grimmerupnorth

The tabloid pictures of Paul Weller in a drunken heap in Prague are a timely reminder to my generation that some things just aren't done anymore. And collapsing in a comatose state with your better half is probably top of anyone's list. I am about to embark on a sub-zero tour around the town with several friends and experience has taught me not to go out before 9pm and to make an orderly exit from the pub well before midnight.........that is the plan anyway.Just before Big Ben strikes I will smoke one of the cocktail Sobranies a friend bought me for Xmas and I am giving the rest away. 2009, if nothing else, will be a fag-free year.
As for 2008 well like most years after a certain age it has been a mixed bag of good and bad stuff and I expect the same of the New Year. One thing I do hope is that I will end it a bit healthier so to that end I will be taking a bit better care of myself . I suggest P Weller does the same unless he really does want to be a sad old git! A Happy New Year to all blog readers ........

Posted by susan press at 19:52 3 comments  

Labels: New Year's Eve, revels

(Lebanon, Tuesday 30 December) - Today the Free Gaza ship "Dignity"carefully made its way to safe harbor in Tyre, Lebanon's southern-mostport city, after receiving serious structural damage when Israeli warships rammed its bow and the port side. Waiting to greet the passengers and crew were thousands of Lebanese who came out to show their solidarity with this attempt to deliver volunteer doctors and desperately needed medicalsupplies to war-ravaged Gaza. The Lebanese government has pledged to provide a forensic analysis of what happened in the dark morning, when Israel rammed the civilian ship in international waters, and put the people on board in danger of losing their lives.The Dignity, on a mission of mercy to besieged Gaza, was attacked by the Israeli Navy at approximately 6am (UST) in international waters, roughly 90 miles off the coast of Gaza. Several Israeli warships surrounded the small, human rights boat, firing live ammunition around it, then intentionally ramming it three times. According to ship's captain Denis Healy, the Israeli attack came, ""without any warning, or any provocation."Caoimhe Butterly, an organizer with the Free Gaza Movement, stated that,"The gunboats gave us no warning. They came up out of the darkness firing flares and flashing huge flood lights into our faces. We were so shocked that at first we didn't react. We knew we were well within international waters and supposedly safe from attack. They rammed us three times,hitting the side of the boat hard. We began taking on water and, for a few minutes, we all feared for our lives. After they rammed us, they started screaming at us as we were frantically getting the life boats ready and putting on our life jackets. They kept yelling that if we didn't turn back they would shoot us."
Cynthia McKinney, former U.S. congresswoman and Green Party presidential candidate, was traveling to Gaza aboard the Dignity in order to assess the impact of Israel's military onslaught against the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. According to McKinney, "Israeli patrol boats...tracked us for about 30 minutes...and then all of a sudden they rammed usapproximately three times, twice in the front and once in the side...the Israelis indicated that [they felt] we were involved in terrorist activities."The Dignity departed from Larnaca Port in Cyprus at 7pm (UST) on Monday 29 December with a cargo of over 3 tons of desperately needed medical supplies donated to Gaza by the people of Cyprus. Three surgeons were also aboard, traveling to Gaza to volunteer in overwhelmed hospitals and clinics. The ship was searched by Cypriot Port authorities prior to departure, and its passenger list was made public. Israel's deplorable attack on the unarmed Dignity is a violation of both international maritime law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,which states that "the high seas should be reserved for peaceful purposes."Delivering doctors and urgently needed medical supplies to civilians is a just such a "peaceful purpose." Deliberately ramming a mercy ship and endangering its passengers is an act of terrorism.
CALL the Israeli Government and demand that it immediately STOP attacking the civilian population of Gaza and STOP using violence to prevent human rights and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.Mark Regev in the Prime Minister's office at:+972 2670 5354 or +972 5 0620 3264mark.regev@it.pmo.gov.ilShlomo Dror in the Ministry of Defence at:+972 3697 5339 or +972 50629 8148mediasar@mod.gov.ilMajor Liebovitz from the Israeli Navy at:+ 972 5 781 86248

Posted by susan press at 12:21 0 comments  

Labels: Gaza, PSC

As the bombs and rockets continue to rain in the Middle East, all that talk just a week ago of peace and goodwill rings more than a little hollow. Watching the appalling scenes in Gaza is enough to make one despair at man's inhumanity to man. But at least people round the world are registering their horror at the carnage and calling for a ceasefire now. It is utterly horrendous that Israel continues this obscene onslaught on a country wherem as Jeremy Corbyn points out, the vast majority of people are struggling to even survive.
The Govt has announced some £6million in humanitarian aid for Palestine which is good news but of course it will not get through until the killing stops. That is why all of us must do what we can in protest - be that braving the cold to wave banners in Hebden Bridge, going to London or Manchester for the national demonstrations on Saturday, or even just thinking beyond our immediate concerns to imagine how horrendous life must be in Gaza at the moment for all the Palestinians .
It is hard to imagine this will be a happy New Year for any of them.If you want to join in any of the demonstrations , details are on the stopthewarcoalition website....

