Annual Report 2015

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 2015 1 Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Co-Chairs Report ............................................................................................................................... 4 General Election Campaign: .............................................................................................................. 9 Campaign Days: ................................................................................................................................. 9 The Chris Smith List ........................................................................................................................... 9 LGBT Manifesto ............................................................................................................................... 11 Events and Fundraising .................................................................................................................... 12 Events listing for 2014-15 (excluding general election campaigning days and attendance at regional Prides): ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Communications ............................................................................................................................. 13 Membership .................................................................................................................................... 14 Patrons ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Trades Unions ................................................................................................................................. 18 Youth & Students ............................................................................................................................ 18 Trans Officer.................................................................................................................................... 18 Women’s Officer ............................................................................................................................. 18 BAME Officer ................................................................................................................................... 18 International Activities .................................................................................................................... 18 Labour Party NEC Equalities Committee .......................................................................................... 19 Socialist Societies Executive ............................................................................................................. 19 National Policy Forum ..................................................................................................................... 19 Regional & National Groups............................................................................................................. 20 London & South East Regional Group .............................................................................................. 20 North West Regional Group ............................................................................................................. 21 LGBT Labour Scotland ...................................................................................................................... 24 LGBT Labour in Wales ...................................................................................................................... 25 Yorkshire & Humber Regional Group ............................................................................................... 25 2 Introduction 2015 was a very busy year for the campaign. As a purely volunteer run and led initiative, the campaign worked hard to develop an £25,000 inclusive Labour Manifesto on LGBT rights, support LGBT Raised for the Chris candidates and of course work hard to fight for a Labour Smith List Government. Despite the defeat of Labour in May, LGBT Labour raised more money, had more out candidates, and ran more campaign days than ever before. Highlights included: th 36 Celebrating our 40 Anniversary with a series of events at Labour Party conference Out candidates Over £25,000 raised for the Chris Smith List to directly fund selected for 2015 LGBT Candidates including a very successful fundraising dinner General Election with former Prime Minister Tony Blair The largest numbers of out LGBT Parliamentary Candidates ever, including for the first time the openly trans disability activist Emily Brothers and slowly making progress on LGBT candidates getting selected in safe seats. 