Labour Party News

Labour launches radical school reforms

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:45:32 Europe/London

Labour’s Schools Secretary Ed Balls, has announced radical new school reforms to build on the massive improvements in the last decade; create a world-class education system; and build a strong economy and work force for the future. The White Paper – ‘Your Child, Your Schools, Our Future’ – sets out Labour's plan to continue school improvement. The creation of a Pupil Guarantee will offer one-to-one tuition in English and Maths for children under 11 at risk of falling behind and a Year 7 “Progress Check” to offer extra support for 11-year-olds who start secondary school below expectations. The guarantee also provides for extra support for gifted and talented learners, specialist outside help for health and social problems, a say on how their school is doing and how it can be improved, a Personal Tutor at secondary school and five hours PE or sport a week. The new Parent Guarantee will help parents be involved in their child’s school, with school discipline agreements properly enforced. This will include clearer information about their child’s school performance; help and advice on choosing schools; and high quality advice about their career and subject choices. Parents will also be guaranteed access to a named personal tutor, online information about child’s attainment, progress and attendance, more influence on their school and access to additional support on childcare, activities and health services for their child. Strengthened Home-School Agreements will clearly set out schools rules and the responsibilities of pupils and their families. Heads will have a...

Labour launches Building Britain's Future

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:14:10 Europe/London

Labour's Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has launched 'Building Britain's Future', a plan setting out how the Labour Government will create a fairer, stronger and more prosperous country. The plan’s focus on jobs highlights the Labour Government’s belief that the country cannot afford to lose another generation to unemployment as the Conservatives allowed to happen in the past. By guaranteeing every young person who has been out of work for a year a job, training or work experience, Labour will ensure both that individuals and the country are well placed to seize the opportunities presented as we move out of recession. Building Britain’s Future sets out how Labour will put Britain’s economy back on track, continue to improve schools, hospitals, policing and our national infrastructure and clean up politics. Labour's Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: “In this plan for Building Britain’s Future we are determined to take forward the progressive reforms of the last decade. "Our task after three terms in office is not merely to defend Britain’s achievements over the last decade but to work even harder so as to meet new challenges with the same sense of conviction.” Read more about Building Britain's Future here >>>...

We will uphold the highest standards of integrity - Gordon Brown

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:29:07 Europe/London

Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, today pledged Labour candidates to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and prudence with public money. 100 of Labour's young candidates and activists joined Gordon Brown at Labour HQ to sign up to an eight point promise that they will put the public's interest first. Gordon Brown said: "The first thing we've got to do is to clean up politics once and for all. We've got to make sure that people see that their Members of Parliament and those who seek to represent them are acting in the public interest and not in their self interest. "We've got to make sure that people see that their politicians are in it not for what they can get, but for what they can give. That's why today we promise that we will uphold the highest standards of integrity, we promise that there will be transparency in everything we do, we promise that we will report to our constituents and do so as regularly as possible. Report not only to our own party but to all sections of the community in our constituencies so they can raise their concerns with us and we can be true and honoured servants of the people of this country. "I believe that our pledge to clean up politics, complemented by the new Parliamentary Standards authority that Harriet Harman is introducing, complemented by the new code of conduct for MPs and complemented by the review...

From Euro scepticism to Euro extremism

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:55:03 Europe/London

David Miliband MP, Labour's Foreign Secretary, commenting on the Tories' new European group, said: "With the current global economic and political circumstances, it is more vital than ever that Britain remains at the heart of Europe. The Conservatives under David Cameron's leadership have dragged themselves from Euro scepticism to Euro extremism. "By removing the Conservatives from other mainstream centre-right parties in Europe, David Cameron has isolated his party and potentially this country when we need influence to deliver on the issues that matter for Britain today."...

