You are here: Home » Comment »

Building a campaign for real politics

May 27, 2012 3:09 pm

Author:

Share this Article

I had a debate with a political activist on twitter the other day. Except he would not describe himself as political or probably an activist. @coastaljoe1 says of himself “I just love the Sea & our environment. Closing 50% UK Coastguard Stations disgraceful, will fight to stop this, HELP if you can! I have no connection 2 HMCG”. I sought to persuade him that his campaign is political. He says not.

On ‘Red Thursday’ on May 3rd, the vast majority of those entitled to vote did not. Many people – perhaps enough to have delivered a different result for the London Mayoralty – used their second preference vote in a way that made not one jot of difference to the overall result. Only 26% of voters elected the new Mayor of Salford.

On Thursday May 10th, 35,000+ police officers, staff, family, friends and supporters marched through London against draconian cuts to policing, the imminent threat of privatisation and changes to terms & conditions that could mean many people losing several thousands of pounds in pay each year. Historic protections against compulsory redundancy are under threat from the recommendations contained in reports by Tom Winsor which the Home Secretary is currently considering. Many, perhaps most, of those marching avowedly say that their campaign is not political and that politics should be kept out of policing.

How did we get to here?

I suspect that many people will agree with my view that there has been an insidious and stealthy campaign for years, decades even, to paint all politicians as being out of touch obsessives whose only interests are scoring points off the other parties & feathering their own nests.

Some media sources take the lead on this and provide an endless supply of celebrity fluff combined with outrage at yet another example of supposed town hall corruption. We have ‘non jobs of the week’ and the legion of examples of ‘political correctness gone mad’ etc. It is a pervasive and deliberate campaign to detach people from politics.

What can we do?

One option is to give up of course and point to a long term decline in voting and say that is just the way things are these days. Or we can just say no and decide to build and support a campaign for real politics.

By real politics (perhaps a little like real ale) I mean:

  • Politics that is brewed in small quantities not industrial vats of chemical spin
  • Politics that lives and breathes with the issues that matter to us and our neighbours in our everyday lives
  • Politics that understands traditions and history – and connections with the present
  • Politics that helps us all to understand how a decision in one place will affect those we love in the very near future
  • Politics that starts with conversations and debates on doorsteps, in pubs, cafes, school gates and front rooms – rather than broadcasts and leader articles

I am not claiming this to be my idea or even a new one but it is an idea that I am finding myself thinking about more and more at the moment.

As one of two people shortlisted to be Labour candidate for the Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner, I have been meeting with party members over the last few weeks. By the 31/5/12, I will have spoken at eight hustings meetings and had numerous other conversations on line and in real life about the politics of police strategy. We have had some brilliant debates and discussions. Naturally I hope to be selected. Either way, my aim will be to work with Labour Party members and supporters over coming months to build our campaign for the real politics around policing issues. It has to be real politics since the issues facing policing in Banbury are not the same as they are in Slough (for example) although they have much in common.

The introduction of Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs) is not a model that we favoured: large amounts of money will be spent on an election in November and large dollops of power will placed in the hands of one individual. But we are where we are and to stand aside and allow Tories (or others) to walk into these new positions cannot an option.

We must stand and fight for our vision of policing and community safety. But moreover, we must stand, listen and have many conversations too.

Therefore we will be campaigning vigorously for good public service policing that is driven by the needs of communities rather than the pursuit of profit (which is still a growing threat given developments in Lincolnshire, West Midlands and Surrey – despite some supposed rowing back announcements by Chief Constables in recent days).

I have met several people already who say that party politics should not be involved in policing – including of course police officers who cannot join political parties. I counter by saying that decisions over scarce public resources or whether to outsource to the private sector are not just managerial decisions – they are already political – and will remain so.

So the task now is to build and build our campaign for real politics as preparation for the elections on November 15th and get people engaged now in considering what should be the direction of policing over the next 4 and more years. (There are many campaigning lessons to learn including those from this excellent article on LabourList from a short while ago.)

