Ed’s inbox – March 10th

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

If Ed Miliband could only read five blogposts each day, he’d read these ones…

If Libyan rebels want it, why aren’t we calling for a no-fly-zone too? – Liberal Conspiracy
By Rupert Read

Why are progressives not getting solidly behind the broadening call for a no-fly-zone to give the free Libyan forces the air-cover they need in order to defeat Gaddafi’s regime?

The most crucial argument in favour is that the free Libyans, at least as manifested in the Transitional National Council in Benghazi (the fledgling caretaker-government-in-waiting), have themselves called for. – Read more.

No to Western military intervention in Libya – Ben Folley
By Ben Folley

I have been concerned in recent days to see well-meaning people promote the idea that a ‘no-fly zone’ or ‘arming the rebels’ would be a progressive act in Libya. Political leaders suggesting they want to send bombers to Libya and pump a whole load more guns into the situation are not interested in peace and are clearly not interested in a political process and are not progressive. If they are, why are they not calling for a ceasefire, or willing to give space to the attempts that already exist for achieving a negotiated settlement? – Read more.

Lib Dems extinct in Wyre Forest as yet more councillors quit – Political Scrapbook
By James Dixon

Like other local authorities such as Barnsley, Wyre Forest is now a Liberal Democrat free zone after two long-serving Lib Dem councillors quit the party citing disillusionment with its role in government. Husband and Wife team Helen and Peter Dyke have turned their back on the party after serving for nearly 30 years on the district council. – Read more.

Pension pilfering… – Hopi Sen
By Hopi Sen

Someone whose own personal history of pension planning is dreadful should not opine on pensions oermuch.

So I won’t. Compulsory enrollment (or even an opt out system) in pensions twenty years ago would have done me the world of good, I suspect.

So I understand why public sector workers are keen to protect their pensions, and why others have little sympathy with their fears. At the risk of sounding wet and weedy, I’m going to let those who know whereof they speak lead on this one. – Read more.

John Hutton: Tory fig-leaf – Left Futures
By Owen Jones

Today, a report commissioned by one of the most radical right-wing governments in modern British history is being published. It recommends slashing the pensions of six million public sector workers while forcing them to contribute more and retire later. It sums up the Government’s whole approach to the economic crisis that erupted three years ago. The pillars of any civilised society – our nurses, teachers and other front-line staff – will be forced to suffer, while the banks who caused the crisis will have their balance sheets topped up by generous cuts to Corporation Tax. – Read more.

Our suggestions for Ed’s inbox are limited by what we read – so if you’ve seen a blogpost that should be in Ed’s inbox, let us know.