NATIONAL POLICY FORUM REPORT 2015 CONTENTS

Foreword by 4 Vice Chairs of the 5

Policy Commission Annual Reports: Stability and Prosperity 8 Work and Business 16 Living Standards and Sustainability 26 Stronger, Safer Communities 34 Education and Children 42 Health and Care 50 Better Politics 58 Britain’s Global Role 66

APPENDICES Submitting organisations 74 National Policy Forum membership 77

National Policy Forum Report 2015 3 4 National Policy Forum Report 2015 FOREWORD

THE OUTCOME OF THE GENERAL ELECTION WAS HEARTBREAKING, THROWS UP MANY CHALLENGES FOR OUR PARTY, AND POSES A GREAT CHALLENGE FOR THE NPF IN REBUILDING OUR POLICY OFFER IN ORDER TO ENABLE US TO REACH OUT TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC.

I am proud of the hard work that we have done over the past five years, and particularly in transforming our policy process. We responded to the outcome of the Refounding Labour consultation by creating a more open, transparent and engaging policy making process. But we have only just begun which we have carried out the last five to inaugurate the changes necessary years of policy work, this was not a to reach out to more parts of our Party document drawn up in isolation and in a truly democratic way. By creating then presented to a Clause V meeting. ‘Your Britain’ our online policy hub we It too was subject to several months enabled more members, affiliates, of engagement and consultation, with supporters and members of the public a series of local and regional public to get involved and contribute to the meetings, expert seminars and online development of our policy programme consultation under the Changing than ever before. Two hundred Britain Together banner. The Policy thousand people engaged with the Commission reports enclosed detail the process. This work came to fruition specific areas prioritised and discussed, through a consensual process, where and some of the key outputs from each we were able to produce a progressive in terms of manifesto content. policy programme which was supported We must ultimately reflect on the defeat by all NPF representatives. at the General Election and our Party In 2010 announced a must adapt our policy programme Shadow Cabinet-led Policy Review, to moving forward. Nevertheless, I take feed into the wider policy process led pride in the hard work our Party initially by and subsequently did, and in particular of the inclusive , whom I want to thank for process we created, which will continue their huge and invaluable contribution. to strengthen our movement, and This provided a huge body of high will allow us to rebuild and return to quality work for the NPF to consider and Government in 2020. take forward. In terms of the final year of the process, on which this Annual Report is based, crucially we developed and agreed Angela Eagle MP the manifesto. And, in the spirit in Chair of the National Policy Forum

National Policy Forum Report 2015 5 VICE CHAIRS OF THE NATIONAL POLICY FORUM

Simon Burgess

Billy Hayes

Bridget Phillipson MP

6 National Policy Forum Report 2015 National Policy Forum Report 2015 7 8 National Policy Forum Report 2015 STABILITY AND PROSPERITY POLICY COMMISSION STABILITY AND PROSPERITY POLICY COMMISSION

Membership 2014/15 Policy development HM Opposition The Stability and Prosperity Policy MP*/ MP** Commission considers Labour’s policy MP and thinking on the economy. It Catherine McKinnell MP considers current issues ranging from MP‡ growth and the economic recovery to public spending and taxation and how NEC we can reduce the deficit in a fair way. MP Sadly, the Commission has had to say Steve Rotheram MP goodbye to its co-convenor Ed Balls this David Sparks year, following the General Election. The Cath Speight Commission would like to thank him for the work he has done over the years and CLPs and Regions wishes him well in the future. Gerard Coyne Mark Glover Annual Conference 2014 prioritised and discussed contemporary Margaret McCulloch resolutions submitted within the remit Ian Miller of the Stability and Prosperity Policy Alice Perry Commission on the cost of living. This Martin Philips included a composite motion on public Sarah Rae sector pay. The motion said Labour’s Pearleen Sangha approach should be built on the Liz Twist principles of fairness for the low paid, Darren Williams fairness in setting pay, with respect for outcomes of Pay Review Bodies and Affiliates fairness to avoid a two-tier workforce, including reviewing TUPE. Nick Crofts Steve Hart Annual Conference also agreed the Len McCluskey policy platform set out at the National June Nelson Policy Forum in July 2014. Dave Prentis Tim Roache The Stability and Prosperity Policy Fiona Wilson Commission held a policy seminar at Annual Conference 2014. This was very Elected Reps well attended with a large number of delegates contributing to a lively debate. MP Issues raised included the mansion Lord Faulkner¥ tax and 10p tax rate, the importance MEP† of manufacturing in the UK economy, Bryony Rudkin child benefit uprating, problems in the banking sector, the zero-based review of *Co-convenor public spending being conducted by the **Co-convenor (from May 2015) Shadow Treasury team, and the need to ¥ Replaced Baroness Lister get the deficit down in a fair way. †Replaced Arlene McCarthy MEP ‡Until May 2015

10 National Policy Forum Report 2015 The Commission met in December as agreed through the National Policy part of the ‘Manifesto 2015: Changing Forum over the last four and a half years. Britain Together’ engagement set out how Labour’s programme. The purpose of this plan would: meeting was to consider what the priorities should be for the Manifesto the • Recognise that Britain’s world following year. In discussing Manifesto class firms, in sectors which enjoy priorities reference was given to the established comparative advantage, ‘National Goals’ outlined by Ed Miliband need to be able to take long-term at Annual Conference 2014: (1) giving all decisions and access key markets, not young people a shot in life; (2) tackling simply ever lower taxes the cost-of-living crisis; (3) restoring the • Prioritise doing everything we can to dream of home ownership; (4) tackling ensure more smaller businesses reach low wages; (5) securing the future; and their potential to power future growth (6) saving our NHS. • Develop a new industrial strategy that At this meeting Shadow Chancellor Ed focuses not just on high-tech firms, but Balls updated the Commission on the also on supporting our big employing work of the Shadow Treasury team sectors such as retail and social care including the Autumn Statement that to win a race to the top and not get took place that month. The Commission dragged into a race to the bottom also had an extensive discussion about the Party’s mansion tax policy and the • Ensure the public sector plays an active importance of the revenue it would part in driving up productivity across raise for the Party’s NHS ‘Time to Care’ the whole economy, supporting firms policy. The Commission discussed the through cutting-edge innovation and various policies that were agreed at the research, strategic investment and National Policy Forum in Milton Keynes procurement particularly in relation to infrastructure Following the Summer 2015 Budget investment and banking reform, the Commission held a conference call noting that these are issues which are with Shadow Chancellor Chris Leslie frequently raised in submissions to to discuss the measures announced in the Commission. The Commission also the Budget. This included discussion on discussed how boosting productivity and public sector pay, business and personal raising living standards are of central taxation (including corporation tax and importance to the economic debate. the bank levy) and productivity. In February 2015 Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna updated the Commission on the launch of Labour’s ‘Better Plan for Britain’s Prosperity’. The aim of the Plan was to bring together the Party’s thinking on how Labour would chart a path to higher productivity in all parts of the economy as the basis of a renewed and inclusive prosperity, reflecting the work of the Policy Commissions and the Policy Programme

National Policy Forum Report 2015 11 Labour’s Manifesto a mansion tax to help pay for our NHS ‘Time to Care’ Fund. The Stability and Prosperity Policy Commission met late in 2014 to discuss Infrastructure: its priorities for the General Election The manifesto recognised that building manifesto, based on its work over the world-class infrastructure would be previous four years and the contents crucial to fostering economic growth. of the policy programme agreed at It pledged that a Labour Government Annual Conference. The manifesto would create certainty for investors was agreed at a Clause V meeting in by taking a long-term approach to the April 2015, and contained a number of major investment decisions facing commitments shaped by the work of the the country. It committed Labour to policy commission and the contributions creating an independent National received over the course of the Agenda Infrastructure Commission to assess 2015 process. how best to meet Britain’s infrastructure Deficit reduction needs. The Commission would make recommendations to government, The manifesto committed a Labour monitor their implementation, and hold Government to balancing the books. It government to account. said that Labour would cut the deficit every year and get national debt falling Banking and financial services and a surplus on the current budget as The manifesto pledged to establish a soon as possible in the next Parliament. British Investment Bank with the mission It also noted that Labour’s plan to to help businesses grow and to create balance the Budget meant tough, but wealth and jobs. It also pledged greater fairer choices. banking competition with a market Fair taxation and cost of living share test and at least two challenger banks. The manifesto also recognised The manifesto said that the next that charities, mutuals, co-operatives Labour Government would create and social enterprises are pioneering a fairer tax system to help those new models of production that enhance on middle and lower incomes. This social value, promote financial inclusion would include introducing a lower 10 and give individuals and communities pence starting rate of tax, paid for by more power and control. It committed ending the Conservatives’ Marriage the next Labour Government to support Tax Allowance. We also committed to and help develop the social economy by use the first Finance Bill to close tax improving access for co-operative and loopholes that cost the Exchequer mutual organisations to growth finance billions of pounds a year. The manifesto through the new British Investment promised to end unfair tax breaks used Bank. by hedge funds and to bear down on disguised employment. In addition it Devolution committed a Labour Government to Labour’s manifesto outlined plans to seeking international agreement to transfer £30 billion of funding to city and make country-by-country reporting county regions, along with new powers information publicly available. It also over economic development, skills, pledged to reverse the Government’s cut employment, housing and business in the top rate of tax and to introduce support. This would enable city and

12 National Policy Forum Report 2015 county regions to retain 100 per cent of public sector pay are rooted in fairness additional business rates raised from as well as affordability. growth in their area. Taxation At a time when living standards are not growing as strongly as they should the Current issues Commission believes it is even more Growth, jobs and the cost of living important to ensure that the tax system crisis is fair and transparent. The Commission notes that at a time when ordinary The Commission has received a large people are struggling to make ends number of submissions on the rising meet it was the wrong priority for the cost of living and the need to boost living Tory-led Government to cut the 50p top standards. Many people are concerned rate of tax. The Commission notes that about stagnating living standards in during the General Election campaign recent years and the Commission agrees the Conservative Party refused to rule it is important that the Party has a plan out another reduction in the additional to ensure that all members of the society rate of tax. The Commission will study benefit from the economic recovery. developments in this area. These issues have been discussed extensively by the Commission in the last The Commission has also urged further year. action on tackling tax avoidance – an issue raised repeatedly in submissions The Commission also recognises the to the Commission. The Commission need for the Party to pursue policies believes that society relies on tax that deliver sustainable growth for the revenues to provide essential services long-term and which boost productivity. and we should not take for granted A number of submissions have been its importance. At a time when the received on this issue. The Commission Government is cutting spending and notes that following the Summer 2015 raising taxes the Commission believes Budget the forecast for productivity it is more important than ever that growth has been revised down in each of individuals and companies should pay the next four years. their fair share of tax, and be seen to do so. This has been a key priority for the The Commission has also received Commission over the last year. submissions on devolution and the importance of ensuring that growth is Fair deficit reduction shared right across the country. Securing national prosperity and boosting living Submissions to the Policy Commission standards will require more of our towns recognise the importance of tackling the and cities to become engines of growth. deficit, but also recognise the fact that the Government has failed to meet its Submissions have also been received promise to balance the books by 2015. on the issue of pay, including the living Submissions to the Commission have wage, the National Minimum Wage expressed concern at the approach the and public sector pay. The Commission Conservative Government is taking to agrees on the need to strengthen the deficit reduction. National Minimum Wage, promote the living wage and ensure decisions on

National Policy Forum Report 2015 13 Austerity Infrastructure The Commission agrees that we need Submissions to the Commission a fair approach to deficit reduction and acknowledge the iimportant role recognises that we can only reduce infrastructure can play in boosting the deficit if our recovery is balanced, our economy and promoting jobs and long-term and does not sow the seeds growth. However, the Commission of problems ahead. We need to take recognises that the Government’s record action to deliver investment-led growth, on infrastructure investment has been and fairer choices about how to get the one of delay and failure to deliver. national debt down while protecting vital public services. The Commission believes that proper investment in the country’s Financial services and banking reform infrastructure will be essential in securing the recovery for the long- Many submissions to the Commission term and in delivering the productive continue to express concern about the economy we need. An emphasis on financial services sector and the need for infrastructure is necessary to prepare further reform. the country for the major challenges The Commission has received a number ahead, including climate change and of submissions emphasising the need population growth. for more competition in the banking sector, which many people feel is at the root of many of the wider problems Submissions facing businesses and consumers. The Commission also acknowledges the role All submissions received by the that mutuals, co-operatives and social Policy Commission are circulated to enterprises can play in promoting a members ahead of the next meeting diverse financial services sector. for consideration as part of our discussions on policy development. In The Commission notes that following the last year the Stability and Prosperity the General Election the Conservative Policy Commission has received and Government has set out plans to begin considered submissions on the following to sell off the Government’s shares in topics. Royal Bank of at a loss to the taxpayer. The Commission believes that • Alternative economic strategies taxpayers, who bailed out RBS, will want • Austerity their money back and will be suspicious of any rush to sell. The Commission • Banking reform further believes that when RBS is still • British Investment Bank restructuring the business, a premature sale poses a risk for taxpayers. • Business rates • Carbon taxes • Consumer spending • Green Investment Bank • Digital technologies

14 National Policy Forum Report 2015 • Exports • Financial services • Manufacturing • Measures of inflation • Income tax • Inequality • Inheritance tax • Infrastructure • Land value tax • Mansion tax • Manufacturing • Property taxation • Public ownership of national assets • Public sector pay • Public sector pensions • Quantitative easing • Stamp duty • State Pension • Spending cuts • Sustainable growth • Taxation of earnings and capital gains • TTIP • VAT • Wealth tax • Winter fuel allowance

National Policy Forum Report 2015 15 16 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Prosperity and Work Policy Commission

WORK AND BUSINESS POLICY COMMISSION

National Policy Forum Report 2013 17 WORK AND BUSINESS POLICY COMMISSION

Membership 2014/15 Policy development HM Opposition The Work and Business Policy Chuka Umunna MP* Commission is charged with considering Chris Leslie MP** how Labour can ensure the UK MP economy is best placed to compete MP in the global market. This includes looking at what government can do to NEC support businesses across a wide range of sectors and how we can support Jennie * employees in the workplace. Issues relating to work and business were at Jim Kennedy the heart of Labour’s manifesto for the Andy Kerr General Election and the Commission has been closely involved in this debate. CLPs and Regions Shaukat Ali Annual Conference 2014 discussed contemporary resolutions relevant to the Boyd Black Work and Business Policy Commission. Jackson Cullinane This included a composite on ‘work Deborah Gardiner and the contemporary economy’ that Fred Grindrod called on a Labour Government to boost Daniel Johnson pay, support trade unions and work to Alon Or-bach create a fairer, more prosperous and Mike Payne democratic settlement in employment Jayne Shotton relations in the modern workplace. The Linda Woodings composite also called on Labour to work to tackle low pay and job insecurity by Affiliates taking action to increase the minimum Richard Angell wage and ban exploitative zero-hours Tony Burke contracts. A composite on ‘low pay and Karin Christiansen insecurity’ called on Labour to tackle Ruth George abuses such as making employees Paul Kenny redundant and rehiring them as so- called ‘self-employed’ workers on lower Elected Reps pay with few employment rights. A second composite, also on this issue, Baroness Lister† called on Labour to ban exploitative Andy Sawford MP zero-hours contracts, review the impact Sharon Taylor of short-hours contracts and charge the Derek Vaughan MEP Low Pay Commission with implementing a target to significantly increase the *Co-convenor National Minimum Wage bringing it **Until May 2015 closer to average earnings in the next †Replaced Lord Faulkner Parliament. Annual Conference also agreed the policy platform set out at the National Policy Forum in July 2014.

