Labour

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, responding to David Davis telling the Brexit select committee that Parliament might not get to vote on the final Brexit deal until after we leave the EU, said:

“David Davis and Theresa May’s comments only add to the confusion and chaos over the Government’s approach to the Brexit negotiations.

“Labour has been clear from the outset that Parliament must have the final say on the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union before March 2019.

“Ministers must urgently clarify their comments and accept Parliament will not be side-lined.”‎

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Government will no longer cap housing benefit for social housing tenants at the local housing allowance rate, said:

 “Once again, Labour is winning the arguments and making the running on government policy.

 “Ahead of our opposition day debate later today, the Government has given ground, but the devil will be in the detail – and the funding.

 “Labour will continue to press the Government to protect the long-term future and funding of supported housing.”

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on today’s GDP figures, said

“Today’s GDP figures further confirm the impact that seven wasted years of Tory economic policy has had on working households.

“Economic growth for the majority of 2017 has been below what was expected. In recent weeks leading independent forecasters have slashed growth for next year, and the latest economic data shows wages are still set to fall behind prices – squeezing living standards further.

“The UK is not growing as fast as many of our trading partners in the EU or the USA, and it is becoming increasingly clear that this government has to use next month’s Budget for a change of direction.

“The Chancellor cannot keep hiding from the facts, as his approach of carrying on as usual is seriously putting working people’s living standards at risk.

“Labour has consistently called for increased investment underpinned by our fiscal credibility rule, so that we can prepare our economy for any downturn from the Tories’ chaotic handling of Brexit.”

Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education, commenting on a letter from Government whip Chris Heaton-Harris MP to universities asking for the names of tutors lecturing on Brexit and copies of their course syllabi, said:  

“This is yet another shambles from a Conservative Government that doesn’t have a clue.

“It’s unacceptable for a Government Whip to compile what looks like a register of Brexit heretics in the first place, but the Conservatives’ chaotic response has made things worse. First Number 10 tried to distance themselves from him – remarkably claiming a Government Whip doesn’t speak for the Government – only for Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House, to defend his actions.

“This sorry episode reveals a Government in disarray and a Prime Minister incapable of getting a grip.”

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on the HMIC report on modern day slavery and human trafficking, said:

“This report is a damning indictment of this Tory government’s unwillingness to properly resource our police and border forces.

“Modern day slavery is complex and requires in-depth and sophisticated investigation. But with the pressure of devastating cuts to police numbers and budgets it comes as no surprise that investigations are prematurely closed and victims are not identified.

“The Tories have simply set our police forces up to fail, whilst the victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery are left to suffer.”