Lunchtime List No.25

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

Friday 13th February, 2009

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

‘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

Tim wins a bottle of House of Commons champagne for his comment, which addressed the hopes and challenges of the part at this time.

*** Make sure you comment on the posts that interest you – you could be the next winner of the bubbly! – and if you want to post let us know. ***

Also, make sure you sign up to our Twitter feeds: LabourList @LabourList and the one from our editor @derekdraper.

ON LABOURLIST NOW

Dan McCurry looks at what he calls ‘The Perfect Crime’ in a piece on Liberalism, the law and Sex Trafficking.

Richard Lane argues that the Government is wrong to bar Geert Wilders, the Dutch MP, from the UK. Let us know if you disagree!

ON LABOURLIST THIS AFTERNOON

The video of Peter Mandelson’s address to the LabourList Bloggers’ Breakfast yesterday morning.

Grassroots blogger Joe Coward looks at political online strategy.

Plus more articles will be going up throughout the day.

LET A THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM: LABOUR TAKES TO THE BLOGOSPHERE

Since the launch of LabourList, Labour minded blogs and websites have popped up everywhere. These blogs will make a difference and be the spearhead of a permanent campaign for progressive values. Have a look at some of the sites that have launched since January by clicking on the pictures below.

WUNCH OF BANKERS!

Gordon Brown explains his case to the Commons Liaison Committee.

The Times have an interesting poll showing the public’s hostility to bonuses.

Steve Richards calls for the nationalisation of the banks.

Martin Kettle continues his subtle undermining of Gordon Brown. It’s OK to be critical but can’t he see any good points?

Philip Stephens offers a rather grim assessment of what this, and the Jacqui Smith affair, means for Labour’s election chances.

Make sure you sign John Prescott’s petition and join his Facebook group.

FINALLIST

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, there’s no enthusiasm for Cameron – even the Tories won’t cheer him.

Alastair Campbell on Boris and swearing.

Lord of the Dance – after his night on the dancefloor Peter Mandelson spoke at yesterday’s official launch of LabourList. You can watch his speech later on LabourList.

Budget to be on 22nd April (Obama’s visit for the G20 is on the 2nd).

Top civil servant attacks schools policy. But when did he last go on a beano, they’re all at it TIMES (We had a post previewing this yesterday LINK)

Two tier health service?

Paul Routledge backs Derek Simpson in the Unite race.

Ed Richards at explains what’s happening next in the world of Ofcom.

Our editor continues his battle with Guido Fawkes and David Hencke but all that’s over on his personal blog now, if you’re interested.

HERO of the day: John Prescott, if you haven’t seen his surreal vlog from our launch see it here.

ZERO of the day: Dave Cameron – why not? Even his own party can’t muster any enthusiasm for him. Apparently, the response to Cameron’s speech at the Tory Black & White ball was less than enthusiastic, not even receiving a standing ovation.

~ 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.

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