18 National Policy Forum Report 2015 The Work and Business Policy rates. Other issues discussed included Commission held a policy seminar at benefit sanctions, food banks and Annual Conference 2014. This was very Universal Credit as well as pensions well attended with a large number of transparency and increases in the basic delegates contributing to a lively debate. state pension. Additional issues raised Issues raised included Employment and by policy commission members included Support Allowance, including the need to sector bargaining, the Agricultural reform the Work Capability Assessment, Wages Board, a Financial Transaction zero-hours contracts, the role of trade Tax, employment tribunal fees and the unions in improving working conditions, mansion tax. child benefit, employment tribunal fees, workplace pensions and the Bedroom Chris Leslie updated the Commission Tax. on the work of the zero-based review, a root and branch review of every The Commission met in December as pound the Government spends from part of the ‘Manifesto 2015: Changing the bottom up. In addition there was Britain Together’ engagement discussion about what more Labour programme. The purpose of this meeting could do on consumer issues and it was was to consider what the priorities agreed that the Commission would hold should be for the Manifesto the following a conference call on this topic in the New year. Year. Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury The consumer rights conference call was Chris Leslie, Shadow Minister for held in January 2015. It was noted that Disabilities , Shadow Pensions the discussion was taking place following Minister Gregg McClymont and Shadow the publication of the final year report Business Ministers Ian Murray and of the National Policy Forum, which was attended the meeting and formally agreed at Annual Conference provided an update on the work of their 2014 following the NPF meeting in Milton respective shadow teams. This included Keynes. Members on the call were keen discussion of Labour’s policy on EU that ongoing discussions on these issues migrants’ benefits and Labour’s position following the NPF report are considered on child benefit uprating. as part of the policy making process. Stella Creasy updated the Commission Kate Green discussed her recent work in on the recent work she had done on highlighting how the Government’s Work consumer rights. This was based on Programme is failing disabled people. four principles: access to information, She also set out the Party’s position advocacy, redress, and independence. on Living Fund and the need for clear guidance for local In February 2015 Shadow Business authorities to ensure that existing users Secretary Chuka Umunna reported are protected. Chris Leslie emphasised to the Commission on the launch how the focus of the shadow team is of Labour’s ‘Better Plan for Britain’s how dealing with the cost-of-living crisis Prosperity’. The aim of the Plan was and growing our economy is central to bring together the Party’s thinking to getting the deficit down. He also set on how Labour would chart a path to out the Party’s policies to help small higher productivity in all parts of the businesses, such as cutting business economy as the basis of a renewed and

National Policy Forum Report 2015 19 inclusive prosperity, reflecting the work Labour’s Manifesto of the Policy Commissions and the Policy Programme agreed through the National The Work and Business Policy Policy Forum over the last four and a Commission met late in 2014 to discuss half years. Chuka Umunna set out how its priorities for the General Election Labour’s better plan would: manifesto, based on its work over the previous four years and the contents • Recognise that Britain’s world of the policy programme agreed at class firms, in sectors which enjoy Annual Conference. The manifesto established comparative advantage, was agreed at a Clause V meeting in need to be able to take long-term April 2015, and contained a number of decisions and access key markets, not commitments shaped by the work of the simply ever lower taxes. policy commission and the contributions received over the course of the Agenda • Prioritise doing everything we can to 2015 process. ensure more smaller businesses reach their potential to power future growth. Security in the workplace • Develop a new industrial strategy that The manifesto committed Labour focuses not just on high-tech firms, but to banning exploitative zero-hours also on supporting our big employing contracts and ensuring that those sectors such as retail and social care who work regular hours for more than to win a race to the top and not get 12 weeks would have the right to a dragged into a race to the bottom. regular contract. It also committed a Labour Government to abolishing the • Ensure that the public sector is Swedish Derogation that allows agency able to drive up productivity and workers to receive lower pay. It further stimulate growth of key sectors such committed a Labour Government as manufacturing and construction to abolishing the Government’s through public procurement, strategic employment tribunal fee system as part investment and innovation and of wider reforms to ensure people have research. proper access to justice. Following the Summer 2015 Budget Fair pay the Commission held a conference call with Shadow Chancellor Chris Leslie to Labour’s manifesto pledged to raise the discuss the measures announced in the National Minimum Wage to more than Budget. This included welfare changes, £8 an hour by October 2019, bringing it cuts to tax credits, child poverty, student closer to average earnings. It also set out maintenance grants and the so called plans to give local authorities a role in ‘National Living Wage’. strengthening enforcement of NMW. In addition, it committed Labour to using government procurement to promote the Living Wage as well as requiring publicly listed companies to report on whether or not they pay the Living Wage.

20 National Policy Forum Report 2014 Support for business Devolution The manifesto set out how a Labour Labour’s manifesto outlined plans to government would improve productivity transfer £30 billion of funding to city and by building a long-term investment county regions, along with new powers culture in the private and public sectors, over economic development, skills, and supporting small businesses in their employment, housing and business growing to becoming British success support. This would enable city and stories of the future. It pledged to give county regions to retain 100 per cent of small businesses a voice at the heart additional business rates raised from of government with a Small Business growth in their area. Administration to ensure procurement contracts are accessible and regulations are designed with small firms in mind. It also pledged to cut business rates for Current issues small business properties. Getting people back to work Young people, jobs and Throughout the year the Commission apprenticeships has received numerous submissions on the need to ensure people who are Labour’s manifesto promised to cut unemployed are helped back into well- tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 a paid, secure work. The Commission year. In addition it pledged to introduce recognises that for many unemployed a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to people – particularly those who have tackle long-term unemployment and been out of work for a long time - finding to guarantee every school leaver that a job is extremely difficult and this point gets the grades an apprenticeship. It is reflected by many of the submissions also committed Labour to ensuring received by the Commission. apprenticeships are gold-standard qualifications and to give employers The Commission believes that getting more control over apprenticeships people back into work should be a funding and standards. priority for any government and that this needs to be focused on good Social security quality, proper jobs, with fair terms The manifesto pledged that Labour and conditions. The Commission also would tackle the root causes of rising believes that government should ensure social security spending by making work that jobseekers are helped to acquire pay and building more homes. It pledged the skills necessary for work, in order to that a Labour Government would restore avoid a race to the bottom in the labour contribution to the heart of the welfare market. The Commission will continue system and that it would not cut tax to scrutinise the approach taken by credits. The manifesto also pledged the Government in relation to getting that Labour would abolish the Bedroom unemployed people back to work. Tax and reform the Work Capability The Commission further notes that Assessment. It committed Labour to submissions it has received focus on keeping the triple lock for the state action to spread the living wage as a pension but also to removing winter fuel means of increasing living standards payments for the richest five per cent of across the economy. pensioners.

National Policy Forum Report 2014 21 Support for business and carers as well as the impact of benefit changes on child poverty. The The Commission recognises the need to Commission has also discussed concerns reform the economy in order to deliver with Employment Support Allowance the jobs and growth of the future. and the new Personal Independence Reflecting the submissions received it is Payment. There are ongoing concerns clear that Labour must aim for a high- about the roll out of Universal Credit. productivity, high-skilled, innovation-led economy. The Commission also agreed The Commission notes that the Summer the need for an integrated industrial 2015 Budget set out further cuts to social strategy including procurement, security, including changes to housing restoring high quality skills and decent benefit for young people, a reduction in work. the household benefit cap and reduced support for those in the Work Related Submissions to the Commission Activity Group of Employment and continue to emphasise the importance Support Allowance. The Commission is of a balanced, resilient economy concerned about the impact that further succeeding in the world, creating good changes will have on vulnerable people jobs and opportunities, offering people across the UK. The Commission will a ladder up and the chance to make the continue to scrutinise the impact of the most of their potential. This requires Government’s social security policies on action to boost skills and support people across the UK in order to help industries such as manufacturing and inform Labour’s policy development. construction, including through the use The Commission further notes that the of public procurement proposed changes to tax credits included The Commission also recognises the in the Budget will hit working people challenges frequently facing small on middle and lower incomes. Labour businesses which have been raised in opposes these cuts which will make submissions. This includes the costs of three million low and middle income doing business and ensuring small firms families worse off. can get adequate access to finance. The The Commission continues to receive Commission notes that the Conservative submissions expressing worries about Government has announced a series of the future for pensions and whether measures on this issue, including those people are saving enough for their relating to late payment and business retirement. The issue of pensions rates, and the Commission will continue transparency has also been raised and to scrutinise the work of the Government the Commission believes this should on this issue. remain a priority for Labour. Social security and pensions Workplace rights Over the last year the Commission has The need to ensure fairness in the received a large number of submissions workplace is clearly highlighted in expressing concern about the approach submissions received by the Commission the Government is taking to social with many people concerned about what security. Many correspondents are a Conservative majority government worried about the impact of the will mean for employment rights. The Bedroom Tax on disabled people Commission notes that the Government

22 National Policy Forum Report 2015 has already announced reforms to the believes that working to ensure people rules around strike ballots, including have security in the workplace should introducing a 50 per cent threshold for remain a key priority for Labour. union ballot turnouts and also plans to introduce an ‘opt-in’ process for the The introduction of the National political fund element of trade union Minimum Wage was one of the subscriptions. proudest achievements of the last Labour Government. The Commission The Commission believes the has received many submissions on the Government should be focusing on how importance of strengthening the NMW, to prevent industrial action rather than including improving enforcement and attacking people’s employment rights. tackling abuse. In addition, reflecting submissions received, the Commission Submissions to the Commission has discussed extensively how to over the last year have stressed that promote the living wage across the preventing exploitation and supporting country. measures that provide protection for workers in the workplace, including The Commission notes that the how information and consultation proposed ‘National Living Wage’ can be made widespread and more announced in the Summer 2015 Budget meaningful, must be a priority for is not a living wage. The new rate when Labour. Labour is clear about the itis introduced in April 2016 will be lower positive role the trade union movement than the national Living Wage set by the plays in delivering fairness, safe working Living Wage Foundation this year. conditions and supporting productivity in the workforce, and we recognise Royal Mail the important discussions around the The Commission received many role of collective bargaining in boosting submissions relating to the privatisation pay and promoting pay equality, as of Royal Mail. Concerns have been well as employee representation in the raised about the principle of selling off workplace. such an important asset, and also the Low pay and insecurity in the way in which it was carried out, with workplace taxpayers losing hundreds of millions of pounds. Good workplaces are not just beneficial for employees: they are good for Following the General Election the business and our economy as a whole. Conservative Government announced Significant concerns continue to be its intention to sell off its remaining raised about growing insecurity in the stake in Royal Mail and this process has workplace and the Commission has already begun. The Commission notes received numerous submissions on this that vital postal services are already issue. being put in jeopardy as a result of the Government’s original sell-off. The risk In particular submissions have raised is that the Conservative Government’s issues such as underemployment and latest move will further weaken their zero-hours and short-hours contracts. future. Consumers and businesses which Issues relating to agency workers have rely on Royal Mail need reassurance that also been raised. The Commission essential services like daily deliveries,

National Policy Forum Report 2015 23 and the availability of Royal Mail services • Child Poverty through the Post Office network, will continue. • Collective bargaining Consumer issues • Cooperatives The Commission has discussed the • Disability benefits issue of consumer rights in the last • Disguised employment/false self- year. The Commission has discussed employment how consumer rights are ill-defined and poorly applied in both the public and • Employment contracts the private sector meaning the most • Employment Support Allowance vulnerable often lose out. Submissions to the Commission have emphasised the • Equalities in the workplace need for a strong consumer voice within government. • EU benefits tourism • Food banks

Submissions • Freedom of movement All submissions received by the • Housing benefit Policy Commission are circulated to • Immigration and employment members ahead of the next meeting for consideration as part of our • Immigration and social security discussions on policy development. In • Independent Living Fund the last year the Work and Business Policy Commission has received and • Insurance companies and renewal considered submissions on the following quotes topics. • Internships • Agency workers • Living wage • Apprenticeships and employment • Living wage for pensioners • Bedroom Tax • Local Enterprise Partnerships • Benefit Cap • Low Pay Commission • Benefit sanctions • Ministry for small business • Blacklisting • National infrastructure • British Investment Bank • National Insurance numbers • Business Rates • National Minimum Wage • C&G site diary support • National Minimum Wage apprenticeship • Carers and youth rates • Child Benefit • Pension fees and charges