Posted by susan press at 12:03 0 comments  

Labels: Middle East

Had call earlier tonight from friend who with thousands more had braved sub-zero temperatures in London to make the Gaza protest outside the Israeli Embassy. Well done to all the thousands who are protesting all over the country. Tomorrow night at 5pm we are doing out bit here in Hebden at 5pm at the traffic lights in the centre of town. I will be there. Bring a candle....

Posted by susan press at 20:51 4 comments  

Labels: Gaza vigil

It's that time of year when you find yourself mooching round the house and getting a bit melancholy - thinking of the past year's disappointments and also safe in the knowledge that 2009 will also have its fair share of knockbacks. There is also the dreadful news from Gaza and no doubt there will be more before the current wave of violence ends.
In my mooching I just came across a speech I wrote in 1981 when I was trying to stand as a local councillor in south-east London. It is hand-written and, amazingly, legible, as things had to be in those days before computers. I would have written it in one draft and it is VERY long.The interesting thing is, of course, that most of what I said then I would also say today so either I am utterly immature or else capitalism and socialism are, now as then, mutually incompatible.It's interesting to ponder what would have happened to my life had I actually been selected as the candidate for Anerley ward .The chances are that I would have stayed in London instead of moving back north in 1984. Who knows.
Today there is a Gaza vigil in Halifax which I can't make due to another commitment but let's hope for some better news and let's also hope that the election of Barack Obama brings us some positives.
At the fag end of the year, I also resolve that once again I will give up smoking - the "sneaky fags" partaken of at times of stress have escalated to the pitch where I can no longer pretend I am not a smoker - and after my recent bout of flu and several chest infections in 2008 it is utter madness to carry on.

Posted by susan press at 12:05 0 comments  

Labels: 2008, Gaza

I have been bloggingfree for the past few days as I have been very busy writing my CV form for the forthcoming Parliamentary selection in Keighley. It has taken many hours and has been perused by one of my most trusted comrades so here's hoping that I get through the first stage - which is to be nominated by a Branch or affiliate. Some have counselled that I have no chance as a left-winger but let me just say that if someone with 30 years' experience in the Labour Party and trade union movement cannot at least have a go what kind of Party are we in ? I leave it to the members in Keighley to decide. In 2007 they wished to nominate John McDonnell as Labour Leader and so did the sitting MP Ann Cryer so let's just see what happens.... Obviously I have a campaign strategy and tactics but I will not be revealing them on the blog .But journalists in the area who wish to interview me are of course welcome to get in touch......

Posted by susan press at 12:46 7 comments  

Labels: Keighley, Parliamentary selections

Youth so they say is wasted on the young - not sure whether that's true or not but my leftie rhetoric is definitely wasted on my sister's kids, who have somehow missed out on the political gene enjoyed by previous generations and can't be doing with any of it. Which is fair enough. They are nice kids, intelligent and I have doted on them since they were babies but it is kind of dispiriting that they say they "don't believe in" anything. I don't mean to sound pious ( probably do) but I find the notion of life without some sort of moral compass very bizarre, indeed pointless. Today as we entered the No Man's Land between Xmas and New Year I was reading Harold Pinter's obituary ( predictably I suppose I have always been a fan) and the following quote from a recent lecture leapt out at me.

Posted by susan press at 11:38 3 comments  

Labels: Harold Pinter, No Man's Land

Influenza has turned my brain to mush in past few days so thanks to Comrade Curlew ( she knows who she is! ) for alerting me to the fact that Gordon Brown is, against all received wisdom, and in the face of serious opposition, seemingly hell-bent on Heathrow expansion.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/dec/20/heathrow-third-runway-brown

See also John McDonnell's blog for comments and video from the recent Climate Change demonstration.

