So Wendy has finally gone, in what has been a tumultuous weekend in Scottish politics, and either the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning for the British Labour Party - Scotland Region. In one of those where were when moments, I was attending the SNP TUG meeting, when mobiles were either ringing or buzzing with the news. Probably the first time in a meeting when folk didn't get into trouble for having their mobiles on!
Wendy's resignation address was however, an ungracious exit, with no apology or regret for her actions, which rather sadly reflects her arrogance over the whole donation issue. This is an essential part of New Labours problem. Looking for someone to blame when your own actions have led to bad headlines will always be political dynamite.
BLP Scotland Region resembles a patient in need of mouth to mouth resuscitation, and there does not appear to be an outstanding candidate who can turn the Party around.
Whilst New Labour in Scotland continue their arrogance and contempt for the electorate, find themselves supporting ridiculous lines of attack that are completely against rational, indeed popular thinking in the Scottish Parliament, protecting themselves and the establishment, then they are destined for heavy defeat after defeat in the polling booth.
Glasgow East will only be the first test of how much they have learned from the last few days.
In fairness, it is a scandal that the fascist BNP defeated them in Henley, and that should worry any rational political activist. Having only scored 3% of the poll suggests a deeper malaise, and that New Labour will be out of Government at Westminster.
On today's standards, here's hoping they will be more gracious when that day comes..........
28 June 2008
THE EMPLOYERS GET IT RIGHT FOR ONCE....
Good news yesterday at the gathering of employers known as COSLA, who rejected New Labour efforts to continue to support the regressive and discredited Council Tax, in favour of Local Income Tax.
With 72% of glaswegians expected to save money, this is good news for the voters, and as we expect a by-election in Glasgow East, should be a good news story for the doorsteps. Indeed the discredited report from Glasgow City Council, now a footnote, should see an end to the silly scaremongering tactics. To not include in their calculations on £400 million owed in Council Tax benefit was just plain wrong.
So the employer gets it right for once, now about my £1000 flat rate pay claim ...................
With 72% of glaswegians expected to save money, this is good news for the voters, and as we expect a by-election in Glasgow East, should be a good news story for the doorsteps. Indeed the discredited report from Glasgow City Council, now a footnote, should see an end to the silly scaremongering tactics. To not include in their calculations on £400 million owed in Council Tax benefit was just plain wrong.
So the employer gets it right for once, now about my £1000 flat rate pay claim ...................
23 June 2008
A BACKWARD STEP........
Now returned from the UNISON UK Conference in Bournemouth, it what was a thrilling but ultimately disappointing end to the Conference. A bit like watching the Jags under Lambie, when having outplayed the opposition, we would ultimately lose out on penalties.
The motion calling for a review of the affiliated political fund entitled "New Labour what do we get for our money", was amended by the Unions NEC, some might say butchered, so that any review will look at strengthening the affiliated section, at least for now, after a card vote where the NEC amendment was carried by 511,000 votes to 450,000 - a 6% margin.
Unfortunately, I did not get to make my contribution as I was behind a long queue of speakers, when the "question was put", a procedural motion that means the Conference should vote on the issue.
My own view is that the speakers for the motion, all belonged to the Socialist Party in England, which allowed the Depute General Secretary to question the political motivation of the motion. It was indeed a poor tactic, and probably led to the amendment being carried.
It is however a backward step. Interestingly, one of the observers was former UNISON president Anne Moffat, soon to be the outgoing MP for East Lothian. Ms Moffat would have gained an honourable mention, if I was allowed to speak!
The issue for me is that the Labour Link, is no such thing. It is Labour's voice in Unison not the other way around. It allows a situation where the General political Fund, which is used for general campaigning sees its work destroyed by the affiliated fund, which often argues against what the general Fund is saying. Indeed Ms Moffat is a classic example. A member of the UNISON group of MP's, she has voted in the Westminster Parliament for Foundation Hospitals, Voted in favour of the Iraq War, and has consistently voted to butcher the civil liberties the Trade Union seeks to protect.
Having delivered a blistering attack on the New Labour Government all week, it seems a strange decision, and those, albeit well intended Labour members who went to the rostrum to try and differentiate between the Party and the Government, will, in my view soon learn, that New Labour is not for turning.
The debate also suffered from a lack of perspective regarding the political diversification in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indeed the diversity of political opinion within the Trade Union, is one of its greatest strengths.