24 National Policy Forum Report 2015 • Pension reform • Working Time Regulations • Pensioner’s benefits reform • Workplace rights • People’s Bank • Zero-hours contracts • Personal Independence Payments • Poverty and disability • Private sector job creation • Public procurement • Regional economies • Responsible consumerism • Restricting benefits to two children • Science R&D • Statutory duty for business • Student loans • Remploy • Royal Mail • Tax avoidance • Tax credits • Trade Unions • TTIP • Tuition fees • Use of pension funds to raise a housing deposit • Universal Credit • Virtual apprenticeships • Voluntary sector • Welfare reforms • Work Capability Assessment • Workers with dyslexia • Working hours as a measure of employment

National Policy Forum Report 2015 25 26 National Policy Forum Report 2015 LIVING STANDARDS AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY COMMISSION LIVING STANDARDS AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY COMMISSION

Membership 2014/15 Policy Development HM Opposition The Living Standards and Sustainability MP* Policy Commission is tasked with looking MP at issues affecting quality of life, the MP cost of living, and our environment. In particular, it has been considering how best we can create a national integrated NEC publicly accountable and cost effective transport model; achieve sustainable * growth and a secure, low carbon energy mix while improving living standards Martin Mayer for families and individuals across all Andy Fox communities. Key policy areas include transport, climate change, energy, the CLPs and Regions environment, food, water and rural MSP affairs. Bethan Davey Nick Davies In September 2014, Commission Colleen Fletcher Co-Convenor Diana Holland led the Andrew Furlong Living Standards, Environment and Michael Hassell Sustainability seminar at Annual Jenny Holland Conference in Manchester. The panel Amber Courtney comprised of (then shadow Libby Lisgo Secretary of State for Transport), Maria Eagle (shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affiliates/ Socialist societies Affairs) and Jonathon Reynolds (shadow Maria Ludkin Minister of State for Energy and Climate Melanie Smallman Change). Delegates at the policy seminar Frank Ward discussed a number of issues, including Liz Snape bus and rail ownership, accessible public Tony Woodhouse transport, HS2, fracking and shale gas, flooding, and taxi regulation. There Elected members was a discussion on provision of public transport in rural areas, with delegates Seb Dance MEP sharing their own local experiences of Steve Swift rural transport. A delegate shared his Alan Whitehead MP experience of competing companies MP running buses along exactly the same local route, rather than working * Co-convenor to expand the routes available to passengers. Annual Conference also debated and agreed a contemporary motion on rail franchising. In November 2014, the Commission met for a discussion on their priorities

28 National Policy Forum Report 2015 for Labour’s manifesto offer as part of contributions received over the course of the Manifesto 2015: Changing Britain the Agenda 2015 process. Together engagement programme. Maria Eagle and Energy Market Reform (shadow Minister for Transport) attended Reform of the energy market formed a to join the discussions on their respective key part of our pledge to tackle the cost briefs. The meeting covered a wide of living crisis. The manifesto outlined range of topics but particular attention our plans to freeze energy bills and was paid to the issues of rail franchising reform the market so that it delivers and ownership, climate change, and the fairer prices. We pledged that the ‘Big low carbon economy. The discussion Six‘ Energy companies would have to also covered shale gas and fracking, the separate out the parts of their business water industry, the environment, rural that generate energy from the parts that pay and the abolition of the Agricultural sell it to consumers. We also promised Wages Board, and rural poverty. The to establish a tough new watchdog to Commission confirmed their support enforce our reforms, with the power to for the Gangmasters Licensing Authority strip energy companies of their licenses which is particularly relevant in if they repeatedly harmed the interests agriculture and the food industry. In of consumers. addition, there was a more cross-cutting, general discussion, during which the Energy Efficiency Commission considered the importance The manifesto also outlined our plans to of making sure the Party’s message was improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s heard, and ensuring that where we have homes. We pledged to deliver a million clear policy commitments that will make interest free loans for home energy a tangible difference to people’s lives we improvements, and to make 200,000 low make sure that voters have heard about income homes warmer each year, with them. Members also reflected on the energy efficiency measures delivered importance of using language that would street by street by local authorities and be readily accessible and that could community organisations. be easily used by campaigners on the doorstep. Climate change and the environment The manifesto also included the measures on nature and the Labour’s Manifesto environment that formed part of the The Living Standards and Sustainability Milton Keynes agreement, pledging to Policy Commission met late in 2014 keep our forests in public ownership, to discuss its priorities for the General promote access to green spaces, Election manifesto, based on its work and support the work of the Natural over the previous four years and the Capital Committee. The Manifesto also contents of the policy programme committed us to publishing an ambitious agreed at Annual Conference. The adaptation programme, as well as manifesto was agreed at a Clause V using our Infrastructure Commission to meeting in April 2015, and contained a prioritise investment in flood prevention. number of commitments shaped by the We also committed to putting tackling work of the policy commission and the climate change at the heart of our

National Policy Forum Report 2015 29 foreign policy and pushing for an cannot afford to pay their water bills. We ambitious agreement on climate change also pledged to strengthen the powers of at the UNFCCC conference in Paris in the water regulator to change licenses, December. The manifesto included a limit price rises and enforce industry pledge to deal with the problems of standards. air pollution by giving local authorities the powers they need, backed up by a Animal welfare national framework. The manifesto contained measures to Rail franchising and bus regulation advance animal welfare, as agreed at Milton Keynes, and starting with an end Reform of the transport system was to the Government’s cruel and ineffective also included in the manifesto. As per badger cull. We also pledged to improve the Milton Keynes NPF agreement, the the protection of cats and dogs, ban manifesto pledged to review the rail wild animals in circuses, defend the franchising system as a priority, to put in hunting ban and deal with wildlife crime place a new system and avoid a repeat associated with shooting. of the franchising fiasco which took place under the Coalition Government. The manifesto also pledged to legislate to ensure that a public sector operator Current Issues would be able to take on lines and Climate Change challenge the private train operating companies on a level playing field, Tackling the threat of dangerous climate putting passengers before private profit change is one of the greatest challenges in running the railways. These pledges of our time, and is consequently a reflected the importance placed by subject that has come up frequently members on the reform of the broken in submissions and in Commission franchising system, which was the most meetings. In December, government common subject of submissions to the representatives from across the world Commission. will meet in Paris at the United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Also in the area of transport, we pledged Change conference with the goal of to give city and county regions more agreeing a legally binding and universal power over the way buses are operated agreement to reduce emissions in in their area, including the ability to order to limit the global temperature decide routes, bear down on fares, drive increase to two degrees Celsius above improvements in services and bring pre-industrial levels. Current pledges together trains, buses and trams into a are not ambitious enough to achieve single network with smart ticketing. this and the UK must lead the way in championing greater ambition. Reform of the water industry It was a Labour government that passed The manifesto also included a pledge the UK’s ground breaking Climate to reform the water industry, as Change Act, a world first, that bound the agreed in Milton Keynes. Under our Government by law to reduce carbon reforms, water companies would have emissions by a third by 2020 and by 80 been required to sign up to a national per cent by 2050, and which has inspired affordability scheme to help those who action and been copied in countries

30 National Policy Forum Report 2015 across the world. has in the face of environmental concerns pledged to show international leadership threatens to undermine green growth. but his position is weakened by his actions at home, where too often he has Experts are clear that in the long term placated sceptics on his back benches a diverse and low-carbon energy mix is and undermined green jobs and likely to cost far less than relying on fossil investment. As we approach the Paris fuels, and we will continue to advocate summit, the Labour Party must continue a low carbon energy mix that includes to show leadership internationally and renewables, nuclear, green gas, and call for greater ambition, and to ensure carbon capture and storage. Achieving that as the official opposition we hold this mix is not just necessary if we are to the Government to account on these meet our carbon emissions targets and important negotiations. avert catastrophic climate change – it will also protect us against future price rises. Energy Policy Rail Franchising The cost of energy for families also continues to be of concern, with Rail ownership and the franchise system wholesale prices falling much faster than were some of the most frequently domestic bills, and energy companies recurring themes in the submissions failing to pass on savings to consumers. the Commission received, not just During the last Parliament the failure this year but across the whole policy of the Government to take any action cycle. Following discussions at Milton against the ‘Big Six’ energy companies Keynes, the Party pledged to review for overcharging their customers was the franchising system to put in place a something that Labour frequently system that is fit for purpose, to create highlighted, and the Commission will a public sector operator to take on new continue to scrutinise the Government’s lines, and to create National Rail to action, or lack thereof in this regard, oversee the railways and act as a guiding in an attempt to stop families being mind. The Party also opposed the ripped off, particularly in light of the privatisation of East Coast Mainline. Competition and Markets Authority In contrast to this, the Conservative investigation into the energy market. Government is committed to continuing The Commission has frequently the flawed franchising model. A number discussed the challenge of achieving of franchises are up for re-tendering in a secure, clean and affordable energy this Parliament and we will scrutinise supply, and the Party’s plans for reform these to ensure that passengers are put of the energy market and to secure low first and value for money is delivered for carbon investment formed a key plank the taxpayer. of our manifesto. The transition to a low Furthermore, in contrast to Labour’s plan carbon economy is a huge opportunity to drive better integration of the railways for Britain, with the potential to be a through National Rail, there are reports major source of jobs and growth. But that this Government is considering the Conservatives’ irrational opposition privatising Network Rail. This would lead to onshore wind and their determination to further fragmentation of the railways to push ahead with fracking for shale gas with passengers paying the price. We will scrutinise future plans from the Government and call for a new strategic

National Policy Forum Report 2015 31 body to improve co-ordination and add a Agricultural Wages Board in in real passenger voice in how are railways the last Parliament means that this is are run. now the only part of the that does not have defined standards Bus Regulation for pay and working conditions for Labour made a commitment to give agricultural workers. -style bus powers to all areas of Animal Welfare the country that want it so that they can decide routes, set fares and improve Animal welfare has been a consistent services. and recurring theme in the submissions received by the Commission, and the The Government has introduced a Party’s pledges on animal welfare at the Buses Bill that would allow directly- general election reflected the importance elected Mayors to have greater control members attach to this topic. We over their local bus service, including pledged to end the cruel and ineffective bus franchising powers. Whilst Labour badger cull, improve the protection supports this measure, we have been of cats and dogs, ban wild animals in clear that these powers should be circuses, defend the hunting ban and extended to all areas with combined deal with wildlife crime associated with authorities and not restricted to those shooting. We also pledged to show with Mayors. And so we will continue international leadership to end animal to support areas like their North East cruelty abroad. Combined Authority as it moves forward with plans to introduce quality contracts In stark contrast to Labour’s position, this across the city region. Conservative government has pledged to continue with their inhumane and Rural Communities ineffective badger cull, as well as to hold Scrutinising the effects of Government a free vote on the repeal of the Hunting policy on those who live in rural Act, despite surveys repeatedly showing communities is an ongoing thread of that the majority of the public back the work for the Commission. Often, rural ban on hunting with dogs. And although households face very specific challenges– the Tories have pledged to outlaw the for example; many rural communities use of wild animals in circuses, this is have no grid access, so they are forced to something that they promised but never use more expensive alternative sources implemented in the last Parliament. of household energy. And while many The Commission will therefore continue rural households pay more for transport, to closely scrutinise this Government’s access is worse than in urban areas. The action on animal welfare, and hold it to Tories’ botched rural broadband rollout account if it fails to ensure we treat the has further heightened the sense that animals we share our planet with in a some rural communities are being left humane and compassionate way. behind by Westminster. The Commission will also continue to pay close attention to the rights of agricultural workers, particularly in England as the abolition of the

32 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Submissions • Rail electrification All submissions received by the • Rail infrastructure and rolling stock Policy Commission are circulated to • Rail franchising members ahead of the next meeting for consideration as part of our discussions • Rail ownership on policy development. In the last year the Living Standards and Sustainability • Renewable energy Policy Commission has received and • Road infrastructure considered submissions on the following topics. • Road speed limits • Air Passenger Duty • Regional development • Airport expansion • Rural transport • Animal welfare • Shale gas and fracking • Bus services • School buses • Bus franchising • Smart metering • Carbon capture and storage • Solar Power • Climate change • Vehicle Excise Duty • Cycling safety • Water bills • CO2 emissions and climate change • Water supply • Drink driving • Wind power • Energy efficiency • Energy market reform • Energy prices • Energy security • Food banks • Fossil fuels • Flood protection • HS2 • Hunting Act • International climate change negotiations • Nuclear power

National Policy Forum Report 2015 33 34 National Policy Forum Report 2015 STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES POLICY COMMISSION STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES

Membership 2014/15 Policy Development HM Opposition MP* The Stronger, Safer Communities Policy MP Commission is tasked with looking at Jenny Chapman MP issues and developing ideas around the areas of policy concerning our NEC communities and how we live, such as community safety, housing, local Ann Lucas* ~ / John Healy MP** government and immigration. Christine Shawcroft MP Two well attended seminars were held at Alice Perry Annual Conference 2014. The Crime and Justice policy seminar had an extensive CLPs and Regions panel of shadow ministerial team Azhar Ali members present to hear delegates’ Julie Brookfield views and respond to points raised. Ann Cryer Among the issues raised by delegates Nicky Gavron were access to justice, legal aid cuts and Carol Hayton the reduction in cases brought forward Jillian Merchant to employment tribunals as a result of Brynnen Ririe the introduction of fees. Lorna Trollope Brenda Weston There were a range of issues concerning Mark Whitcutt the Government’s changes to the criminal justice system. These included Affiliates overcrowding in prisons, prison staff Emma Burnell shortages, and prisoner access to Mervyn Butler courses and education. Concerns Gail Cartmail surrounding the Government’s Jennifer Elliot Transforming Rehabilitation programme Paul Liam Evans and measures that mean non- Sarah Gill professionals will be responsible for Stephen Murphy making decisions about whether or Rebekah Price not an offender needs to be recalled to prison were also voiced. Delegates made Elected Reps several points on the issue of violence Ruth Cadbury against women including Community MP Resolutions being used for serious Mary Honeyball MEP crimes such as Domestic Violence when the Association of Chief Police Officers * Co-convenor guidance says they should only be used ~ Until November 2014 for low-level crimes. Delegates also discussed proposals to deregulate taxis so that those other than the named driver can use them as in London. Concerns were raised that this could put the safety of women at risk.