Labour help for struggling homeowners

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:50:21 Europe/London

Labour’s Housing Minister, John Healey, has announced extra help for families facing repossession of their home by doubling extra funding for free, on-the-spot legal advice in courts The announcement comes on the same day that the Council of Mortgage Lenders revised their 2009 repossessions forecast downwards by 10,000. Labour’s Housing Minister, John Healey, said: "It is real backstop help for those closest to the point of losing their home. In four out of five cases, the court desk advisers stop immediate repossession or eviction. Over the last year we've seen this work to help people keep their homes, so I'm doubling the extra money to support this service to £1.5million." "I think these figures show that help we're trying to give families at every step of the way is helping people avoid losing their home. "Our message is clear: people in difficulty should speak to their lender as we have strengthened protections for homeowners. Lenders can only repossess homes as a last resort. If a solution can't be found then seek free independent advice. "These additional funds come on top of a range of schemes Labour has put in place to support homeowners facing financial difficulty. We are taking action to support homeowners through the downturn, and have put in place a £1 billion package of support for homeowners and first time buyers, such as the Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme which provides extra protection for families who suffer a temporary fall in income."...

Tories put themselves at odds with business - McFadden

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:39:54 Europe/London

Pat McFadden MP, Labour's Business Minister, responding to this morning's comments from Caroline Spelman committing the Tories to scrapping the planning framework aimed at speeding up decisions on nuclear power, transport capacity and other infrastructure, said: "These comments put the Conservatives at odds both with business and the country's economic future. "Business will be perplexed today when they read of the Tories' commitment to immediately scrap the planning framework designed to speed up decisions on much needed infrastructure such as nuclear power, transport capacity, and other critical projects. "We need world class transport links and we need a planning system which gives the private sector the confidence it needs to invest in the country's infrastructure - such as new low carbon energy capacity and the thousands of new green jobs which will go with it."...

Tory Group may contain 'nuts' - Miliband

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:45:38 Europe/London

Today David Miliband MP, Labour’s Foreign Secretary, responding to criticism of David Cameron’s European policy said: “David Cameron’s Euro policy is in complete chaos. Leading figures from across Europe, in business and even his own Shadow Business Secretary are lining up to condemn the Tory’s ‘big mistake’ of retreating to the edges of Europe. “By leaping into the arms of some unsavoury European allies David Cameron is putting party before country. Sacrificing Britain’s influence in Europe and risking the rage of some of Europe’s most influential leaders is the last thing that Britain needs in difficult economic times. “The splits in David Cameron’s own party may be clear but his isolation from the European mainstream is even clearer. If David Cameron has got nothing to hide then why doesn’t he come clean and let us all know which parties the Conservatives will be joining forces with? "Despite what Ken Clarke says, the British public should be warned: the Tory European group may contain nuts."...

Labour's approach to climate change

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:39:55 Europe/London

The UK Climate Projections 2009, released today, will help us plan and prepare for change to our climate in the UK. By acting now, we can limit the severity of climate change in the future. Labour’s approach to tackling climate change centres on protecting the public from immediate risk, preparing for the future, leading international efforts to get a global deal in Copenhagen in December, creating a low carbon UK and supporting individuals, communities and businesses to play their part. Labour's Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: "There is no doubt about it – climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world today. Climate change is already happening – the hottest ten years on record globally have all been since 1990. This landmark scientific evidence shows not only that we need to tackle the causes of climate change but also that we must deal with the consequences. "The Projections will allow us to make sure we have a resilient infrastructure to cope – whether it’s the design of school buildings or protection of new power plants, maintaining the supply of drinking water, adjusting ways of farming for drier summers or understanding how our homes and businesses will have to adapt."...

Osborne needs to be honest on defence - Ainsworth

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:37:21 Europe/London

Bob Ainsworth MP, Labour's Defence Secretary, today challenged the Conservatives to come clean on their plans for defence spending, saying: "If George Osborne wants to be honest about defence spending then he should start by telling Liam Fox that he intends to slash the Armed Forces' budget to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy few. "No matter what the economic circumstances might be - and no matter what the defence requirements the future may hold - George Osborne has set a Conservative course for deep cuts to the defence budget. "Instead of making spending commitments he can't afford, Liam Fox deserves a straight answer from George Osborne. "Even more importantly so do the British public. "Where would the axe fall and which projects would they cut?"...

