Thousands of protesters turn out for anti-racism rally in Glasgow

Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent

The Guardian
Sat 7 September 2024 


The opposing rallies were separated by lines of police and metal barriers.

Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian


Anti-racism campaigners have welcomed a “phenomenal show” of solidarity after an anti-immigration rally initially promoted by Tommy Robinson was overshadowed by protesters in Glasgow’s George Square.

The opposing rallies were separated by lines of police and metal barriers, with a Stand Up to Racism Scotland event, in coalition with trade unions and leading refugee rights organisations, taking over most of the square as speakers addressed a swelling crowd of several thousand.

On the grassy areas to the side of George Square, families camped out as toddlers in ear defenders jigged to the beat of an all-female drumming troupe amid signs reading “refugees welcome” and “stop the far right”.

The anti-immigration rally was advertised as a peaceful protest “against our government’s mass and illegal immigration policies which are tearing the UK apart”, and was promoted by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, the co-founder of the now defunct English Defence League, in the days after the Southport attack.

In the first significant anti-immigration rally in Scotland since similar events descended into violent disorder south of the border, a contingent of about 200 people gathered in front of the City Chambers, some draped in union flags and saltires and carrying placards reading “just stop immigration”, “secure our borders” and “asylum frauds out”.

Organised by the Glasgow Cabbie Facebook page, which has circulated misinformation relating to the killing of three children in Southport in July, the event had been promoted online under the same “enough is enough” banner that led to unrest in Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast and Leeds in recent weeks.

Anti-racist demonstrators mocked the anti-immigration rally, chanting “there are many many more of us than you”, “where’s Tommy?” and “we are many, we are Glasgow”.

The rallies were noisy but largely peaceful, with occasional skirmishes as police moved to prevent opposing protesters directly confronting one another. Police Scotland later confirmed that two arrests were made: one for possession of an offensive weapon and a second for an alleged hate crime.

Leading the speakers on the Stand Up to Racism Scotland stage, Zamard Zahid thanked the crowd for the “phenomenal show” and told them they were “the voice of those men, women and children in our communities who were too frightened to be here today because there are fascists in our city centre”.

The chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai, told the crowd it was “our collective responsibility” to fight against racism. “The biggest problem facing the UK isn’t refugees, it’s racism,” he said to raucous cheers.

Echoing Zahid, he said the far-right disorder that spread across England last month had been the first occasion since he arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, fleeing the conflict in Afghanistan, that he had felt seriously anxious about his safety. “My own family asked me whether we are safe in this country.”

The Police Scotland assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said in advance of the rallies that a “proportionate policing plan” was in place to balance public safety with the right to peacefully demonstrate. “Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”

Specially trained hate-crime advisers were deployed on the day to support officers.

Before the rally, Glasgow city council’s leader, Susan Aitken, said that “far-right ringleaders” like Tommy Robinson were “not welcome in Glasgow”, as she called for a “celebration of this diverse, multicultural city” in George Square.

Thousands turn out to oppose Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Pro-UK’ rally

Holly Patrick
Sun 8 September 2024


Thousands of people gathered in Glasgow on Saturday, September 7, to oppose a “pro-UK” rally backed by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson.

Around 2,000 anti-racism activists stood in George Square to counter-protest against the demonstration backed by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

A few hundred far-right activists were vastly outnumbered, with police keeping the groups separate.

Police said two men were arrested during the rally, including one on suspicion of a hate crime.

“A 40-year-old man was arrested for a hate crime and a 20-year-old man was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon. Inquiries remain ongoing,” authorities said in a statement.

Two arrested and bar 'attacked' as right wing rally held in Glasgow

Gabriel McKay
Sun 8 September 2024 

Protestors in George Square (Image: Gordon Terris)


Two people were arrested in Glasgow as a right-wing march was outnumbered by a larger counter-protest.

A gathering described as a 'pro-UK rally' on social media and publicised by Tommy Robinson was held in George Square on Saturday.

A larger counter-protest was organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), with the two groups separated by police.

One man was arrested for committing a hate crime, while a 20-year-old was arrested for possessing a weapon.

Nearby bar McChuills said it was the victim of an attempted far-right attack.

