Lunchtime List No.42

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

Tuesday 10th March, 2009

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COMMENT OF THE DAY:

“Everytime a single-issue campaigner does this kind of thing, government becomes just that little bit more remote from the people of Britain. Security will be tightened and vetting will be a little more stringent. We need serious debate in this country linked to real and difficult governance not adolescent gestures” Stephen Griffiths, commenting on the Custard Mucker.

The best comment on LabourList each week receives a bottle of House of Commons champagne!

ON LABOURLIST

Treasury Minister Angela Eagle says the Tories’ plans for abolishing inheritance tax above a certain rate are “ridiculous”.

Mandelson-gunger Leila Deen is taking some flack for her actions, after her exlcusive explanation on LabourList.

Renowned journalist Anne Perkins says women should be proud of their permanent revolution for rights.

Harriet Harman has posted her first blog answering some of your thoughts on International Women’s Day.

The Fabians’ Joy Johnson says the constant abuse aimed at Harriet Harman is just misogyny.

But Rebecca Galbraith says Harriet has betrayed feminism with her inaction on abortion rights in Northern Ireland.

Jessica Asato of Progress is taking the momentum forward with the new website LabourWomen.

Glenis Willmott tells us why she’s proud of Labour’s record in Europe.

Seema Malhotra says the Katie Summers story shows that we’ve waited too long to act on domestic violence.

We think Rowenna’s International Women’s Day yesterday was great – really driving the debate forward.

Come and check out some of the 23 provocative posts she’s already commissioned – with more to come!

Thank you, Rowenna.

LAST NIGHT’S SHOOTING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

As Northern Ireland again shows the scars of the troubled past, we are reminded of a place we do not want to be in.

Gordon Brown says “we will hunt down the gunmen.”

Jonathan Powell says the crimes must not be allowed to derail the peace process.

Mairtin O’Muilleoir says the new attacks must strengthen resolve on the Good Friday Agreement, not weaken it.

But Fionola Meredith says this was always a possibility.

And the Guardian has an important piece on the social requirements of the peace.

John Ware looks at the continued struggle between Republican and Unionist.

The Telegraph has taken a harder line on the Republicans.

And David Aaronovitch says the killers have missed their war.

So where are we to go from here?

TOO MUCH, TOO YOUNG?

Jacqui Smith has launched an inquiry into the sexualisaion of young girls in a bid to curb sex abuse and domestic violence.

But Refuge chief Sandra Horley called the government’s plans “gimmicks and spin”.

UP IN THE POLLS – WHAT NEXT FOR STRATEGY?

Labour are up in the polls (25% of people have become more positive about the PM over the last week), as Gordon Brown looks at new plans to get more teachers into classrooms.

The PM says that after the recession, the role of the State will have to be assessed.

Polly Toynbee says this is Labour’s last chance to realign, capture the public mood, and win a fourth term.

Steve Richards says Labour must be more responsive to its grassroots organisations like Compass.

FINALLIST

Alistair Darling raises the bar on the G20, saying “only a global fix will do”.

The Unions are pressuring Labour MPs to defeat the government’s Royal Mail plans.

Peter Mandelson has apparently said that migrants take the jobs British workers don’t want.

What do you do if you’re son is addicted to skunk? Is there a right way to parent this?

After the debate on Harriet Harman yesterday, see this interview with the Mirror for more of Harriet’s own views on feminism.

The FT says the Tories have no plans for the financial crisis – but we always knew that. Angela Eagles calls the Tories inheritance tax policy “out of touch and ridiculous”.

A few pointers from the Telegraph on how to get the best out of the G20 next month.

Boris says people should get a move on: “some of us have columns to write!” Er, Boris, what about Londoners?

Mandela II – but is he exploiting his grandfather’s reputation?

Fiona Millar says that the educational impact of the schools lottery is well-known – but what about the emotional effects?

Are our schools properly preparing our children for modern life?

Rachel Sylvester says Twitter reveals how insecure our political leaders have become.

Blinded by the Right? Why the US Conservatives don’t get the economy.

Cameron is bringing in several new wonks – but what about their pasts?

Peter Mandelson: the coolest man in politics?

A House Divided – are young people prospering at the expense of the elderly?

25 years on – the many sides of the miners’ strike.

HERO of the day: Constable Stephen Paul Carroll.

ZERO of the day: Those who would murder innocents going about their duty in an attempt to derail democracy and peace.

~ THE BIG ONGOING DEBATES ~

LIB LABBERY

Sunder’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.

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