Labour

Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, responding to the Citizens Advice Bureau report calling for £7.5 billion of profit made by energy network operators to be returned to bill payers, said:

“The Citizens Advice Bureau’s figures showing that energy networks have made over £7.5 billion unjustified profit over an 8 year period, are quite simply eye watering. The Tories have completely failed to deliver an energy system that works for people, businesses or our environment.

“It is simply unacceptable that customers are forced to accept such costs in their bills. They have no choice, there is no option to shop around as these companies hold a monopoly over the network, which is why Labour proposed to gain greater public control and transparency over these companies in our manifesto.

“The Government must direct Ofgem to take action on this unjustified behaviour immediately. Sadly, despite the Government promising to cap energy bills during the General Election, they have already rowed back on such strong action under pressure from the Big Six energy companies.”

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on today’s Labour Market Statistics, said:

“We welcome the overall increase in employment, but are deeply concerned that millions have faced a real terms pay cut under this Government.

“The cost of basic essentials continues to rise as real wages decline under the Conservatives. Millions are struggling to get by while Theresa May hands £1 billion to the DUP to keep herself in a job.

“Too many people also continue to face barriers to getting a job on the basis of their age, ethnicity, disability or where they live. These same groups bear the brunt of this Government’s failed austerity plans.

“A Labour government will implement a real Living Wage of £10 per hour, and bring an immediate end to Tory austerity.”

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the House of Lords’ report on the refugee crisis and ‘Operation Sophia’, said:

“The report paints a picture of failure in response to the refugee crisis, but over 30,000 lives have been saved by Operation Sophia, which is very welcome. The tactic of destroying vessels means that refugees are coming in record numbers, but they come in ever more unseaworthy dinghies. The risk of drowning at sea is increased.

“The report’s conclusions are correct. Future UK and EU action should focus on tackling people smuggling at source and in transit countries, and supporting sustainable economic development and good governance in these countries.

“The Government has also not implemented the Dubs amendment which would have secured 3,000 places here for unaccompanied refugee children. In this Parliament, Labour will be pressing for the government to meet its obligations in full.”

Sharon Hodgson, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Public Health, commenting on the news there is to be an inquiry into how thousands of people were infected with contaminated blood transfusions, said:

“The Government’s announcement of an inquiry into contaminated blood is long overdue. Labour will be working with campaigners to scrutinise the announcement and make sure this inquiry finally delivers justice for the families of the victims of this appalling tragedy.

“The inquiry should deliver full disclosure of documents relating to the disaster, through a process managed by the victims and should compel parties involved in the scandal to participate fully. It must investigate not just the events leading up to individuals’ infection, but the aftermath as well.

“There are a number of recent allegations about the conduct of public officials and the treatment of the victims which need to be fully and transparently addressed. The victims and their families have suffered for too long and the Government should provide every possible support to them in their quest for truth.”

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on the Taylor Report, said: 

“The Taylor Report was a huge missed opportunity to tackle the growing problem of insecure employment.

“In Labour’s manifesto ‘For The Many Not The Few’ we set out a 20 point plan to transform the workplace and protect and improve workers’ rights. By abolishing Employment Tribunal fees, scrapping zero hour contracts and giving rights to all workers from day one, we would halt and reverse the spread of exploitation in the Gig Economy.

“Theresa May says she wants parties to contribute ideas. But when we asked her Government to give its support to Labour’s Queen’s Speech amendment to give millions of public sector workers a much needed pay-rise, the Conservatives voted against it. 

“Only yesterday Theresa May delivered a slap in the face to hard working teachers by giving them another real term cut by maintaining the 1 per cent pay cap.

“The Prime Minister now heads a zombie government that has no ideas, no answers and no leadership. Her premiership has run out of steam and she will soon have to deal with her own insecure employment.

“Only a Labour Government can deliver for the many not the few.”