In a statement on social media, owners said: "Earlier today a group of up to 40 right-wing ultras attempted to attack McChuills. They failed.

"As ever, McChuills stands against fascists and racism in all its forms. This is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter who they support, who they love, who they worship or how they vote. With one exception, which we made very clear this afternoon.

"Nobody was hurt and we continue as normal. All events in the bar and venue tonight are now free entry. Come on down, have a good night and stand in solidarity with all of us here."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A proportionate policing plan was in place for a planned protest in George Square, Glasgow.

“A 40-year-old man was arrested for a hate crime and a 20-year-old man was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon. Inquiries remain ongoing.

"Officers contained a small group of people to engage with them, maintain public safety and minimise disruption.

“Containment is an approved tactic used by highly trained officers where a breach of the peace is taking place or is reasonably thought to be imminent.”

Hundreds gather in George Square to take part in rival protests

Nicole Mitchell & Gordon Terris
Sat 7 September 2024 

Pictures by Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)


HUNDREDS of people gathered in George Square today to take part in two rival protests.

A gathering, billed as a "Pro-UK Rally" on social media, was organised to take place near the Cenotaph this afternoon while a counter-protest was organised by Stand Up To Racism.

The "Pro-UK Rally" was organised in the wake of riots in several towns and cities in England in July and August which saw supermarkets and libraries torched and shops looted and was publicised by far-right figures including Tommy Robinson.

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

The disorder followed the tragic deaths of Bebe King (six), Elsie Dot Stancombe (seven) and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (nine) who were killed on Monday, July 29 in Southport while attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class.

The first riot was in the Merseyside town on the same day a vigil was held for the girls after misinformation spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker.

SUTR organised the counter-protest in response "against the far right", with nine trade unions, politicians, culture figures, and leading campaigners expected to take part.

Ahead of both groups gathering in George Square from around 12pm, barriers were set up to separate the groups with a "no-go" area left between them in the middle to avoid any clashes between protestors.

Those taking part in the SUTR protest carried signs with slogans such as "the enemy arrives by limousine, not by boat", "naw to Nazi bawbags" and "smash fascism and racism".

Others in the "Pro-UK Rally" read "asylum frauds out" and "stop the boats".

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said she was "really pleased" to see a small turnout from "far-right" groups at the rally.

She told our sister title The National: "I’m really pleased today that the turnout from the far-right is very small.

"I’m advised by colleagues in Police Scotland that around 150 of them have shown up. Clearly, it is many, many, many times that number of people who have come along to make their voices heard against the far-right and for solidarity and unity in our great, multicultural, diverse city of Glasgow."

Several roads surrounding George Square were temporarily closed during the protests due to the number of people gathered.

George Square and Cochrane Street were closed between Queen Street and Montrose Street while Queen Street was closed between Ingram Street and St Vincent Place.

South Frederick Street was also closed between Cochrane Street and Ingram Street and Ingram Street was closed westbound at the junction with Glassford Street.

Ahead of the protests, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: "We are aware of a planned protest in George Square, Glasgow, on Saturday, September 7, and a proportionate policing plan is in place.

"Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and we have been engaging directly with the protest groups to ensure public safety, while balancing their right to peacefully demonstrate.

"Violence and disorder are not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."

UK

Green Party backs rejoining EU and vows to fight for closer ties with Europe after Brexit


Party members used the second day of the Greens’ conference in Manchester to vote for to fight for ‘much closer relations with the EU’

Archie Mitchell
THE INDEPENDENT

The Green Party will pile pressure on Labour to pursue closer ties with the European Union after members backed a motion calling for the party to fight to rejoin.

Party members used the second day of the Greens’ conference in Manchester to vote for a change that will see it fight for “much closer relations with the EU”.

The change means that the party’s official position is now that Britain should seek full membership of the bloc “as soon as the political will is present”.

Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party, opened their conference yesterday on his own (Getty)

In the meantime, it means the party will “press the government to be braver and bolder in overcoming the negative impacts of Brexit”.

Ellie Chowns, one of the four Green MPs, said: “There are win-win first steps that the new government should be taking today. For instance, working with the EU to tackle the twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss would deliver the change we need and create public confidence.

