great Grimsby with remarkable commitment for 38 years. There are few MPs whose dedication to their constituents would translate into changing their surname to ‘Haddock’ to promote local industry.

    His big sense of humour was matched by his deep Labour values. My thoughts are with his wife Linda and his children.

  • John Healey – 2021 Comments on Afghans in Danger

    John Healey – 2021 Comments on Afghans in Danger

    The comments made by John Healey, the Shadow Defence Secretary, on 21 August 2021.

    Ministers were utterly unprepared for the US troop withdrawal and Taliban take-over. Labour fears we could see a tragic repeat at Kabul airport, if the US insist on a strict deadline for withdrawal without Britain’s agreement to evacuate safely all the Afghans we’ve pledged to help.

    Ministers must show the strength of purpose and leadership that’s been missing in recent months. We know this is difficult and there’s no guarantee of success. Britain must pursue every option to save Afghans in danger and check Taliban actions.

  • Tulip Siddiq – 2021 Comments on Sutton Trust Research

    Tulip Siddiq – 2021 Comments on Sutton Trust Research

    The comments made by Tulip Siddiq, the Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years, on 19 August 2021.

    The Conservatives are holding children back, with policies that are widening the gap in learning between three and four year olds from the richest and poorest families.

    Access to early years education can determine a child’s life chances, yet the Government is locking the poorest children out of the system. Thousands of nurseries and childminders have closed under a decade of Conservative government.

    Labour’s Children’s Recovery Plan would help close this gap in learning by giving every child new opportunities to learn, play and develop with extra investment in early education. It’s time the Conservatives match this ambition for every child’s future.

  • David Lammy – 2021 Comments on 32% Fall in Prosecutions

    David Lammy – 2021 Comments on 32% Fall in Prosecutions

    The comments made by David Lammy, the Shadow Justice Secretary, on 19 August 2021.

    These figures once again show a government failing victims of crime.

    Victims of rape, domestic abuse and serious crime are being left to wait years for justice due to a decade of court closures and an ineffective response to the pandemic.

    Time and time again Labour called for the Government to implement measures which would allow our courts to continue to function. They failed to act and it’s victims who are suffering.