We won't abandon a generation of young people

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:36:20 Europe/London

Ed Balls MP, Labour's Schools Secretary, today welcomed new figures showing record numbers of young people are staying in education or training, but warned that thousands of young people would be abandoned by the Tories. Figures published today show that the proportion of young people aged 16-18 who are participating in education or training reached 79.7 per cent – the highest ever rate. Under Labour's September Guarantee every 16 and 17 year old who wants to stay in learning will get a guaranteed and paid for place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship. But the Conservatives have refused to match the guarantee or the £655m of additional funding announced by the Chancellor in the Budget to allow 55,000 more young people to stay in education this year and next. Ed Balls MP, Labour’s Schools Secretary, said: "I'm proud that this government's investment and reforms have resulted in record numbers of young people staying in learning and getting the skills they need to succeed in the future. "But with today's figures also confirming a more difficult jobs market for young people during the recession, we must do even more in the coming months. That's why our September Guarantee of a place in education, training or an apprenticeship for every 16 and 17 year old who wants one is so important. "If the Tories want an honest debate about spending, they should explain why they refuse to match our guarantee or our investment in young people. If the Tories were in...

Gordon Brown outlines constitutional renewal

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:25:52 Europe/London

Gordon Brown, Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, has outlined plans in Parliament to bring forward changes to MPs’ expenses and new proposals for further democratic reform including legislation on the conduct of MPs. After consultation with other parties, the plans could see a new Parliamentary Standards Authority given powers to oversee MPs’ allowances and a statutory code of conduct clarifying the role of MPs and what the electorate can expect from them and the consequences for those who fail to deliver. Over the coming months, the Government will also set out proposals for public debate on democratic reform of the House of Lords; the rights and responsibilities of British citizens; devolution of power away from Westminster; reform of the electoral system; and increased public participation through electoral registration and greater engagement of young people, including considerations on lowering the voting age. Gordon Brown said: "As we come forward with proposals, in each case the Government will look to consult widely. And all proposed reforms will be underpinned by cross-party discussions. “Our proposals will also be informed by leading external figures, including academics and others who command public respect and have a recognised interest or expertise in the different elements of democratic reform."...

The task in front of us is clear - Gordon Brown

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 18:57:23 Europe/London

Speaking after announcing his new Cabinet, Gordon Brown MP, Labour's Prime Minister, said: "The elections yesterday were a painful defeat for Labour. Too many good people doing so much good for their communities and constituencies have lost through no fault of their own and I want to thank them for their public service as well as congratulate all those who’ve won elections. "Since the global economic crisis first hit Britain, I never doubted how difficult it would be. Not just for our party but more important for our country. It’s indeed a testing time. "An economic crisis and now a parliamentary crisis for MPs is a test of everyone’s resilience. Mine, the government’s and the country’s. It demands that we continue making the very difficult decisions but also it requires deep reserves of strength when things are difficult. "As we have responded to the economic crisis by taking control of our banks, aggressively fighting repossessions and preventing higher unemployment, so too we are wrestling today with stabilising and supporting Britain’s car industry and building the foundations for Britain’s prosperity and we responded on the expenses crisis by taking steps to reform the system and of course we have a record that we are proud of in schools, in hospitals, in fighting crime. But the task in front of us is clear. "First to clean up politics, secondly to push forward with our economic recovery and third to ensure the best opportunities for people through...

The choice voters face

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:17:40 Europe/London

Today, Gordon Brown highlighted the choice voters face at the ballot box this week on a visit to the East Midlands. "But I also want to say explicitly to the people of the East Midlands that the BNP do not have the answer to any of these challenges facing Britain. Despite what they may claim to represent - they actually stand against everything that makes this country great. "There are some people who argue that Labour has somehow abandoned the white working class. Nothing could be further from the truth: I will never forget where I've come from and the people and causes I came into politics to represent. Earlier in the day the Prime Minister joined campaigners including Jason Isaacs, at the “Hope not Hate” vintage bus, an annual tour run by The Daily Mirror and Searchlight that campaigns against racism and celebrates diversity....

