Ed Miliband won’t back strikes

Actually, no it doesn’t (imply “that Miliband is against all strikes”). But it is clearly a position that can be open to different interpretations, and deliberately so. “Strikes are always a sign of failure” is a truism, the failure referring to negotiations and he won’t support them but, in this case, nor is he opposing them as he did in June. That he won’t “demonise the people who are taking the action,” however, amounts at least to neutrality and could be seen as support for the strikers (as opposed to the strikes). This was meant to be seen as support for the strikers but not for the strikes – a deliberate fudge. He supports the individuals but not the action. That is probably further than any previous Labour leader has gone. Kinnock, in the miners strike, may have had some sympathy for the miners but none for their leaders. Ed makes no real criticism this month of the union leaders – he blames the government.In any event, given the existence of neutrality, never supporting strikes (the position of all previous Labour Leaders) is certainly not logically equivalent to always opposing strikes.

I’m very disappointed, but not surprised.

I wish Ed would go much further in explaining honestly what he thinks and means;
not just based on the “party line.”

I suspect he’s far more in sympathy than he makes out.

I think there’s far too much at stake to be sitting on the fence on any of the big issues;
it’s about time they committed themselves to the values and principles of our party,
and the people they represent.

Also- inconsistency.
On the one hand addressing the big march and people’s protest last year;
supporting the values of the Occupy movement; making a great speech at conference
along these lines; and yet “copping out” when the crunch time comes?

I have faith that Ed M has sound values and strong roots within the Labour movement;
but he has to be careful not just to appear opportunistic or express platitudes.

I think he needs to show courage in leadership and be prepared to take risks.

He doesn’t need to appear “militant;” merely to speak up very strongly on the side of ordinary workers and the principles at stake here- namely about fairness and social justice.

I personally would like to hear outspokenness, more openness, and direct speech
from all within the party; not merely filtered soundbites via the media,
which can sound so trite and inconvincing.

Come on Ed, please think about who the party is representing?

Thanks, Jo