Labour

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, speaking after Treasury Questions today, said:

“Today I called on the Chancellor to agree to vote with Labour in the House of Commons in opposing a ‘No Deal’ Brexit if one was to occur. He refused to answer the question.

“I further asked him to at least agree to set out the principles of any transition period after we leave the EU by the end of the year, as business leaders are calling for this right now in order to safeguard jobs and investment. He again refused to answer.

“It is clear he is refusing to answer these very basic questions because he is too weak to stand up to the reckless Brexiteers in the Cabinet. But he needs to stop worrying about his own job and instead focus on the millions of people whose jobs are reliant on a deal and a transitional agreement with the EU.

“If this weak government cannot do this due to infighting in the Conservative Party then they need to step aside and let Labour take charge of safeguarding jobs in our country.”

Bill Esterson MP, Labour’s Shadow Business and International Trade Minister, responding to the publishing of the Financial Conduct Authority Interim Report into the treatment of small businesses at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Interim Report is welcome news, but it is now essential the Government orders a judge-led inquiry into the treatment of small businesses by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
 
“The news of a police investigation last week is also an important step in ensuring the truth is discovered as part of a full and transparent process. Trust between small businesses and our financial institutions needs to be restored because their relationship is key to the success of the UK economy.

“The next Labour Government will stand up for small businesses by providing them with access to finance through Regional Investment Banks so we can build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, responding to new figures showing slowing growth in the construction industry, said:

“These figures show a worrying slowdown in workload growth for housebuilders, particularly for social housing.

“Instead of setting more targets they don’t meet, Ministers should back Labour’s long-term plan for housing by investing to build the homes the country needs.”

Jack Dromey MP, Shadow Minister for Labour, commenting on the Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19 to limit unpaid internships to four weeks, said:

“Unpaid internships disadvantage people from poorer families. It’s simply not fair for some to get a leg up in their careers when others cannot afford the opportunity. Labour will ban unpaid internships to ensure no one is prevented from gaining professional experience because of their background.“

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, commenting on a survey by Santander and the Engineering Employers Federation, said:

“This is yet further evidence that the Government’s chaotic handling of the Brexit negotiations is holding our economy back. 

“With the Tory Cabinet too busy negotiating amongst themselves to make real progress in the Brexit talks, it’s no wonder businesses are reluctant to invest. 

“The next Labour government will introduce a bold industrial strategy, work with our European neighbours to provide certainty for businesses and negotiate a jobs-first Brexit that protects jobs, rights and living standards.”