In this campaign for the November elections, perhaps more than many others, we will need to convince people that not only do our Labour politics have something to offer – but that politics itself is relevant to policing and to them. This is going to be a long campaign. The doorstep conversations need to begin now. We cannot leave it until after the Party conference, as I worry that some might be thinking.

I will be measuring our success in November by mainly, of course, how many Labour PCCs are elected… but also by how many more people are engaged and turn out to vote. Policing matters to local communities, to young communities, to marginalised communities, perhaps even to communities jaded with politics. We have an opportunity here not only to win, but to refresh politics and talk about why it matters.

Jon Harvey is a Buckingham Town Councillor and has been shortlisted to be the Labour candidate for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner election

Related posts:

  1. Building the Party: Politics and culture, not structure
  2. As the BBC prepares to host Nick Griffin, what of the real silent, forgotten voices of British politics?
  3. Real politics: Miliband should demand Aung San Suu Ky’s immediate release
  4. As the BBC prepares to host Nick Griffin, what of the real silent, forgotten voices of British politics?
  5. Building Britain’s future
  • AlanGiles

    “there has been an insidious and stealthy campaign for years, decades even, to paint all politicians as being out of touch obsessives whose only interests are scoring points off the other parties & feathering their own nests.”

    And in May 2009 the prosecution provided quite a lot of evidence to point to the last item you mention being true.

    Among those who “have done nothing wrong” were many cabinet ministers of the time, high profile MPs who can’t wait to jump up and give their little opinions on matters which they feel will win them plaudits from the Sun and Mail readers (e.g. Ms Blears story about how she happened to be canvassing one weekday afternoon when she chanced upon an entire family dressed in their night attire watching daytime TV (Of course!) to prop up Purnell’s Freudian welfare reforms,  this came just a matter of days before we heard about her scams, and Purnell falsly claiming for having his flat cleaned -cleaning that was never done. Dear old Gerald Kauffmann who treated himself to a £8000 TV set at our expense and then when caught out, pleaded OCD. Harry Cohen and his sunken bath. Tony McNulty and his parents house. The list is sickeningly long.

    Tories had been at it, LibDems had been at it, Labour had been at it.  Very few were prosecuted – the few who were being a mere token, and it could have easily and justifiably been those I have named as much as Chaytor and Morley – on the Tory side there was as good a case against Gove and Grayling as there was against Taylor and Hanningfield. Once again the public were mollified by having a few fall guys when a great many more of them should have been in the dock. That wouldn’t be quite so bad if they had walked away, but dome were brazen enough to stand again. People like Blears were lucky, McNulty wasn’t – but I have no doubt he will attempt a comeback.

    It is disgusting that so many so badly tarnished are still in positions of power, and the fact that some of the biggest hypocrites happen to be on our side makes it worse. Why should we be expected to take them seriously?.

    Get rid of people caught with their hands in the till and then the public might have more respect for politicians. We can do nothing about Warsi or David  Laws, but we COULD do something about our own scroungers and miscreants.

    As for the charge of point scoring off other parties, I refer my honourable friend to the dissembling article on  housing written on this very site by Chris Williamson yesterday…….

    Now – would you please retire, elect a foreman to speak for you on your return and consider your verdict.

    * Don Rendell (1926 -    )

    • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

      I understand your anger Alan. And in many cases, you are right, there are a number of politicans (still) feathering their own nest. But it isn’t all of them – I think it is only a small minority – especially when you take in account councillors (at all levels) as well – many of whom work bloomin’ hard for no or little reward. But… what do you think is the best way forward from here?

      • AlanGiles

        Hello Jon, Well the first thing I would do would be to remove those scroungers/fraudsters who still sit in the shadow cabinet, and “discourage” the likes of McNulty from trying to hop back on the bandwaggon. I would also tell the likes of Jacqui Smith, still trying to ingratiate herself with certain sections of the party what she could do with her celeric what-do-you-call-it’s.