All in all, a backward step for UNISON.
I confidently, however, predict that the issue of its Political fund will not leave UNISON, and will return next year. The dichotomy of its funding arrangements urgently needs to be addressed.......
The motion calling for a review of the affiliated political fund entitled "New Labour what do we get for our money", was amended by the Unions NEC, some might say butchered, so that any review will look at strengthening the affiliated section, at least for now, after a card vote where the NEC amendment was carried by 511,000 votes to 450,000 - a 6% margin.
Unfortunately, I did not get to make my contribution as I was behind a long queue of speakers, when the "question was put", a procedural motion that means the Conference should vote on the issue.
My own view is that the speakers for the motion, all belonged to the Socialist Party in England, which allowed the Depute General Secretary to question the political motivation of the motion. It was indeed a poor tactic, and probably led to the amendment being carried.
It is however a backward step. Interestingly, one of the observers was former UNISON president Anne Moffat, soon to be the outgoing MP for East Lothian. Ms Moffat would have gained an honourable mention, if I was allowed to speak!
The issue for me is that the Labour Link, is no such thing. It is Labour's voice in Unison not the other way around. It allows a situation where the General political Fund, which is used for general campaigning sees its work destroyed by the affiliated fund, which often argues against what the general Fund is saying. Indeed Ms Moffat is a classic example. A member of the UNISON group of MP's, she has voted in the Westminster Parliament for Foundation Hospitals, Voted in favour of the Iraq War, and has consistently voted to butcher the civil liberties the Trade Union seeks to protect.
Having delivered a blistering attack on the New Labour Government all week, it seems a strange decision, and those, albeit well intended Labour members who went to the rostrum to try and differentiate between the Party and the Government, will, in my view soon learn, that New Labour is not for turning.
The debate also suffered from a lack of perspective regarding the political diversification in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indeed the diversity of political opinion within the Trade Union, is one of its greatest strengths.
All in all, a backward step for UNISON.
I confidently, however, predict that the issue of its Political fund will not leave UNISON, and will return next year. The dichotomy of its funding arrangements urgently needs to be addressed.......
16 June 2008
ITS THE PUBLICS MONEY.....
I am currently in Bournemouth for the UNISON UK Conference where New Labour are getting a kicking from speaker after speaker, vilifying their moves towards privatisation, outsourcing, lack of funding for public services and their disgraceful international agenda. Over the last few weeks the developing political arguments mirror those being heard here. Its the public's money.
Indeed, over the last few weeks, BLP Scotland have found themselves on the wrong side of the debate. Firstly, sending their MSP'S to argue in the Finance Committee that PPP/PFI is a good thing. So, only months after Wendy's great Socialist fightback, we see their MSP's arguing that it is acceptable for the taxpayer to be ripped off and for millions to be sent to private equity holders.
Next, the current high oil price has inevitably brought back discussion on oil revenues and the prospect of a Scottish Oil Fund looks more promising and the correct thing to do with each passing day.
More importantly, however, the stark choice between New Labour and the Tory Vultures on the one hand and the SNP could not be clearer. The hiving off of millions to the private sector, or the someone who can be trusted with public funds. Indeed, the Scottish Government has received praise at this Conference for many of its measures, not least the ending of PFI/PPP in Health.
Tomorrow, we may well be discussing whether UNISON should re-ballot its members on whether New Labour should receive access to funds form the union.......I think you can guess how I will be voting!
Indeed, over the last few weeks, BLP Scotland have found themselves on the wrong side of the debate. Firstly, sending their MSP'S to argue in the Finance Committee that PPP/PFI is a good thing. So, only months after Wendy's great Socialist fightback, we see their MSP's arguing that it is acceptable for the taxpayer to be ripped off and for millions to be sent to private equity holders.
Next, the current high oil price has inevitably brought back discussion on oil revenues and the prospect of a Scottish Oil Fund looks more promising and the correct thing to do with each passing day.
More importantly, however, the stark choice between New Labour and the Tory Vultures on the one hand and the SNP could not be clearer. The hiving off of millions to the private sector, or the someone who can be trusted with public funds. Indeed, the Scottish Government has received praise at this Conference for many of its measures, not least the ending of PFI/PPP in Health.
Tomorrow, we may well be discussing whether UNISON should re-ballot its members on whether New Labour should receive access to funds form the union.......I think you can guess how I will be voting!
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