Lunchtime List No.50

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

Friday 20th March, 2009

LabourList editor Derek Draper is inviting one lucky winner to join us at his book launch on April 2.

To win, just send him a message through Facebook or Twitter by clicking on the links above, and tell him why you would like to attend his party!

COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

“We’ve moved a long way from the hunter/gather stage of human evolution, Celia. That’s why the role of men and women in society is converging to allow men to be carers and women to be providers if that’s what works best for them. This mass of women that “want” to be paid less for the career progression denied to them by taking time out for child care – do you have proof of that – or is proof just too damn feminist for you?”

Emma Burnell, who is engaged in some healthy, dungarees-baiting debate with Celia Stobart on opting out of equality.

Congratulations, Emma, we’ll be in touch to arrange the delivery of your bottle of House of Commons champagne.

ON LABOURLIST NOW

Theo Blackwell says “sure you can get the bonuses back? Tax them 90%!”

Richard Lane asks fo your support in ensuring legislation against homophobic hate speech.

It’s Left v Right as the New Statesman goes head-to-head with the Spectator.

Will Straw tears strips off Cameron’s speech yesterday and says people need to be clear what they’re getting with the Tories.

Julian Ware-Lane sounds alarm bells at the onset of another anachronistic anti-EU party.

There’ll be more posts going up throughout the day, so stay tuned.

Check out the Blackburn Labour Party’s many mockings of Tory campagin posters.

THE CHANGE WE NEED – LABOUR TOWARD THE ELECTION

Will Straw and Nick Anstead say Labour needs to learn the Lessons from America – and from Radiohead.

Their full pamphlet, The Change We Need, is published in full on Monday, but you can read the conclusion in full here.

Keep an eye out for snippets on the LiveList as the weekend progresses.

If you’re a Twitter you can follow some of the discussion over the weekend at this Change We Need #Tag.

And if you want to attend the launch of the book, you can register here.

BARACK AND ROLL

President Obama was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. Catch some of the video here.

But did the meeting of “Big Ears and Big Chin” bring the office of the Presidency into disrepute?

FINALLIST

Ed Balls assesses the state of play on the 10th anniversary of the Child Poverty Target.

Have a look at Yvette Cooper’s plans for public sector savings and improved efficiency.

Labour’s Chief Whip whips AWOL MPs into shape and attacks “lazy” members of the House.

Cameron sticks to his inheritance tax disgrace…

…Steve Richards worries that the Tory plans could turn out to be an ambush for Labour.

…Check out the Facebook group “Inheritance tax is GOOD”.

Martin Kettle assesses the state of the markets.

Cameron reminds us of his anti-stimulus position and says there are “people to disappoint.”

Iain Martin reveals what the Tories are really thinking.

Good article by Big Beast Charles Clarke on how Labour must begin to redraft our future.

Paul Routledge reminds us of the spirit of the miners.

HERO of the day: Elaine Martin, who wrote an open letter to burglars, asking “in 7 break-ins you’ve stolen my kids’ toys, my memories and our peace of mind – why can’t you earn an honest living?”

ZERO of the day: The woman who gave birth on a plane, then left her infant in a bin.

~ 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.

Steve Richards looks at the political liklihood of a hung Parliament, and a Lib-Lab 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.

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.

Will Straw and Nick Anstead’s Lessons from America.

Gordon Brown explains why it’s essential Labour wins the next election.

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