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 ...................
28 June 2008
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!
24 May 2008
BYE BYE NEW LABOUR..........
A very busy week or so, campaigning and Trade Union work, ensures that I have been unable to blog, however, i hope to put this right in the next few days.
Like many i tuned in to "Thriller Thursday" or the result from Crewe and Nantwich!
New Labour are finished. Like the liberals last century they have alienated their core base of support. David Cameron, the author of the most right wing manifesto in living memory, has no philosophical differences with Gordon Brown. Privatisation, PFI, means tested benefits, regressive taxation, and imperialist wars are all key components of both their economic programme.
New Labour got what it deserved for running a campaign of class politics as a student stunt, rather than on a political programme, and for running a xenophobic campaign that alienated many of its supporters.
There is now only one way to stop the Tory vultures from ruling Scotland from Westminster, and that is to elect as many SNP Candidates as possible. Only the SNP represent a social democratic programme that chimes with the views of most Scots.
An NHS free at the point of use, the ending of PFI/PPP and ensuring that Public Assets remain in public hands, Taxation based on fairness and the ability to pay, show that the Scottish Government and the SNP represent the only social democratic route to ensure the Tories do not govern Scotland.
New Labour are reaping the rewards of abandoning everything the Trade Union and Labour Movement stood for.
The Conservatives would bring disaster to Scotland, and an even more right wing agenda, which would punish the most vulnerable in our society.
Only the SNP can stop them.
Like many i tuned in to "Thriller Thursday" or the result from Crewe and Nantwich!
New Labour are finished. Like the liberals last century they have alienated their core base of support. David Cameron, the author of the most right wing manifesto in living memory, has no philosophical differences with Gordon Brown. Privatisation, PFI, means tested benefits, regressive taxation, and imperialist wars are all key components of both their economic programme.
New Labour got what it deserved for running a campaign of class politics as a student stunt, rather than on a political programme, and for running a xenophobic campaign that alienated many of its supporters.
There is now only one way to stop the Tory vultures from ruling Scotland from Westminster, and that is to elect as many SNP Candidates as possible. Only the SNP represent a social democratic programme that chimes with the views of most Scots.
An NHS free at the point of use, the ending of PFI/PPP and ensuring that Public Assets remain in public hands, Taxation based on fairness and the ability to pay, show that the Scottish Government and the SNP represent the only social democratic route to ensure the Tories do not govern Scotland.
New Labour are reaping the rewards of abandoning everything the Trade Union and Labour Movement stood for.
The Conservatives would bring disaster to Scotland, and an even more right wing agenda, which would punish the most vulnerable in our society.
Only the SNP can stop them.
11 May 2008
THE EGO'S HAVE LANDED....
What a disastrous Sunday for New Labour. After the historic ultimate u-turn announced last Sunday by Wendy Alexander, today's newspapers announce that Wendy has effectively been slapped down by Gordon Brown, emphasising the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) at its very worst. A u-turn on a u-turn.
Wendy's bizarre performance on television today, does nothing to bring to clarity to New Labour's position on an Independence referendum.
To suggest that the SNP are running scared is the most ridiculous political spin since Comical Ali was briefing the press during the Iraq invasion.
For BLP (Scotland Region), the most worrying part of this episode is the clash of ego's, for it shows that the Labour Party in Scotland can't make any strategic decisions without Brown's say so. For Wendy, she needs to explain to the public why she told Newsnight Scotland on Tuesday night that Gordon Brown approved of her plans. Both being control freaks, their ego's have combined to make New Labour in Scotland reach unparalleled depths of popular support. New Labours press coverage over the last week look like an unedifying Jerry Springer episode, which has the rest of us gawping in shock at our TV screens.
The Conservatives of course fully believe that they are now the only party who can defend the Union in any coherent way.
There shall be a referendum on Independence in 2010, with the SNP selling a positive message on why this is the best for Scotland. Whether Clunking fist or Comical Wendy are around by then remains to be seen.
Wendy's bizarre performance on television today, does nothing to bring to clarity to New Labour's position on an Independence referendum.
To suggest that the SNP are running scared is the most ridiculous political spin since Comical Ali was briefing the press during the Iraq invasion.
