Laura Parker
@ParkerCiccone
Followers
16K
Following
36K
Media
335
Statuses
9K
Yorkshirewoman often in Italy. Campaigner and optimist. Pro PR, the planet and human rights. RTs are not endorsements.
Joined July 2012
I’m proud to have been part of ARK Bulgaria which worked with local NGOs, Stara Zagora Municipality & Child Protection Department to create community based services & close a children’s institution for the first time in Bulgaria. Children must not be institutionalised. But 1/.
Every child deserves to have safe and loving family-based care. That's why @BarryKeoghan and I are in Bulgaria today, to kick-start a new global campaign to reform children's social care - working to end the institutionalisation of children.
1
0
2
This is just NOT TRUE! . I was at the same school at the same time as @trussliz . It provided support to children for whom English was a second language; had good special needs provision; excelled in sport, music and drama; and had significant numbers going to university.
Truss to Sunak: “The reason I am a Conservative is that I saw kids at my school being let down in Leeds-perhaps not getting the opportunities you had at your school, Rishi.”. Zinger of the debates so far….
457
5K
16K
I wouldn’t trust Boris Johnson to run a jumble sale, let alone the country.
343
4K
11K
Tuscany: every person here was given 30 face masks - for free - by the Regional Govt. 43 million masks distributed to date. This is what competent government looks like.
86
2K
8K
Quite honestly, it’s about time the words ‘Labour MP’ and ‘Kate Hoey’ were no longer in the same sentence.
132
793
4K
This must be the youth wing.
Down at Oxshott station at 6,30am talking to residents - delivering our new leaflet setting out my local priorities, and @Conservatives plans to unleash Britain’s potential.
149
311
3K
Anybody who thinks they can sit out the @EuropeanParl elections - when people like Tommy Robinson are standing - is not reading the writing on this wall. We must stand firm against the rise of the far right in the UK & Europe and defeat #Islamophobia.
A family who fled war-torn Syria for a new life in Co Tyrone have been left fearful for their safety after a racist attack on their home. #Islamophobia.
115
1K
3K
Irony alert: Jeremy Hunt explains authoritarian & less democratic regimes struggle with information sharing & how to handle epidemics like #Coronavirus just after @BBCr4today presenter has explained no Govt. Minister will be on Today “as they refuse to speak to this programme”.
49
879
2K
I don't put much faith in polls but make no mistake - the growing public support for Labour is down to everyone out knocking on doors in the cold. The Tories have the money and most of the media on their side. Our secret weapon is the thousands of you out there today.
Westminster Voting Intention:. CON: 42% (=).LAB: 36% (+4).LDM: 11% (-1).BXP: 4% (+1).GRN: 2% (=). Via @SavantaComRes, 2-5 Dec. Changes w/ 2-3 Dec.
42
595
2K
This is obscene. £ millions wasted preparing for something which does not need to happen. Govt demonstrating utter contempt for millions of people whose lives could be immediately improved if that £ were invested in local services.
EXCLUSIVE Trucks full of food and medicines could be flown into UK on cargo planes as part of ministers' no-deal Brexit plans via @Telegraph.
53
433
1K
Just explained to a frustrated coach full of South Korean tourists why they have been stuck in Whitehall. People on the coach applauded. #DefendDemocracy.
Blocking the traffic. Try to shut down democracy @BorisJohnson and we will shut down the city. Extraordinary scenes this evening as people from all political parties and none come to #DefendDemocracy & #StopTheCoup
43
351
1K
Gobsmacked? Johnson - a proven lazy, reckless, liar - has spent his life thinking he’s untouchable. And has been thanks to a toxic mix of class deference, others’ political opportunism & biased media. The tragedy now unfolding is he decided the rest of Britain was untouchable too.
not far off 500k deaths”. Ministers knew by 2nd week of February the gravity of what confronted us. So I am literally gobsmacked by the @thesundaytimes disclosure that the PM was not prioritising the looming Coronavirus catastrophe till March.