Voters face a choice between our commitment to investment and the Tories' commitment to cuts - Gordon Brown

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:15:45 Europe/London

Today, Gordon Brown highlighted the choice voters face at the ballot box this week on a visit to the East Midlands. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party was joined by the leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party and East Midlands MEP Glenis Willmott. The Prime Minister told voters at a Let's Talk event at the Valley School, Worksop that they faced a stark choice between Labour plans to grow our way out of a recession and Tory plans to make cuts at the worst possible time. He also spoke out about the threat of the BNP and urged voters not to be swayed by their politics of hate. Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party said: "The public anger over expenses should not be downplayed - people have been justifiably angry about those who have broken the rules. That is not what the Labour Party is about and that is why we have taken action against those who have done wrong and to ensure it cannot happen again. "As well as cleaning up politics and taking tough action on expenses, we mustn't lose sight of the key issues at stake in these elections: the economy and jobs; public services; crime; housing; and Europe. "Now, as we approach the final days of the campaign, it is vital people realise they face a choice between our commitment to investment and the Tories' commitment to cuts. Labour won't walk on by in the...

Time for Tories to come clean on education cuts

Thu, 28 May 2009 17:05:57 Europe/London

Ed Balls MP, Labour's Schools Secretary, today called on David Cameron and Michael Gove to come clean about the Conservative Party's plans for cuts to education spending. Ed Balls has today written to the shadow schools secretary Michael Gove for the fifth time since the start of April to ask whether the Conservatives would match Labour's extra spending to guarantee a place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship for every 16 and 17 year old who wants to stay on in education this year and next year. Ed Balls MP said: "Michael Gove and David Cameron are silent on whether they would protect school budgets from 2010 and whether they would match our extra funding to guarantee every 16 and 17 year who wants to stay in a place in school, college or an apprenticeship. "Now we hear that behind the scenes they are planning school funding cuts of over 10% which could see almost 45,000 teachers laid off. Voters face a clear choice - between Labour investment in education and cuts at the worst possible time. "Jim Knight and I have written to Michael Gove five times asking him to explain what the Tories would do. It's now time for Michael Gove to respond to my letters and come clean about what Tory cuts to education would really mean."...

There is now a clear choice between the parties on law and order - Straw

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:07:54 Europe/London

Jack Straw MP, Labour's Justice Secretary, said today: "Since David Cameron refuses to be drawn on the real impact of his policies for Britain, it's up to us to hold the Conservatives to account on their policies - or lack of them. "There is now a clear choice between the parties on law and order. Labour believes in fair rules for stronger and safer communities. We are taking tough action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, including tougher sentences for violent crime, and we are introducing neighbourhood policing to help communities feel safer. By contrast, the Conservatives would cut £160 million from the crime-fighting budget this year, equivalent to losing 3,500 police officers from our streets. "The Tories have consistently voted against tougher sentences - including for murder, sexual and violent crimes. They also oppose the greater use of DNA evidence to help track down criminals. "While Labour stands up for communities by giving them a say in how offenders should payback for their crimes, the Tories dismiss our ways of making justice seen to be done as 'gimmicks'. "While Labour are investing in families and public services in the downturn and working with our European partners to secure more trade abroad and more jobs at home, the Conservatives are committed to cuts at the worst possible time, and isolation in Europe - even at the cost of jobs at home."...

The Choice: Grow Britain out of recession with Labour or Tory cuts for everyone

Thu, 21 May 2009 18:29:56 Europe/London

A new Party Election Broadcast by the Labour Party, "The choice", will be shown for the first time this evening. Right now people are angry with politicians. Whatever party they belong to, MPs should never have spent taxpayers' money on clearing their moats or swimming pools, or paying phantom mortgages - and it's even worse when ordinary families are worried about the impact of the recession. The broadcast will argue that now more than ever, families need our help through this recession, which is why Labour is giving real support for the many, not tax cuts for the wealthiest few. It will say the action Labour is taking now is in stark contrast to the last recessions in the 1980s and 1990s. The broadcast will highlight the choice on June 4th: Labour believes we must grow our way out of recession, the Tories believe we must cut our way out. To see the Party Election Broadcast click here...