Posted by susan press at 16:21 1 comments  

Labels: Heathrow expansion, John McDonnell

I try not to be cynical at Christmas. And four days comatose with flu ( from which still recovering) has left me weakly succumbing to seasonal schmaltz even more than I usually do . My annual helping of kitsch classics normally includes The Railway Children ( filmed just down the road on the Keighley and Worth Valley line), The Sound Of Music and, if possible, Meet Me In St Louis. The latter film also includes my favourite Christmas song ever ie Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Why so? Because, unlike many other seasonal ditties, it recognises that, for most of us, this time of year is tinged with sadness as well as happiness. It also recognises that the best way to deal with the whole process is to concentrate on the positives rather than negatives. And, trite as it sounds, count one's blessings. Thus, I have managed to get out of bed, will make the HB carol service in the square at 6.30 and then train to Manchester where tonight and tomorrow will spend Christmas with my immediate family, most notably my 88-year-old dad whose health gave us serious cause for concern earlier this year. We shall drink champagne ( bought by said parent) , eat a splendid meal ( which I don't have to cook) and do the same things millions of other families across the country do. It's not the stuff of Hollywood movies, it's not going to be anything spectacular. But there is still plenty to celebrate. I wish all my blog readers a " merry little Christmas " Even those who don't agree with a word I say......

Posted by susan press at 12:22 3 comments  

Labels: seasons greetings

As happens more or less every Christmas , I have been csuddenly poleaxed by flu and a vile chest infection so don't expect much blogging over next few days. Trying desperately to get well for Christmas Day and can hardly make it to computer......

Posted by susan press at 13:00 2 comments  

Labels: lurgy

I'm glad to note that one of my local MPs, Burnley's Kitty Ussher, has moved fast to retract claims the Government was considering imposing interest rates of 27 per cent on social loan payments. Joined , also by former Labour Leader Lord Kinnock and Terry Rooney MP who is chair of the relevant Select Committee. But it's sadly a measure of how far things have moved that anyone would even consider it was true. And, frankly, I wouldn't put anything past James Purnell. Update: Sorry about earlier typo to which Duncan has drawn my attention!

Posted by susan press at 12:31 4 comments  

Labels: indefensible policy, loans

Jon Cruddas's latest predictions that the Labour Left is set to leave Labour are way off the mark. I don't know how he has the gall to predict that our masterplan is a new left Party when it has been made clear by the LRC time and again that we do not regard this as a viable or desirable strategy.
In a webcast "conversation" with the IPPR and that great socialist Martin Kettle, he baldly states that John McDonnell and other left MPs are planning to up sticks and that the Convention Of The Left - which he played no part - was a surrogate bid to go in that direction. Which is utter nonsense. So there are two conclusions.
Either Cruddas has been wrongly informed, which is excusable, or he is being deliberately provocative in a bid to badmouth the LRC and misrepresent its policy position.
The COL was NOT, repeat not, an attempt to set up a new party. Had it been so, we would not have got involved. If he had done his research properly, he would know that. Such public statements are reprehensible and , as Vice-Chair of the LRC, I'm absolutely outraged he should make them.
The Labour Left has every right to fight its corner, win or lose, within the Labour Party. That's where we are and where we are staying. To suggest otherwise is either wishful thinking or downright malicious.

Posted by susan press at 16:04 13 comments  

Labels: John McDonnell MP, Jon Cruddas, LRC

The Times reports an interesting exchange between the Archbishop of Canterbury,
seemingly against interventionist moves by the State in the current economic crisis, and the Prime Minister
Drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan, Gordon has reportedly said: “I think the Archbishop would also agree with me that every time someone becomes unemployed or loses their home or a small business fails it is our duty to act and we should not walk by on the other side when people are facing problems. "
I entirely agree with what Brown has said and I applaud the fact that the Government did intervene to stop the banks spiralling into financial meltdown. I also applaud the fact that the language is getting tougher on fat cat profits by the City - and there will be more help to homeowners facing unemployment and the prospect of losing their homes.
I just wish the Government would ditch its ideological obsession with privatisation , which in the case of the Royal Mail will lead to more job losses, stop dreaming up punitive legislation on Welfare Reform, adopt a more humane policy on immigration, support a more progressive, equitable tax system so the investments needed to create jobs and make people more secure in their homes could be made. And, above all, recognise that fairness for all, especially the "hard-working families" we hear so much about, is just not compatible with the enthusiasm for globalisation and market -led capitalism which New Labour is still advocating.

Posted by susan press at 15:05 0 comments  

Labels: Gordon Brown. Prime Minister

Posted by susan press at 13:31 2 comments  

Labels: Christmas humbug

It now becomes clear why Derek Draper wished to attend our left-wing bloggers' forum Monday Night. Seems he is lining up his own "bloggerati" brotherhood - needless to say my fellow leftie bloggers are not on DD's invite list which has been leaked to the Guido Fawkes blog.

