LunchtimeList No.24

~ The best and most relevant stuff in today’s papers and on the web ~

Thursday 12th February, 2009

COMMENT OF THE DAY

‘Labour members can take heart that their views on free market fundamentalism have been vindicated. Thatcherism has been utterly discredited – economically, socially and morally. It’s not too late for Labour, but they will have to offer some brazenly populist policies to win a fourth term. This means tax cuts for basic rate earners. I can’t think of a better way than doing away with tax credits and lifting the personal allowance by several thousand pounds. Longer term we need regulation on mortgages, credit cards and loans to curb inflation, not cheap labour from Eastern Europe. We’re all in this together and there’s no quick fix. But as someone else has said, this crisis is an opportunity to reshape Britain for the better.’ Tim Probert

ON LABOURLIST NOW

Sue Macmillan, Greg Jackson, Douglas Alexander, Tom Watson, Derek Draper and Peter Mandelson discuss ‘New Labour, new media’ at the LabourList ‘Bloggers Breakfast this morning.

John Prescott sent Peter Mandelson a brilliant Vlog for the launch of LabourList at our Bloggers’ Breakfast this morning.

Boris bumbles, effs and blinds his way through a profane conversation with LabourList contributor Keith Vaz MP. Did he have something to hide from Keith?

Ed Balls takes the Tories to task over the global consensus to restimulate the economy.

Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell on why it’s important that we all have a helping hand.

Did you march for the miners? If so, Bob Piper needs your help.

And our editor considers legal action after Guido’s attempt to overshadow our launch with smears.

*** Make sure you comment on the posts that interest you and if you want to post let us know. ***

WUNCH OF BANKERS!

After James Crosby resigned from the FSA yesterday, the Prime Minister takes responsibility for his appointment as he suggests new ways to cap bankers’ bonuses. As the banking sector faces scrutiny like never before, Lloyds boss Eric Daniels says £1 million salary is ‘modest.’ Mary Riddell looks at bankers’ earnings and asks questions about the culture of failure.

SHOWER OF TITIANS

After Paul Waugh’s astonishing revelations in the Evening Standard yesterday, and the developments in the blogosphere, the papers look at the Tories’ attempt to rewrite history by amending Wikipedia.

FINALLIST

Zimbabwe takes a brave step forward, as Morgan Tsvangirai is sworn in.

Do you know the body language of a bus?

Geert Wilders: would you welcome him into your back yard?

Sarkozy reveals, line by line, how he got the girl.

Prince Harry’s been at it again…

Michelle O gets ready for the cover of Vogue.

As one door closes, another one opens. One woman’s resourcefulness brings the reincarnation of Wollies.

HERO of the day: It has to be JP, for his fantastic video link up contribution to the Bloggers’ Breakfast this morning.

ZERO of the day: Sir James Crosby, for his compliance in taking us into a crisis and then jumping ship before ever being truly accountable.

~ THE BIG ONGOING DEBATES ~

If you haven’t already caught these, check them out…

LABOUR STRATEGY

Jon Cruddas raises questions about Labour’s strategy.

John Prescott has a go at Matthew Taylor.

This follows on from recent articles in the FT, Guardian and Ben Brogan’s blog. Hopi Sen and Don Paskini have both chipped in. We’ll have a post on this soon.

LIB LABBERY

Sunder Katwala wrote a provocative piece in the New Statesman arguing for a centre left coalition.

Luke Akehurst thinks not.

Meanwhile, Nick Clegg has been talking about his own spending cuts.