36 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Topics of interest for those attending the immigration with fair rules, had been Stronger Communities seminar included announced by Ed Miliband. the housing crisis, what powers should be devolved to local communities, what Shadow Communities Secretary Hilary the future of local government looks Benn gave updates on the issues of like and how we can build a stronger art devolution and housing. Labour had and culture sector. Delegates discussed announced devolution of 100 per cent the importance of building new of business rate income growth to local homes across all tenures, from social authorities, amounting to £30 billion housing built by councils and housing over five years - three times as much as associations through to new private that being offered by the Government. market housing. Deep concerns were voiced about local government funding On housing, the Commission heard and the increasingly stark choices that that the Lyons report had highlighted councils face. the issue of land banking, and that in response Labour would adopt a ‘use it The Policy Commission held a meeting or lose it’ policy, to give local authorities in December to discuss the priorities for powers to intervene when land Labour’s manifesto offer. Following the banking is occurring, through reform to NPF elections in November Compulsory Purchase Order legislation. MP replaced Ann Lucas as the new NEC The Commission also discussed how Co-convenor. The Commission noted the New Homes Bonus would be their thanks to Ann for her service. The re-allocated on a fairer basis under Commission welcomed the recently Labour, and incentives for garden cities. published Changing Britain Together pre- Commission members also raised points manifesto document, finding it a helpful on spatial planning and fairer funding for summary of our key policies from the local authorities. NPF agreement that would be a useful campaigning tool. Labour’s Manifesto Shadow Yvette Cooper updated the meeting on developments The Stronger, Safer Communities Policy since their last meeting. This included Commission met late in 2014 to discuss the next report of the Women’s Safety its priorities for the General Election Commission, chaired by Vera Baird, manifesto, based on its work over the and the announcement that Labour previous four years and the contents would support a national network of of the policy programme agreed at women’s refuges from the money saved Annual Conference. The manifesto through the abolition of Police and Crime was agreed at a Clause V meeting in Commissioners to stem the tide of the April 2015, and contained a number of closures that have been occurring. The commitments shaped by the work of the group discussed immigration, a key policy commission and the contributions issue both in submissions and on the received over the course of the Agenda doorstep. Yvette Cooper spoke about the 2015 process. approach that she had set out recently, pointing out also that Labour’s second General Election pledge, on controlling

National Policy Forum Report 2015 37 Housing to transform policing and make savings that could be ploughed back into The manifesto contained an ambitious the frontline while at the same time plan to get at least 200,000 new homes professionalising the service and raising built each year by 2020. The need to standards. Our manifesto stated our tackle the housing crisis, with more intention to protect frontline policing affordable housing and a better private by making different choices than the rented sector, had been a key theme of Tory-led Government, such as abolishing the work of the National Policy Forum Police and Crime Commissioners, ending and the Policy Review, and many of the the subsidy of firearms licenses and ideas that emerged were reflected in the mandating police forces to work together manifesto. to safeguard 10,000 police officers over the next three years. This was It included several measures to give alongside a Local Policing Commitment communities the powers to provide the to guarantee neighbourhood policing in homes they need, in the places they every community. want. These included new ‘use it or lose it’ powers for local authorities in order Criminal justice system to encourage developers to build. The manifesto also pledged to increase Building on the work of the NPF and the competition in the housebuilding Victims’ Taskforce led by former Director industry by backing small builders, to of Public Prosecutions, , increase the supply of affordable homes the manifesto promised wider access to and to give local authorities the powers legal aid for victims of domestic violence, to reduce the number of empty homes. reforms to prisons and the probation service with an increased focus on As agreed at Milton Keynes, the restorative justice, and Britain’s first ever manifesto also pledged action to give victims’ law to put victims at the heart of private renters more affordability and the criminal justice system. stability, with three year tenancies and a ceiling on excessive rent rises, as well as The crime and justice mini manifesto a ban on unfair letting agent fees. published in went further still, promised tough new laws to confront child sexual Neighbourhood Policing abuse and violence against women, including mandatory reporting of child Labour pioneered neighbourhood abuse, banning the use of community policing rooted in local communities, resolutions as a response to domestic with police doing more than reacting violence and changes to DNA retention to crimes by also preventing them. Key so that rape suspects have their DNA to this was partnership working with recorded and stored. To often crime agencies such as local authorities and victims are not being listened too or let schools. But the Government’s actions down by the criminal justice system. have hollowed out neighbourhood policing and the Commission regularly discussed the importance of protecting frontline policing to keep people safe. The NPF agreement included a pledge

38 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Devolution EU migrants earn their entitlements to benefits. Labour’s manifesto built on a number of measures agreed at the Milton Keynes This issue remains in the spotlight NPF meeting to devolve new powers and the Government brought forward to local authorities (and groups of local proposals for their Immigration Bill in authorities), with a focus on skills and the Queen’s Speech. Labour supports employment support, economic growth measures contained in the Bill to tackle and health and wellbeing, empowering illegal migration and deport foreign them to build thriving, sustainable and criminals. We believe we should go prosperous communities and improve further to reduce the exploitation standards of living for local residents. that undercuts local wages, with a new offence of serious exploitation Ahead of the election, the Party also and closing the loophole that allows published a paper on devolution of employers to use agency workers to economic power and funding, committed undercut the wages of permanent staff. to introducing an English Devolution Act, After the failures on immigration in the enshrining in legislation the devolution last Parliament, where the government of power and funding worth at least were focussing on their net migration £30 billion over five years. The Party’s target and failing to tackle illegal aim was to put local areas in the driving migration, the Commission is concerned seat on key decisions affecting their that the Government will break their local economies – with new powers over promises once again. back-to-work schemes, to drive house building, and to integrate, invest in and For months Labour has been warning plan transport infrastructure. Labour the Government that more action needs also pledged to let city and county to be taken to resolve the growing regions keep all the additional business crisis at Calais. As well as measures to rates revenue generated by growth. safeguard the security of our borders, we need to ensure proper immigration procedures are followed. This includes Current Issues working with European partners to ensure people’s immigration status is Immigration assessed at the first port they arrive in, as agreed as part of the Dublin Britain has benefited over many convention. Britain should also be a lead centuries from immigration and it will player in the continued efforts to resolve be ever more important in a globalised the refugee and humanitarian crisis in economy. But it is because of this that north Africa and the middle east which is it needs to be controlled and needs to leading to people fleeing. work for everyone. Labour went into the election with a range of measures to improve the system and make it fairer. This included 1,000 new border staff to tackle illegal immigration, new laws to stop the exploitation of migrant workers that undercuts workers, and ensuring

National Policy Forum Report 2015 39 Counter terror in submissions throughout the last Parliament and continues to be so. First With the conflict in Syria, the terrorist time buyers are being priced out of attack in Tunsia and the barbarism of home ownership and millions of families ISIL, the terror threat has been growing. face insecurity and poor standards in the We are seeing awful cases of young private rented sector. This Government British citizens and entire families being is not doing enough to get more homes drawn into extremism or travelling to built and we are building fewer than half join ISIL, and more needs to be done to of the homes we need. highlight the causes of radicalisation and the importance of tackling both non- Although we support people’s violent and violent extremism. aspirations to buy their own homes, the Labour has set out our concerns about Government’s proposals on extending how in addition to the vital work the the Right to Buy to Housing Associations police are doing, the Government risk making the housing crisis worse. needs to do more to help community- Experts have criticised it as unworkable led organisations prevent extremism and unfunded. Any proposal which and radicalisation in the first place. does not address the key problem of Community-led programmes still lack the chronic shortage of homes will push enough support, even though there home ownership further out of reach are many faith groups, voluntary for families. Labour will continue to call organisations and families who want on the Government to do more to build to do more. The Prevent programme the homes we need, and give first time needs a major overhaul to cope with buyers priority when new homes are the scale of the problem. Hundreds built in their area. of people have returned from fighting with ISIL in Syria and we need proper Local Government & Devolution measures in place to ensure the security agencies and counter terror police have Devolution is key to driving economic the tools they need to protect the public. growth, raising productivity and Our investigative laws need to keep up rebalancing our economy. Devolution to with changing technology. This is why Scotland, and London – initiated Labour argued for an independent by Labour – has energised the devolution review undertaken by the Independent agenda, and in local government Labour Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation David authorities have shown what can be Anderson. Strong powers need strong done when they are given more freedom checks and balances to ensure they are to innovate and redesign services to used appropriately. We must ensure meet the needs of their communities. these measures are both effective and proportionate. But although this Government pays lip service to the merits of devolution, Housing their ad hoc and piecemeal approach risks leaving some communities behind. Britain is in the midst of the biggest Furthermore, by dictating the terms of housing crisis in a generation, with the devolution (for example by imposing lowest levels of peacetime housebuilding mayoral structures) the Government since the 1920s. This was a key theme undermines its own devolution agenda.

40 National Policy Forum Report 2015 As the Cities and Local Government • Employment tribunals Devolution Bill goes through Parliament • Exploitation of migrant workers Labour will work with Local Authorities for greater devolution in housing, adult • Extremism and radicalisation skills, transport, back to work schemes • Foreign workers and skills shortages and business support. • Free movement of people in the EU Submissions • Gambling All submissions received by the • Hate crime Policy Commission are circulated to • High streets members ahead of the next meeting for • Homelessness consideration as part of our discussions on policy development. In the last • Housing year the Stronger, Safer Communities • Immigration Policy Commission has received and considered submissions on the following • Improving social housing topics. • Integration

• Access to justice • Interest only mortgages • Alcohol and licensing • Internet fraud • Alternatives to custody • Land banking • Anti-social behaviour • Landlords • Border controls • Legal aid • British citizenship • Libraries • British Commonwealth Housing Trust • Local government finance • Building new towns • Localism • Buy-to-let tax relief • Mansion tax • Charitable sector housing • Media regulation • Community safety • Nationalising the lottery • Criminal assets • New Homes • Crime • Online crime • Crossbow licensing • Policing • Cyber surveillance and privacy laws • Police and Crime Commissioners • Devolution to local authorities and • Police pensions communities • Prisons and punishment • Drugs • Private rented sector • Dual nationality and ISA • Private sector involvement in local • Eco homes authority services • Property taxation

National Policy Forum Report 2015 41 • Racism • Registration for house builders • Rehabilitation of offenders • Rent controls • Right to buy • Second homes • Social Housing • Sport • Telephone fraud • Victims of crime • Violence against women and girls • Young people

42 National Policy Forum Report 2015 EDUCATION AND CHILDREN POLICY COMMISSION EDUCATION AND CHILDREN POLICY COMMISSION

Membership 2014/15 Policy Development

HM Opposition Ensuring that all children have access MP* to a world class education is core to Kevin Brennan MP Labour’s commitment to delivering social Liam Byrne MP justice and tackling the inequality that is MP/Alison McGovern MP holding our country back. The Education and Children Policy Commission is NEC tasked with considering all aspects of education policy development, from Mary Turner* childcare and the early years, through Paddy Lillis primary and secondary school, to Wendy Nicholls opportunities for young people post-16. A key theme that runs throughout the CLPs and Regions Commission’s work is the drive to deliver Charlotte Hale an education system that harnesses the Chris Hughes talent and potential of all children and Dawn Elliott young people. Diane Green Fiona Twycross The Education and Children Policy Helena Dollimore Commission began its year by hosting John Wiseman a seminar at the 2014 Labour Party Judith Blake Annual Conference in Manchester. The Lara Norris Commission’s Co-convenor, Mary Turner, Nick Ireland led the discussion on key challenges Stephanie Peacock and priorities for policy in supporting our children and young people. The Affiliates event was well attended, leading to Grace Skelton lively discussion on contemporary John Hannett issues. Shadow Education Secretary Siobhan Endean Tristram Hunt provided an update of the discussions held at the National Policy Elected Reps Forum earlier in the year, thanking those MP that attended for their contribution to Catherine West the Party’s education policy programme. Steve Bullock Julie Ward Conference delegates then had the opportunity to raise questions and * Co-convenor points for discussion. Topics were wide- ranging and spanned from admissions to faith schools and grammar schools, to youth services, the Education Maintenance Allowance and tuition fees. Other points discussed included childcare and the threat to Sure Start Children’s Centres, the universal infant free school meals initiative, the role of

44 National Policy Forum Report 2015 the local authority in Labour’s plans announcement of its plans to introduce for Directors of School Standards, and a new ‘Schools Partnership Standard’, improving the quality of apprenticeships. which would require private schools to form a meaningful partnership with In November, the Commission met a state school in order to continue to to discuss the education priorities for receive state subsidised business rates Labour’s manifesto drawing on the relief that they currently benefit from. NPF agreement. Commission members Commission members agreed that this suggested that technical and vocational policy fit with the overarching vision of education should be front and centre Labour’s schools policy programme, in the manifesto, with weight given to with its focus on collaboration between improving the quantity and quality of schools to drive up standards and apprenticeships and Labour’s offer of ending the fragmentation of our schools a clear route through education and system. into a career for those young people not pursuing the traditional route into university. The development of a ’s Manifesto careers advice policy, guaranteeing young people independent information The Education and Children Policy and guidance on both academic and Commission met late in 2014 to discuss vocational qualifications, was also its priorities for the General Election welcomed. It was agreed that these manifesto, based on its work over the policies, alongside a new Higher previous four years and the contents Education announcement, which would of the policy programme agreed at form the pledge to reduce tuition fees to Annual Conference. The manifesto £6,000 per year, would provide a strong was agreed at a Clause V meeting in sense of Labour’s vision of developing April 2015, and contained a number of an education system that delivers for commitments shaped by the work of the all young people regardless of their policy commission and the contributions background, and supports them to make received over the course of the Agenda choices about their future that are right 2015 process. for them. Technical and vocational education Alongside transforming vocational education, other issues that were The education section of Labour’s seen as a priority for the manifesto manifesto began with clear included Labour’s offer of extending commitments to invest in education free childcare, plans for ensuring from the early years through to post-16 that all children benefit from high education and skills, and to raise the quality teaching, compulsory sex and standard and status of technical and relationship education, and promoting vocational education. This builds on an emphasis on a broad and balanced much of the work of the Commission curriculum that considers both arts and over the past five years, whose members sciences as important subjects. have championed the need to create a clear, vocational route to success that During the meeting, the Commission sits alongside high quality academic also welcomed the Party’s recent choices for young people. As part of the