“We should also rejoin the customs union to begin to overcome the obstacles that small businesses have faced in trading with our closest partners since Brexit.”

The policy was in the Green Party’s general election manifesto, which saw it gain four MPs and win almost two million votes.

Ms Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire, said: “While joining the Single Market would provide benefits in terms of free movement of people, goods, services and capital, membership of the Single Market without membership of the EU would not be an ideal long-term solution because the UK would not be a full partner in decision-making processes.”

The four new Green MPs who won seats in the 2024 general election (l to r) Sian Berry (MP for Brighton Pavilion), party co-leader Carla Denyer (MP for Bristol Central), party co-leader Adrian Ramsay (MP for Waveney Valley) and Ellie Chowns (MP for North Herefordshire) pose for photos on College Green opposite the Palace of Westminster (Ian West/PA) (PA Wire)

The party backs the use of so-called citizens’ assemblies, where representative groups of ordinary people are brought together to deliberate on issues, to discuss membership of the EU.

Any move to rejoin the customs union or the EU itself would face furious opposition from Brexiteers. It would also threaten to reopen the divisions seen during years of wrangling over Britain’s departure from the EU.

The vote adds to the issues the Green Party has vowed to use to pile pressure on Labour, after speeches from co-leader Adrian Ramsay saw the party attack Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to lift the two-child benefit cap and Labour’s decision to withdraw the winter fuel payment from millions of pensioners.

Deputy leader Zack Polanski addressed the conference, slamming Labour’s refusal to implement a full suspension of arms sales to Israel.

Sir Keir is pursuing a reset of relations with the EU after years of negotiations by Conservative prime ministers around Brexit left ties strained.

But, with the PM on a visit in Ireland to meet Taoiseach Simon Harris, deputy Irish MP Michael Martin warned Sir Keir there will not be an “a la carte” menu of Brexit reforms for him to pick and choose from.

UK Government unveils new 'bus revolution' measures for local leaders to bring services into public control

Legislation giving all local transport authorities new powers to run their own bus services will be laid before Parliament

James Holt

Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter

9 SEP 2024

In Greater Manchester, all buses in the region are being brought under public control (Image: Getty Images)

Measures to empower local leaders to take control of bus services have been unveiled by the Government. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh claimed her 'bus revolution' will save vital routes nationwide.

Legislation giving all local transport authorities new powers to run their own bus services will be laid before Parliament on Monday (September 9) in the form of a statutory instrument. Only metro mayors can currently control services in this way.

The Government has also launched a consultation on new, simplified guidance speeding up processes and reducing costs for local leaders looking to bring services into public control.

This model – known as bus franchising – involves local authorities granting private companies the right to operate in a specific area but retaining control over key aspects of the service such as routes, timetables and fares.

In Greater Manchester, all buses in the region are being brought under public control, with the first franchised Bee Network buses rolled out in Wigan and Bolton last year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) plans to bring forward a Buses Bill later in this parliamentary session to deliver changes to further support franchising, alongside other measures on areas such as funding and accessible travel.

Measures to empower local leaders to take control of bus services have been unveiled by the Government. (Image: David Betts Photography)

The annual total distance travelled by buses in England has fallen by nearly 300 million miles since 2010, according to the department.

Ms Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out. Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country.

“After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers. And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.

“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”

Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, which represents seven major city transport authorities, said: “We welcome the pace at which Government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda.

“Buses are the cornerstone of our public transport system, so it’s greatly encouraging to see this new package of measures which will deliver better bus services for more local areas. We look forward to working with Government to create a smoother journey for all bus passengers.”

Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association which represents councils, said the proposals were “a step towards helping to restore public faith in local bus networks”.

“Buses remain critical to local government’s efforts to ensure that everyone can benefit from inclusive economic growth and job opportunities, and to prevent social isolation by making local services more accessible.

“They also continue to play a vital role in reducing carbon and other harmful emissions. These proposed measures recognise the fundamental role of local leadership in shaping future bus provision, which the LGA has long been calling for.

“Alongside anticipated reform to funding and bus subsidies, these proposals are a step towards helping to restore public faith in local bus networks and ensuring that bus services have a bright future.”

