Paul
Blomfield MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Brexit, speaking after a
Westminster Hall debate today on the UK’s future membership of Euratom, said: 

“This
is yet another important debate that the Brexit department has dodged, instead
sending a Business Minister who was unable to provide any answers.

“The
former Chancellor has indicated that David Davis and Greg Clark were overruled
on continuing membership of Euratom by the Prime Minister. Reports from David
Davis’ former chief of staff suggested that this was because of the Prime
Minister’s absolutist and obsessional stance on the ECJ.

“There
is clear and strong cross-party concern about leaving Euratom. It is time for
David Davis to clarify if he is content to allow the Prime Minister’s reckless
red line, threatening jobs and cancer treatments, to stand.”

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.”