National Policy Forum Report 2015 45 plans to transform vocational education of local parents have concerns and following discussions held at the about underperformance, or a dip in National Policy Forum meeting in July standards, they would be able to call in 2014, Labour’s manifesto also pledged their local Director of School Standards a new, independent system of careers to hold a school to account. advice, offering personalised face-to-face guidance to support young people to The early years make the best choices for their future. The manifesto reaffirmed Labour’s Teacher quality support for the early years, with commitments to protect the early years Labour’s plan to raise the quality and budget and prioritise early intervention status of teaching was another central to give children and parents the best theme of the education content of start in family life. Key pledges also the manifesto. This began with the included restoring and strengthening commitment that under a Labour the role of Sure Start children’s centres government every teacher would need and helping families by expanding free to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). childcare from 15 to 25 hours per week Policies outlining new career routes for for working parents of three and four- teachers who are expert in their subject, year-olds, paid for with an increase in the high quality continuing professional bank levy. development for the workforce, and a new School Leadership Institute to Collaboration in the schools system support headteachers and improve school leadership followed this minimum The manifesto included plans to ensure guarantee. private schools do more to contribute to raising standards in state education School structures to justify receiving business rates relief, which is worth hundreds of millions of Over the past cycle of policy pounds. As a condition for receiving development, a key issue has been this state subsidy, private schools will school structures and the current be required to form a meaningful Government’s fragmentation of the partnership with a school, or cluster of schools system. Following discussions at schools, in the state sector. There was the National Policy Forum, it was agreed also a clear pledge to end the wasteful that in a One Nation education system Free Schools programme. parents and local communities should have a greater say in the school systems Support for vulnerable children that serve them, with local support on hand to drive up standards. Labour’s Alongside policies to raise the quality manifesto pledged to deliver a system and status of teaching, the manifesto of robust local oversight for schools, included plans for improving training with new Directors of School Standards for teachers working with children at a local level to monitor performance, with special educational needs and intervene in underperforming schools disabilities, and increased support for and support them to improve. As children in kinship (family and friends) part of this policy, where a majority care and their families, a group too

46 National Policy Forum Report 2015 often overlooked and undervalued. years of a child’s life. Not only is this The manifesto also reiterated Labour’s likely to continue to confine Britain support for Frontline and its innovative to its status as a country that allows approach to training social workers, and a child’s background to define how Teach First. As part of Labour’s approach they get on in life, but it could widen to the curriculum, the manifesto existing educational inequality that committed to introducing compulsory children experience. The Commission age-appropriate sex and relationship believes that the earliest years of child’s education in state schools, including development – zero to five – should be working with schools to stop the blight viewed with the same importance as a of homophobic bullying. child’s time at school. We consider this a crucial step in achieving the goal of ending educational inequality in this Current Issues country once and for all.

The early years School structures

The earliest years of a child’s life are The Education and Adoptions Bill that vital. The gap in achievement emerges has been presented to Parliament will long before a child starts primary school, see the Tories continue with and expand with children from poorer backgrounds their approach of simply changing the estimated to already be 19 months structure of a school when it fails. Over behind their more advantaged peers the past five years we have seen that this when they start school. Yet despite approach has failed to deliver the high the important role that early years standards that are so badly needed for services play in child development, the all children in the country. Sadly many Government’s record is woeful. Over local areas that were underperforming in the past five years, the Tories have 2010 are still struggling today and many presided over the closure or hollowing have got worse. Our schools system is out of hundreds of Sure Start children’s sorely lacking the tough local oversight centres, leaving many vulnerable families that is necessary to identify problems without the support they need. This is and intervene early to fix them. highlighted by many of the submissions received by the Commission that raised Whilst the Commission supports the loss of Sure Start centres in their academy status as one option for local areas and how painfully this was turning around failing schools, unlike the felt by communities. The Commission Tories we realise that raising standards agrees that Sure Start and in particular, and tackling underperformance requires early intervention to tackle the root far more than just this. Submissions causes of problems, should remain a received by the Commission reflect priority for Labour. the need for a much stronger focus on raising the quality of classroom Getting the early years wrong can have teaching and school leadership, greater serious long-term consequences for collaboration between schools at a local individual children, society and our level and more devolution of decision- economy. Despite this the Government taking powers to local areas than is is not planning to invest in education currently the case. The Commission and protect the budget for the early strongly believes that all schools,

National Policy Forum Report 2015 47 PROSPERITY AND WORK POLICY COMMISSION

regardless of their type, should be held next generation over the coming years. to account. For Britain to be starting this parliament with questions over the teacher School places supply and school places shortages is a damning indictment of the last With two in five councils forecasting Government’s record on education. that they will have more primary-age pupils than school places by September The curriculum 2016, rising to more than half in 2017 and three in five in 2018, the issue of Currently academies and Free Schools better planning for school places will have the freedom to innovate in the be a key priority for Labour over the curriculum, whilst local authority next Parliament. The Tories have still maintained schools cannot. This has not set out how they are going to tackle created a fragmented and divisive this serious issue and they are refusing schools system. The Commission to change tack and prioritise spending believes that a school should not have where there are shortages of school to change its structure just to gain places, continuing instead with their freedoms and that all schools, and plans to spend hundreds of millions on not just academies, should have the Free Schools in areas where there are freedoms that raise standards to meet already enough places. At the same time the needs of their local area. Labour’s more and more young children are being priority will be to ensure that alongside crammed into large classes and parents robust local oversight, all schools have are finding it harder to get their child a the freedoms academies can use to place at their local school. innovate and raise standards, such as freedom over the curriculum, trusting Teacher quality and recruitment teachers to get on with the job. We will continue to insist that all schools teach Over the past few years the burgeoning a core subject entitlement, including crisis in initial teacher training and English, maths and science. teacher recruitment has become palpable. The Commission has heard Throughout the year, submissions from experts and received many received to the Commission have submissions questioning the impact referred to various issues relating to the of this Government’s policies on the curriculum, from the side-lining of the teaching profession. Poor rhetoric, arts to compulsory sex and relationship increasing workloads, and undermining education. Commission members feel the status of the profession by removing strongly that all schools should deliver a the requirement for teachers to be “broad and balanced curriculum” so that qualified has seen the number of every child is given a great education. teachers quitting rise to a ten year The Commission also recognises the high. The combination of these issues need to develop a clear, vocational route alongside the Government’s botched through education and into a career handling of teacher recruitment has for young people not choosing the led to the situation where many are traditional academic path to university – considering whether the country will a policy issue that has and continues to have an adequate supply of qualified be sorely neglected by this Government. teachers in all subjects to educate the

48 National Policy Forum Report 2015 PROSPERITY AND WORK POLICY COMMISSION

Health and well-being at school With youth unemployment still worryingly prevalent, many young The impact of a child’s physical and people are extremely anxious about mental health across their school life the future. The Tories’ plans to turn is hugely significant. Throughout the university maintenance grants into year, the Commission discussed the loans will see poorer students graduate importance of ensuring all children with even more debt than their peers. have opportunities to play sport, access This could have disastrous implications to healthy food at school, and support for young people from disadvantaged for their social and emotional well- backgrounds who are currently being to help them concentrate fully at considering applying to university. school. Following discussions held at the Whilst the Government continues to National Policy Forum meeting, it was show a shocking ambivalence towards agreed that Labour would continue with both vocational education and widening the universal free school meals initiative access to Higher Education, the for all infants in English primary schools, Commission recognises the challenges and the Commission will monitor the we face as a country and is determined delivery of this programme in this to keep transforming opportunities for Parliament. With the amount of time young people post-16 on the agenda. spent taking part in PE at school falling well below two hours a week and reports of a rise in the number of children with Submissions mental health issues, supporting the health and well-being of children at All submissions received by the school will remain firmly on the agenda Policy Commission are circulated to over the next five years. members ahead of the next meeting for consideration as part of our discussions Post-16 opportunities on policy development. In the last year the Education and Children Communities Throughout the year the Commission Policy Commission has received and has focused on a range of issues considered submissions on the following that affect opportunities for young topics. people from the age of 16, including increasing the number of high quality • Academies apprenticeships, widening access to university, and guaranteeing • Admissions opportunities for careers advice and • Apprenticeships work experience. This reflects the • Bullying breadth of submissions received by the Commission, which have also covered • Careers advice concerns over Further Education funding • Charitable status of schools cuts that have seen the sector suffer, and developing a better system for financing • Child poverty Higher Education. • Child protection

• Childcare costs • Children’s centres

National Policy Forum Report 2015 49 • Discipline • Teaching assistants • Early years • Technical education • Education Maintenance Allowance • Term time holidays (EMA) • Tuition fees • English Baccalaureate • University Technical Colleges (UTCs) • Faith schools • Unqualified teachers • Free school meals • Vocational education • Free schools • Vulnerable children • Further education • Youth services • Grammar schools • Grandparent’s rights • Higher education (HE) • International students • Languages • Maths and English to 18 • Mental health • Ofsted • Online learning • Political education • Private schools • Personal, social and health education (PSHE) • Reading methods • School accountability • School buildings • School funding • School holidays • School leaving age • School travel costs • Sex and relationship education (SRE) • Support for new mothers • Sure Start • Teacher recruitment and retention • Teacher workloads

50 National Policy Forum Report 2015 HEALTH AND CARE POLICY COMMISSION HEALTH AND CARE

Membership Policy Development

HM Opposition The Health and Care Policy Commission is concerned with Labour’s policy MP* direction and thinking on health and MP care. It considers current issues, MP including service reconfigurations, access to primary care and social care reform. NEC A key focus of the policy commission in Keith Birch* the past year has been consideration of MP priorities for the Manifesto. Conor McGinn MP At Annual Conference 2014, a policy CLPs and Regions seminar took place which provided an Lucy Anderson MEP opportunity for delegates to discuss a Peter Box variety of issues with the Health and Simon Burgess Care Policy Commission. The seminar Nick Forbes was attended by Keith Birch (Chair) and Joanne Harding members of the shadow health team Donna Hutton including Andy Burnham MP; Liz Kendall Katrina Murray MP; MP; Luciana Berger Douglas Naysmith MP; Jamie Reed MP; Sandra Samuels MP and Lord Phil Hunt. Denise Thursfield Members of the Policy Commission Affiliates updated delegates on the work of the Neeraj Patil Commission. Andy Burnham spoke Beryl Shepherd about the need to shape services Eleanor Smith around the needs of the person, which Martin Rathfelder requires the better integration of health Maggie Ryan and care services. Liz Kendall MP led a discussion on social care and the Elected Reps important role played by informal and Debbie Abrahams MP formal carers while Luciana Berger MP Angela Cornforth spoke about the need for a greater focus on prevention and early intervention. * Co-convenor Jamie Reed MP spoke about the need for better access and more accessible primary care, while Debbie Abrahams MP spoke about health inequalities. A wide ranging discussion took place on the effect that deep cuts to local authority budgets are having on the provision of social care. Many delegates raised concerns about the funding of, and the current crisis in, social care. Many were concerned about the varying

52 National Policy Forum Report 2015 quality of care that people received in in Society, all of which helped to inform care homes and that all care should be the commission’s thinking. of the highest standard. Concerns were also raised about the use of Zero Hours Contracts. Labour’s Manifesto

During the seminar many delegates The Health and Care Policy Commission raised their concerns about the met late in 2014 to discuss its priorities increasing role of the private and for the General Election manifesto, independent sectors in providing health based on its work over the previous and social care services. Delegates also four years and the contents of the discussed the importance of public policy programme agreed at Annual health and the wider determinants Conference. The manifesto was agreed of health with many raising the need at a Clause V meeting in April 2015, and to focus on prevention and early contained a number of commitments intervention shaped by the work of the policy commission and the contributions Conference also took the opportunity to received over the course of the Agenda debate and agree a composite on health 2015 process. and social care. The debate noted that David Cameron promised to protect the Restoring the right values NHS but he has broken that promise and is privatising the service. The manifesto committed a Labour government to repealing the The Policy Commission convened a Government’s Health and Social Care teleconference in December to discuss Act; to scrap the competition regime and their key priorities for the manifesto. restore proper democratic accountability Andy Burnham and Luciana Berger for the NHS. It also included a represented the health team. Members commitment to establishing a sensible of the commission felt that it was commissioning framework, based on the important to emphasis our commitment principle of an NHS preferred provider, to repeal the health and social care to stop the drive towards privatisation act and protect the NHS from TTIP. and make sure that NHS services are Members also felt that the manifesto not destabilised by competition and should emphasise the benefits of fragmentation. integration and the need to improve access to GP services and improve social Joining up care from home to hospital care. The current system is too fragmented The policy commission also welcomed and was not designed for the growing the publication of a number of Policy numbers of people living with chronic Review papers: Protecting Children, conditions or multiple needs. Our Empowering All: Labour’s New Approach manifesto set out plans to create a whole to Public Health in the 21st Century; person approach: a single service to Labour’s 10 year plan for health and care meet all of a person’s health and care and; The Mentally Healthy Society: The needs, underpinned by new rights for report of the Taskforce on Mental Health patients.