42
420
1K
Impressive. Way beyond anything you’ll find on a British train (which wld b twice the price). Temperature taken before boarding then all passengers given a ‘health & safety kit’: mask, gloves, headrest cover & hand gel. 👏👏🚆@LeFrecce
28
320
966
Do not protest today and when he leaves tomorrow think that Trump has gone - Trumpism is alive and kicking in the UK. The same politics of hate are peddled by his disciples - Farage and Johnson - and we must consign it dustbin of reactionary history. #TrumpProtest
58
270
828
It’s not just football that doesn’t need the billionaires.
25
211
699
How many times was I lectured in the Euro elections by @LibDems that all that mattered was stopping Brexit. and now??? They’ve already enabled one destructive Tory Govt. this decade - they must not enable another.
Lib Dems who reject Corbyn's proposal to serve as temporary PM during this impasse should never again be taken seriously on their opposition to no-deal.
27
233
618
Blocking the traffic. Try to shut down democracy @BorisJohnson and we will shut down the city. Extraordinary scenes this evening as people from all political parties and none come to #DefendDemocracy & #StopTheCoup
33
201
548
This is why I‘m standing to represent London as a @UKLabour MEP: facing down Farage and the far right, building a European Green New Deal, ending austerity - and campaigning with our members to #RemainAndTransform #LP4MEP
115
179
516
@FreeNorthNow @Thelma_DWalker @Thelma_DWalker was my parents’ MP in Colne Valley & hugely respected & well liked in that role as she was as John McDonnell’s PPS. This is a serious challenge to Labour from a committed socialist. And I’m pretty sure she’s not had to delete any misogynistic social media posts.
22
123
531
Who/whatever Joe Woods is, what’s written is abhorrent & all should condemn. If Joe Woods is a person, he’s not a Momentum member. I’d have thought @michaelgove, a Cabinet Minister, should check facts first & want to combat racism not play politics with it.
This is from a Corbyn supporter and Momentum member - I hope I can see condemnation of this grotesque anti-semitism from @jeremycorbyn , @ParkerCiccone , @AyoCaesar and @mattzarb.
52
151
525
Hostile environment. Food banks. Arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Child poverty. Brexit chaos. This is May’s legacy. She’s gone. Boris will be worse. Nothing can change if we don’t change the government.
17
201
464
Although I am pleased Momentum’s governing body accepted the principle of balloting its members on the leadership, I’m sorry they seem to have decided in advance what the answer is. Members should be able to choose from all Leader & Deputy candidates.
No, no, no! . It's much worse than that. They will be yes/no questions on whether to support or not support these 2 candidates. An absolute travesty of democracy and another sign that the Momentum leadership fear their members would deliver the 'wrong' answer.
50
153
474
BBC reports MPs have just voted “for delay”: NO - they voted to be able to scrutinise a deal of historic significance with huge implications for everybody in the country.
13
171
459
A man had to resign bc of inappropriate behaviour & is replaced by a man in blatant stitch up. From an accessibility pov it’s an absolute joke that ppl who may have wanted to apply had to do so within 24 hours & clearly had no chance of even being interviewed. We deserve to lose.
And that’s it: Paul Williams has been announced as the candidate.
46
96
474
John Bercow The Speaker turned to signal his support as we protested against the procession from the now shutting House of Commons. Labour MPs are still in the chamber where some have sung The Red Flag #DefendOurDemocracy
22
136
463
“Brexit Is a Disaster for UK, European Trade Collapses, Firms Close” . This is hitting companies of all sizes - & @UKLabour & @Keir_Starmer.must call this out at every opportunity.
31
272
409
@Keir_Starmer is right: Labour must make a “moral case for socialism relevant to people’s everyday lives & the challenges we face as we move into the 2020s & 2030s” - socialism based on economic justice, social justice and climate justice.
35
97
456
If @Keir_Starmer wants Labour to work together to defeat this dreadful government he must: . 1. Not let anyone be thrown out of the party for complimenting people from other parties .2. Support members and trade unions & back electoral reform.
