Author Archives: GovWorldMag

Richard Burgon MP, Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to today’s Prison Workforce Data, said:

“The Tories’ decision to axe thousands of prison officers created a crisis in our prisons.

“Despite a so-called recruitment drive, the overall picture remains concerning. There are still over 5,600 fewer frontline officers than in since 2010 and a quarter of prisons have still seen officer numbers fall in the last year, including some of the most dangerous offenders and those that the MoJ itself rates as being of concern.

“It’s no wonder the exodus of experienced prison staff under the Tories continues, with the leaving rate up three fold since 2010. The Conservatives’ risible offer of yet another real terms pay cut for prison officers will only make it more difficult to retain prison officers. Labour will tackle this crisis in retention by scrapping the unfair public sector pay cap.”

Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the confirmation that Transport for the North’s status is to be downgraded from client status to statutory influencer, said:

“The Tories justified slashing investment in rail in the North by saying they would devolve powers for the North to address its own transport needs. Today’s announcement that the status of Transport for the North is to be downgraded confirms that the Conservatives’ promises of devolution, like promises of investment, aren’t worth the paper they are written on.

“Under the Government’s plans, Transport for the North will still answer to civil servants in Whitehall, and the North will be denied the powers to finance and deliver transport investment enjoyed by Transport for London.

“It’s unfair that all the regions of the North combined receive less in transport investment compared to London, despite the North having twice the population. It is clear the Government aren’t serious about the so-called Northern Powerhouse or rebalancing the economy.

“Only Labour is committed to closing regional divides and delivering both the powers and the investment needed to deliver the transport infrastructure the North so badly lacks, including at least a £10billion commitment to building a Crossrail for the North.”