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Labour leadership candidates urged to support the common good

The Catholic Union has called on the three remaining Labour leadership contenders to support the common good, ahead of the new leader being announced next month.

Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, has written to Rebecca Long Bailey, Lisa Nandy, and Sir Keir Starmer, to ask them to back five key commitments on social policy. These include a pledge to scrap the two-child tax limit on benefits, support for new Catholic schools, and continuing to respect abortion and assisted dying as matters of conscience.

Labour party members have until 2 April to cast their ballot, with a new leader expected to be announced on 4 April.

In his letter, Nigel Parker, reminded candidates that “Catholic Social Teaching has been a source of inspiration to the Labour movement in the past and has much to offer the future direction of the party.”

The Catholic Union will publicise the responses received to the letters.

Catholic Union Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle commented: “The focus of the Government and opposition parties at present is rightly on tackling the Coronavirus. These are extraordinary times for politics and the life of our country. But we must not lose sight of broader challenges in society. Labour has a crucial role to play in holding the Government to account and providing an alternative vision for the country at election time. This leadership contest is vital to the future direction of the Labour party and will determine its relationship with faith groups, including Catholics, in the months and years ahead. The Catholic Union is willing to work with whoever becomes leader to promote the common good and develop policies which support justice, peace, and freedom of conscience.”

The letters are available below:

Rebecca Long Bailey letter 20.03.20

Lisa Nandy letter 20.03.20

Keir Starmer letter 20.03.20