        Nothing to do with Labour, but apparently before the Mayoral election in London Boris Johnson informed the people of Waltham Forest that he would oppose the demolition of Walthamstow greyhound stadium.

        last week Waltham Forest council approved it’s demolition. I don’t think Mr Johnson has actually repeated his pre election promise. And there is one of the problems. It is quite possible Johnson got extra votes in this very poor part of London based on a promise he knew he wouldn’t deliver on, and it happens all the time, with all parties. We had the wretched Blears campaigning AGAINST closure of one of her local hospitals at the same time she was wholeheartedly supporting the then goverments measures which made it’s closure a foregone conclusion.

        I really don’t think it beholds politicians to make promises or gestures that they don’t truly believe.

        My own feeling is that more and more people are relying on local pressure groups, and their professional institutions, if they have one, to campaign against local issues, because politicians are seen to be part of the problem, rather than the solution. Even within parties now there is becoming such a divergence of opinion that I don’t really see how there can be any sort of reconcilliation – for example, we have Tories who can’t wait to get shot of Cameron and the Coalition (they think Boris Johnson will be their salvation, poor misguided fools!) on the right, and those on the left who want it to succeed. With us of course, we have traditional Labour supporters whose paths have diverged so much from the Marchant/Richards/”Purple Bookers” quasi-Tory standpoint, that it seems almost impossible that there can be any possibility of a reconcilliation – one day either people like me will have to go, or that trio and those who think like them will, though I doubt in practice they would. It might be the case we come together on certain issues, but perhaps the real hope for the future lies in the number of Independents getting elected who can be free of party whips.

        I honestly believe though Jon, until we do rid ourselves of some of the ghastly old waxworks in Parliament that are associated with the bad days of the past (not just Labour but all parties – Iain “Betsygate” Duncan-Smith for example), the public will continue to have very ambivilent views of politicians.

        It is a shocking state of affairs that back in 2009 we discovered only 3 members of the then cabinet (Ed Miliband and Hilary Benn, and to my shame I can’t remember the other name) were the only ones innocent of fiddling, and today, along comes Baroness Warsi to remind us that there are still such “forgetful” /dishonest people who presume to tell the rest of us how to conduct ourselves.  I suppose she will get away with it, retaining her job. If by some chance she or any of her pals on either side of the political divide ever do find themselves in court  they will plead a bad case of Moran-itis. It is a very discouraging outlook. Public life dewmands honesty and it so often fails to find people of the right calibre.

        I do agree there are some very decent and honest politicians, but they are sullied by being put in the barrel with the rotten apples.

        * Ian Carr (1933- 2009)

        • treborc1

           John Martin McDonnell, as far as I know was pretty good

  • http://www.keeppoliticsoutofpolicing.co.uk/ Martyn Underhill

    Interesting. I admire your view John, I look forward to your posts, I  read them all! 
    I also admire your idealistic view, because idealistic it is. 
    I know good people like yourself are trying to rectify the damage done by all parties, but you won’t. The “decline in voting” as you call it has been caused by the change in media. Ever since 24 hr news arrived in our lounges through tv, followed by 24 hr news on social media and twitter, a scandal or newsworthy event takes on an unprecedented importance. I ran the Sarah Payne child murder case, the first “super case” as the media called it, I saw the 24 hour coverage, and experienced the hundreds, even thousands of people who engaged with searching, sending teddies to Sara, or just stood on the pavements waiting for news. We have seen several cases since, Soham and Millie Dowler to name a couple. Ironically, the new media delivery caused the demise of it’s own machine, the NOTW closed because the British public turned against it, through boycott arranged on Facebook and Twitter. A scandal such as hacking would have blown over 100 years ago, the masses would not have been told. Now, everyone gets told.And politics is the same. 
    The expenses scandal will take 20 years to disappear, especially as I see it’s reared it’s head again today.
    And to put my own spin on your comments, I am non political, I respect several Labour politicians and several Tory, I respect them for their personal views, not their parties. I respect you!!! But I wouldn’t vote for you. The trust has gone, and that’s why I, and numerous other people, are standing as Independent PCC Candidates. Independents because we sense the public have had enough of politicians, and will trust local people to do local things with their police. Good luck with your nomination, you deserve the chance to prove me wrong! Regards Martyn

    • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

      Martyn – perhaps, as an independent, you would be good enough to address the questions I published here a while back: http://labourlist.org/2012/02/police-and-crime-commissioners-7-questions-for-independent-candidates/

      Since you are standing for political office, as an independent, I think the voting public of Dorset have a right to know more about your past & present political tendencies & preferences.

      And if you respect me – why would you not vote for me?

      • AlanGiles

        I am not Martyn, and I have nothing against you personally Jon, but I would feel happier with independents assuming the role of police commissioners, if we must have them – we have seen the politicisation of the health service and education and the harm that it does.

        Also the calibre of some of those applying: do we really want people who were caught fiddling their expenses,ruling over a profession where personal integrity SHOULD (though we all know there are bent coppers) be the most important attribute?, or  totally obedient servants of the party (e.g. Paul Richards) to act as their party’s lickspittles?

        Again, I am not being personal – I know nothing about you, but I am sure you see the point.

        * Donald Byrd (1932 -   )

        • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

          Alan – there is plenty about me on my campaign blog: http://jonsharveyforthamesvalleypcc.blogspot.co.uk/ where you will see that my involvement with the police goes back to 1988 etc. I have played a part in the development of police & criminal justice thinking & strategy over the years – in a variety of ways.

          Whilst I have been active within the Labour Party for many years, I am no  obedient servant and will challenge policy where it needs to be challenge. For example, I was one of the few people in the Party challenging the idea of targets back in 2003 and before – from a Deming perspective.

          And true – the professional practice of policing (and health and social care and teaching etc…) should be just that – professional and not political. But political decisions are taken (which need to be taken) about the deployment and direction of scarce public resources.

          For example as a democratic socialist, I am concerned that policing resources are deployed to where there is most risk of harm – not where people shout the loudest. I fear that policing resources are deployed disproportionately to leafier suburbs while the more deprived areas have to make to do with stretched response policing. I say I fear this – I do not know this. It is one area I intend to investigate as the campaign gets underway. But – this interest comes my political roots. This is key.

          My resistance to privatisation is also political – although I can and do argue on the basis of bad management as well (http://www.guardian.co.uk/public-leaders-network/blog/2012/mar/16/public-sector-commissioning-good-thing) My Labour values tell me that businesses involved in public services need to serve the overall aim to create social outcomes not financial ones. This can & does happen when the businesses are adding innovation and ideas and the sorts of services that the public sector often does not have at its disposal. But – and it is a big but – when it comes to outsourcing lock, stock and barrel (as market ideologues on the Right would have us do) – something changes – the services become ones that are about profit not the public. As a socialist – that matters to me – alot.

          But (to return to the point of the article) – much of this has been lost from politics of late – policies have been reduced to sound bites – when their complexity requires more detailed conversations.

          So I say again – it is my intention to have conversations up, down and sideways in Thames Valley over the coming months about the kind of policing that people want and expect.

          In the end (and I speak as a pragmatic idealist) – I am committed to changing the world for the better – one conversation at a time.

      • http://www.keeppoliticsoutofpolicing.co.uk/ Martyn Underhill

        John, I did answer your questions, your blog inspired me to do that, seriously…..I’m not here to score points with you, I do respect your views and the way you campaign! (
        http://www.keeppoliticsoutofpolicing.co.uk/should-independent-candidates-for-pcc-state-their-political-stance/) 

        As for your last comment – simple – because I don’t trust YOUR party! I don’t trust any of them!

        Have a great day

        M

        • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

           Martin – I clicked on the link and get “Error 404″ – and I could not find where you have answered my 7 questions on your blog. It is probably me -  but please can you post the link again. Ta.

          I am assuming you do not trust any political party – including mine?