Posted by susan press at 21:26 4 comments  

Labels: Bloggers

When you are part of the New Labour elite, life is a parallel universe. One in which you are immensely privileged and get more access to the media than the rest of us .So Derek Draper, writing in today's Guardian, seems to believe a rejuvenated Labour Government is on the up and that it's glad confident morning again for his cronies.
Derek, aka "Dolly" Draper, was one of the architects of The Project and a bag-carrier for Mandelson - he's recently been rehabilitated ( like his boss) Bizarrely, he almost turned up to our meeting the other night of the New Left Media Forum. It would have been interesting if he had because he might have been challenged for once in his take on political life.
I get back from France to find the Royal Mail being privatised, unemployment at its highest for many years and of course the wheels in motion to punish the poor and vulnerable via the Welfare Reform Bill .
We on the left will continue to fight those measures but if they do go through it will be with the help of the Tories who will block a backbench rebellion.
The good news is that the troops are seemingly on the way back from Iraq and due to their complete ineptitude the Tories' lead has been narrowed in the polls.
But that is a hell of a long way from what Draper describes as a " a shift towards Labour values." and a government which is on the side of working-class people. Whatever the empty rhetoric people like Draper and Purnell come up with.

Posted by susan press at 12:40 8 comments  

Labels: Brown Govt New Labour, Derek Draper

It was an excellent trip. Bizarre. But nevertheless fun to leave HB at 6am on Friday, fetch up in our French twin town via Dover and suddenly be enscogood idea nced at the Xmas party for council workers in St Pol de Ternoise. The trade unions had shelled out on champagne and the mood was grand as Pere Christmas arived with presents for the kids. Then the difficult bit.
Being shipped out on my own to stay with the new Mayor who is a Sarkozy man. As I speak hardly any French, and he likewise Anglais. not an appealing prospect. I waved goodbye to Socialist Party chums with a sinking heart but of course just had to make the best of it in the interests of "jumelage" . The Hebden Bridge Junior Band played splendidly , and much merriment was had despite the freezing weather. Then on to London for a couple of meetings , including last night's Left New Media Forum. Tonight I was in Leeds for a meeting of the Leeds Campaign Group, which is in the process of affiliating to the LRC. So I am utterly exhausted.....
Not least because my haul from across the Channel included a bottle of Grand Marnier for the female friend I was staying with last night in Chiswick. NOT a good idea to open it on returning from Westminster. Tomorrow morning am meeting a trade unionist from Australia so I think it best to crash out immediately......

Posted by susan press at 22:43 0 comments  

Labels: Blogging holiday

Up at 5am tomorrow to embark on marathon coach journey from Hebden Bridge to our twin town in St Pol sur Ternouise - an hour's drive from Calais but 10 hours from HB. Then on to London Sunday night via Dover and not back here till Tuesday.May. or may not, get time to check in. Get those letters/e-mails written to your MP re Welfare Reform Bill.....

Posted by susan press at 22:24 0 comments  

Labels: Blogging holiday

I watched Channel 4 News last night in disbelief as the normally combative Jon Snow allowed Minister Tony McNulty to baldly state the case for these disgraceful measures as if they were eminently acceptable. The Guardian has also suggested the reforms are broadly acceptable to Labour backbenchers. They are not.
As LRC Chair John McDonnell said yesterday:
"The Government has got its priorities all wrong. It has allowed the bankers to get away with extravagant bonuses and yet is turning on the poorest and most vulnerable.
"It is lunacy to force people into jobs that are not there and to force lone parents to take-up childcare which is either unaffordable or non-existent.
"There is widespread and growing dismay at the Government's dismantling of the welfare state built by the post-war Labour government. This smacks of unfairness and will cause revolt and revulsion across the labour and trade union movement."
Today I also received a missive from a comrade in Islington North CLP who has written to his MP Jeremy Corbyn stating the case against the proposals. It is very clear and a useful template for anyone else wishing to lobby their MP . As follows:

In July the Government published the Green Paper ‘No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility' announcing plans to change the current provision of support.

Many of the plans were unacceptable when they were first published and the worsening economic situation should lead to a fundamental rethink. However the government is pressing ahead despite the current global economic downturn which is leading to increasing levels of unemployment. As a result we have come together.

The government's proposals remove entitlements and fail to value the important work of parents and carers. Parents with young children, carers, sick, disabled, people with mental health problems and other vulnerable groups face tougher tests to qualify for benefits. If they fail they could be cut off with no support. The economy should be geared much more towards caring services for other people, instead of profligate and unsustainable consumerism that only adds to human unhappiness and environmental degradation.