38 A comprehensive LGBT Manifesto produced by the Party and substantial inclusion of LGBT issues in the main Manifesto Prides attended or A separate Labour LGBT Manifesto Launch in Brighton supported Ownership of LGBT issues by various members of the Shadow Cabinet, not just Equalities Ministers A growing membership – the largest size of the campaign ever 21 Attending or supporting CLPs of Labour groups to attend a record number of Pride events and distributing tens of Campaigning Days in thousands of Stickers and leaflets key seats Jan- May Continuing to support Trans members to draft and publish their manifesto for Trans equality and law reform A significant growth in our reach through social media Receiving the Del Singh Best Practice Award at Labour conference recognising our efforts and success this year 16 Whilst noting these successes, we recognise that as a volunteer led Phone Bank campaign organisation there are future priorities for improvement. sessions Jan- May Now that the election has passed there are some practical and operational issues to develop in the coming years that the new committee will lead. Campaigning must of course continue as 2016 will see elections in Scotland, Wales, London and local authorities across the country. Many committee members, the Co-Chairs 23,500 included, are moving on after overseeing and excellent General Election campaign that despite the dismal national picture Twitter followers delivered many firsts for LGBT Labour. Tom Burke and Bev Craig, Co-Chairs On behalf of the LGBT Labour National Committee 3 Co-Chairs Report The Co-Chairs are the primary contact point for the organisation, maintain our relationship with the party, overseeing the work of the committee and steering the direction of the organisation. Day to day activities include communication via the LGBT Labour email and social media. Representation within the Party Bev Craig sits on the NEC Equality Committee, and Tom Burke sits on the National Policy Forum on behalf of LGBT Labour. Tom also sits on the Socialist Society Executive. There are more detailed reports further on in this document. Both Bev and Tom have had regular meetings with Party staff throughout the year and with Shadow Cabinet Ministers and their staff to ensure a coherent Policy offer. Raising the profile of LGBT Labour The Co-Chairs have been guest speakers, panellists and workshop leaders at a wide variety of conferences, events and discussions this year. For Example Tom has spoken at the UNISON LGBT Conference and at a Best Practice Event at Labour Annual Conference; similarly Bev has spoken at a number of events including UNISON LGBT Conference, Labour Students Political Weekend, Labour Councillors Conference and Northern Ireland events. We were honoured to collect the Best Practice Award at Conference recognising the work of LGBT Labour over the past year. The coveted award is given by the NEC on recognition of the efforts of affiliates in their effort for the Labour Party. Working with the Labour Party and the LGBT Manifesto Throughout our term we have ensured that we have worked with the Shadow Equalities team (previously Gloria De Piero and Sharon Hodgson and now Kate Green and Cat Smith) in addition to Shadow Cabinet Ministers in areas relevant to LGBT Policy. This work appears to have paid off, with individual Shadow Cabinet members taking the lead for LGBT policy issues within the portfolio, particularly Yvette Cooper and Tristram Hunt. In addition to this and through our work on the NPF and NEC we were able to ensure that there was a comprehensive list of policies adopted by the party that had been raised by members, the AGM and the committee. A campaigning organisation Working primarily with Ian, James and the regional groups we worked to ensure that all our primary focus and was focused towards