          I have respect for independents who truly are so – especially in my own town council where there are a few who add real value to the council. Some Buckingham Town Councillors, however, are card carrying members of the Conservative party but still stood as independents – which I find to be dishonest. In West Wales – where my Mother lives – most local councillors are ‘independents’ but everyone knows they are Tories. It was much the same with ‘independent ratepayers’ in Waterlooville where I lived as a teenager.

          I am not suggesting that this is the case with you. However I do think (as a result of these experiences) that most people claiming to be independent tend to be more Right than Left wing.

          And with regard to policing – we already have an independent head of policing – the chief constable.

          • Martyn Underhill

            Jon, I gave you a link to my website, where I have a blog in April where I discuss my political views. As I said there, I have been a Labour Party Member in the 1980′s into the 1990′s, and I was in the Tories in the 1970′s (I came from the same town as Maggie, and she was Governor of my school, so no surprise there!) I have been non political for a long time. And yes, I don’t trust any of the parties, not just yours. 
            The expenses scandal, the relationship with the media etc has damaged things too far for me. I cannot state a preference, I admire many Labour principles, but then am probably Right wing in some areas. I have an issue with the main parties in that policies often seem short term and designed for vote catching. That’s not always the case of course, when you see what Blair stated at Leveson this week as  to what his ten year government achieved in power, it was staggering, many were long term major achievements such as Civil Ceremonies, FOI, etc. But some weren’t! The main parties will overshadow a PCC (and his electorates) wishes for national policies, some of which will not fit locally. And promises will be made that will then be dropped.  
            But to finish, if I was asked by an elector where I sit, I am more left than right, which I gather surprises you!

          • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

            So – to be clear – you did not answer the questions in my Labour List article – as your initial answer suggested. OK. That is fine – no obligation and all that – but do feel free to answer the actual questions rather than just outlining your political history.

            Nothing surprises me – and I am glad that you describe yourself as more on the left than right. (have you done this test by the way: http://www.politicalcompass.org/test I come out as Left and Libertarian – no surprises there!)

            I will still challenge your view that Party PCCs will somehow be under the cosh from a national party dictat. For a whole heap of reasons I don’t believe that is going to happen – but I understand that you have to believe it to be so.

          • AlanGiles

            “I will still challenge your view that Party PCCs will somehow be under the cosh from a national party dictat. For a whole heap of reasons I don’t believe that is going to happen – but I understand that you have to believe it to be so. ”

            Hello Jon. Well, I don’t have to believe that will have to happen, since I am not standing. I actually wouldn’t because I don’t think it is a very good idea (and I suspect the public’s reaction will be as enthusiastic as it was to the idea of an elected Mayor in Birmingham and other sensible places).

            Why?.  Because some of the people standing (again please don’t take this p[ersonallhy as I know nothing about you), but I have read the “three bags full, sir” pieces by Paul Richards on this site to know that if ever a Blairite government was in popwer again in this country he would do exactly as he was told.

            The same is true of Conservative sycoiphants . I always remember when the Conservatives introduced the first health reforms in the late 80s how the head of the new health bodies, even in places like East London would be a Conservative placeman.

            I suppose it depends on the strength of the leadership: people started behaving very stupidly whenever Blair wanted anything because he would make sure Goebells Campbell  briefed against them if they disagreed. The Iraq war is an excellent example of how otherwise sane men and women allowed themselves to be talked into a position they didn’t really approve of.

            But let’s remember some of the preferred candidates” of the Blair regime: in wales Alun Michael, the man who could crawl under a snakes belly with a top hat on, rather than Rhodri Morgan, who was rather more independent by nature.

            TBH IF I were to vote for one of these new police chief roles (if I could be bothered to vote for something I have no interest or confidence in) I would vote only for an Independent.