51
125
431
Amazing energy today from everyone at the #StopTheCoup rally. Boris wants to resolve a democratic crisis through antidemocratic means. Everyday now we have to resist and defend democracy!
19
161
399
Laura Parker: Why I'm backing Keir Starmer for Labour leader - LabourList #AnotherFutureIsPossible
113
137
408
Starmer has totally squandered the opportunity to unite Labour. 40% of those who had twice backed Corbyn for Leader voted for him. Many others were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on the basis of his 10 pledges & 2017 manifesto ‘foundational document’ commitment. 1/.
12/ None of this will improve unless Starmer inspires that part of the left that voted for him, and that means policy commitments and a demonstrable connection with voters. I doubt he can do it in a single speech, because the damage is done over PR/party democracy. .
25
106
409
Kate Hoey was remarkable only for how out of touch she was with party membership and indeed the 21st century (fox hunting and grammar schools anyone?!). And nobody who cosied up to Farage & worked for Johnson will be taken seriously as a character referee. @VauxhallLabour.
My interview with the remarkable, fearless Kate Hoey: John McDonnell is a 'nasty, devious figure behind the scenes', Kate Hoey warns, as she steps down via @Telegraph.
18
92
388
There you have it - @Nigel_Farage is unwilling to answer even the most basic scrutiny on #Marr. It's clear his vision for Brexit is one of privatisation, deregulation and making Britain a tax haven off the shores of Europe. #VoteLabour to stop him 🌹.
46
164
401
I was at Roundhay at the same time as Liz Truss. She's making it up. And anyway, we do all need to learn about racism and sexism: the world has moved on a lot since the 1980s, even if Liz Truss has not.
Any of my friends go to Roundhay High in the 1980s. Like Liz Truss were your English and Maths lessons cancelled for Racism and Sexism classes?.
10
60
361
This alone reason to vote @UKLabour!.
The next Labour government will unlock the potential of all parts of the UK. We will deliver an irreversible shift in the centre of gravity in political decision making and investment to the North.
13
125
338
Just tax the rich. And tax wealth. And ensure the rich and wealthy pay their taxes. It’s not hard.
8
75
303
Happy to have started campaigning yesterday - with a great team of volunteers - to be selected as Labour’s candidate for Enfield North. #LP4MP
31
65
332
Insurance system to pay for care. I wish it were possible to say ‘you heard it hear first’ - but Labour did try to get this message out in the election. .
Damian Green @Conservatives MP saying on @lbc that we should move towards an insurance system to pay for our care. not even 24hrs after the #GeneralElection2019 results
17
209
332
Extraordinary scenes - again - outside Downing Street. Not sure what Boris Johnson is saying but hope he can hear us - #StopTheCoup
39
101
311
25% of Labour’s branches - so far - have passed policy backing proportional representation. More and more trade unionists are backing PR. Labour’s Constitutional Commission should address it ofc - but this change is coming anyway. @Labour4PR
7
76
276
Like father like son. Nothing but contempt for we, the little people. It is hardly a surprise the Prime Minister is the dismissive snob he is if this was his role model growing up.
9
112
301
We will be on Whitehall. We will be in Parliament Square. Up and down the whole country we will protest. This Government has no mandate for shutting down democratic processes - and we must not let it. @UKLabour @PeoplesMomentum.
Any Tory MP or Peer who keeps the whip when Johnson shuts down parliament will be complicit in ending British democracy . meanwhile we'll be on Whitehall. Feel free to join us.
27
127
292
*Irony alert* @KateHoeyMP on @BBCr4today just criticised MPs for putting their "aboslute obsession with leaving the EU" before the country. 😂.
59
61
286
@j0s3fk @jemgilbert @trussliz No, of course it doesn’t. We had great teachers but we weren’t daft: we knew private school students had huge advantages. Truss would bring back selection and grammar schools. Her criticisms of what was a great comprehensive are just part of her wider attack on the state.
