Dear Jeremy, Last night the Labour Party abstained on a crucial vote aimed at protecting the UK’s place in the customs union. I find this particularly difficult to understand given that the amendment the House voted on was in the name … read more
Louise Haigh MP, Labour’s Shadow Policing Minister, commenting on the news that the manipulation of forensics data may have affected up to 10,000 cases, said:
“As the true scale of this scandal becomes apparent, the Tories’ decision to abolish the Forensic Science Service is beginning to look like a catastrophic error of judgement.
“The lack of statutory powers to enforce standards in forensics has given private providers a green light to cut corners.
“It is utterly scandalous to think that decision-making in child safeguarding or criminal prosecutions may have been adversely affected by this alleged manipulation.
“Ministers need to urgently explain what will be done to ensure anyone affected is identified and what steps are being taken so nothing like this can happen again.”
read moreLu Wei, former deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is being investigated for suspected “severe disciplinary violations,” according to the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection webs… read more
Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commenting on BBC Radio London’s research which reveals councils across the capital will be spending a total of about £383m to make social housing safer following the Grenfell fire, said:
“The Government must listen to the calls of Labour and councils across London and use tomorrow’s Budget to keep its promise to help cover the cost of the vital fire safety measures needed to make homes safe.
“Forcing these costs onto councils, which have suffered from harsh cuts from the Tories, means that local people will have to foot the bill – and will place an even greater financial strain on our already over-burdened public services.”
“The Grenfell Tower fire was an entirely avoidable human disaster that must never be repeated.”
read morePeter Dowd MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responding to the Government’s customs resolutions and the publication of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill:
“While Labour recognises the need for the Government to begin preparations for an independent customs and tariff regime, that does not mean giving the Government a blank cheque to concentrate power in its own hands.
“The publication of the Government’s Bill on the establishment of the UK’s future customs and tariff regime is yet another example of Government legislation that gives large swathes of delegated powers to ministers with no reference to any meaningful parliamentary oversight. It is shocking the level of contempt this Conservative Government has for Parliament.
“Labour is committed to ensuring that any future changes to the UK’s customs and tariff regime face full parliamentary scrutiny and be considered on a similar footing to changes to the UK tax system. We therefore intend to amend the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill to reflect that commitment.”