We are opposed to the abolition of Income Support which ends the principle that those in need deserve help. We are opposed to compulsory work for benefits. People should be paid the rate for the job or at the very least be paid the national minimum wage. Why is it that the government is continually obsessed with cracking down on the poor and their benefits, while rich tax dodgers avoid paying their fair share with impunity?

Jobseekers Allowance is shockingly low at less than £10 a day, if it had increased in line with earnings over the past 30 years the rate for a single person over the age of 25 would be more than £100 a week.

The government wants more of the welfare state to be handed over to the private sector. It is wrong to profit from the sick and unemployed. There is also the intention to share information with the police which raises real concerns about civil liberties.
We want voluntary skills training and life long learning opportunities for unemployed people. The government should focus on ensuring that there is more support to access jobs that have fair pay and decent conditions with a guarantee that when people cannot seek work they will not face poverty.

The government should introduce positive measures to challenge discriminatory attitudes held by employers, encourage flexible working practices and expand the provision of affordable childcare.

Posted by susan press at 11:52 11 comments  

Labels: Welfare Reform Bill

Nipped over to Wythenshawe today with some Chinese food and a couple of Tsing Tao beers for my dad whose earlier plan to meet me in Manchester today for lunch was cancelled on doctor's orders.
My dad has voted Labour since 1945 and at 88 remains a Labour man but finds it mystifying that James Purnell is joining forces with the Tories on Welfare Reform.
As he said, it's strange that the Govt can find billions to bail out the banks yet benefit claimants are to be punished in the measures which are causing such widespread revulsion across the labour movement.
Aside from the morality of the issue,why does a Labour Government persist with these draconian "reforms"which, like the 10p tax fiasco, will cost us dearly at the next election?
It's time for all of us in the Labour Party and beyond who are violently opposed to this legislation to stand together and mount a national campaign -lobbying our MPs, getting out onto the streets and making it clear that we did not join Labour to punish people for being out of work. The Welfare Reform Bill is absolute anathema to anyone who regards themselves as a socialist. Let's mount the biggest rebellion yet -and stop it becoming law.

Posted by susan press at 19:05 8 comments  

Labels: Welfare Reform Bill

As a child I absolutely adored the TV sagas of Noggin the Nog (and Nogbad the Bad) so a comradely farewell to Oliver Postgate, creator of the aforesaid Nordic hero and sundry other cartoon favourites, including Bagpuss. As well as delighting generations of youngsters, Postgate was a lifelong socialist, CND supporter and pacifist. His mum was the daughter of Labour Party Leader George Lansbury.

Posted by susan press at 18:42 0 comments  

Labels: Noggin The Nog, Oliver Postgate

From the Press Association........
Concern grows over benefit reform
41 minutes ago
The Government faces growing concern from backbench Labour MPs about the scale of welfare reform ahead of moves to get more claimants off benefits and into work, it was warned.
A White Paper will be published on Wednesday, which is expected to signal that claimants could have their benefits cut for failing to attend interviews aimed at helping them find work.
Lone parents could also face a stricter regime as part of the Government's drive to get more people into work, including those on incapacity benefit. Labour MPs who campaign on behalf of trade unions in Parliament said opposing the welfare reforms will be one of their main priorities in the coming months.
John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) said: "The Government has got its priorities all wrong. It has allowed the bankers to get away with extravagant bonuses and yet is turning on the poorest and most vulnerable.
"It is lunacy to force people into jobs that are not there and to force lone parents to take-up childcare which is either unaffordable or non-existent.
"There is widespread and growing dismay at the Government's dismantling of the welfare state built by the post-war Labour government. This smacks of unfairness and another 10p tax rate, which will cause revolt and revulsion across the labour and trade union movement."
Child Poverty Action Group chief executive, Kate Green, said: "The new bill should not reform an inadequate welfare state into an authoritarian welfare state. We need to create an active welfare state for the 21st century that empowers the powerless by breaking down barriers to work, increasing economic equality and enabling high-quality, self-directed skills development."
Charity group One Parent FamiliesGingerbread has criticised the Government's decision to force single parents with children aged one and upwards to get job-ready or face benefit cuts as "unnecessary and inappropriate".
Chief Executive Fiona Weir said: "We know that single parents want to work when it is right for their children, but asking them to jump through additional jobcentre hoops is not the way to help them achieve their ambitions. As the Government's own research shows, the threat of benefit cuts has a negligible impact on parents' decisions about when to work.
A Government-commissioned report last week called for unemployed people to do a 9-5 day looking for work or undertake community service-style duties such as digging gardens. Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell strongly welcomed the report, saying its "direction of travel" was the right way.

