Labour

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the launch of the Government’s new drugs strategy, said:

“Rising drug-related fatalities, drug crime and a cocktail of new drugs means that a new effective strategy is overdue. But this isn’t it.

“Commitments to treat addiction and tackle the social ills that accompany it are meaningless from a Government which has cut drug treatment services and centres. There is no new money now.

“At the same time, this Tory Government expects law enforcement agencies to deal with multiple new drugs and sources of supply, but has spent seven years slashing funding to the police and border force with further cuts in the pipeline.

“Warm words won’t tackle the drugs crisis. Resources are needed, and mustn’t be diverted from other hard-pressed budgets. Labour in government will tackle the drugs crisis and review the priorities to ensure they are appropriate.”

“This testimony was from a survivor was moving and very brave.

“She was very clear. The Government’s offer of a 12-month immigration reprieve is completely inadequate. Despite all they have gone through, it could still result in deportation.

“Labour is very clear. We continue to argue for a full immigration amnesty for survivors and indefinite leave to remain, which is in the gift of the Home Secretary. Otherwise survivors and their families may never come forward to get the support they need.

“The Government has already failed Grenfell residents in so many ways. It should do the decent thing and remove the threat of deportation hanging over a small number of deeply traumatised people.”

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, commenting on the Government’s U-turn on their Making Tax Digital policy, said:

“Today’s Government U-turn is a victory for small businesses across the country. As recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Labour Party has consistently called on the Government to rethink their Making Tax Digital policy; the Labour Manifesto committed to scrapping quarterly reporting for companies under the VAT threshold.

“Despite this U-turn the Government is still not doing enough to unleash the potential of SMEs. The promised transitional business rates relief has still not materialised and they are failing to take meaningful action on the scourge of late payments.

“Only Labour has a clear plan to support the UK’s small businesses including improved access to finance for SMEs, radically reforming business rates and declaring war on late payments.’’

Emily Thornberry MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, following news of the death of Liu Xiaobo, said:

“In Liu Xiaobo the world has lost a fearless champion of human rights and democracy, whose non-violent campaigning was an inspiration to many millions in China around the world.

“It is tragic and deeply regrettable that he spent so many of his final years in prison, and that as his health deteriorated he was unable to seek medical treatment overseas or to share his final hours with those closest to him.

“He will be sorely missed, and his courage, compassion and unyielding belief in universal rights will live on.”

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, following today’s meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels, said:

“I’m pleased to have had a friendly and constructive meeting with Michel Barnier today.

“Keir Starmer, Diane Abbott and I had a frank and informative conversation with the EU’s chief negotiator and exchanged views about how we see the Brexit process working.

“Labour has extended the hand of partnership for a new relationship with Europe and we outlined how our goal of a jobs-first Brexit deal would protect our mutual trading interests.

“We set out Labour’s Brexit priorities in contrast to the race-to-the-bottom tax haven threatened by the Conservatives.

“The General Election result has clearly changed the context for the Brexit talks and means the Government will have to listen to Parliament and will not be able to have it all its own way.

“Labour respects the EU referendum result, and we will be taking every opportunity to try and achieve a Brexit which puts jobs, living standards and environmental protection at its heart.”