I have been a member of the Labour party for more than 25 years and have campaigned with Labour party comrades on the doorsteps of the Streatham constituency, we fought many battles and won quite a few. So I have remained loyal to the true party, but those in charge appear to want to test me and others like myself.
The latest decision by Lambeth Labour is to stop the Lambeth country show. This is a major south London event that takes place for two days in July attracting many from the whole region. Its a splendid opportunity for south Londoners to get together and have a relaxing time, for children to play and for parents to relax.
I am trying to get information as to why this decision has been made but I know already that there is a campaign to stop them from killing this event off. If the reason they want to stop the show is financial then I fail to understand why the event is not self financing? If it is to do with money then I can sort it out for them. There is no way the show can't make money its just not managed correctly! So Labour Councillors and others should stop this madness and restore the country show! Its the peoples event!
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Monday, 6 February 2012
Tactics on the pensions dispute
The debate, as expected, is going on regarding the tactics the unions should take next around the pensions dispute.
There are those who advocate surrender or compromise if you want to call it that way, the others who believe that there is more to be explored with further negotiating and the few who know that if the fight does not continue this will be round one of the attacks and the government will come back later and impose ever more drastic measures. There is no evidence that they are not planning that already.
So you have Heather Wakefield explaining the logic of organised surrender, then Gregor Gall wanting more action, Mark Serowka calling for a fight to the end and Jon Rogers trying to appease all sides (by being diplomatic and nice about them on his blog) in the hope that the union machinery will have another go even if that attempt won't be as big as he wants it to be! Its clear that the only option right now is to develop strategies that mean a continuation N30 otherwise that was a waste of time?
There are those who advocate surrender or compromise if you want to call it that way, the others who believe that there is more to be explored with further negotiating and the few who know that if the fight does not continue this will be round one of the attacks and the government will come back later and impose ever more drastic measures. There is no evidence that they are not planning that already.
So you have Heather Wakefield explaining the logic of organised surrender, then Gregor Gall wanting more action, Mark Serowka calling for a fight to the end and Jon Rogers trying to appease all sides (by being diplomatic and nice about them on his blog) in the hope that the union machinery will have another go even if that attempt won't be as big as he wants it to be! Its clear that the only option right now is to develop strategies that mean a continuation N30 otherwise that was a waste of time?
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Foie gras
The production of foie gras is a horrific process. Have you heard? It requires force-feeding male ducks to enlarge their livers up to 10 times their normal size.
Call on the European Union to ban the production of foie gras - the cruelty of this practice has no place in civilized society. »
These ducks are force-fed over the course of 15 years with pipes rammed down their necks, which sometimes puncture their esophagus. Many die choking to death on their own blood or vomit.
Producers of foie gras keep their ducks crammed together in filthy conditions, where they can hardly move, let alone stretch their wings or swim.
Are the minutes spent enjoying foie gras worth the years of suffering the ducks have to endure? This grotesque mistreatment must be stopped. Sign the petition to ban foie gras production in Europe. »
Ban the production of foie gras in Europe!
Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AGbT6/zmAq/Aus7J
Call on the European Union to ban the production of foie gras - the cruelty of this practice has no place in civilized society. »
These ducks are force-fed over the course of 15 years with pipes rammed down their necks, which sometimes puncture their esophagus. Many die choking to death on their own blood or vomit.
Producers of foie gras keep their ducks crammed together in filthy conditions, where they can hardly move, let alone stretch their wings or swim.
Are the minutes spent enjoying foie gras worth the years of suffering the ducks have to endure? This grotesque mistreatment must be stopped. Sign the petition to ban foie gras production in Europe. »
Ban the production of foie gras in Europe!
Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AGbT6/zmAq/Aus7J
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Falkland islands
The islands are about 290 miles from the East coast of Argentina and are inhabited by people of British descent and English is the formal language. Everyone knows about the war in the 80s and the tragic loss of life. Argentina claims the islands purely on the basis that they are nearer their coast.
I try to keep a balanced view on this blog and I am never afraid to touch on subjects that may provoke anger, I always see things as they are and believe that objective journalism is the best way to explore subjects.
As I said before Argentina claims the islands because they are geographically at least situated nearer them. The same argument could of course be used by France to claim British islands in the channel, the analogy is the same.
I think that on balance the argument is in favor of the islanders and there is absolutely no reason what so ever for the islanders to surrender their right to self determination. They have the democratic right to remain independent and linked to Britain if that's what they want. British foreign policy is guilty for many major problems caused throughout the world but on this occasion the Falkland islands and their faith do not fall into that category. I also do not think that Trade Unionists should shy away from declaring their support for the islanders. War should of course be avoided at any cost and the sinking of the General Belgrano was an unpleasant incident for which Thatcher should have been questioned but the question around the future of the islands is simple one and I have said what I think.
I try to keep a balanced view on this blog and I am never afraid to touch on subjects that may provoke anger, I always see things as they are and believe that objective journalism is the best way to explore subjects.
As I said before Argentina claims the islands because they are geographically at least situated nearer them. The same argument could of course be used by France to claim British islands in the channel, the analogy is the same.
I think that on balance the argument is in favor of the islanders and there is absolutely no reason what so ever for the islanders to surrender their right to self determination. They have the democratic right to remain independent and linked to Britain if that's what they want. British foreign policy is guilty for many major problems caused throughout the world but on this occasion the Falkland islands and their faith do not fall into that category. I also do not think that Trade Unionists should shy away from declaring their support for the islanders. War should of course be avoided at any cost and the sinking of the General Belgrano was an unpleasant incident for which Thatcher should have been questioned but the question around the future of the islands is simple one and I have said what I think.