Posted by susan press at 17:37 3 comments  

Labels: John McDonnell MP, welfare reform

Tonight back to The Crescent, one of my old haunts from Salford days, to a meeting of the Salford Left Forum, which was originally an offshoot of the Convention Of The Left and now doing very nicely in its own right as a meeting-point for young socialists (note lower case) . Obviously I do not qualify for the latter accolade but I was asked along to say a word or two about the LRC and why I think the Labour Party is still the place to be etc etc .
The meeting was a really interesting mix of socialists, anarchists, members of Young Labour and one or two people I remember from my days in Salford Labour Party. One young optimist described Hazel Blears as a "class warrior" - well, anything is possible in the current climate I suppose. But all in all a friendly evening and, because I am a little older than comrades who are no doubt still arguing the toss in the pub, I am too tired to comment any further and off to bed. Well done, Alex, get those LRC leaflets circulated lad........

Posted by susan press at 23:42 0 comments  

Labels: Salford Left Forum

My little corner of West Yorkshire is a strange little bubble largely populated by white, middle-class liberals. In nearby Halifax, Bradford and Keighley there is a large Asian and ethnic population and, sadly, lots of support for the BNP.
The way to counter racism is not by pandering to dog-whistle attitudes of the kind espoused by the Daily Mail yet today the Mail is positively triumphalist at the news the Government is to crack down even further on benefits and housing for immigrants.
Under new legislation announced by Minister Phil Woolas, some immigrants will have wait up to 10 years for the right to claim UK benefits and council housing
All legal migrants will have to serve a five year 'probationary citzienship' before being considered for a passport.Some will be eligible for benefits one or two years afterwards.
But others will have to wait another five years before they can claim any benefits at all.
Mr Woolas is quoted thus 'Entitlement to benefits should be for citizens of our country, not other people. If you are a citizen you have earned the right to benefits. People must show they are here to work.'
Such rhetoric is singularly unhelpful and profoundly distasteful from a Labour Minister . In areas like West Yorkshire, it can only serve to fuel the racism of the BNP. If we're in favour of "Hope Not Hate" this is not the way to go.

Posted by susan press at 12:19 2 comments  

Labels: BNP, Phil Woolas

I'm glad to note that Tribune has apparently been saved by a mystery buyer. But the jury is out as to what it will morph into after being jettisoned by the union conglomerate which kept it going in recent years. The mystery benefactor wants to broaden it beyond the Labour Party and include more European news and features.
So the danger is it will become another amorphous left-of-centre magazine - and even less appealing. Tribune was once a serious must-read on the Labour Left but lost its major editorial strength when the Tribune Group of MPs disbanded in the early 1990's. It means well, but it is meaningless without a power base in Parliament. And in recent years many of the articles have been ( excuse my language) piss-poor. Still, I wish the editorial and production staff whose jobs have been saved all the best

Posted by susan press at 16:39 2 comments  

Labels: Tribune

For the past few years I have had what's called a "tracker" mortgage. I took it out a couple of years ago in anticipation of falling interest rates. And guess what, Lloyds TSB has now withdrawn it . Still, I'm one of the lucky ones. Unlike many of the High Street leanders, Lloyds is one of the passing on the full interest rate cut to its borrowers. Many of the rest, including those part nationalised by the Govt, are refusing to do so. People are not impressed with this disgraceful attitude -so much so that John McFall MP was on the news last night calling for full nationalisation unless they did the decent thing and responded to the Bank Of England's one per cent reduction. He seemed to see this as a regrettable threat. I think it should be a promise to all the taxpayers who have helped bail out the banks and mortgage companies from imminent collapse.
Gordon Brown told GMTV yesterday: 'I think banks should really pass on the interest rate cut. We are talking to the banks. Remember last time there was a cut, we had to speak to them before it was passed on and we will be speaking to them again.'
Actions speak louder than words, Gordon. Let's stop the banks and lenders taking the mickey and go for full nationalisation and public ownership.It's our money which is propping up these arrogant profiteers after all .

Posted by susan press at 16:01 1 comments  

Labels: bank nationalisation, Credit crunch

..The numbers reflect the number of times each MP has rebelled since Gordon Brown came to power in 2007. Compiled by a team of academics and the subject of much column inches in today's papers, the figures make for easy tabloid fodder. Yet no Labour MP votes against the Government without serious thought beforehand. And even the most rebellios largely votes WITH the Government. On issues of principle, from the Trade Union Freedom Bill to 42 Days and the up and coming Welfare Reform Bill, we should be glad there are MPs who are prepared to stand up for their beliefs. They are the conscience of the PLP.