the General Election Campaign. Regular campaign sessions across the country were organised and attended, in addition to phone banks and ad hoc support. Both of us attended many of these and supported additional campaigning events. Organising Events We delivered much of the work around our hugely successful Chris Smith List Dinner, with support from James Asser, Matthew Doyle, Richard Angell and committee members on the day such as Stephen Grainger and Matthew Day. Bev led on liaising with the party to organise the manifesto launch and also our conference programme with support from Stephen Grainger on the 40th Birthday celebration. 4 Membership and Banking We were able to flag the banking issues with the Co-operative quickly, and working with James and later Chris Wills were able to ensure that a contingency plan was quickly put in place so as to not jeopardise
Recommended publications
  • General Election 2019: Mps in Wales
    Etholiad Cyffredinol 2019: Aelodau Seneddol yng Nghymru General Election 2019: MPs in Wales 1 Plaid Cymru (4) 5 6 Hywel Williams 2 Arfon 7 Liz Saville Roberts 2 10 Dwyfor Meirionnydd 3 4 Ben Lake 8 12 Ceredigion Jonathan Edwards 14 Dwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr / Carmarthen East and Dinefwr 9 10 Ceidwadwyr / Conservatives (14) Virginia Crosbie Fay Jones 1 Ynys Môn 13 Brycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed / Brecon and Radnorshire Robin Millar 3 Aberconwy Stephen Crabb 15 11 Preseli Sir Benfro / Preseli Pembrokeshire David Jones 4 Gorllewin Clwyd / Clwyd West Simon Hart 16 Gorllewin Caerfyrddin a De Sir Benfro / James Davies Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire 5 Dyffryn Clwyd / Vale of Clwyd David Davies Rob Roberts 25 6 Mynwy / Monmouth Delyn Jamie Wallis Sarah Atherton 33 8 Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr / Bridgend Wrecsam / Wrexham Alun Cairns 34 Simon Baynes Bro Morgannwg / Vale of Glamorgan 9 12 De Clwyd / Clwyd South 13 Craig Williams 11 Sir Drefaldwyn / Montgomeryshire 14 15 16 25 24 17 23 21 22 26 18 20 30 27 19 32 28 31 29 39 40 36 33 Llafur / Labour (22) 35 37 Mark Tami 38 7 34 Alyn & Deeside / Alun a Glannau Dyfrdwy Nia Griffith Gerald Jones 17 23 Llanelli Merthyr Tudful a Rhymni / Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney Tonia Antoniazzi Nick Smith Chris Bryant 18 24 30 Gwyr / Gower Blaenau Gwent Rhondda Geraint Davies Nick Thomas-Symonds Chris Elmore Jo Stevens 19 26 31 37 Gorllewin Abertawe / Swansea West Tor-faen / Torfaen Ogwr / Ogmore Canol Caerdydd / Cardiff Central Carolyn Harris Chris Evans Stephen Kinnock Stephen Doughty 20 27 32 38 Dwyrain Abertawe /
    [Show full text]
  • THE 422 Mps WHO BACKED the MOTION Conservative 1. Bim
    THE 422 MPs WHO BACKED THE MOTION Conservative 1. Bim Afolami 2. Peter Aldous 3. Edward Argar 4. Victoria Atkins 5. Harriett Baldwin 6. Steve Barclay 7. Henry Bellingham 8. Guto Bebb 9. Richard Benyon 10. Paul Beresford 11. Peter Bottomley 12. Andrew Bowie 13. Karen Bradley 14. Steve Brine 15. James Brokenshire 16. Robert Buckland 17. Alex Burghart 18. Alistair Burt 19. Alun Cairns 20. James Cartlidge 21. Alex Chalk 22. Jo Churchill 23. Greg Clark 24. Colin Clark 25. Ken Clarke 26. James Cleverly 27. Thérèse Coffey 28. Alberto Costa 29. Glyn Davies 30. Jonathan Djanogly 31. Leo Docherty 32. Oliver Dowden 33. David Duguid 34. Alan Duncan 35. Philip Dunne 36. Michael Ellis 37. Tobias Ellwood 38. Mark Field 39. Vicky Ford 40. Kevin Foster 41. Lucy Frazer 42. George Freeman 43. Mike Freer 44. Mark Garnier 45. David Gauke 46. Nick Gibb 47. John Glen 48. Robert Goodwill 49. Michael Gove 50. Luke Graham 51. Richard Graham 52. Bill Grant 53. Helen Grant 54. Damian Green 55. Justine Greening 56. Dominic Grieve 57. Sam Gyimah 58. Kirstene Hair 59. Luke Hall 60. Philip Hammond 61. Stephen Hammond 62. Matt Hancock 63. Richard Harrington 64. Simon Hart 65. Oliver Heald 66. Peter Heaton-Jones 67. Damian Hinds 68. Simon Hoare 69. George Hollingbery 70. Kevin Hollinrake 71. Nigel Huddleston 72. Jeremy Hunt 73. Nick Hurd 74. Alister Jack (Teller) 75. Margot James 76. Sajid Javid 77. Robert Jenrick 78. Jo Johnson 79. Andrew Jones 80. Gillian Keegan 81. Seema Kennedy 82. Stephen Kerr 83. Mark Lancaster 84.