National Policy Forum Report 2015 53 Better access to primary care and Social care: diagnostic tests The growing social care crisis is one Our manifesto recognised that patients of the biggest challenges we face as a are finding it harder to see a GP and society. The manifesto reaffirmed our that quicker access to health services support for measures to cap the costs is better for people’s health outcomes. of care and improving the quality of care The manifesto made a commitment to services. The manifesto also stated that guarantee people a GP appointment Labour would work with local authorities within 48 hours, and on the same day and care providers to end time-limited for those who need it. It also committed 15-minute visits, and to introduce year- to the creation of a Cancer Treatments of-care budgets to incentivise better care Fund so that patients have access to the in the home. latest drugs, surgery and radiotherapy. It also committed to speeding up the time Better public health that people wait for cancer tests making the commitment that by 2020, patients A greater emphasis on prevention will wait no longer than one week for and public health is essential, not vital cancer tests. just to improve outcomes and tackle inequalities, but to ensure the NHS Investing in staff so the NHS has time remains sustainable. Our manifesto to care set a new national ambition to improve the uptake of physical activity and take A key focus of the manifesto was a targeted action on those high strength, commitment to the Time to Care Fund. low cost alcohol products that fuel Labour committed to invest in 20,000 problem drinking. It also committed to more nurses, 8,000 more GPs, and 3,000 setting maximum permitted levels of more midwives, paid for by a Mansion sugar, salt and fat in foods marketed Tax on properties worth over £2 million, substantially to children. a levy on tobacco firms, and by tackling tax avoidance. Current Issues Giving mental health the priority it deserves Social Care

The manifesto committed to giving Many submissions to the Commission mental health the same priority as have raised concerns about the impact physical health, giving people the same that cuts to local authority budgets right to psychological therapies as they that pay for social care are having on currently have to drugs and medical the provision of services and on the treatments. NHS. In particular, the commission were concerned that figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre showed that there are now 300,000 fewer older people getting vital care services compared to 2010, and many older people are receiving care

54 National Policy Forum Report 2015 visits limited to just 15 minutes. The has quadrupled. In the last year, 1.4 Commission noted figures showing that million people waited longer than four- billions of pounds have been cut from hours in A&E. The Commission believes adult social care budgets since 2010, that record numbers of patients, who demonstrating the true scale of the care have been let down elsewhere, have crisis unfolding under this Government. turned to hospital A&Es for support, in particular older people who have lost The Commission are concerned that social care. The commission noted that tighter eligibility criteria means that one in four now wait a week or more more and more elderly and disabled or can’t see a GP at all which has led to people are being denied vital services to increasing numbers of people coming help them get up, washed, dressed and through the doors of A&E departments. fed and that families are left struggling to cope and seeing their own health The crisis in A&E is having an impact suffer too. Of particular concern to the across the NHS and is a problem of this Commission is that more people are Government’s making. Figures show that ending up needing expensive hospital or record numbers are attending A&E and residential care when they don’t need to, thousands of older people are trapped because the support they require isn’t in in hospital because the services they place in the community. require aren’t in place, such as social care. Pressure is backing up through The Commission has also noted that A&E, ambulance response times are carers make a vital contribution to our getting worse and waiting lists are a local communities and to our economy. seven-year high. Across the UK there are 6.5 million unpaid carers of whom many receive Public Health no financial support of any kind and this number is expected to rise to 9 million The commission are concerned that over the next 25 years. the Tory-led Government has failed to provide the answers on public health Accident and Emergency that we need and that they are unwilling to stand up to vested interests or are Many submissions to the Commission ideologically opposed to intervening in have continued to express concern at the markets. ongoing crisis in Accident and Emergency (A&E), which has resulted in patients The Commission also noted that on being held in the back of ambulances tobacco, the Government has failed to outside of A&E, more people waiting in stand up to vested interests and it has A&E, increased emergency admissions been left to Labour to lead the debate in and more patients waiting longer to be opposition by winning the fight for a ban admitted into hospital from A&E. on smoking in cars with children.

The Commission are particularly Mental Health concerned by official figures from NHS England which show that since 2009/10, Many submissions to the Commission the number of people forced to wait have expressed concern that hundreds longer than four hours in a hospital A&E of mental health beds in acute wards

National Policy Forum Report 2015 55 and intensive care units have been lost. The Commission is concerned that spending on mental health has fallen for the first time in decade and that spending on child and adolescent mental health services has fallen by £50 million. The Commission believe that although money is tight in all our public, squeezing budgets for mental health services is a false economy which results in hundreds of thousands of people who could recover with treatment being denied help and left to suffer, often at greater cost further down the line.

Staffing and service provision

Under the Tories, nurse numbers have failed to keep pace with demand. A survey of nursing staff shows that more than half of nurses believe their ward or unit remains dangerously understaffed. There are fewer GPs per head of population, and the Government’s own taskforce has declared “that there is a GP workforce crisis”.

The commission note that nurse training places have been cut which has resulted in 8,000 fewer nurse training places during this Parliament than if numbers had been retained at 2010 levels. This has led to ballooning spending on agency staff and spiralling recruitment from overseas.

The Commission is also concerned about the deterioration in service standards against key areas, for example, the two month cancer target has now been missed since the beginning of 2014; ambulance are missing response time targets and referral to treatment time targets have also been missed.

56 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Submissions • Mental health discrimination • Mental health provision All submissions received by the Policy Commission are circulated to • Motobility scheme members ahead of the next meeting for • National Insurance consideration as part of our discussions • Neurofibromatosis on policy development. In the last year the Health and Care Policy Commission • NHS assets has received and considered • NHS patient listeners submissions on the following topics. • Nurse training • Advertising in waiting rooms • Nursing homes • Reducing pressure on A&E • Operations • Annual prescription pass • Parkinsons • Care in the community • Patient autonomy • Care of the elderly • Prescription charges • Community services facilities • Private healthcare • Costs of criminal injury • Seven-day NHS • Dementia • Smoking age • Disability • Social care • Drug compensation fund • VAT on medication • Electro-hypersensitivity • Vulnerable adults and isolation in • Family carers payment hospital. • Food labelling • Frontline staff in NHS decision making • Funding the NHS • GP referral letter fees • GP user fees • Health and wellbeing • Homecare providers • Hospital chaplains • HPV and boys • Immune based disease • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Marketisation of the NHS • Maternity

National Policy Forum Report 2015 57 58 National Policy Forum Report 2015 BETTER POLITICS POLICY COMMISSION BETTER POLITICS

Membership Policy Development

HM Opposition The Better Politics Policy Commission considers Labour’s policy and thinking MP* on constitutional and democratic reform, Baroness Royall equality, civil society and participation MP and engagement in our political system. NEC At the Better Politics policy seminar Johanna Baxter* at Annual Conference in Manchester Dennis Skinner MP last year, many delegates were in attendance to ask questions and share CLPs and regions comments on a variety of issues across Ruth Davies the Commission’s remit. The panel of Maria Fyfe Shadow Ministers from Labour’s Justice, Annabelle Harle Equalities and teams was Simon Henig chaired by NEC co-convenor, Johanna Emma Hoddinott Baxter, and members of the Commission Sally Hussain were there to hear everyone’s views. Karen Landles During the discussion a broad range of Ann Trafford topics were raised including: reform of Darren Young the , workplace equality Bex Bailey reps and pay transparency measures, Individual Electoral Registration changes Affiliates/ Socialist societies and the danger of people falling off the Tom Burke register, and the commitment in Ed Collette Cork-Hurst Miliband’s speech to lower the voting age Sen Kandiah to 16. In light of the Scottish Referendum Pauline McCarthy result, several contributions were made Louise Reecejones on the subject of further devolution, Barbara White including to the north of England, and what the proposed Constitutional Elected members Convention should contain. Teresa Pearce MP Claude Moraes MEP The Commission held a meeting in Michael Ross December to examine the outcomes of the NPF process culminating at Milton * Co-convenor Keynes last July, and to discuss what the priorities should be for the manifesto. Shadow Women and Equalities Minister, Gloria De Piero, updated the meeting about current key issues in her remit. These included equal pay, childcare, maternity discrimination, and trans- discrimination. She noted how many of our policies would benefit women in particular including banning exploitative

60 National Policy Forum Report 2015 zero hours contracts and scrapping the contained a number of commitments unfair Bedroom Tax. In the discussion shaped by the work of the policy that followed, commission members commission and the contributions made points on the minimum wage, received over the course of the Agenda maternity and paternity leave, maternity 2015 process. rights during pregnancy and Work Capability Assessment and ATOS.

Sadiq Khan, Shadow Justice Secretary As part of the NPF’s Milton Keynes and Co-convenor spoke to the group agreement in 2014, the Labour Party about changes to Individual Electoral pledged to lower the voting age to 16 for Registration and fears that millions all UK elections. Last year’s referendum of electors could be missing from the on Scottish independence demonstrated register. The Human Rights Act and the impact this could have, with huge recent Tory attacks on it were discussed. numbers of young people engaged in the Commission members spoke about the argument and voting for the future of need to protect the laws that enshrine their country. The manifesto reaffirmed and protect our rights. The Commission Labour’s commitment to lowering the also discussed the proposals for a full voting age to 16, promising to bring it Constitutional Convention rooted in our in before May 2016. The Commission nations and regions, to address the need believes that lowering the voting age for further devolution in England and to 16 for all UK elections, alongside political reform of Westminster. It is the improved citizenship education is of next stage of Labour’s plan to ensure vital importance to the future of our decisions are taken closer to the families democracy. and businesses they affect following proposals for further devolution to Political reform Scotland and new devolution to the English regions. Sadiq underlined Our manifesto commitment on replacing how this should begin before the next the House of Lords with a Senate of election with every nation and region in Nations and Regions followed intensive the country engaged in a dialogue with discussion on this issue at the NPF the people about how power needs to meeting in Milton Keynes in July 2014. be dispersed, not just in Scotland, Wales This was alongside consideration of and Northern Ireland, but in England too. how English MPs can have a greater role in the scrutiny of legislation that affects only England. Both these matters Labour’s Manifesto would be part of the Constitutional Convention process that Labour called The Better Politics Policy Commission for to allow people across the country, met late in 2014 to discuss its priorities not just politicians in Westminster, to for the General Election manifesto, consider. The manifesto also contained based on its work over the previous a pledge to take steps to ensure the four years and the contents of the move to individual registration does policy programme agreed at Annual not leave millions unregistered, or Conference. The manifesto was agreed lead to constituencies that fail to take at a Clause V meeting in April 2015, and into account all of the people that live

National Policy Forum Report 2015 61 in them. This is a topic that has been Representation examined in Commission meetings as a result of the number of submissions We want our Parliament to look received on this issue, and was also part more like the country it serves. Our of NPF discussions on how to increase manifesto committed us to achieving a the completeness of the register. better balance in Parliament of under- represented groups. Our aim is to go Rights and equality further and make sure all our national institutions, including Parliament, the The Labour Party has always police, judiciary, civil service and the championed equality and led on boardrooms of our companies are more challenging prejudice and discrimination. representative of our diverse country. Our manifesto set out how we would continue on this path working to gain As well as key commitments in the further in areas where more General Election manifesto we also still needs to be done to ensure true produced a range of ‘mini manifestos’ equality. This included establishing a going into more detail about our comprehensive race equality strategy to approach and the measures we would break down barriers still faced by BAME take to achieve progress for women, communities and building on our history disabled people, the LGBT community, of championing LGBT rights tackling older people, and BAME communities. homophobia with stronger laws here and with greater engagement abroad. Current Issues Women ‘English votes for English laws’ The manifesto set out how we would go further in reducing discrimination Plans to introduce the Conservative against women. In the last five years election pledge of giving MPs from progress to close the gender pay gap has English constituencies an effective veto slowed, more women are low paid and on laws affecting only England were on zero-hours contracts than men and included in the Queen’s Speech. Labour tens of thousands of women are being believes it is right to give English MPs forced out of their job each year due to a greater role in scrutinising legislation maternity discrimination. The manifesto that only affects England, however, this stated that a Labour government would issue should be looked at as part of a require large companies to publish their broader discussion of the future of the gender pay gap and strengthen the law Union and devolution. Submissions against maternity discrimination. Where received raised concerns that the further action is needed we would Government must not do anything that enforce the relevant provisions of the could threaten to break up the Union Equality Act. by rushing this issue, or dealing with it in a piecemeal manner. Therefore these ideas should be considered as part of a Constitutional Convention process as Labour has called for. Suggestions that Scottish MPs should be excluded from

62 National Policy Forum Report 2015 voting on taxation matters were not policing and over welfare to work. These proposed by the Mackay Commission changes need to be carefully scrutinised nor by the Smith Agreement which the as they fundamentally change the nature Government is signed up to and which of the current devolution settlement. must be delivered. The Commission will continue to scrutinise this alongside Human Rights Act and ECHR other proposals for further devolution of the nations and regions. Labour has always stood firmly behind the need to protect our Human Rights. Devolution We will not resile from them. But the Conservatives set out in their General Labour supports devolution to all parts Election manifesto their intention of England, as well as to Scotland, Wales to scrap the Human Rights Act. and Northern Ireland. Many submissions Submissions have expressed concern have been made on this topic, especially that our rights are at risk. in light of the Scottish referendum and the General Election results in Scotland. Labour will oppose any attempt to The Labour Party made a commitment damage or dilute the human rights to meet our promises to devolve protections in this country. Withdrawing further powers to Wales and Scotland. from the European Convention on We are committed to ensuring that Human Rights would do incredible the ‘Vow’ is delivered in full as per the damage to the UK’s standing in the world recommendations put forward by the and it is shocking that the Government cross-party Smith Commission to make should dither over this issue. As we the Scottish Parliament one of the most celebrate the 800th anniversary of powerful devolved Parliaments in the the signing of Magna Carta Britain’s world. The new devolution settlement commitment to individual human needs to recognise the strength and rights is increasingly at risk from this security offered by being part of the Government’s plans.The Human Rights United Kingdom and that means Act 1998 is a modern day British Bill of retaining the pooling and sharing of Rights that protects basic rights, such resources of the Barnett Formula. as right to a fair trial, right to life and As we set out in our manifesto, we will the right to privacy. It is a crucial check work to the Government’s proposals against unaccountable state power and give the Scottish Parliament the final say vested interests, and has led to changes on social security and give the Scottish in the law, for example to protect the Parliament the power to top up UK rights of old people, victims of rape and benefits. gay people. Labour is proud of Britain’s role in protecting and championing We support additional powers for Wales, human rights across Europe and beyond. following the Silk Commission and cross- Other countries look up to the UK, and party talks during the last Parliament, our moral authority as a member of the and we support the extension of European Convention on Human Rights devolution in the areas outlined. empowers us to demand change of However, had Labour won the election, those who have weaker human rights we would be going further than the records. Labour will protect the laws that Government in devolving powers over enshrine and protect our rights.