UK

SURVIVORS  Victims  'having sleepless nights' ahead of early prison release scheme, says domestic abuse commissioner

9 September 2024, 00:23

Domestic abuse victims are having 'sleepless nights' ahead of the Government's temporary early release scheme in prisons, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has said. Picture: Alamy


By Chay Quinn@chayquinn

Nicole Jacobs also suggested some victims may not be aware of the situation and could be "put in danger" as a result of the plan, which is set to begin on Tuesday.

In July, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to cut the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% in a bid to ease overcrowding.

The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 people on Friday, and has risen by more than 1,000 people over the past four weeks.

There are exemptions from the scheme, including for domestic abusers, but newspapers have reported some domestic violence-related crimes are not always reported as such, leading to concerns these prisoners could be eligible for early release.

Ms Jacobs told the Sunday Times: "There will be so many people in the prison estate in their background or history that will be perpetrators of domestic abusers and they will be released unless they meet the criteria exclusions, so it isn't perfect.

"There's no doubt the government has done their best to mitigate these risks but it's very obvious the risk is still there and particularly for domestic abuse, in my view.

Domestic abuse victims are having 'sleepless nights' ahead of the Government's temporary early release scheme in prisons, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has said. Picture: Alamy

In July, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to cut the proportion of sentences inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% in a bid to ease overcrowding. Picture: Alamy

She continued: "We must ensure that victims aren't lost in the shuffle of the changes that are being made in the prison release schemes and the perception of justice and fairness.

"Victims of domestic abuse are very focused on those release dates, it causes them sleepless nights, they will change so much of their daily activities knowing that their perpetrator is being released, the uncertainty of not knowing if that person will comply with licensing conditions and of release.

"This is incredibly stressful in the normal situation so for those dates to change unexpectedly or without them knowing that is a huge consequence for them to pay."

Ms Jacobs said many victims whose abusers were due to be released would not be eligible for victim notifications schemes and therefore might not know about their early release.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted on Saturday there were "safeguards in place" in relation to high-risk prisoners, including those convicted of domestic violence-related offences. Picture: Alamy

She added: "There are all sorts of reasons why victims, and particularly victims of domestic abuse, will be worried about what the arrangements are, and of course the most concern I have is people who are wholly unaware and will be very surprised and maybe put in danger because someone is being released early and aren't aware that that was happening."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted on Saturday there were "safeguards in place" in relation to high-risk prisoners, including those convicted of domestic violence-related offences.

Pressed on the matter during his visit to Dublin, he added: "We are doing everything we can to make sure that high-risk and domestic abusers, domestic violence cases are not released."

Along with the early release scheme, the Government plans to recruit 1,000 new trainee probation officers by March 2025 to meet additional demand.

The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 people earlier this week, with the Government's temporary early release scheme due to come into effect on Tuesday. Picture: Alamy

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to promise that domestic abusers will not be released early from prison under emergency measures to combat overcrowding.

After being asked about the release schemes, the Prime Minister said ministers are "doing everything" to ensure domestic abusers are not released early but stopped short of confirming that they will not.

Speaking to broadcasters in Dublin, Sir Keir was discussing reports that there was a loophole in the early release scheme which could see domestic abusers released early.

Read More: Under 100 spaces left in men's prisons in England and Wales

Read More: Starmer facing backbench backlash over winter fuel allowance - but will not say if he will remove whip from rebels

Reports claimed on Saturday that those who had been violent towards partner and been convicted of offences such as common assault could not be flagged as domestic abusers and prevented from being released early.

He said: "Let me start with how frustrated I am to be in this position. The last government didn't build enough prisons and they are now full to bursting.

"If we don't do something they will burst and we won't be able to put anybody new into prison and the criminal justice system will collapse. So I am forced into this. I do not want to be in this position."

The intervention comes as former justice secretary Alex Chalk (pictured) said the justice system should not be locking up "everyone we're cross with" as longer custodial sentences are "enormously expensive". Picture: Alamy

Sir Keir insisted there were "safeguards in place" in relation to high-risk prisoners, including those convicted of domestic violence-related offences.

