The most important political battle in British politics is currently taking place in the Conservative party. There is, of course, also a political battle taking place in the Labour Party, but it is of a different kind. In the Labour Party, the party machine is being used to suppress the discussion of any radical ideas. In contrast, in … Continue reading Editorial 1 — Labour Must Exploit Tory Divisions
Editorial 2 — The value of an effective opposition.
The Guardian Online of 4 October contained a page of reader’s letters in support of Sir Keir Starmer arguing that the criticism of his performance at the recent Labour Party Conference was unfair and only served the Tory interest. Aside from the fact that the “generosity” of the paper in this regard stands in marked contrast to … Continue reading Editorial 2 — The value of an effective opposition.
What Am I Going to do Next? Part 10.
Thoughts on a High Wage High Skill Economy Dave Gardner Last month I wrote about the government’s desire to force most young people not doing A levels to do a new type of demanding qualification called the T level. They intend to do this by defunding vocational alternatives such as the BTEC level 3. I … Continue reading What Am I Going to do Next? Part 10.
The case of Heather Mendick — Diary
Diary of an ex-Corbyn foot soldier (November, 2021) Dictionary definition of “foot soldier”: “…a dedicated low level follower…” Michael Murray: murraymicha@gmail.com; FaceBook: Michael Murray London The case of Heather Mendick: A Jew accused by Labour of being antisemitic. “NOI CN-9748” lands on Heather’s doormat In September of this year a Hackney Labour Party comrade and friend, Heather … Continue reading The case of Heather Mendick — Diary
Notes on the News
By Gwydion M. Williams Notes on the News Sadly, President Biden is no Dictator China the Key? Parliaments the Least Bad System? How to Ease the Climate Crisis Taiwan – the basics Snippets Upper London Holds the World’s Dirty Money Iraq: the Wrong Sort of Democracy Sadly, President Biden is no Dictator President Biden wants to … Continue reading Notes on the News
The launch of T Levels — Parliament Notes 1
Skills and Post 16 Education Bill Debate 21 October 2021 For an analysis of T-levels see What am I going to do next (Part 10) in this issue of the magazine. 50% of young people do not go to university. Of those, only 20% have access to education and training. That is because there is not the same … Continue reading The launch of T Levels — Parliament Notes 1
Fire and Rehire Bill — Parliament Notes 2
Parliament debate 22 October 2021 https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2021-10-22/debates/BFCF71FC-1BE2-488A-A926-7EA0A1E1F36A/EmploymentAndTradeUnionRights(DismissalAndRe-Engagement)Bill?highlight=barry%20gardiner#contribution-1EA2B774-28DC-4ED0-B891-48FDCD646E7D During the Covid pandemic firms like British Airways fired part of their staff and rehired them on reduced terms and conditions. The Labour MP Barry Gardiner presented a Private Member’s Bill to end this practice. No MP on either side defended the practice, but still the Bill was not passed. Conservatives … Continue reading Fire and Rehire Bill — Parliament Notes 2
A small victory for freedom of speech: the reinstatement of Stan Keable
We reproduce Stan Keable’s statement, the full story can be read on the website of Jewish Voice for Labour. Statement by Stan Keable, Tues Oct 26 2021 [Three and a half years after his sacking for a comments about Zionism during the ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration in parliament square, Stan Keable welcomes a small victory in … Continue reading A small victory for freedom of speech: the reinstatement of Stan Keable
The United States does not support Taiwan independence.
The US and the UK recognise that Taiwan is part of China. Yet they speak as if Taiwan’s independence might be endangered and Taiwan need their protection, military if need be. The BBC gives the impression that Taiwan is under threat. It is ambiguous, as at times it is very careful about stating that the Chinese planes … Continue reading The United States does not support Taiwan independence.
Moscow urges unity against US drives for regime change
RUSSIAN Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called yesterday [13/10/21] for a united response to global meddling by the United States as he warned of continuing US attempts to overthrow “undesirable” governments. He was speaking at conference of intelligence and security chiefs of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an intergovernmental organisation comprising nine post-Soviet republics. “Our … Continue reading Moscow urges unity against US drives for regime change
Where to get your photos printed
EUGENIA RUSSELL explores how meaningful employment can be created for prisoners and ex-offenders (Morning Star 23/10/21) THERE are not many businesses that employ prisoners in a meaningful way, but those that do deserve to be known about and supported by the public. A prime example is The Clink charity, which equips prisoners with catering skills that will … Continue reading Where to get your photos printed
The Levellers — Editorial 1
Keir Starmer repeats, at every opportunity, that his main objective is to win the next general election. This is a welcome change of objective. In 2019 Starmer seemed determined to lose that general election. Labour lost the 2019 general election because they attempted to reverse the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum. Starmer was the main architect of … Continue reading The Levellers — Editorial 1
Starmer, Sunak’s Unwitting Ally — Editorial 2
Brexit offered a real opportunity for the working class. With Corbyn, while not exactly in control of the ship (as we’ve subsequently realised), at least being somewhere on the Bridge, there was the prospect that the opportunity might have been taken advantage of. Alas and alack, such was the incoherent basis of his support (incapable … Continue reading Starmer, Sunak’s Unwitting Ally — Editorial 2
Running the Rule over the Labour Party Conference
Diary of an ex-Corbyn foot soldier (October, 2021) Dictionary definition of “foot soldier”: “…a dedicated low level follower…” Running the rule over the Labour Party Conference Contents: (1) Back to College - the Electoral College (2) The main changes to the Party Rule Book: 2021 (3) Rule changes and the direction of the Party (1) … Continue reading Running the Rule over the Labour Party Conference
Labour and the Housing Crisis – Part 5
Council House Sales – the Financial Dilemma By Eamon Dyas It is generally accepted that the 1980 Housing Act represented the greatest shift in public housing policy since the Second World War. Michael Heseltine, the environment minister in the Conservative Government at the time, described it as a social revolution. In the sense that it … Continue reading Labour and the Housing Crisis – Part 5
Labour Affairs 