    [Show full text]
  • Aelodau Seneddol Yng Nghymru General Election 2017: Mps in Wales
    Etholiad Cyffredinol 2017: Aelodau Seneddol yng Nghymru General Election 2017: MPs in Wales 1 Plaid Cymru (4) Hywel Williams 5 6 2 Arfon Liz Saville-Roberts 7 10 2 3 Dwyfor Meirionnydd 4 Ben Lake 12 8 Ceredigion Jonathan Edwards 14 Dwyrain Caerfyrddin a Dinefwr / Carmarthen East and Dinefwr 9 10 Ceidwadwyr / Conservatives (8) Guto Bebb 3 Aberconwy David Jones 4 Gorllewin Clwyd / Clwyd West 11 Glyn Davies 11 Sir Drefaldwyn / Montgomeryshire Chris Davies 13 Brycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed / Brecon and Radnorshire Stephen Crabb 15 Preseli Sir Benfro / Preseli Pembrokeshire Simon Hart 16 Gorllewin Caerfyrddin a De Sir Benfro / Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire David T. C. Davies 25 12 Mynwy / Monmouth Alun Cairns 34 Bro Morgannwg / Vale of Glamorgan 13 14 15 16 24 25 17 23 21 22 26 Llafur / Labour (28) 18 20 30 27 Albert Owen 1 19 32 Ynys Môn 28 31 Chris Ruane 29 39 40 5 Dyffryn Clwyd / Vale of Clwyd 36 33 35 37 David Hanson Carolyn Harris Wayne David 6 20 28 38 Delyn Dwyrain Abertawe / Swansea East Caerffili / Caerphilly 34 Mark Tami Christina Rees Owen Smith 7 21 29 Alyn & Deeside / Alun a Glannau Dyfrdwy Castell-nedd / Neath Pontypridd Ian Lucas Ann Clywd Chris Bryant Anna McMorrin 8 22 30 36 Wrecsam / Wrexham Cwm Cynon / Cynon Valley Rhondda Gogledd Caerdydd / Cardiff North Susan Jones Gerald Jones Chris Elmore Jo Stevens 9 23 31 37 De Clwyd / Clwyd South Merthyr Tudful a Rhymni / Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney Ogwr / Ogmore Canol Caerdydd / Cardiff Central Nia Griffith Nick Smith Stephen Kinnock Stephen Doughty 17 24 32 38 Llanelli Blaenau
    [Show full text]
  • NEC Annual Report 2019
    Labour Party | Annual Report 2019 LABOUR PARTY ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Treasurers’ Responsibilities . 54 Foreword from Jeremy Corbyn . 5 Independent Auditor’s Report Introduction from Tom Watson . 7 to the members of the Labour Party . 55 Introduction from the General Secretary . 9 Consolidated income and expenditure account 2018/2019 National Executive Committee . 10 for the year ended 31 December 2018 . 57 NEC Committees . 12 Statements of comprehensive income Obituaries . 13 and changes in equity for the year ended NEC aims and objectives for 2019 . 14 31 December 2018 . 58 Consolidated balance sheet BY-ELECTIONS . 15 at 31 December 2018 . 59 Peterborough . 16 Consolidated cash flow statement for the year Newport West . 17 ended 31 December 2018 . 60 ELECTIONS 2019 . 19 Notes to Financial Statements . 61 Analysis . 20 APPENDICES . 75 Local Government Report . 23 Members of Shadow Cabinet LOOKING AHEAD: 2020 ELECTIONS . 25 and Opposition Frontbench . 76 The year ahead in Scotland . 26 Parliamentary Labour Party . 80 The year ahead in Wales . 27 Members of the Scottish Parliament. 87 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 29 Members of the Welsh Assembly . 88 Members and Supporters Members of the European Parliament . 89 Renewing our party and building an active Directly Elected Mayors . 90 membership and supporters network . 30 Members of the London Assembly . 91 Equalities . 31 Leaders of Labour Groups . 92 Labour Peers . 100 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 35 Labour Police and Crime Commissioners . 103 National Policy Forum Parliamentary Candidates endorsed NPF Report . 36 by the NEC at time of publication . 104 NEC PRIORITIES FOR 2019 . 39 NEC Disputes . 107 International NCC Cases .