Pressed on the matter, he added: "We are doing everything we can to make sure that high-risk and domestic abusers, domestic violence cases are not released."

After adding that the "broken" prison system was an "utter failure of the last government", Sir Keir said: "I am going to roll up my sleeves and fix it now."

The intervention comes as former justice secretary Alex Chalk said the justice system should not be locking up "everyone we're cross with" as longer custodial sentences are "enormously expensive".

The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 people earlier this week, with the Government's temporary early release scheme due to come into effect on Tuesday.

Mr Chalk told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The fact is there are some people who deserve very long sentences. We think of the Wayne Couzens, Sarah Everard case, Levi Bellfield and so on.

"But the fact is that overall sentences in Britain, in England and Wales anyway, are far, far longer than elsewhere in Europe. That is enormously expensive and the critical point is it doesn't necessarily protect the public.

"So, my strong view is that we should be locking up, including, sometimes for longer, those that we're most scared of, but not necessarily everyone we're cross with."

Mr Chalk said it cost around £50,000 a year to keep a person in prison, with the capital cost of each new place around £600,000.

He said he thought the Government was right to be having a sentencing review, adding: "Let's try to take the politics out of this and ensure that there is always the supply available to meet demand."

Tens of thousands march in London for Gaza truce, arms sales halt to Israel

Pro-Palestine demonstrators demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the UK to stop supplying arms that enable Israel's assault on the besieged enclave.



Reuters

People gather to attend a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, in London, Britain September 7, 2024. / Photo: Reuters

Tens of thousands of people have marched to the Israeli embassy in London to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a stop to arms supplies to Israel.

Gathering at Piccadilly Circus, central London, the crowd on Saturday later marched to the Israeli embassy as part of the 19th national demonstration since October.

Carrying Palestinian flags, the protesters called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a total halt of arms supply to Israel as more than 40,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.

On Monday, the government announced that it was suspending 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel after a review, warning there is a clear risk that certain UK arms exports to Israel might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

'Do more to stop killing'

The 30 licences cover components for military aircraft, helicopters, drones and items that facilitate ground targeting, excluding UK components for the F-35 fighter jet programme.

Chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, the protesters urged the British government to do more to stop the ongoing killing.

Israel has pounded Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Besides killing more than 40,000 Palestinians since then, the military campaign has turned much of the enclave of 2.3 million people into ruins, leaving most civilians homeless and at risk of famine.

'Starmer faces winter fuel anger' as 'scores of MPs could rebel'

BBC


The i writes that ministers are considering a plan to give households on lower incomes cheaper gas and electricity bills. It notes a "social tariff" for energy bills is being considered, as criticism mounts over the upcoming cut to winter fuel payments. Ten million pensioners will no longer receive the payments, and it will only be available to those on low incomes who received certain benefits. At the top of the page, pyrotechnics are pictured firing off at the closing ceremony for the Paralympics, where the British team finished second in the medal table with 49 golds.

The Daily Express's headline quotes Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell who says Labour "clearly planned to betray" pensioners before the election with the cut to winter fuel payments. The Commons will vote on the proposal on Tuesday. Meanwhile actor Dick Van Dyke, 98, is pictured beaming with his Emmy award for Outstanding Variety Special. The paper also picks up the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg interview with Kate Winslet, where the actress called for women to celebrate their real body shape after being told on a recent film set to sit up straighter to hide her belly rolls.


The Daily Mail says thousands of pensioners could die if winter fuel payments are cut, according to Labour's own analysis published in 2017. The paper writes the party warned Conservative plans to axe the allowance for 10 million elderly voters would increase excess deaths by 3,850 that winter. Elsewhere, TV presenter Eamonn Holmes is seen with his new girlfriend on a cruise.

The Daily Telegraph in its off-lead reports Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he is "not remotely happy" with the winter fuel payment plan. The paper notes up to 40 Labour backbenchers are prepared to abstain in the vote, with a small number expected to vote against the policy. But the paper splashes on an upcoming report this week which has found NHS progress is going backwards for the first time in 50 years. And actress Daisy Edgar-Jones takes centre stage on the broadsheet posing in a chic gown at the premiere of her new film On Swift Horses in Toronto.