Corbyn, Jeremy 148
Drew, David 75
McDonnell, John 128
Hopkins, Kelvin 97
Hoey, Kate 77
Simpson, Alan 90
Davidson, Ian 37
Taylor, David 52
Jones, Dr Lynne 80
Mitchell, Austin 26
Field, Frank 27
Wood, Mike 47
Flynn, Paul 41
Marshall-Andrews, Bob 58
Prentice, Gordon 39
Riordan, Linda 40
Truswell, Paul 26
Abbott, Diane 37
Burgon, Colin 27
Cook, Frank 22
Fisher, Mark 56
Clark, Katy 36
Godsiff, Roger 24
Havard, Dai 21
Skinner, Dennis 34
Cousins, Jim 21
Grogan, John 32
Campbell, Ronnie 16
Dunwoody, Gwyneth 26
Gibson, Dr Ian 42
Kilfoyle, Peter 25
Mackinlay, Andrew 13
Meacher, Michael 26
Dismore, Andrew 13
Caton, Martin 7 19
Gerrard, Neil 25
Clapham, Michael 26
Dobson, Frank 20
Cohen, Harry 23

Posted by susan press at 00:55 3 comments  

Labels: Labour rebels

Welcome to Northern Ireland's Johnny Guitar aka Your Friend In The North and Charlie Marks

Posted by susan press at 19:58 1 comments  

Labels: blogroll update

PEOPLES' DIRECT ACTION NETWORKPRESS RELEASE
Instead of celebrating the International day of Disabled People today, we -and our supporters - are in central London protesting against the government's"Employment Support Allowance" (ESA) and "Work Capability Assessment" (WCA)which are replacing "Incapacity Benefit" (IB).
This punitive economic attackwill hit thousands of the poorest in society, forcing them further into poverty and a discriminatory job market, while thousands more are losingtheir jobs due to the deepening recession.
A DAN spokesperson said: "If the government were sincere in their attemptsto help Disabled Claimants, they wouldn't be cutting benefits or adding new hoops in the process. They would target discriminatory employers and fully appreciate the difficulties those with Invisible and Fluctuating conditionswill have in the job market.
This is a cynical exercise designed to move thegoal-posts in assessments and ensure that many will no longer qualify forthe benefits they have been legitimately receiving."*
Political and media spin - suggesting there has been significantincreases in Incapacity Benefit claims - is misleading. The DWP confirmsthere has actually been a drop in IB claims since 2000.*
A much higher percentage of Disabled People than previously are now livingin the community and claiming benefits, rather than being institutionalised.*
A long hours / short breaks culture (instead of providing flexi-time orwork from home) makes it harder for Disabled People and those with medicalconditions to cope with employment.*
There is a lack of access to meaningful education and training forDisabled People, leading to a lack of qualifications, job skills and therefore decent jobs with adequate incomes.*
ESA and the WCA is an even more punitive benefit and assessment than theprevious procedure . Claimants who fail the new assessment will lose entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as well as ESA.
CONTACTS (ON ACTION):Barry: 07508 634 228Clair: 07970 959 791FOR PHOTOS (ON ACTION):Nick: 07956 682 830PRESS CONTACTS:Stella: 07904 935 413Mike: 07956 856 060

Posted by susan press at 14:57 1 comments  

Labels: DAN, Heathrow protests, welfare reform

Labour Ministers are listening to a crackpot who proposes that "Unemployed people could also be forced to carry out "community punishments" such as litter-picking or gardening if they miss meetings designed to help them back into the workplace."
There are also plans for lie detectors. Work camps , anyone?

Posted by susan press at 10:22 2 comments  

Labels: draconian laws, welfare reform

The compass website has an on-line copy of the joint signatory statement on welfare reforms which hundreds have already signed. You can add your voice and find out more by going to the following links........


http://www.compassonline.org.uk/campaigns/campaign.asp?n=3451

http://leap-lrc.blogspot.com

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/campaigns/welfare-reform/welfare-for-all.cfm

Posted by susan press at 14:18 4 comments  

Labels: Compass, LEAP, PCS, welfare reform

At the recent LRC conference, our Secretary Simeon Andrews referred to a "tidal wave of disgust" at some of New Labour's more reactionary policies. I predict this tidal wave will become a tsunami as James Purnell and Gordon Brown relentlessly try and steer Parliament into voting for punitive welfare reforms - a regime which will be backed by a newly privatised jobs agency. As a member of the Labour Party, it makes me sick to the stomach to read reports such as this one from the Press Association.
In the past few weeks, thousands of job losses have been announced. There will be more as the recession bites. This is what our Labour Government is planning........ no wonder decent people on the left are leaving the Party in droves