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Report Thursday, 3 March 2016 CONTENTS
    Daily Report Thursday, 3 March 2016 This report shows written answers and statements provided on 3 March 2016 and the information is correct at the time of publication (06:47 P.M., 03 March 2016). For the latest information on written questions and answers, ministerial corrections, and written statements, please visit: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/ CONTENTS ANSWERS 7 UK Membership of EU: BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND Referendums 14 SKILLS 7 UK Trade and Investment: Vince Apprentices 7 Cable 14 Apprentices: Degrees 8 UK Trade and Investment: Visits Abroad 15 Apprentices: Northern Ireland 8 Working Hours: EU Law 17 Basic Skills: Finance 9 CABINET OFFICE 17 Basic Skills: Standards 9 Cabinet Office: Cleaning Business: Billing 10 Services 17 English Language: Education 10 Cabinet Office: Health 17 Further Education: Pay 10 Liver Diseases: Death 18 Innovate UK: UK Trade and Lobbying 18 Investment 11 Proof of Identity: Internet 18 Manufacturing Industries 11 Public Sector: Oldham 19 Olympic Games 2012: Sunday Trading 11 Public Sector: Personation 19 Royal Mail: Shareholders 12 Senior Civil Servants: Greater London 19 Sector Skills Councils: Apprentices 12 UK Membership of EU: Referendums 20 Sunday Trading 13 TREASURY 20 Sunday Trading: Families 13 Capital Gains Tax 20 Sunday Trading: Public Consultation 13 Children: Day Care 21 Sunday Trading: Scotland 13 Inheritance Tax 21 Transatlantic Trade and Married People: Tax Allowances 22 Investment Partnership 14 Nuclear Decommissioning Authority: Redundancy Pay 22 2 Thursday, 3 March 2016 Daily
    [Show full text]
  • Tuesday 19 April 2016 REPORT STAGE PROCEEDINGS
    607 SUPPLEMENT TO THE VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS Tuesday 19 April 2016 REPORT STAGE PROCEEDINGS BANK OF ENGLAND AND FINANCIAL SERVICES BILL [LORDS], AS AMENDED NEW CLAUSES Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Added NC12 To move the following Clause— “Appointment of Financial Conduct Authority chief executive In Schedule 1ZA to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the Financial Conduct Authority), after paragraph 2 insert— “2A (1) The term of office of a person appointed as chief executive under 5 paragraph 2(2)(b) must not begin before— (a) the person has, in connection with the appointment, appeared before the Treasury Committee of the House of Commons, or (b) (if earlier) the end of the period of 3 months beginning with the day on which the appointment is made. 10 (2) Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply if the person is appointed as chief executive on an acting basis, pending a further appointment being made. (3) The reference to the Treasury Committee of the House of Commons— (a) if the name of that Committee is changed, is a reference to that 15 Committee by its new name, and (b) if the functions of that Committee (or substantially corresponding functions) become functions of a different Committee of the House of Commons, is to be treated as a reference to the Committee by which the functions are 20 exercisable. (4) Any question arising under sub-paragraph (3) is to be determined by the Speaker of the House of Commons.”” As Amendments to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer’s proposed New Clause 608 Report Stage Proceedings: 19 April 2016 Bank
    [Show full text]
  • Whole Day Download the Hansard
    Monday Volume 687 18 January 2021 No. 161 HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) Monday 18 January 2021 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 601 18 JANUARY 2021 602 David Linden [V]: Under the Horizon 2020 programme, House of Commons the UK consistently received more money out than it put in. Under the terms of this agreement, the UK is set to receive no more than it contributes. While universities Monday 18 January 2021 in Scotland were relieved to see a commitment to Horizon Europe in the joint agreement, what additional funding The House met at half-past Two o’clock will the Secretary of State make available to ensure that our overall level of research funding is maintained? PRAYERS Gavin Williamson: As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, the Government have been very clear in our [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] commitment to research. The Prime Minister has stated Virtual participation in proceedings commenced time and time again that our investment in research is (Orders, 4 June and 30 December 2020). absolutely there, ensuring that we deliver Britain as a [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] global scientific superpower. That is why more money has been going into research, and universities will continue to play an incredibly important role in that, but as he Oral Answers to Questions will be aware, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy manages the research element that goes into the funding of universities.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Review 28 December 2017
    2017 Review 28 December 2017 2017 Review Christina Rees MP for Neath Shadow Secretary of State for Wales 2017 Review, Page !1 2017 Review 28 December 2017 My Year 2017 May I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year; I am looking forward to working with you all. It can be argued that politics has been a like living in a volcano since the 2015 General Election, a night which no one could have predicted and which saw David Cameron return to Government with the first Tory majority in over 20 years. Indeed, things have become increasingly unpredictable, and in 2016 we witnessed a referendum result which would change our membership and relationship with the European Referendum; David Cameron resign and Theresa May installed as Prime Minister; and across the pond Donald Trump confounded all predications to become the US President. However, all that would look almost plausible in comparison to this year’s events, when following a shock, snap General Election, called by Mrs. May after stating on 5 separate occasions that she wouldn’t, Jeremy Corbyn and Labour delivered the most compelling electoral campaign of a generation, triggering a (to use the word of the year) “youthquake” and polling the highest number of votes since the ’97 landslide. Alas, the quirks of the first-past-the-post system meant that despite a 48% share of the vote and some outstanding gains (including taking back Gower and Vale of Clwyd, as well as winning Cardiff North) we were unable to secure a majority.