The prime minister has insisted that pensioners will be able to afford the loss of winter fuel payments, writes the Times. The paper adds peers are urging the MPs to vote against the policy, as it will embolden the House of Lords to kill the measure when they get to vote on it on Wednesday. The paper's off-lead says researchers have found children seriously ill in hospital with pneumonia made a faster recovery after a visit from specially trained medical clowns. "Laughter really is the best medicine", it writes.

Up to 50 MPs could refuse to back Starmer over cut in fuel payments, says the Guardian. An anonymous MP tells the paper: "I'd expect the vast majority of anyone who does rebel to abstain, and remain inside the tent... abstention is the new rebellion." The paper observes although there is no chance of the government losing the vote, a significant number of absences would indicate the disquiet over a policy that rebels fear could lose the party votes.


The Daily Mirror says the inquiry over serial killer nurse Lucy Letby - which begins this week - will look into whether the NHS failed to learn from crimes of fellow serial killers GP Harold Shipman and nurse Beverly Allitt. A solicitor acting for victims' families said Letby's crimes are "harrowingly familiar to how Allitt was harming kids".

The Metro front page focuses on the start of the Lampard Inquiry looking at the deaths of around 2,000 people who were either inpatients at NHS-funded independent clinics in Essex or who died within three months of leaving between 2000 and 2023. Its headline quotes a bereaved mother who described the deaths as a "cull".


A woman braces in a jumper, scarf and hat on the front of the Daily Star. "There goes summer as floods give way to an autumn freeze", the paper writes. After a spell of rain, colder weather is on the way.

And the Financial Times says companies are raising record amounts of debt in the US to avoid possible market volatility due to November's presidential election and Federal Reserve policy decisions. Elsewhere, Nasa's stranded astronauts are pictured. The broadsheet says the issues with Boeing-built Starliner craft raises doubts over the aerospace company's future in the sector.

Union bosses hit out at winter fuel payments cut

Zoe Conway in Brighton & Lora Jones
Employment correspondent and business reporter

BBC


Trade union bosses have criticised the government's decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners, saying it was the "wrong choice".

Unite's Sharon Graham told the BBC at the TUC's annual conference in Brighton that the government needed to be ''big enough and brave enough'' to admit they have made a mistake.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was forced to defend his "tough decision" to remove winter fuel payments from most pensioners.

While think tanks have questioned how effectively the support was previously targeted, charities have raised concerns about the welfare of some pensioners in the upcoming winter months.

The payments of between £200 and £300 a year were paid to more than 10 million pensioners, but were axed for all but the poorest by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July.

Ms Reeves said it was a necessary move to fill a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances left by the previous government - a claim the Conservatives have challenged.

''We think it's wrong that the government has made a choice to cut the winter fuel allowance," Ms Graham, who has been critical of Sir Keir, said on Sunday.

She suggested that the new government was, by contrast, "leaving the very rich and wealthy untouched" and called for the introduction of a wealth tax to boost government finances instead.

"They've got to make different choices. And of course, people may vote with their feet at the next election," she added.

"Labour get one shot to get this right.''

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak told the BBC he was ''really concerned'' by the impact of means testing winter fuel payments.

He said he wants more support for pensioners but stopped short of calling on the chancellor to reverse her decision.

From this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the winter fuel payments.

"There will be some pensioners this year who aren't eligible for pensioners tax credit, but who are not well off by any stretch of the imagination," he said.

"We don't want to go into the winter with pensioners afraid to put the heating on."

Fran Heathcote, the general secretary of the PCS Union raised the prospect of industrial action over government cuts.

She said: "I can see a situation where, you If they continue along the line that they're, they're heading with, with not just winter fuel payments but with social security and benefits more generally, there will be a real backlash and that could take the form of industrial action if workers, you know, because lots of unions represent low paid workers."

Speaking on Sunday with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg in his first major interview in Downing Street, Sir Keir said he was determined to deliver change and make urgent decisions around government spending.

Sir Keir also suggested the cut was necessary because of the state of the country’s finances, accusing previous governments of avoiding confronting the cost of the support.