4
14
290
Disappointed not to be elected - but very proud that along with a group of determined volunteers we ran an energetic & positive campaign. Thanks to all of them, including friends from across the EU. Now a night off - then tomorrow we continue building a #EuropeForTheMany ✊
30
57
299
🙏 Please - share and encourage all you know to register to vote. Critical we get young people on the electoral register - they could be the key to defeating Boris Johnson.
11
263
273
I personally support electoral reform, not as a way back for Labour in Scotland or because it might entice Lib Dems - but because our current system is simply unfair. Too many of us have never had a vote which counted in a general election. @MakeVotesMatter.
@MarkPerryman @paulmasonnews @guardian @Neal_Compass @CompassOffice @jemgilbert @goinginafield @andrewsgeoff @paulhilder @hilarypepper @ParkerCiccone Mark, Labour should offer a policy commitment to PR a la Germany in its manifesto. This is crucial in a multi-party UK; only way back for Labour in Scotland; and will be an offer that Lib Dems will find hard to refuse, esp. on the ground in local negotiations.
9
69
273
What better reason than this dancing do you need to come down and join us now outside Downing Street, to help kick out Boris Johnson! . #stopthecoup
74
72
273
“Poll surge for Farage sparks panic among Tories and Labour” Panicking is pointless: @UKLabour needs to get out there and make a positive case for its values. We cannot let Farage win. Our friends across Europe will not easily forgive us if he does
49
84
269
Mick Lynch of the @RMTunion has said funding cuts made by a "government of billionaires" are to blame for rail strikes. Your periodic reminder of why we don’t need billionaires. #TaxTheRich .
8
108
263
💥💥💥 Today!! Wherever you are. Whoever you are, however you vote - make your voice heard. Our democracy needs huge reform - but we will not win that if we lose what we already have. The people must be able to hold their government to account. #DefendDemocracy @PeoplesMomentum.
The public outrage at Boris Johnson shutting down democracy has been deafening. People are right to take to the streets - and I encourage everyone to join the demonstrations in London and across the country tomorrow. Find out more here:
14
153
252
Labour's Laura Parker: 'Farage winning would be UK's worst legacy' - freedom of movement, the need for @UKLabour to mobilise and why the right want us to be bored with Brexit. Thanks to @OwenJones84 for the chat!
35
125
252
The first protest I ever organised was at primary school where there was a playground just for boys to play football. We got the school to let girls on. Listening to @Anna_Kessel from @WomeninFootball @BBCr4today it’s clear nearly half a century on we’ve still a long way to go.
4
34
231
Boris Johnson said 'bunch of black kids' made him 'turn a hair' . This article from 2000. The one thing Boris Johnson has been consistent with is racism.
7
158
215
Whilst my home county of Yorkshire is dealing with the effects of devastating flooding, Boris Johnson was today schmoozing with wealthy donors who deny the role of climate change in causing floods THREAD.
Scenes from me this avo #Election2019 @bristolport with @BorisJohnson who says Brexit will be good for #nhs waiting times. More on @bbcrb
9
136
214
Panacea? No. Necessary? Yes. In the Netherlands with PR the hard right minority is set to hold less than 25% of seats in Parliament. In the UK, with FPTP, a hard right minority captured the Tory Party and has an 80 seat majority. Neither is good. One is much, much worse.
Not a popular view, I know, amongst my 'tribe' but the view across the channel to the Netherlands this morning should give pause for thought to those who think proportional representation is a panacea to, or even necessarily helpful in tackling, what ails us.
11
74
206
Boris Johnson thought he could pull a fast one on the people: he’d shut us out, we’d shut up & his damaging no deal would get a free pass. Thousands of us across the country proved him wrong. Make your voices heard again today. Downing St 2.30pm #DemandDemocracy #StopTheCoup.
Johnson thinks he can get away with trashing our democracy and forcing through No Deal - he's completely wrong ❌. Join @OwenJones84, @HackneyAbbott, @ParkerCiccone and others as we stand up to Boris and defend our democracy! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽. More info 👇 .