Friday, 3 February 2012
London Unison AGM 8 February 2012
The Annual General Meeting of London Unison will be taking place next week 8 February. A number of interesting motions and of course the annual election will be taking place with United Left candidates taking on the existing post holders. Is this the right time for change then? We shall see..
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Marsha Jane Thompson
I watched Marsha Jane Thompson evolve over the years and of course worked closely with her when we were both nominated to stand as joint Co Convenors by the soft side of the United Left. The rest of the UL did not of course agree with this and instead supported (narrow majority of 2) a hard left candidate who lost that decisive key election battle. But that is old history.
Marsha has definitely developed and has changed her approach and style. She is much more careful now and thinks a lot longer before she makes any statements. She has, overall, become better and more effective so her decision to stand for the position of Regional Convenor for the February 8 2012 AGM could be a good one.
So who is this persistent female activists? Well she is, to start with, a close friend and associate of Jon of the Rogers who is, without any question (even he agrees with this) a force in the TU movement within London if not through out the country. I worked with Jon for 20 years and we are work partners and close associates it was inevitable therefore that I too became a friend of Marsha. We are not close now as we fell out a few times for silly things but I think I know the woman behind the activist and understand how she operates.
I will go as far as to say that Marsha could win the election if those on the left and the independent thinkers of the region voted for change and had an effective mobilising campaign to get the vote out. The region needs some excitement and is due for change!!
So what plus points does she bring with her? She is younger and more in touch with the under 40s, works hard, will be an independent thinker (more than most people think) and will fight fiercely battles for the region. She will also try to be constructive and built bridges with the regional office as she understands the power regional officials hold. On the negative side she tends to be impulsive, gets angry easily and sometimes misunderstands clear signals. She is also impressed with those she thinks have power and that can be a destruction. On balance she is ready for this and should be good at the job!
Marsha has definitely developed and has changed her approach and style. She is much more careful now and thinks a lot longer before she makes any statements. She has, overall, become better and more effective so her decision to stand for the position of Regional Convenor for the February 8 2012 AGM could be a good one.
So who is this persistent female activists? Well she is, to start with, a close friend and associate of Jon of the Rogers who is, without any question (even he agrees with this) a force in the TU movement within London if not through out the country. I worked with Jon for 20 years and we are work partners and close associates it was inevitable therefore that I too became a friend of Marsha. We are not close now as we fell out a few times for silly things but I think I know the woman behind the activist and understand how she operates.
I will go as far as to say that Marsha could win the election if those on the left and the independent thinkers of the region voted for change and had an effective mobilising campaign to get the vote out. The region needs some excitement and is due for change!!
So what plus points does she bring with her? She is younger and more in touch with the under 40s, works hard, will be an independent thinker (more than most people think) and will fight fiercely battles for the region. She will also try to be constructive and built bridges with the regional office as she understands the power regional officials hold. On the negative side she tends to be impulsive, gets angry easily and sometimes misunderstands clear signals. She is also impressed with those she thinks have power and that can be a destruction. On balance she is ready for this and should be good at the job!
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Unison Health Rally 7 March 2012
Get ready for the 'Save Our NHS' rally on 7 March (31/01/12) On Wednesday 7 March, under the banner of the All Together for the NHS campaign, health workers, professionals, experts, patients and campaigners will come together for a rally to Save Our NHS.
The rally will drive home the message to Peers and MPs that the NHS is a treasured institution and the people that own it, work for it and use it, will not stand by whilst it is broken up and privatised.
The pressure on Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and Prime Minister David Cameron has been growing in recent weeks, with more professional bodies joining the calls to amend the Bill significantly or withdraw it completely. The rally is intended to add to that pressure by demonstrating the broad coalition of opposition to the Bill.
Join us on Wednesday 7 March 1800 - 1930 at the Central Hall, Westminster, London.
The government’s Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, threatens the very principles on which the National Health Service was founded. UNISON has been leading the fight about these reforms since their introduction with more and more groups and individuals joining us in voicing their opposition. The opposition is growing stronger both from providers of care and those who receive it as they feel that their concerns have not been listened to.
The Bill is back in the House of Lords on 8 February for a number of weeks before it returns to the House of Commons for MPs to debate again. There is still time to influence this Bill, which will fragment and privatise our National Health Service:
1) Lobby a Lord: http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/nhs-bill-lobby-your-local-peer/
2) Sign the official e-petition calling on the Government to 'Drop the Bill': http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22670
3) Attend the rally on Wednesday 7 March at Westminster Central Hall, 1800.
The rally will drive home the message to Peers and MPs that the NHS is a treasured institution and the people that own it, work for it and use it, will not stand by whilst it is broken up and privatised.
The pressure on Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and Prime Minister David Cameron has been growing in recent weeks, with more professional bodies joining the calls to amend the Bill significantly or withdraw it completely. The rally is intended to add to that pressure by demonstrating the broad coalition of opposition to the Bill.
Join us on Wednesday 7 March 1800 - 1930 at the Central Hall, Westminster, London.
The government’s Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, threatens the very principles on which the National Health Service was founded. UNISON has been leading the fight about these reforms since their introduction with more and more groups and individuals joining us in voicing their opposition. The opposition is growing stronger both from providers of care and those who receive it as they feel that their concerns have not been listened to.
The Bill is back in the House of Lords on 8 February for a number of weeks before it returns to the House of Commons for MPs to debate again. There is still time to influence this Bill, which will fragment and privatise our National Health Service:
1) Lobby a Lord: http://www.goingtowork.org.uk/nhs-bill-lobby-your-local-peer/
2) Sign the official e-petition calling on the Government to 'Drop the Bill': http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22670
3) Attend the rally on Wednesday 7 March at Westminster Central Hall, 1800.
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