"I’m convinced that because they’ve run away from difficult decisions, we haven't got the change we need for the country," he said.

He said he was "absolutely convinced we will only deliver that change, I’m absolutely determined we will, if we do the difficult things now. I know they’re unpopular, I know they’re difficult, of course they’re tough choices."

While the chancellor's decision only covers England and Wales, the Scottish government has also said it would end pensioners' universal entitlement to the payment.

The benefit is separate from other support such as Cold Weather Payments, and the Warm Home Discount scheme.

Largest UK civil service union calls for Labour to end austerity

08 Sep 2024

Fran Heathcote, PCS President speaks during a protest organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) opposite Downing Street, London. Photo: PA.

The leader of the UK’s largest civil service union has warned against the Labour government promising “tough choices” that “heap misery” on working class people.

Fran Heathcote, general secretary of the 190,000-strong Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union challenged the Government to end austerity across the public sector.

When Labour took office at the beginning of July, they quickly established a 22% pay rise for junior doctors, which brought two years of strike action to a close.

They also committed to a 5-6% increase in pay for all public sector workers over the rest of the year.

Speaking at the Trade Union Conference in Brighton, Ms Heathcote said: “The above-inflation pay deals agreed this year are welcome, but do not go far enough. We need pay restoration in our public services.

“If this Government wants the highest sustained growth in the G7, let me tell them they won’t get it without sustained growth in workers’ wages.”

Reasoning

Ms Heathcote acknowledged that this action could take years, but said: “It would be good for recruitment and retention, good for the quality of our public services, and good for the economy too.”

She also pointed to academic research commissioned by the PCS earlier this year into the economic effect of increasing civil service pay, and claimed the results showed that boosting civil service wages “more than paid for itself” through the benefit to wider society.

Ms Heathcote finished by saying: “Every single person in this room, every single member of a trade union and every single person in this country relies on well-functioning public services – and our members who deliver them every day of the year.

“And Congress, we all know the damage that austerity has done to those public services and to the pay and living standards of our members.”

“So we expect this Labour government to end austerity in our public services and in the pay packets of our members.”

 

Unions will work with ministers to rebuild country after Tory ‘chaos’ – TUC boss

08 Sep 2024 3 minute read

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC. Photo: PA

Unions are planning to work closely with the new UK Government to rebuild the country after 14 years of Tory “chaos”, according to the leader of the TUC.

General secretary Paul Nowak will say on Monday that the trade union movement stands ready to help ministers deliver for workers.

In a speech to the TUC Congress in Brighton, he will tell delegates: “We know Keir Starmer and this Government have the interests of working people at heart in the way that the Conservatives never did, and never will.

“But no government can put right 14 years of Tory chaos overnight, and no government can take on the job of rebuilding this country on its own.

“Politics isn’t a spectator sport. We need to roll up our sleeves and get involved.

“So, let’s pledge today. We will work with the new government to rebuild our public services.

“We’ll play our part in recasting Britain’s industrial future, and above all we will work with the Government to face down those on the right who wish to sow division and discord in our communities.”

Rebuild

Mr Nowak will say that unions have helped rebuild the country and bring communities together throughout history and are ready to do so again.

Highlighting the role unions can play in easing social tensions after the summer’s riots, he will say: “We should never forget that the overwhelming majority of people in this country are decent, kind and are generous.

“They’re the ones who rebuilt a wall outside a mosque, who swept up the debris after the riots, and who gathered not to hate, but to show their love and their grief for the victims.

“So I want this movement to be clear. We will always stand with the decent majority and we will always work to bring communities together.

“Our movement is rooted in communities across the country. On the shopfloor, in the office, the works canteen, the community centre, the high-rises and the high streets.”

He will add that the trade union message is going to be taken into more workplaces, working with good employers to secure decent jobs.

“I want to put every anti-union, anti-worker boss on notice. If you think you can get away with paying poverty wages, forcing people into work when they’re sick and firing and rehiring your staff – think again.

“We’re going to take on the bad bosses and we are going to win.”

‘Amazing’

Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake said it was “amazing how these union bosses claim to be so knowledgeable about how to run a private sector workforce without ever having actually employed anyone they have paid out of their own pocket”.