3
103
202
Seeing images of Johnson, the worst pit of my stomach pain was that Labour losing means a racist, xenophobic, homophobic liar won. The reflections of coming days must centre this threat, & the people facing it most, if we are to defeat our country’s rightwards descent.
35
35
203
This was not what I campaigned for when I stood for Labour for the European Parliament. It’s not what Labour stood for either.
Breaking: Following a decision in our Group meeting, we will support @vonderleyen. However, we will be vigilant to ensure that she delivers on the progressive commitments she has made as a result of our pressure.
15
46
198
@RLBforLeader All of the candidates have agreed to conduct this debate in a civilised way - to promote their vision and record, and leave each other to defend their own. I think the rest of us should do the same. Please 🙏.
8
6
196
Agree. whether Tesco’s or any other major company, paying shareholder dividends - which are entirely discretionary - should stop. We must not repeat the mistakes of post-2008.
12
62
195
This is just absurd - @NeilFosterGMB totally right: we must all stand up to this and #SayNoToToryNoDeal.
10
92
182
“I want people with more money to understand what it’s like with less money. Because we’re all equal”. What beautiful children and how ugly our inequality. All who are thinking of voting @Conservatives - watch this tomorrow then let conscience be your guide. @C4Dispatches.
"We try not to eat a lot in one day, even though most of us are really hungry.". Almost 1 in 3 children in the UK are now growing up poor, like Cameron and his two sisters whose family rely on a food bank to help fill the fridge.
6
99
180
Mixed results in the local elections but congratulations to all the great new Labour councillors!. There's lots to reflect on but for me it's clear: We cannot be seen to be bailing out the Tories' Brexit mess. Let's get to work for Labour gains across the UK on 23 May! #LP4MEP.
31
53
183
@RhiD83 @danbloom1 @pimlicat Yes - Johnson clearly didn’t want to take responsibility for stricter measures despite expert advice, was persuaded to let local leaders have room to manoeuvre but obviously will now blame them for everything which happens. He is so unfit to be Prime Minister it’s incredible.
5
28
185
Very pleased to be standing for Labour in London in the European Parliament elections #LP4MEP ✊️🌹. Looking forward to campaigning with people from across the Labour movement to help build a #EuropeForTheMany.
29
38
189
Very pleased @LisaForbes_ won Peterborough - championing equality, investment in her city & hope - & denying the divisive @brexitparty_uk a Westminster seat. Just result for @PeoplesMomentum & @UKLabour activists. ✊️🌹.
12
44
184
very pleased to hear a leadership candidate addressing critical democratic issues - including the need for the Labour Party to engage with others to bring the changes we need. Inspiring stuff from @labourlewis
7
44
178
A weird feeling voting for myself today (except in the worst dressed pupil award in 1989 😬), but I've done my democratic duty and so should you!. Get out and #VoteLabour today - if you don't know where your polling station is, click here: #LP4MEP
13
51
177
This is what's at stake on Thursday. 5 more years of disasters in the NHS - or a government which will rescue and revive the health service.
3
127
173
Totally irresponsible as well as unacceptable of the BBC. We already have a lying Prime Minister who treats the public with high-handed contempt, we do not also need a public broadcaster which treats us like fools - and have a right to much better.
We're licence fee payers. We fund the BBC to be a public broadcaster which is supposed to uphold honesty and the truth. How on earth can @bbcpress justify this, because we are not going to let this go.
7
88
180
Panicked headlines in UK papers about #Coronvirus in Italy - but maybe we should focus on getting our own house in order? Just returned from visiting family in Turin: body temperature checks upon arrival at airport, hand gel freely available upon departure. Neither at Gatwick.
8
56
156
Any MP who seeks to justify the anti democratic shutting down of parliament - or doesn’t even have the guts to try and justify it - should be shut out of parliament themselves at the next General Election.
Now @AmberRuddHR lacks the guts to justify her support for prorogation of Parliament despite having condemned it as unconstitutional until Johnson bribed her with a Cabinet job. A truly shabby woman who should be ashamed of herself. #newsnight #skynews.
