Labour

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the House of Lords’ report on the refugee crisis and ‘Operation Sophia’, said:

“The report paints a picture of failure in response to the refugee crisis, but over 30,000 lives have been saved by Operation Sophia, which is very welcome. The tactic of destroying vessels means that refugees are coming in record numbers, but they come in ever more unseaworthy dinghies. The risk of drowning at sea is increased.

“The report’s conclusions are correct. Future UK and EU action should focus on tackling people smuggling at source and in transit countries, and supporting sustainable economic development and good governance in these countries.

“The Government has also not implemented the Dubs amendment which would have secured 3,000 places here for unaccompanied refugee children. In this Parliament, Labour will be pressing for the government to meet its obligations in full.”

Sharon Hodgson, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Public Health, commenting on the news there is to be an inquiry into how thousands of people were infected with contaminated blood transfusions, said:

“The Government’s announcement of an inquiry into contaminated blood is long overdue. Labour will be working with campaigners to scrutinise the announcement and make sure this inquiry finally delivers justice for the families of the victims of this appalling tragedy.

“The inquiry should deliver full disclosure of documents relating to the disaster, through a process managed by the victims and should compel parties involved in the scandal to participate fully. It must investigate not just the events leading up to individuals’ infection, but the aftermath as well.

“There are a number of recent allegations about the conduct of public officials and the treatment of the victims which need to be fully and transparently addressed. The victims and their families have suffered for too long and the Government should provide every possible support to them in their quest for truth.”

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on the Taylor Report, said: 

“The Taylor Report was a huge missed opportunity to tackle the growing problem of insecure employment.

“In Labour’s manifesto ‘For The Many Not The Few’ we set out a 20 point plan to transform the workplace and protect and improve workers’ rights. By abolishing Employment Tribunal fees, scrapping zero hour contracts and giving rights to all workers from day one, we would halt and reverse the spread of exploitation in the Gig Economy.

“Theresa May says she wants parties to contribute ideas. But when we asked her Government to give its support to Labour’s Queen’s Speech amendment to give millions of public sector workers a much needed pay-rise, the Conservatives voted against it. 

“Only yesterday Theresa May delivered a slap in the face to hard working teachers by giving them another real term cut by maintaining the 1 per cent pay cap.

“The Prime Minister now heads a zombie government that has no ideas, no answers and no leadership. Her premiership has run out of steam and she will soon have to deal with her own insecure employment.

“Only a Labour Government can deliver for the many not the few.”

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Co-National Campaign Coordinator, commenting on remarks made by Anne Marie Morris, said:

“Anne Marie Morris’ comments are outrageous and totally unacceptable. While the Conservative Party has tabled a debate on Wednesday to apparently discuss and condemn abuse of candidates in the General Election, these comments prove their hypocrisy. 

“Theresa May once spoke about changing the Tories’ ‘Nasty Party’ tag. If she’s serious about that, she will admit it’s not enough for the Tories to ‘investigate’ and will apologise and act immediately. If that means withdrawing the whip, that’s what they should do.”

Ends

Tom Watson, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on UK Music’s Wish You Were Here 2017 report, said:

“We should all celebrate the huge contribution music makes to our economy. But we mustn’t take it for granted. Without the right Brexit deal it could be harder for overseas visitors to come and experience live music here in the UK, and harder for artists to tour.

“Our music industry wouldn’t be what it is today without the contribution of smaller music venues – the ones that are struggling the most, but are crucial for nurturing up-and-coming talent. We need to make sure they’re protected. Labour’s cultural capital fund would invest in upgrading existing music venues and creating new ones, to make sure that our live music industry remains a success story.”