He also claimed Labour’s planned workers’ rights package would “drown businesses in red tape, encourage unions to hold employers to ransom and slow growth”.

He added: “If they had spent more time consulting businesses, particularly the owners of small and medium-sized businesses who truly power our economy rather than just their union paymasters maybe they would think twice.

“Labour must listen to the chorus of opposition from businesses, not just their union paymasters, and change course now.”

TUC publishes plan to ‘significantly upgrade’ workers' rights


Junior doctors protest opposite Downing Street, London, during their continuing dispute over pay, June 27, 2024

Berny Torre

MORNING STAR

Sunday, September 8, 2024

THE TUC published its five-point plan to give employment rights a “significant upgrade” today — and accused bosses of a widespread failure to honour even basic rights at work.

New rights promised by Labour will mean little if not upheld, and Britain’s enforcement system is woefully underresourced, a new expert report for the union body warns.

TUC senior policy officer and report author Tim Sharp said: “The new government was elected on a platform that included making the minimum wage a living wage, basic individual rights from day one and expanded family-friendly working.

“These support a drive to ensure that good-quality work underpins an economic recovery after years of lacklustre growth and flat-lining pay.

“However, new rights are only worth something if they are upheld. And the enforcement system in this country is at breaking point.”

The report exposes Britain’s lengthy neoliberal experiment with ultra-flexible labour markets combined with patchy and under-resourced enforcement.

It has led to the rise of widespread abuse of migrant workers — and estimates of up to 130,000 victims of modern slavery in Britain.

More widely, millions of workers are losing out on wages and key entitlements such as holiday pay due to lack of enforcement.

Decent employers are being undercut by those who don’t meet their legal duties, with enforcement so underresourced that it is estimated that the national minimum wage enforcement team could only inspect employers once every 500 years.

The situation is made worse by only a quarter of workers being covered by trade union collective agreements, while the tribunal system is under strain with a backlog of tens of thousands of cases.

The TUC urged Labour last month to crack down on the growing number of businesses offering jobs on less than the national minimum wage. It said dozens of non-compliant vacancies offering less than the £11.44 per hour are being posted on major job sites every week.

Mr Sharp’s report notes that Labour has pledged to introduce a “fair work agency” bringing together several existing state enforcement bodies “to ensure greater co-ordination in the face of complex enforcement challenges.”

A proposed agency could bring together the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) and HM Revenue & Customs’ national minimum wage and national living wage team.

Mr Sharp calls for it to be a single enforcement body with a strong union voice in its governance structures. He says the agency must be able to share data effectively and deal with multiple breaches of employment rights in the course of a single investigation.

Unions would be ideally placed to assist by spotting emerging trends in employments rights issues, he adds, and this first-hand knowledge should be used to shape enforcement strategies.

He says unions should be given board seats on the proposed agency and have a formal strategic oversight role in the labour market enforcement system “as part of a tripartite approach to governance.”

The report says there is a strong case for extending the GLAA’s licensing model — used to tackle exploitation in the shellfish-gathering, food processing, agriculture and horticulture sectors — to sectors such as social care, construction and hospitality.

“There are high proportions of workers in these sectors who are vulnerable to exploitation because of their employment or immigration status and there is evidence of exploitative working practices routinely being used,” Mr Sharp says.

“The inspections and routine monitoring of standards that licensing entails would help prevent exploitation, improve intelligence gathering and ensure that criminal prosecutions are targeted at the worst cases.”

His report calls for the proposed fair work agency to recycle fines back into the enforcement system and urges a major boost to its number of inspectors and inspections of employers.

He warns that Britain is potentially breaching the UK-EU Trade & Co-operation Agreement by failing to meet International Labour Organisation (ILO) recommendations to have one labour market inspector per 10,000 workers.

The report adds that Britain must also crack down on the exploitation of migrant workers by building international links and protection for workers to stop them being deterred from making complaints for fear of being referred to immigration enforcement.

A spokeswoman for Momentum said: “This demonstrates that simply passing pro-worker legislation is insufficient.

“The British state is structurally hostile to workers’ interests, and the job of the Labour government is to use its power to decisively reverse the power relations between capital and labour.”