    [Show full text]
  • Engagement Process
    Annex 2 Local Toilets Survey September 2018 – Engagement Process Date Action Comment August Snap survey developed for needs assessment 2018 consultation 20- Bilingual CCBC Newsline newspaper article completed Published in Sept 2018. 22nd Newsline delivered to Aug every house in the county 2018 borough 3rd Bilingual Survey is live on CCBC website also Survey closes 28th Sept Sept signposting to availability of survey in alternative 2018 2018 formats and offer of alternative forms of consultation. 5th Survey sent to Vick Doyle CCBC to distribute to 300+ local groups, Sept individuals / groups / organisations on the Caerphilly individuals and 2018 Well-being Plan engagement database organisations 5th Survey sent to Alison Palmer in GAVO/ CCBC to 300+ Voluntary sector Sept distribute to organisations + Public 2018 Vol Sector Liaison Committee Services Board. Vol Sector Forum Forum mailing list Attended Voluntary Sector th Caerphilly Gavo Members Liaison Committee on 19 PSB Sept 2018. Gave Also agreed the survey would be displayed on Gavo presentation and provided website opportunity to complete survey. Attended Voluntary Sector Forum on 28th Sept 2018. Gave presentation and provided opportunity to complete survey. 5th Survey sent to GAVO to distribute to GAVO’s Health Health and social care Sept and Social Care Alliance voluntary organisations 2018 5th Survey sent to distribute to the Countryside Access Ramblers, cyclists, Sept Forum common land users, 2018 farmers, equestrian, residents. Discussed at Access Forum 7/9/2018 5th Survey sent to distribute to the Green Spaces Organisations protecting Sept Network and enhancing the local 2018 natural environment 5th Survey sent to CCBC to distribute to the Safer Organisations focused on Sept Caerphilly Delivery Group community safety 2018 Annex 2 5th Sent to distribute to Caerphilly 50+ Forum and the Organisations working Sept Smarter Working Network.
