Lunchtime List No.31

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

Monday 23rd February, 2009

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COMMENT OF THE DAY:

“If Brown’s historic prudence is pure myth, his wastefulness is pure lies. For a future under Labour, expect investment in public services, wealth redistribution (albeit modest), the continuance of a welfare system to underpin one of the most flexible labour markets in the world. In other words, expect a plan. A plan led by government but with an ear to the needs of business and a heart turned to the needs of people. And from the Tories. Expect tax cuts. Expect service cuts. Expect an end to investment. Now. I’d love to hear where I am wrong on this. I’d love to hear a reason to be positive about the great likelihood that my children will be growing up under a Conservative government. Please. Post.” Michael Flexer

The best comment of the week wins a bottle of House of Commons champagne.

“LabourList: on course to be a top political website”

In our first month, LabourList is out-performing ConservativeHome and is making good advances into the politically entrenched blogosphere. Have a look at some decent analysis here.

ON LABOURLIST NOW

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander tells us why it’s important that we continue to buy Fair Trade products, even during the downturn.

Joe Powell recently reminded us that now is not the time to turn our backs on international development.

As institutionalised racism is back in the news, the inimitable Dan McCurry ironically looks at how the Met got to this point.

Alex Smith ridicules the notion that the Tories can be the Party of the White Van Man.

We’ll have several more posts going up throughout the day, so stay posted.

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

BOTTOM FALLS OUT OF TORIES’ FUNDING, AND SO TOO THE NICE GUY IMAGE

Donations made by the Tories’ biggest donor, Tax exile Lord Ashcroft, are to be investigated for proprietry by the Electoral Commission.

Tom Watson has some details of his own.

One of Dave’s close friends and allies is trying to block a law that would require Peers to pay tax in the UK.

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

The Prime Minster has met other European leaders to push for sweeping new bank regulations to protect us from future crises.

In the meantime, he is also leading plans to reinflate the British economy today, by injecting £100 billion back to the high street.

The Sun answers some questions on what all this means, and how it will help.

And Nick Robinson looks at the historical precedent.

The Chief Executive of Abbey, who have remained stable, shows us that not all bankers are running amock with our money.

But – beware! – the world cannot rely on China’s boom for too long.

To see what the government is doing to help you, visit realhelpnow.gov.uk.

RACE AND THE MET

Justice Secretary Jack Straw says that the Metropolitan Police is no longer “institutionally racist”.

But Trevor Phillips looks at why there is still much, much more to do in a candid interview.

FINALLIST

The Guardian worryingly predicts a summer of violence in the UK.

The Financial Times offers a timely reminder that there is still more to do on social housing, especially during the recession.

Ken Macdonald in the Times looks at the similarities between bankers and street muggers.

The Home Secretary unveils new controls to protect British jobs.

As the battle for Royal Mail intensifies, Billy Hayes is ready to fight to keep it nationally owned.

But Peter Mandelson says the simple truth is that Royal Mail will fail without increased investment.

Jackie Ashley on how social media may be making us think and behave in an entirely new way.

Obama’s Blackberry emails have been leaked. Read them here.

The Telegraph gets a preview of the new series on Thatcher’s last days.

And also looks at how her career may have got a leg up from the BBC in 1957.

Is this the smartest contestant in British TV history?

LabourList’s editor gets grilled in the Independent’s ‘You ask the questions’.

The Mirror reveals the MPs that may be swindling the Parliamentary expense system.

The Daily Mail continue to stir this as continued leadership grappling, but Harriet Harman and Hazel Blears are just doing their jobs!

Apparently, Hitler had grand intentions for Blackpool as his playground.

HERO of the day: Jade Goody, for her bravery in the face of modern day fame and tragedy.

ZERO of the day: “Lord” Ashcroft, who contributes to the Tories, but not to the British economy.

~ THE BIG ONGOING DEBATES ~

LIB LABBERY

Sundar’s original New Statesman piece.

Luke Akehurst said no thanks.

Nick Clegg’s views on what matters in a coalition.

LABOUR STRATEGY

Jon Cruddas raises questions about Labour’s strategy.

Later, Cruddas questions the rogue Blairite sections of the Party.

Steve Richards asks where are the leaders in the supposed leadership contest.

Meanwhile, ultra Blairite Philip Collins criticises the government and Luke Akehurst responds.

Benjamin Wegg-Prosser argues that the “do-nothing Tory” line is not working.

John Prescott has a go at Matthew Taylor.

This follows on from articles in the FT and Ben Brogan’s blog. Hopi Sen and Don Paskini have both chipped in.

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