UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Speeches

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2020 Comments on the Provisional Police Grant

    Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2020 Comments on the Provisional Police Grant

    The comments made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 17 December 2020.

    The Prime Minister’s promise on police recruitment is unravelling. The Tories are putting the cost of extra officers onto local Council Tax payers and demanding £120m of ‘efficiency savings’, which will mean further cuts to already overstretched Police Forces.

    This settlement also expects the police force to recruit the same number of officers as last year, but for less money.

    You simply can’t trust the Conservatives to keep people safe.

  • Kate Green – 2020 Comments on Mass Testing in Schools

    Kate Green – 2020 Comments on Mass Testing in Schools

    The comments made by Kate Green, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, on 17 December 2020.

    The government had months to listen to Labour and to schools and get testing in place, but has dithered and delayed and is now announcing this essential policy right at the end of term.

    Schools and parents have been left with no time to prepare or put plans in place. After teachers and school leaders have been working so hard this term it is a kick in the teeth to expect this to be done over Christmas.

    The government must urgently engage with school leaders to put in place proper support for schools to deliver mass testing. It has had no plan to support schools and colleges through the pandemic, and that cannot continue.

  • Andy McDonald – 2020 Comments on Insecure Work

    Andy McDonald – 2020 Comments on Insecure Work

    The comments made by Andy McDonald, the Shadow Employment Rights Secretary, on 18 December 2020.

    Job insecurity and weak employment rights lead to the exploitation of workers, including key workers who have been on the frontline of the pandemic.

    Millions of workers have few rights and those they do have are often ignored because of a lack of enforcement.

    This has a devastating impact on those workers, public health, and the wider economy.

  • Conor McGinn – 2020 Comments on Sunburst Cyber Attack

    Conor McGinn – 2020 Comments on Sunburst Cyber Attack

    The comments made by Conor McGinn, the Shadow Security Minister, on 18 December 2020.

    This cyberattack on one of our closest allies is unprecedented in its scale and duration, and we need urgent clarity from the Government about whether there has been any direct or associated impact on Britain’s defence, security or economic interests.

    It’s vital that the UK is prepared to repel any such attacks here and take the appropriate measures to protect us and our allies from this hostile activity.

    With the National Security Adviser focused on negotiations with the EU, Ministers must reassure the British public that our national security and this grave situation is receiving the full attention it merits.

  • Jonathan Ashworth – 2020 Comments on the Need for the PM to Make Statement

    Jonathan Ashworth – 2020 Comments on the Need for the PM to Make Statement

    The comments made by Jonathan Ashworth, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 19 December 2020.

    It has been apparent for some days that the virus is again out of control in parts of the country. The Government’s tiered system has failed to stem its spread.

    This is an incredibly serious moment and people are worried. The Prime Minister has refused to take action to limit the virus’ spread over Christmas. All he has offered so far is confusion and indecision.

    He must now address the nation to explain what action he will be taking.

  • Marsha de Cordova – 2020 Comments on Scrapping Unconscious Bias Training

    Marsha de Cordova – 2020 Comments on Scrapping Unconscious Bias Training

    The comments made by Marsha de Cordova, the Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, on 15 December 2020.

    It is deeply worrying that the Government can decide to end a programme seeking to address racism and discrimination in its own workplaces without saying what it’s going to do to combat it instead.

    The Government should have a plan to tackle these inequalities which lead to poor pay, poor career progression, and a lack of diversity at senior levels. Inaction shouldn’t be an option.

  • Alan Whitehead – 2020 Comments on Energy Bills

    Alan Whitehead – 2020 Comments on Energy Bills

    The comments made by Alan Whitehead, the Shadow Energy Minister, on 16 December 2020.

    It’s deeply worrying to see so many households getting behind on their energy bills, as people across the country struggle with the worst recession of any major economy, job losses and lower incomes as a result of Covid-19.

    The UK has some of the worst insulated homes in Europe, meaning higher energy bills and one in ten households experiencing fuel poverty. The Government must make their Green Homes Scheme work better to help retrofit homes at the pace and scale needed.

    And Ministers must put in place the package of business support needed to save jobs and livelihoods during this crisis and beyond.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Government’s Rail Fare Increases

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Government’s Rail Fare Increases

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 16 December 2020.

    By allowing yet another fare hike, the government will make rail travel unaffordable for many and discourage people from getting back on to the network when restrictions ease.

    The government’s failure means Britain is facing the worst recession of any major economy. This will be yet another kick in the teeth for families struggling to get by.

  • Andy McDonald – 2020 Comments on High Pay Centre

    Andy McDonald – 2020 Comments on High Pay Centre

    The comments made by Andy McDonald, the Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights and Protections, on 16 December 2020.

    This report shows how imbalances of power in the workplace contribute to poverty pay and huge inequalities in the workplace.

    The research drives home the importance of worker representation, with trade unions the key to securing better wages and conditions. If the Government is serious about improving living standards and reducing inequalities, they must strengthen workers’ rights.

  • Angela Rayner – 2020 Comments on UNICEF Involvement in UK

    Angela Rayner – 2020 Comments on UNICEF Involvement in UK

    The comments made by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, on 16 December 2020.

    The fact that UNICEF is having to step in to feed our country’s hungry children is a disgrace and Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak should be ashamed.

    We are one of the richest countries in the world. Our children should not have to rely on humanitarian charities that are used to operating in war zones and in response to natural disasters.

    Charities and businesses across the country have done a brilliant job stepping in where the Government has failed, but it should have never come to this.