            I shall probably get struck off LL now for saying that!*

            * If I am, all the links today were that the musicians concerned all recorded for the 60s/70s iconic label “Impulse”

          • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

            Putting to one side that I think Ed has a very different style of leadership to either Tony or Gordon – which I think is reflected in his front bench team (mostly)  – cos that is something we could debate and debate… (and for the record I am not just saying this!) – I think there are a number of factors which make the position of PCC very, VERY different:

            - Their mandate will be bigger than any MP – in most places. (Thames Valley is 21 constituencies for example)
            - Although policing and crime is a rich and complicated tapestry (etc) – it is very focused and therefore specialist
            - Whilst PCCs have some executive power, this is limited by the operational independence of the Chief Constable and as such the job is mostly a leadership one, I would contend. This makes it a more ineffable thing not really open to central dictat (I think this fact will mess with the heads of councillors and ex-ministers who are used to having more command and control power)
            - These are new positions – there will be no custom & practice to fall back on. So as the PCCs are macheting their way through the policing & crime undergrowth, there won’t be much opportunity for centralised control… (Indeed I think the nascent “Association of Police & Crime Commissioners” is likely to remain nascent for a while… as PCCs get on with getting on…)
            - They will be elected by SV which I think will PCCs a different flavour of mandate in that unlike many MPs – they will be able to say that they have 50% of the vote – which could be a broad church. This changes the dynamic too.
            - A few PCCs may see this as a stepping stone to higher officer – but many / most? (and I include myself here) are doing this because of the potential to make a real contribution to safer communities. In other words, being briefed against only matters if you have a career aspiration beyond what you are doing. If you are supremely happy at just being a darn good PCC – it kind of won’t matter.

            So for all of these reasons (and more I am sure) PCCs will be difficult to control in the ways that you suggest.

            But all this said – this is not a mavericks charter. If I was not involved I would not want an independent because of the risk of them going rogue. (Remember James Anderton…) Having a party structure will at least provide some steering and structure to what will be a very tough job.  The PCC will need support – and a party will be able to provide that – at least I know the Labour Party will. An independent could feel very isolated and alone.

          • AlanGiles

            Hi Jon, Call me old fashioned if you like,  but I have always believed that in order to do a job you should know something about it. May I ask if  you have ever been a police officer.

            Myself, I have never donned ballet tights so I would not presume to apply for the post of chief of Sadlers Wells when the position becomes vacant.

            I know nothing about magic, so my application to join the Magic Circle remains uncompleted.

            I frankly, honestly do not believe that politicians should meddle in things they know nothing about – God knows we have enough evidence to show the bad things that can happen when they do in all spheres of life.

            Please don’t take this as a personal attack on yourself – unlike a lot of LL writers you have the courtesy to reply in a vey pleasant way to your respondents, and that is appreciated.

            Some politicians worry me: they seem to feel they are omnipotent (a different matter but it always made me feel queasy that Blunkett was a “Methodist lay preacher” at the same time he was laying another man’s wife, getting her pregnant,  and writing boastful diaries about kit for money – how can that sort of behaviour be squared with religion?

            When you say: “Having a party structure will at least provide some steering and structure to what will be a very tough job” – this is just the point: what happens if you get a very hands-on and reactionary Home Secretary like John Reid, or the repulsive Blunkett: there is surely a danger they will try to “influence”?

            * Roy Porter (1924-1998)

          • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

             Alan – we are running out of road here – as the columns get narrowier and narrowier!

            Have I worked as a police officer? No. Have I worked for the police in a senior management role? Yes. I was Director of Collaboration for the six police services of the Eastern Region for a while – coordinating six Chief Constables, PA Chairs and Chief Execs. Have I worked as an adviser to the police on strategy, leadership and improvement? Yes. Since 1988 I have been working as a leadership and organisational development adviser on a variety of projects including ones of gun crime, PSCO powers and a best value review of the Thames Valley Police Authority a few years back. I also coached Peter Neyroud – former CC of Thames Valley for all of his time in TV and then for most of his time as head of the National Policing Improvement Agency. I am also an independent assessor of senior police officers for the NPIA – and take part in choosing who will become the next generation of Chief officers. So – do I know about policing? Yes. A lot.