National Policy Forum Report 2015 63 Votes at 16 for progress and scrutinise how the new Government’s proposals affect these Agenda 2015 gave us a specific focus on groups and the ongoing fight for equality the topic of increasing young people’s in our society. This will include social engagement in politics and many mobility and examination of barriers in submissions were received in response the workplace and what more can be to this. The Commission believes that done to open up access to people from lowering the voting age to 16 for all UK ordinary backgrounds. elections, alongside improved citizenship education is extremely important for the future of our democracy. We need Submissions to learn the lessons of success in this area from the Scottish referendum. The All submissions received by the Commission supports recent efforts to Policy Commission are circulated to amend the European Union Referendum members ahead of the next meeting for Bill to extend the franchise to 16 and consideration as part of our discussions 17 year olds so that young people can on policy development. In the last year have their say over an issue of such the Better Politics Policy Commission has importance to the future of our country received and considered submissions on and its place in the world. Furthermore, the following topics. we support First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones in his efforts to seek to • Civil partnerships extend voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds as soon as possible as part of the • Civil Service devolution of powers to the Welsh • Civil Society Assembly in the Wales Bill. • Constituency boundaries Equalities • Data protection • Devolution The last Government took us backwards with the most vulnerable people often • Disability being hardest hit by its policies. Over • Discrimination this and previous years, the Commission has prioritised discussion of how • Electoral register and bailiff access disadvantaged sectors of society are • Electoral register and employment being impacted while looking at what • Electoral registration and the missing measures would ensure further progress millions on Equalities. We wish to pay tribute to our colleague Nicholas Russell from • Electronic and weekend voting who was instrumental • English votes for English laws in ensuring disability issues were prominently discussed as part of the NPF • Equality in inheritance law Process. Nicholas sadly died in August • EU referendum 2014 but the strong programme on disability rights agreed at Milton Keynes • EU residents voting rights was in no small part the result of his • Expanding the role of the Constitutional tireless work. We will continue to push Commission

64 National Policy Forum Report 2015 • Ex-pat voting rights • Work Capability Assessments and ATOS • Freedom of Information Act • Workplace equality reps • Gender equality • Young people and politics • Gender pay gap • House of Lords Reform • Human Rights Act • Individual Electoral Registration • LGBT rights • Maternity discrimination • MP sanctions • MP second jobs • Northern Ireland • Parliamentary representation • Pay transparency measures • Political donations • Political reform • Political transparency • Positive political messaging • Proportional Representation in local and General Elections • Race Equality • Scottish Referendum • Singlism • Social inequality and the UK workforce • The French election model • The Union • The voting system • Trans hate crime • Trust in politics • Volunteering • Voter engagement • Votes at 16 • Wales

National Policy Forum Report 2015 65 66 National Policy Forum Report 2015 BRITAIN’S GLOBAL ROLE POLICY COMMISSION BRITAIN’S GLOBAL ROLE POLICY COMMISSION

Membership Policy Development

HM Opposition The Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission deals with issues relating to MP* foreign affairs, defence and international MP development. MP** Mary Creagh MP*** While today’s global environment brings with it significant opportunities from a NEC growing international interdependence, Ellie Reeves* it also brings significant challenges. In Susan Lewis the past year, the Policy Commission MEP has discussed the new security threats emanating from terrorist groups in the CLPs and Regions Middle East, as well as the re-emergence James Adams of old threats in the form of Russian Fiona Farmer aggression in Ukraine. Sam Gurney The Commission has also witnessed the Clare Lally devastating effects the Ebola outbreak Alex Mayer has had in West Africa, and has debated George McManus the need to strengthen public health Clare Moody systems in developing countries. Rory Palmer Lucy Seymour-Smith Closer to home, the Commission has Nick Wallis discussed the impact of a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Affiliates Union, and has considered EU reforms. Billy Hayes Many of today’s challenges are global, Mary Hutchinson with threats often transcending Gloria Mills national borders. No state can hope to Dave Quayle successfully tackle them alone. From tackling climate change and terrorism, to Elected Reps eradicating extreme poverty, the Policy Richard Howitt MEP Commission believes we have a unique Roger Lawrence responsibility to reject an inward-looking Bridget Phillipson MP approach that suggests the UK should Keir Fitch simply turn our backs on the world. Only by being engaged internationally and * Co-convenor working with our partners can we hope ** Until November 2014 to build a better, safer and more just *** Replaced by Jim Murphy in November world, in which everyone can reach their 2014 full potential and prosper.

The Britain’s Global Role Policy commission hosted a policy seminar at the 2014 Annual Conference, offering

68 National Policy Forum Report 2015 delegates the opportunity to share Labour’s Manifesto their views with Shadow Cabinet Ministers on a wide range of matters The Britain’s Global Role Policy concerning foreign affairs, defence and Commission met late in 2014 to discuss international development. Around 100 its priorities for the General Election delegates participated in the seminar, manifesto, based on its work over the contributing to a lively discussion on previous four years and the contents issues ranging from the crisis in Gaza of the policy programme agreed at over the summer and the deteriorating Annual Conference. The manifesto situation in Ukraine, to human rights and was agreed at a Clause V meeting in multilateral nuclear disarmament. April 2015, and contained a number of commitments shaped by the work of the Following Annual Conference, the policy commission and the contributions Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission received over the course of the Agenda met in November to discuss the process 2015 process. of turning the policy programme into an election manifesto. Vernon Coaker Europe MP, Mary Creagh MP and John Spellar MP represented the Shadow teams, The manifesto reflected Labour’s belief providing updates on the work of their that it is in Britain’s interests to remain respective teams and facilitating the at the heart of a reformed EU and the discussion. Party’s desire to see the EU operate in the best interests of our country. On international development, It set out a reform agenda that would attendees discussed the need to include help deliver a Europe focused on a commitment to strengthening public jobs and growth, not simply more health systems in developing countries austerity and rising unemployment. It in the wake of the Ebola outbreak, as included a commitment to ensuring well as the need for greater protection of that those coming to Britain from workers’ rights and human rights. the EU to look for work contribute to our economy, and to our society. On foreign affairs, discussion focused on The manifesto detailed reforms to the need to emphasise our EU reform immigration and social security rules, agenda and Labour’s commitment to as well as our commitment to work for ensuring that the NHS will be protected stronger transitional controls. Finally, in the final text of the Transatlantic Trade the manifesto stated that Labour will and Investment Partnership. legislate for a lock guaranteeing that there can be no transfer of powers from A brief discussion took place on the Britain to the European Union without UK’s nuclear deterrent. Attendees the consent of the British public through welcomed Labour’s renewed focus an in/out referendum. on and commitment to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while also acknowledging the heavy reliance of North West England and Scotland on the defence jobs created as a result of this capability.

National Policy Forum Report 2015 69 Human Rights The manifesto outlined Labour’s commitment to a minimum, credible, Labour’s manifesto outlined the Party’s independent nuclear capability, delivered commitment to universal human rights through a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. and to putting human rights at the heart It also stated the Party’s commitment to of our foreign policy. Labour pledged actively work to increase on to promote women’s rights and to join global multilateral disarmament efforts with those campaigning to attain gender and negotiations, and look at further equality, the eradication of poverty and reductions in global stockpiles and the inclusive economic growth worldwide. numbers of weapons. Labour also committed to appointing a Global Envoy for Religious Freedom, Climate Change and to establishing a multi-faith advisory council on religious freedom within the Labour’s manifesto included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Party’s commitment to working to In line with the agreement reached by ensure global action to hold warming the NPF, the manifesto detailed Labour’s below two degrees. Labour pledged to pledge to appoint an International LGBT expand the role of the Department for Rights Envoy to promote respect for International Development (DFID) to the human rights of LGBT people, and mitigate the risks of a changing climate, work towards the decriminalisation of and support sustainable livelihoods homosexuality worldwide. for the world’s poorest people. The manifesto outlined Labour’s desire for an Defence ambitious agreement on climate change at the UN Framework Convention on The manifesto outlined Labour’s Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference commitment to ensuring the UK has in Paris in December. It stated that the responsive, high-tech Armed Forces, Party will make the case for ambitious with the capability to respond to emissions targets for all countries, emerging, interconnected threats, in strengthened every five years on the an unpredictable security landscape. basis of a scientific assessment of the It stated that Labour would conduct a progress towards the below two degree Strategic Defence and Security Review goal. Labour committed to pushing in the first year of government, with an for a goal of net zero global emissions inclusive national debate on the security in the second half of this century, for and defence challenges facing the transparent and universal rules for country. measuring, verifying and reporting emissions, and for an equitable deal in In line with the agreement reached by which richer countries provide support the NPF, the manifesto detailed how to poorer nations in combatting climate Labour would strengthen the covenant change. between our nation and our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. This International Development included Labour’s pledge to introduce legislation to make discrimination The manifesto outlined Labour’s against members of our Armed Forces commitment to continue to spend illegal, and to enshrine the Military 0.7 per cent of GNI on development Covenant in the NHS Constitution. assistance. It detailed how Labour would

70 National Policy Forum Report 2015 work with other countries at this year’s submissions received on various aspects Sustainable Development Goals Summit of Britain’s relationship with Europe. to unite the world to eradicate extreme The Commission focused on a range of poverty, tackle growing economic issues highlighted by the submissions, inequality, and place human rights at the such as reform of social security rules for heart of development. Labour pledged EU migrants, improving access to decent to establish a Centre for Universal jobs, and the impact of the Transatlantic Health Coverage to provide the support, Trade and Investment Partnership, encouragement, and global partnerships together with the investor-state dispute needed to help countries provide free settlement arbitration mechanism, healthcare. The manifesto detailed the on the NHS and public services more Party’s commitment to extending the generally. The Policy Commission firmly sharing of tax information to developing believes that Britain’s interests are best countries, increasing DFID’s help to served by the country remaining at governments to collect more of their the heart of a reformed EU. However, own taxes, to tackling corruption, and the Commission also recognises that ensuring good governance. Europe needs to change and reform in order for it to work better for Britain. The Commission will continue to help Current Issues develop Labour policies in this area as it campaigns for Britain stay in the EU. European Reform The Policy Commission will also help Labour scrutinise any proposals from The European elections in 2014 saw the the Government on EU reform and the rise of anti-EU parties across Europe, Prime Minister’s approach to European reflecting in part widespread discontent negotiations where British national with persistent economic stagnation in interest is at stake. the Eurozone, high unemployment and low standards of living. While Eurozone Strategic Defence and Security Review economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of 2015, concerns remain about Today’s security landscape differs its stability, especially given the current considerably to that of fifty years ago. negotiations with Greece regarding Within the past year alone, we have its bailout deal. With the EU under witnessed Russia attempt to reassert increasing scrutiny, focus is shifting to its influence in Eastern Europe with the European reform. In Britain, the election illegal annexation of Crimea, ISIL spread of the Conservative Party has made a its barbarism across the Middle East, and referendum on Britain’s membership the decline of Libya into a failed state. of the EU inevitable. While the Prime As new threats continue to develop Minister promises to agree the changes and old threats re-emerge, the future is Britain needs, he continues to withhold anything but certain. Faced with security the specifics of his reform agenda from challenges of varying nature on multiple the British public, while risking Britain fronts, together with a squeezed sleepwalking towards the EU exit. Defence budget, Britain is going to have to be more strategic with the use of her European reform has been a prominent Armed Forces. In this context, the next topic of discussion for the Policy Strategic Defence and Security Review Commission this year, with several (SDSR), scheduled for autumn 2015,

National Policy Forum Report 2015 71 will be crucial in providing our Armed International Development Forces with the strategic vision they require. Britain simply cannot afford a This September, world leaders will repeat of the failure’s of the previous gather at a UN Special Summit in Government’s 2010 review which left New York to adopt the Sustainable gaps in Government figures and gaps in Development Goals - the framework for the post-2015 development agenda. Britain’s military capabilityß Although significant progress has been made in the years since the Millennium A number of submissions received Development Goals were agreed in 2000, by the Commission touched upon considerable challenges still remain. the deteriorating security situation in Over six and a half million children Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The under the age of five each year die from Policy Commission believes that the EU preventable causes. 31 million girls do should be prepared to step up sanctions not attend primary school. A billion against Russia if President Putin fails people suffer each year because they to implement the Minsk Agreements cannot obtain the health services they and abide by the implementation plan need. And more than a billion people agreed earlier this year. On the threat still live in extreme poverty in our posed by ISIL, the Policy Commission world. While these facts may reflect an supports UK participation in the unequal, unjust and unfair world, they international coalition’s air strikes are not immutable or immovable. It is and believes it is right that the UK imperative that Britain seizes this unique answers the Iraqi government’s calls for opportunity to deliver real change and assistance. However, the Commission leads internationally with the power recognises that military action alone will of example, urging other countries to not defeat ISIL. A long-term multinational commit to the 0.7 per cent aid target. political strategy is needed for the region, in particular, the provision of ongoing The Policy Commission received several support for an inclusive, sovereign and submissions on matters related to democratic Iraqi government that can international development throughout push back on ISIL advances and restore the year. The recent outbreak of Ebola stability and security. in West Africa put into sharp contrast how quickly diseases can spread Given the scale of the challenges before across state borders, the importance us, the Commission believes that in the of strong health systems and how months leading up to the next SDSR, a important it is to ensure countries are more inclusive and open discussion on safeguarded against future pandemics. defence and security is required. Britain The Policy Commission calls for an must be ambitious but realistic about ambitious global agreement for the the role that the UK Armed Forces can Sustainable Development Goals, and play in the world. We will scrutinise the for tackling inequality and climate Government’s process around the next change, as well as promoting decent National Security Strategy and SDSR, as work for all and universal health well as the documents themselves, in coverage (UHC), to be put at the heart order to ensure our Armed Forces are of international development. The equipped to meet the most pressing Policy Commission also believe the security challenges of today. sharing of tax information must be