7
80
169
It was great to introduce James, who voted leave because he believed in parliamentary democracy and now can not stand by and watch as Johnson tramples over our democratic principles #StopTheCoup
5
69
160
A fifth of new Tory MPs have worked as lobbyists - including for banks, private healthcare and arms manufacturers
13
130
156
Feel like I’m repeating myself - but having backed No Deal today. .
Quite honestly, it’s about time the words ‘Labour MP’ and ‘Kate Hoey’ were no longer in the same sentence.
5
20
151
Don't let anyone tell you these #EUelections2019 don't matter - so much is on the line for EU migrants in the UK and the international fight against the far-right. Don't let Farage and his cronies win, vote Labour. #Europeforthemany #LP4MEP
18
89
152
Whether it was always a deliberate strategy to deceive or not, a large part of the party is being been treated with contempt. I did not vote for this.
35
28
153
@johnharris1969 surely nobody's surprised by this? He vaunts 'disruption' as an approach to public policy-making; values his opinions over all others & is prepared to bully into submission or sack those who don't agree; & already wants to foist a calamitous hard Brexit experiment upon us all. .
6
16
145
Happy to chat with @LibDems Leader at any time about extremism - perhaps we can include the tuition fees policy he backed and the Lib Dem-Tory coalition, both of which have resulted in extreme levels of debt and growing inequality.
#EXCLUSIVE: @libdems leader @vincecable claims @UKLabour in #Leeds “has fallen into the hands of extremists”. He says @PeoplesMomentum is “a serious problem” in #Leeds. More @BBCLeeds tomorrow.
9
52
153
Boris Johnson’s lies exposed again. He has said those who want to sell off our NHS are on a “noble mission”. There can be no mission more noble now than us dispatching him first. Please read important thread👇.
EXPOSED: Guess who used taxpayer funds to host the lavish launch of a think tank campaigning to let American corporations run NHS hospitals? Yes, Boris Johnson. (Location: St Thomas’ Hospital - SOUND ON)
1
96
143
I have never sworn on Twitter. I will not start now. But I’m very very very tempted. Bring on the abolition of the House of Lords.
Former MP Kate Hoey joins the House of Lords. More from today in the Lords here:
9
5
152
Wish many of the former Momentum elected leadership had understood this. .
37
15
152
It’s time for centibillionaires to help pay the cost of Covid
4
18
141
@Anna_Mainwaring @trussliz Yes it was excellent. How else can we explain that we had the same number of people going to what were considered to be ‘top’ universities as the private schools?.
2
4
145
Most revealing moment of @BorisJohnson manifesto presentation? He describes a question from a journalist as an “attack”. This anti-democratic prime minister has shown time & again he doesn’t want scrutiny: shutting down parliament, ducking debate & now attacking the press.
11
71
145
@MattWrack on @BBCr4today on the Grenfell enquiry: “Individual firefighters are being subject to a degree of scrutiny which the government is not”. There must not be scapegoating of firefighters - there must be justice for Grenfell @officialJ4G & solidarity with @fbunational ✊.
4
60
138
Are you being serious? This is a genuine question.
Attending the penultimate session of the #EuropeanParliament’s #FisheriesCommittee #PECHcommittee) with #BritishMEPs. The big question now is, who will be here to hold these people to account while they still control Britain’s waters, but the UK has no representation?
0
16
138
Mixed feelings about being one of this number. Eternal gratitude to my adopted home for its warm welcome 🇮🇹 - but angry that so many millions will lose rights & freedoms.
5
25
132
As is often the case, the vast majority of the membership is already ahead of the game on this one: 76% supported PR in the last survey & over 150 CLPs have already passed policy motions in favour of it. Change is coming.
If this is to happen, Starmer needs to begin work on it now, not in 2024. He needs to start explaining the case for change, not least to his own party, which retains a self-destructive obsession with first-past-the-post.
8
48
117