    [Show full text]
  • Labour Party Annual Report 2020 3 CONTENTS
    LABOUR PARTY ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 2 0 Labour Party Annual Report 2020 3 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION LABOUR PARTY MANAGEMENT . 45 Foreword from Keir Starmer . 5 Human Resources Report . 46 Introduction from Angela Rayner . 7 Introduction from the General Secretary . 8 2019/2020 National Executive Committee . 10 STABILITY IN OUR FINANCES . 49 NEC Committees . 13 Finances . 50 Obituaries . 14 Fundraising: NEC aims and objectives for 2020 . 15 fundraising and The Rose Network . 51 Events and Endorsements 2019/20: events, exhibitions, annual conference . 52 GENERAL ELECTION . 17 Donations, including sponsorship over £7 .5k . 55 2019 General Election . 18 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2019 . 56 PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTIONS . 25 Statement of Registered Brecon and Radnorshire . 26 Treasurer’s responsibilities . 57 LOOKING AHEAD: 2021 ELECTIONS . 27 APPENDICES . 81 Local and Mayoral Elections 2021 . 28 Members of Shadow Cabinet The year ahead in Scotland . 30 and Opposition Frontbench . 82 The year ahead in Wales . 31 Parliamentary Labour Party . 86 Members of the Scottish Parliament. 92 MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS . 33 Members of the Welsh Parliament . 93 Building an active membership Members of the London Assembly . 94 and supporters network . 34 Directly Elected Mayors . 95 Equalities: Winning with Women; Leaders of Labour Groups . 96 BAME Labour; LGBT+ Labour; Labour Peers . 104 Disability Labour; Young Labour . 35 Labour Police and Crime Commissioners . 103 Parliamentary Candidates endorsed by the NEC at time of publication . 107 POLICY MAKING . 39 NEC Disputes . 108 National Policy Forum . 40 NCC Cases . 109 INTERNATIONAL . 43 International work/ Westminster Foundation for Democracy . 44 Labour Party Annual Report 2020 3 Introduction FOREWORD KEIR STARMER It is the honour of my life to lead our great running the Organise to Win review, and a movement .
    [Show full text]
  • Letter from Mps Representing Coalfield Communities to The
    Stephanie Peacock MP Member of Parliament for Barnsley East House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Tel: 0207 219 4129 Darren Jones MP Chair Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Commi<ee House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA 23 December 2020 Dear Darren, As MPs represenHng coalfield communiHes, we are wriHng to request that the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Commi<ee considers holding a formal inquiry into the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, focusing on the below areas of concern relaHng to the Scheme, and that the Commi<ee highlights these issues when it next holds an evidence session with the Secretary of State or other relevant Ministers. The Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme has 152,000 members, of which some 135,000 are of pensionable age. The current average pension for former miners in the Scheme is £84 a week. However, the Government has received over £4 billion from the Scheme as a result of a surplus sharing arrangement set up in 1994, which gives 50% of any surplus to the Government. At the same Hme, the Government has not contributed to the Scheme, due to a payment holiday which began in 1987. This has created a situaHon where the Government both manages and profits from the Scheme, but makes no financial contribuHon. In response to a previous Wri<en QuesHon, the Government admi<ed that no expert actuarial advice was taken prior to the iniHal agreement enHtling the Treasury to such a large proporHon of surpluses in the Scheme, and this agreement is even more inadequate in the context of the Scheme’s be<er than expected performance since privaHsaHon.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Digest
    JUSTICE UNIONS AND FAMILY COURTS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP PARLIAMENTARY DIGEST A Summary of the work of the Justice Unions and Family Court Parliamentary Group September 2016 – January 2017 A report researched and compiled by Union Services Parliamentary Consultancy 1 JUSTICE UNIONS AND FAMILY COURTS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP INTRODUCTION & PARLIAMENTARY OVERVIEW This report provides an overview of the work of the Justice Unions and Family Courts Parliamentary Group (JUFCPG) during the period September 2016 – January 2017. This period within Parliament includes Conference Recess (September 15 – October 10th), half - term (November 9th-14th) and Christmas Recess (December 21st – January 9th) so amounts to about 14 weeks of Parliamentary activity. For much of period of this report MPs been have focused on the implications of the result of the referendum, the worsening situation in Syria, and the ongoing turmoil within the two main political parties. The political upheaval following the Brexit vote on June 23rd has continued to dominate the political landscape and with Theresa May currently appearing to adopt a hard line on Brexit, Labour has been left in a very difficult position. In reality much of May’s ‘hard line’ is probably rhetoric designed to buy off support for UKIP and is an exact copy of the typical Thatcher approach (“talk hard but act soft”) which at the end of negotiations will be abandoned in an unsatisfactory comprise deal. However despite the difficulties May faces following the initial court ruling on the triggering of Article 50, and with the problems within her own party, Scotland and N. Ireland notwithstanding, the Tories are likely to pick up significant popular support.
    [Show full text]