Labour

Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow of Secretary State for Justice, responding to the Court of Appeal ruling on the unlawfulness of certain cuts to legal aid for prisoners, said:

“This Tory Government has got it wrong on prisons yet again.

“Our prison service must be fit for purpose. That means a focus on rehabilitation and keeping us all safe. Having a proper system for legal advice for prisoners is an important part of the mix – only when prisons run efficiently can the public have confidence.

“The Tories promised a rehabilitation revolution, but have failed to reduce reoffending because prisons are violent, overcrowded and understaffed.

“That’s why Labour have tabled an amendment to the Prison and Courts Bill designed to improve the necessary legal advice available in prisons.

“This is part of a wider picture of access to justice denied under this Tory Government. Their legal aid cuts across the board and Employment Tribunal Fees have blocked access to justice for ordinary people the length and bread of the country.”

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to today’s IMF report on the downward trend in labour income shares, said:

“Today’s IMF report reveals the reality of seven years of Tory economic failure. 

“The share of national income going to workers in wages has fallen since 2010. This is yet more worrying news for working people who have suffered from stagnating wages and a decline in living standards, with nearly six million people being paid less than the living wage.

“That’s why today Labour is announcing that  we will introduce a real Living Wage of £10 per hour from 2020. Only Labour will ensure workers are able to share in rising prosperity and higher living standards.”

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Government’s reduction to the Universal Credit taper rate, which takes effect today, said:

“This is too little, too late for those working families who face Tory cuts to Universal Credit that will see some worse off by £2,600 a year.

“The Chancellor is stealing pounds with his left hand and paying back pence with his right. For some, including many self-employed workers, these changes will make up less than seven per cent of losses from cuts elsewhere.

“Labour is demanding the Government fully reverse cuts to in-work support that will penalise millions of working families.”

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, responding to reports that the Bank of England was involved in the Libor rigging, said:

“This is an extremely serious revelation that contradicts past assurances about the role of the Bank of England in the Libor scandal. 

“It goes to the very heart of whether our financial institutions can be trusted. Therefore, it warrants an immediate high level investigation, and the Chancellor must act straight away to ensure this happens.”