72 National Policy Forum Report 2015 extended to developing countries and in Paris in December. Ahead of that country-by-country reporting must be conference, the Policy Commission will made available to all, requiring large work with Labour to ensure that climate multinational companies to publish the change is on the agenda of major key pieces of information needed to summits, such as the G7, UN General assess the amount of tax they pay. As Assembly and the Commonwealth, and the Government continue to negotiate to hold the Government to account the Sustainable Development Goals, as it pledges to seek effective global the Policy Commission will examine collaboration to sustain economic the proposals for the successor recovery and to combat climate change. development framework. The Middle East Climate Change The threat posed by ISIL continues to Climate change presents a grave sweep across the Middle East, with challenge to security, food and the terrorist organisation carrying out humankind. If progress is not made to barbaric atrocities throughout the stop global temperatures rising more territories it controls in Iraq and Syria. than two degrees, then the development ISIL continue to recruit and radicalise gains of the last twenty years will be lost those overseas and the recent terror and millions will fall back into poverty. attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait are In December 2015, the UN is holding a a stark reminder of the existential threat summit in Paris to agree a binding global facing the West, as fears of an attack agreement to tackle climate change. This on British soil increase. In response to presents an opportunity for action that a request for assistance by the Iraqi cannot be missed. Over recent months government, British Armed Forces have the EU, the US and, most importantly, conducted air strikes over the country China, have all made substantial against ISIL targets. The UK’s military commitments to cut the growth response is part of a wider international of greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy, involving a coalition of more represents important progress but every than 60 countries, including the US, Arab country needs to be challenged to be as and European nations. Although the ambitious as possible. As the floods in UK is currently conducting surveillance Britain showed last year, this is an issue operations over Syria, the UK has of national – as well as global – security. not joined other coalition partners in We must be guided by the science, which extending airstrikes to ISIL targets in shows that emissions are higher than Syria. Should the Government bring anticipated and some effects are coming forward proposals to extend airstrikes to through more quickly than foreseen. The Syria, Labour will carefully consider these weaker the action now, the more rapid and we stand ready to work with the and costly the reductions will need to be Government to defeat ISIL. As Vernon later. Coaker MP recently stated in Parliament, “we all need to be clear about what The Policy Commission believes climate difference any action would make to change should be a stand-alone goal in our objective of defeating ISIL, about the the new set of Sustainable Development nature of any action, its objectives and Goals, and wants to see an ambitious the legal basis. Any potential action must agreement at the UNFCCC conference command the support of other nations

National Policy Forum Report 2015 73 in the region, including Iraq and the • Asylum coalition already taking action in Syria.” • British Investment Bank

The UN estimates that 12.2 million • Climate change people are in need of humanitarian • Colombia assistance in Syria, while a further 7.6 • Defence spending million Syrians have internally displaced and 4 million have fled to neighbouring • Ebola countries. In response to the crisis, the • Education UK has allocated £900 million since • EU migration 2012 to over 30 implementing partners • EU referendum (including United Nations agencies, international non-governmental • EU reform organisations and the Red Cross) to • Ex-pats meet the immediate needs of vulnerable • Freedom of press people in Syria and of refugees in the region. A further £9.5 million from • Gender equality the UK Conflict, Stability and Security • Intellectual property Fund has been allocated by DFID to • International development support local capacity and build longer term stability. Additionally, the UK • Iraq government is also providing £59.5 • ISIL million in humanitarian aid to support • LGBT rights people across Iraq who have fled from ISIL. Over 8 million people are in need • Middle East Peace Process of humanitarian assistance in Iraq, with • Nuclear deterrent/Trident over 3 million internally displaced Iraqis. • Occupied Palestinian territories • Transatlantic Trade and Investment Submissions Partnership (TTIP) • Population All submissions received by the • Religious persecution Policy Commission are circulated to • Renewable energy subsidies members ahead of the next meeting for consideration as part of our discussions • Strategic Defence and Security Review on policy development. In 2014-15, the • Sustainable Development Goals Britain’s Global Role Policy Commission • Syria received and considered submissions on the following topics: • Tax avoidance • Terror • Trade • Afghanistan • Ukraine • Aid • The UN • Armed Forces facilities • Veterans • Armed Forces medals • Workers’ rights and trade unions • Arms trade

74 National Policy Forum Report 2015 APPENDICES APPENDIX: SUBMITTING ORGANISATIONS

In addition to many submissions Jersey Consumer Council from individual party members and John Muir Trust members of the public, the following Labour Campaign for Human Rights party units, affiliates and external organisations have made submissions Leeds Older People’s Forum to the National Policy Forum in the Leonard Cheshire Disability last year: Living Streets Local Trust Action for Children National Association for Voluntary and Amnesty International Community Action ASLEF National BME Cancer Alliance Association for Physical Education National Council for Voluntary BAME Labour Organisations Barnardo’s National Federation of the Blind of the UK Bath East North & West BLP National Governors’ Association Betfair National Housing Federation Biofuelwatch National Society for the Prevention of British Educational Research Association Cruelty to Children Cancer Research UK New Philanthropy Capital Charities Aid Foundation Orpington CLP Chartered Institution of Highways and Oxford East CLP Transportation Oxford West and Abingdon CLP Cheadle CLP Royal College of General Practioners Clinks Royal College of Physicians College of Occupational Therapists Small Charities Coalition Community Sport & Recreation Alliance Compact Voice Sport and Recreation Alliance CWU Sporta Consultation Directory of Social Change Sports Coach UK Equifax Ltd Sports Leaders UK Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine Stop the War Oxford Branch Food and Drink Federation Sustainable Flood Plan Group for Oxford Forum of Insurance Lawyers The Campaign for Co-operative Socialism GlobalGivingUK The Chief Cultural & Leisure Officers GMB Association Guide Dogs The Children’s Society Herne Hill and Dulwich Trade Justice The Dyslexia Foundation Campaign The Health Communications Centre Holborn and St Pancras CLP The New Economics Foundation Independent Taskforce on Poverty and Disability The New Economics Foundation

76 National Policy Forum Report 2015 The Salvation Army The Scout Association The Social Economy Alliance Transparency International UK TSSA UCATT UKWIN USDAW Unison United Kingdom Homecare Association Valueworks Ltd Voluntary Sector North West Wales Council for Voluntary Action West Suffolk CLP Willmott Dixon Wirral West CLP Woking CLP Woodbridge CLP

National Policy Forum Report 2015 77 APPENDIX 2 – NATIONAL POLICY FORUM MEMBERSHIP

(CLP) region Julie Brookfield (CLP) East Midlands region Dawn Elliott (CLP) East Midlands region Andrew Furlong (CLP) East Midlands region Mark Glover (CLP) Eastern region Jenny Holland (CLP) Eastern region Alex Mayer (CLP) Eastern region Lorna Trollope (CLP) Eastern region Daniel Zeichner (CLP) Greater London region Nicky Gavron (CLP) Greater London region Alon Or-bach (CLP) Greater London region Alice Perry (CLP) Greater London region Fiona Twycross (CLP) North region Nick Forbes (CLP) North region Brynnen Ririe (CLP) North region Liz Twist (CLP) North region Nick Wallis (CLP) North West region Azhar Ali (CLP) North West region Mike Amesbury (CLP) North West region Theresa Griffin (CLP) North West region Joanne Harding (CLP) Party James Adams (CLP) Scottish Labour Party Maria Fyfe (CLP) Scottish Labour Party Ian Miller (CLP) Scottish Labour Party Katrina Murray (CLP) South East region Simon Burgess (CLP) South East region Deborah Gardiner (CLP) South East region Karen Landles (CLP) South East region Martin Phillips (CLP) South West region Glyn Ford (CLP) South West region Clare Moody (CLP) South West region Douglas Naysmith (CLP) South West region Brenda Weston (CLP) Wales Labour Party Nick Davies (CLP) Wales Labour Party Annabelle Harle (CLP) Wales Labour Party Donna Hutton (CLP) Wales Labour Party Darren Williams (CLP) West Midlands region Shaukat Ali (CLP) West Midlands region Stephanie Peacock (CLP) West Midlands region Sandra Samuels

78 National Policy Forum Report 2015 (CLP) West Midlands region Lucy Smith (CLP) Yorkshire region Ann Cryer (CLP) Yorkshire region Emma Hoddinott (CLP) Yorkshire region George McManus (CLP) Yorkshire region Denise Thursfield (CLP-YTH) East Midlands region Bex Bailey (CLP-YTH) Eastern region Sarah Rae (CLP-YTH) Greater London region Sally Hussain (CLP-YTH) North region Daniel Johnson (CLP-YTH) North West region Chris Hughes (CLP-YTH) Scottish Labour Party Darren Young (CLP-YTH) South East region Helena Dollimore (CLP-YTH) South West region Bethan Davey (CLP-YTH) Wales Labour Party Pearleen Sangha (CLP-YTH) West Midlands region Charlotte Hale (CLP-YTH) Yorkshire region Ruth Davies (TU) ASLEF Rebekah Peterson (TU) Bectu Paul Liam Evans (TU) BFAWU Pauline McCartney (TU) Community Richard Angell (TU) CWU Billy Hayes (TU) CWU Beryl Shepherd (TU) GMB Mary Hutchinson (TU) GMB Paul Kenny (TU) GMB Maria Ludkin (TU) GMB Tim Roache (TU) MU Barbara White (TU) TSSA Frank Ward (TU) UCATT Stephen Murphy (TU) UNISON Mervyn Butler (TU) UNISON Dave Prentis (TU) UNISON Eleanor Smith (TU) UNISON Liz Snape (TU) Unite Tony Burke (TU) Unite Gail Cartmail (TU) Unite Collette Cork-Hurst (TU) Unite Jennifer Elliott (TU) Unite Siobhan Endean (TU) Unite Steve Hart

National Policy Forum Report 2015 79 (TU) Unite Len McCluskey (TU) Unite David Quayle (TU) Unite Maggie Ryan (TU) Unite Tony Woodhouse (TU) USDAW Ruth George (TU) USDAW John Hannett (TU) USDAW Fiona Wilson (R) East Midlands region Rory Palmer (R) East Midlands region Linda Woodings (R) Eastern region Fred Grindrod (R) Eastern region Lara Norris (R) Greater London region Lucy Anderson (R) Greater London region Sam Gurney (R) North region Simon Henig (R) North region Jayne Shotton (R) North West region Ann Trafford (R) North West region John Wiseman (R) Scottish Labour Party Jackson Cullinane (R) Scottish Labour Party Jill Merchant (R) South East region Michael Hassell (R) South East region Carol Hayton (R) South West region Nick Ireland (R) South West region Libby Lisgo (R) Wales Labour Party Diane Green (R) Wales Labour Party Mark Whitcutt (R) West Midlands region Gerard Coyne (R) West Midlands region Colleen Fletcher (R) Yorkshire region Judith Blake (R) Yorkshire region Peter Box (LG) Association of Labour Councillors Ruth Cadbury (LG) Association of Labour Councillors Angela Cornforth (LG) Association of Labour Councillors Roger Lawrence (LG) Association of Labour Councillors Steve Swift (LG) Local Government Association Steve Bullock (LG) Local Government Association Bryony Rudkin (LG) Local Government Association Sharon Taylor (LG) Local Government Association Catherine West (LG) COSLA Michael Ross Socialist Societies Emma Burnell

80 National Policy Forum Report 2015 Socialist Societies Martin Rathfelder Socialist Societies Melanie Smallman BAME Labour Sen Kandiah BAME Labour Gloria Mills BAME Labour June Nelson BAME Labour Neeraj Patil (Dr) Parliamentary Labour Party Debbie Abrahams Parliamentary Labour Party Julie Elliott Parliamentary Labour Party Bill Esterson Parliamentary Labour Party Barry Gardiner Parliamentary Labour Party Teresa Pearce Parliamentary Labour Party Bridget Phillipson Parliamentary Labour Party Steve Reed Parliamentary Labour Party Andy Sawford Parliamentary Labour Party Alan Whitehead European Parliamentary Labour Party Mary Honeyball European Parliamentary Labour Party Richard Howitt European Parliamentary Labour Party Anneliese Dodds European Parliamentary Labour Party Julie Ward European Parliamentary Labour Party European Parliamentary Labour Party Seb Dance Grace Skelton House of Lords Richard Faulkner House of Lords Ruth Lister Northern Ireland Boyd Black Labour International Keir Fitch Labour Party Disabled Members Louise Reecejones LGBT Labour Tom Burke Scottish Policy Forum (chair) Agnes Tolmie Scottish Policy Forum (vice chair) Jackie Baillie Scottish Policy Forum (vice chair) Clare Lally Welsh Policy Forum Amber Courtney Welsh Policy Forum (chair) Mike Payne Shadow Cabinet Douglas Alexander Shadow Cabinet Ed Balls Shadow Cabinet Hilary Benn Shadow Cabinet Andy Burnham Shadow Cabinet Yvette Cooper Shadow Cabinet Jon Cruddas

National Policy Forum Report 2015 81 Shadow Cabinet Rachel Reeves Shadow Cabinet Tristram Hunt Shadow Cabinet Co-operative Party Nick Crofts Co-operative Party Sarah Gill Co-operative Party General Secretary Karin Christiansen National Executive Committee Rosie Winterton National Executive Committee Johanna Baxter National Executive Committee Ann Black National Executive Committee Ken Livingstone National Executive Committee Eleanor Reeves National Executive Committee Christine Shawcroft National Executive Committee Kate Osamor National Executive Committee National Executive Committee Glenis Willmott National Executive Committee Alice Perry National Executive Committee Jim McMahon National Executive Committee Ed Miliband National Executive Committee David Watts National Executive Committee Margaret Beckett National Executive Committee Steve Rotheram National Executive Committee John Healey National Executive Committee National Executive Committee Angela Eagle National Executive Committee Sadiq Khan National Executive Committee Conor McGinn National Executive Committee Keith Vaz National Executive Committee Diana Holland National Executive Committee Keith Birch National Executive Committee National Executive Committee Andi Fox National Executive Committee Jim Kennedy National Executive Committee Andy Kerr National Executive Committee Susan Lewis National Executive Committee Paddy Lillis National Executive Committee Rachael Maskell National Executive Committee Martin Mayer National Executive Committee Wendy Nichols National Executive Committee Cath Speight

82 National Policy Forum Report 2015 National Executive Committee Mary Turner National Executive Committee Carwyn Jones National Executive Committee Bex Bailey

National Policy Forum Report 2015 83