James Purnell is considering suspending benefits for some unemployed people
Unemployed people should do a 9 to 5 day looking for work or undertake community service style duties such as digging gardens under moves to tackle the hardcore of joblessness, the author of a Government-commissioned report said.
Professor Paul Gregg said there should be a completely new approach towards people such as parents of young children and those on incapacity benefit.
Virtually everyone on benefits should be required to take steps towards finding a job and should face having their benefits stopped for up to four weeks if they repeatedly refuse to co-operate with attempts to find them work, it was suggested.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said he "strongly welcomed" the report, adding: "
A welfare reform bill will be included in the Queen's Speech on Wednesday, and the report is part of the Government's drive to get more people into work and cut down the numbers on benefit.
Mr Purnell said: "The approach that virtually everyone should be doing something in return for benefits is the right one.
Professor Gregg, of Bristol University, recommended that sanctions should be quicker, clear and more effective, with a simple system of fixed penalties and an escalating series of sanctions for repeat offenders.
The report recommends a swift escalation of sanctions for jobseekers who fail to turn up to meetings and interviews.
Mr Purnell and Prime Minister Gordon Brown have visited Work Directions, a private sector organisation providing employment support and advice to those on incapacity benefit or income support.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Brown said: "We want to get opportunities for people to get jobs. We want to give them all the personal support that is necessary. We want to provide a personal service to everyone. I can assure people, having been here, that there are thousands of vacancies that can be taken up. We are determined to help people." This is not the way to do it.

Posted by susan press at 13:46 4 comments  

Labels: Brown Govt New Labour

On Saturday our local LRC Branch resolved to run a campaign on the horrors of the Government's plans for welfare reform. We were a bit slow off the mark as yesterday's Observer featured a letter signed by a raft of trade union people , anti-poverty campaigners and other interested parties urging a re-think. The statement, co-ordinated by the PCS and signed by Gen Sec Mark Derwotka and Paul Kenny of the GMB, has a raft of signatories including LEAP's Andrew Fisher and Neal Lawson of compass. We will be using it as the basis for our campaign - here's the original text.

As the Observer reported on November 2nd the governments own adviser, the Social Security Advisory Committee has raised concerned about the latest welfare reform proposals.
The welfare state is one of the UK's greatest achievements and supports us all especially vulnerable and unemployed people and their families.
In July the government published the green paper ‘No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility’ announcing plans to change the current provision of support.
Many of the plans were unacceptable when they were first published and the worsening economic situation should lead to a fundamental rethink. However the government is pressing ahead despite the current global economic downturn which is leading to increasing levels of unemployment. As a result we have come together.
The government’s proposals remove entitlements and fail to value the important work of parents and carers. Parents with young children, carers, sick, disabled, people with mental health problems and other vulnerable groups face tougher tests to qualify for benefits. If they fail they could be cut off with no support.
We are opposed to the abolition of Income Support which ends the principle that those in need deserve help. We are opposed to compulsory work for benefits. People should be paid the rate for the job or at the very least be paid the national minimum wage.
Jobseekers Allowance is shockingly low at less than £10 a day, if it had increased in line with earnings over the past 30 years the rate for a single person over the age of 25 would be more than £100 a week.
The government wants more of the welfare state to be handed over to the private sector. It is wrong to profit from the sick and unemployed. There is also the intention to share information with the police which raises real concerns about civil liberties.
We want voluntary skills training and life long learning opportunities for unemployed people. The government should focus on ensuring that there is more support to access jobs that have fair pay and decent conditions with a guarantee that when people cannot seek work they will not face poverty.
The government should introduce positive measures to challenge discriminatory attitudes held by employers, encourage flexible working practices and expand the provision of affordable childcare.
We want the government to rethink its plans. Support our campaign to help create a better welfare state and society.

Posted by susan press at 17:33 4 comments  

Labels: New Labour policy, welfare reform

To all of you who raised £500 tonight for Overgate, our local hospice. It was a magnificent total and I'm proud of all of you. Particularly the staff at Il Mulino who handed over their tips to help those with life-threatening illnesses. Thanks too to MC Dave Boardman and all the Labour Party and Liberal Democrat councillors who gave support.
There are very few of us who are untouched by the distress which cancer brings. My mother and sister both died of cancer and that's why I chose the hospice as my charity. Tonight, we did our best in their memory and now well on way to achieving my goal of £4000.

Posted by susan press at 00:47 0 comments  

Labels: fund-raising