Labour Party NEC: Statement on MPs' expenses

Tue, 19 May 2009 14:39:07 Europe/London

Cath Speight, Chair of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee, and Ray Collins, General Secretary of the Labour Party, said: "The Labour Party's National Executive Committee fully supports the action that Gordon Brown is taking on expenses, and has today unanimously endorsed a tough new disciplinary process that can bar MPs found to have flouted the rules from standing as Labour candidates at the next election. "The NEC has agreed today that a panel of NEC members will be established to interview any Labour MPs where there appears to be evidence against them. The panel will have the power to recommend to the NEC that MPs are not allowed to stand as Labour candidates at the next General Election. "Labour Party members expect the highest standards from Labour representatives and the NEC resolved today that any allegations must be fully investigated, and when appropriate by the proper independent authorities. "The Prime Minister and the Labour Party Chair, Harriet Harman, have already requested that the Committee on Members Allowances lead an independent investigation of all expenses claims in the last four years. If the Committee on Members Allowances does not investigate then the Labour Party will launch its own investigation, supported by a leading independent lawyer and accountants, to review all expenses claimed by Labour MPs in the last four years. Any cases of wrongdoing identified in this process will be referred to the NEC's panel." Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, said: "I demand the...

Labour's Justice Secretary welcomes one million hours of visible community service

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:02:38 Europe/London

Jack Straw MP, Labour’s Justice Secretary has welcomed news that more than one million hours of physical work has been undertaken by offenders wearing high visibility orange jackets since the scheme was launched in December. Figures released for the first quarter of this year show more than one million hours of work has been undertaken by offenders wearing the high-visibility jackets. Branded high-visibility jackets were launched in December last year for offenders to wear while carrying out work on Community Payback. The roll-out of the new jackets across England and Wales builds on a recommendation from Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey's review, 'Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime', published in June last year outlining the importance of local communities being able to see that crime is being tackled in their local area, and justice is being done. Jack Straw MP, Labour’s Justice Secretary said: “This is part of Labour’s drive to further reform the criminal justice system so that justice is not only done, but clearly seen to be done. “We are bringing in tougher and more visible Community Payback schemes so that local communities can see that crime is being tackled in their local area. “Labour believes justice should be seen to be done. The Tories and Liberal Democrats believe that measures aimed at helping communities to see justice being done are “gimmicks”. Time and again they attack us for putting law-abiding communities first. “Community sentences are a crucial part of our approach to providing a justice system...

Winning the fight for Britain's future - Gordon Brown

Thu, 14 May 2009 16:25:07 Europe/London

Gordon Brown and Cabinet launch Labour's 2009 Election Campaign Gordon Brown, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, launched Labour's 2009 election campaign today with a keynote speech in Derbyshire and unveiled Labour's 2009 election document - ‘Winning the Fight for Britain's future'. Gordon Brown said: "The simple fact is: If you don’t invest in the future, you have no future. The Conservatives would betray Britain’s future by cutting help for families when they need it most. "The choice is clear: A Labour plan to grow Britain out of recession with help for families and businesses. Or the Tory route - help the wealthiest few and cuts to public services for everyone at the worst possible time. "Labour has a clear plan for a strong and prosperous British future and we will never forget the people who we entered politics to serve. "And more than ever we need the jobs that depend on the European Union." Before his speech, Gordon Brown met students and teachers at Kirk Hallam Community Technology College, talking about Labour's plans for education and real help for young people and for families touched by the global economic downturn. Labour is putting in place the building blocks for future recovery, by investing in families, jobs, and in the key sectors of the economy. Cabinet Ministers and Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's leader in the European Parliament, mingled with the public at a question and answer session, explaining the action Labour is taking to build a fair...