            To respond to your last point – I don’t doubt people will seek to influence the PCCs – often from positions of great power. It will be for my electorate to judge (in the hope I am selected as Labour candidate in Thames Valley) in November whether I am someone who will put their interests ahead of a) my own and b) others with more narrow interests. I believe I am that person.

            Just as I want people and communities to be fearless & compassionate in their pursuit of fulfiling lives – I aim to be so too.

          • AlanGiles

            Well, I apologise,  Jon -then you certainly have some good  knowledge of the subject.

            What I don’t like is when politicians who have no knowledge of a subject pretend to be experts, and they do that in all parties. You know – “expert” on welfare one week expert on nuclear power the next, when most of them have never had a job at all in the real world.

            I love card tricks BTW – would never have had the dexterity to do them! . When I was young it was all I could do to master the trumpet – they didn’t call me Hot Lips Alan for nothing, you know  - no I had to bribe them :-)

            * Al Haig (1922-1982)

          • http://twitter.com/CllrJonSHarvey Cllr Jon Harvey

             Oh yes – and I can do magic tricks as well – taught to me by my Grandpa!

          • Winston_from_the_Ministry

Latest

  • Comment The culture of high risk credit is being exploited by betting shops

    The culture of high risk credit is being exploited by betting shops

    By Matthew Zarb-Cousin

    Since the financial crisis, the perfect storm of recession and banks restricting access to credit has led to the rise of payday lenders. Our high streets are slowly deteriorating from the vibrant, diverse places they once were into an abyss of pawnbrokers, payday loan shops and bookies. The three feed off of each other, targeting some of our most deprived areas and perpetuating a cycle of despair driven by the need for extra income. Research carried out by Geofutures found [...]

    Read more →
  • Comment Should people be asked if they are party supporters when they register to vote?

    Should people be asked if they are party supporters when they register to vote?

    Chris Clark and Rav Seeruthun on a small change that if adopted, would free activists to spend more time on community work Every year at party conferences we hear professional politicians eulogise hard-working party volunteers. And there’s no activity more often evoked than that of ‘knocking on doors’. It’s a common delusion that the purpose of doorstep canvassing is to ‘persuade’ voters. Having taken part in our fair share of Labour canvassing sessions, we’ve both had the dispiriting experience of [...]

    Read more →
  • Europe Featured You can always rely on the Conservatives to ignore the public when it comes to Europe

    You can always rely on the Conservatives to ignore the public when it comes to Europe

    By Douglas Alexander

    Europe is not often the issue which comes top of people’s concerns on the doorstep. Nor do opinion polls suggest that Europe is a priority for voters when compared to issues like the economy or jobs. But you can always rely on the Conservatives to ignore the public when it comes to Europe. This week saw over a hundred Conservative MPs rebel and vote against their own Queens Speech. They were angry that it hadn’t included a bill which would [...]

    Read more →
  • News Seats and Selections Vicky Foxcroft selected as Labour’s PPC for Lewisham Deptford

    Vicky Foxcroft selected as Labour’s PPC for Lewisham Deptford

    Vicky Foxcroft has been selected by Lewisham Deptford CLP as the party’s candidate for 2015 at a selection meeting this afternoon. Here’s a brief biography: Vicky grew up in the North West in a single parent household, and was the first person in her family to go to university. She has held many positions in the party including Chair of Labour Students, has sat on the National Policy Forum and is currently a local councillor and is Chair of Lewisham [...]

    Read more →
  • Comment Labour’s future schools policy: why accountability matters

    Labour’s future schools policy: why accountability matters

    By Mike Ion

    Stephen Twigg, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary is one of the more thoughtful and pragmatic individuals to hold this vitally important brief for some time. To his credit Stephen has been out and about these past two years listening to pupils, teachers, parents and governors and finding out more about the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. In addition Stephen has been looking closely at some local, regional, national and international programmes that have had a demonstrable impact in raising [...]

    Read more →