It's been a very busy few weeks as temporary Leader of the Opposition, and at times hectic. But now is time to pass the baton on, and I am not just proud to call Griff a colleague, but a friend. I know that that a man as competent and statesmanlike as him will take create a strong, socialist vision that will win Labour government and beat Bibi Bonaparte and her lapdog Liberals.
Commiserations also go out to Ruan, who had a fantastic campaign that asked some important questions in the wake of another General Election defeat. With almost half of our union allies voting for him, I know he has a strong place in this party and will be part of its future in government.
It has been an honour to be appointed Shadow Chancellor.
My priority will be to continue putting forward an ambitious programme that tackles unemployment, helps families struggling to meet ends meet and to revitalises Britain's public services. Such an ambitious and hopeful vision has won us so many voters, and it won't be done away with.
But it's clear that Labour needs to start listening. I have every intention on doing that as Shadow Chancellor. Too many voters didn't trust us with their taxes and the public finances: first, I'll listen. Then I'll put forward a clear Labour vision to put that right.
I would like to thank the Deputy Leader for her leadership during the leadership election, and I would like to congratulate Griff Rhys Morrison on his victory in the election and it is truly an honour to be appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health. I plan to spend every day fighting the Tories expansion of the internal market and any measures that they try to take against the NHS. I hope to build policies that show Labour's commitment to improving and expanding the NHS. I hope that under the leadership of the new Leader of the Labour party we can win the next general election and improve the lives of all Britons.
I am very pleased to serve as the first Chairman of the Welsh Labour party. This is truly a sign of the Labour Party's commitment to devolution. I plan to work with all current Welsh MPs to take as many seats in Wales in the next general election. I am going to draft a message dedicated to the issues that affect Wales. I am confident that a truly Welsh focused message will bring us victory in Wales. I am excited to lead this renewed focus on Wales will allow to reclaim lost constituencies and gain new ones. I will continue to work hard everyday for the Labour party and for Wales. I am proud to serve the party in this role.
I’m rather shocked the Deputy Prime Minister decided to play Hokey Cokey on devolution referendums to Scotland and Wales all for a seat at the table and turned himself around on a clear manifesto break. We need to encourage democracy and transparency and while I support remaining strong together as a United Kingdom, the people of Scotland and Wales need to know that their needs are being heard and addressed. A simple referendum would give a new generation the opportunity to be heard. Just surprised that a referendum was sold of in exchange to be BiBi’s liberal lapdog
Even though they won’t admit it, I think we all know it was the Lib Dems who pushed the Government in re-introducing free school milk. We know that the party of Maggie Thatcher, Milk Snatcher would never give milk back to children of their own accord. The question is why won’t the Lib Dems champion this move as their own? It’s needed, it’s heartfelt, it helps working class children! Have the Lib Dems morphed into heartless Tories so soon after the election that they can’t even admit to re-introducing free school milk?
Evidence shows that the internal market has unclear results increasing efficiency. But the studies do show that the internal market has created substantial costs. Nonetheless the government insists on not just keeping the program but expanding it. I don't see how it's good policy to spend more money on something with unclear results and large costs. The Government is insistent on wasting British pounds on a failed idea, instead of spending that money on improving the NHS. We need to scrap the internal market scheme and work on decreasing wait times by setting targets and providing the NHS with the money to meet those targets.
Vivian Rook taking her anger out of unsuspecting and innocent animals is simply unacceptable and it is reflection on society. We have to address animal welfare and cruelty issues and provide the well needed update to animal welfare laws. We have to focus on enforcement, consolidation of the law and make sure the sentences are appropriate the crime. Animals are our friends, companions, help, and yes sometimes our nutrition source as well but they are living, breathing beings that are capable of feeling pain, respond and act, we have a responsibility to protect them, ensure their welfare and safety and frankly our Education Secretary kicking animals is sending the exact wrong message.
The main answer from this Government is wait and see. So, basically we have to wait and see whether the Pigeon-Kicker wants free school milk or expects parents to pay for it.
I thought Gordon Brown's statements in the House of Commons were spot on. Labour will support this government's commitment to Trident and the Strategic Defence Review, but we need to ensure that the review assesses the outsourcing of our defence procurement and lays out recommendations where we can end it: it's good for national security and it's good for jobs. I hope to see Mr. Summer work and engage with Gordon on this issue so we can forge a stronger Britain and a stronger world.
Dr Rook pigeongate is a trivial issue, I am sure she has no malice or ill will to animals. The laws regarding wild birds past by the Conservative provide more than adequate legal protection, the shadow secretary of state for environment jumping up down on this issue shows Labour true colours, that they want to pass unnecessary laws and regulations and that Labour will try and politicise any issue no matter how trivial.