For BLP (Scotland Region), the most worrying part of this episode is the clash of ego's, for it shows that the Labour Party in Scotland can't make any strategic decisions without Brown's say so. For Wendy, she needs to explain to the public why she told Newsnight Scotland on Tuesday night that Gordon Brown approved of her plans. Both being control freaks, their ego's have combined to make New Labour in Scotland reach unparalleled depths of popular support. New Labours press coverage over the last week look like an unedifying Jerry Springer episode, which has the rest of us gawping in shock at our TV screens.
The Conservatives of course fully believe that they are now the only party who can defend the Union in any coherent way.
There shall be a referendum on Independence in 2010, with the SNP selling a positive message on why this is the best for Scotland. Whether Clunking fist or Comical Wendy are around by then remains to be seen.
07 May 2008
.....THE ULTIMATE UTURN...
I have been thinking a lot about last year, but even I could not have foreseen the ultimate uturn as displayed in the last few days by Wendy Alexander and New Labour in Scotland, for they now support a referendum on Independence for Scotland!
Only a year ago, Wendy was lecturing the Scottish people that the Scottish Parliament could not legislate for a referendum, now obviously things has dramatically changed. Interestingly, the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) was lagging in the polls until 2 weeks before the election, when someone had a brain wave in John Smith House, and decided to remove Wendy from our screens - cue New Labour fightback, and removing the threat of a Nationalist landslide.
Where this leaves other Unionist parties will the source of some debate, but to put in my tuppence worth, it signals the end of the Calman Commission before it has even started! A fact that was emphasised by both Annabel Goldie and Nicol Stephen tonight.
More importantly, the media have extracted that there was a complete miscommunication between the BLP in Scotland and Downing Street.
For Wendy, this appears to be the last throw of the dice in a controversially laden leadership, the end game for Wendy and the Union. With New Labour in a mess, Wendy has added to the chaos. Given the Scottish Government have committed to a referendum in 2010, many impartial observers will see this move as needless, except that this is the last desperate act by a very desperate person.
One thing is for sure, New Labour have surrendered the constitutional debate in Scotland for a least a generation.
As Wendy says..... Bring it on!
Only a year ago, Wendy was lecturing the Scottish people that the Scottish Parliament could not legislate for a referendum, now obviously things has dramatically changed. Interestingly, the British Labour Party (Scotland Region) was lagging in the polls until 2 weeks before the election, when someone had a brain wave in John Smith House, and decided to remove Wendy from our screens - cue New Labour fightback, and removing the threat of a Nationalist landslide.
Where this leaves other Unionist parties will the source of some debate, but to put in my tuppence worth, it signals the end of the Calman Commission before it has even started! A fact that was emphasised by both Annabel Goldie and Nicol Stephen tonight.
More importantly, the media have extracted that there was a complete miscommunication between the BLP in Scotland and Downing Street.
For Wendy, this appears to be the last throw of the dice in a controversially laden leadership, the end game for Wendy and the Union. With New Labour in a mess, Wendy has added to the chaos. Given the Scottish Government have committed to a referendum in 2010, many impartial observers will see this move as needless, except that this is the last desperate act by a very desperate person.
One thing is for sure, New Labour have surrendered the constitutional debate in Scotland for a least a generation.
As Wendy says..... Bring it on!
03 May 2008
ONE YEAR ON.......
Out campaigning with Glasgow Pollok and Glasgow Govan SNP, and a sensational poll reveals that the SNP are now scoring at 45% in the latest opinion polls. Whether in Cardonald, Govan or Cessnock, SNP support is rising as the scare stories from those prophets of doom, New Labour, are no longer believed by the electorate.
One year ago, we could only dream about an SNP Government and what it could achieve. Today, the report card reads;
(1) Keeping Health Services local - including announcing a £842 million package for the Southern General - all from public funds.
(2) More visible police on our streets.
(3) Froze the deeply unpopular Council Tax, a fact emphasised by people on the streets today.
(4) Committed to abolishing prescription charges - ending the tax on the sick.
(5) Ending the Graduate Endowment - restoring the principle of free education.
Whilst the SNP achieve, New Labour appear to now be on life support, and it is somewhat ironic that the biggest casualty yesterday was Ken Livingstone. The election of Boris the Barmy, shows that London and England are preparing for a Conservative Government. Scotland must not allow this ragbag of hard right wingers to grab their hands on our country, or our finance.
The case and need for Independence grows stronger with each passing day.....
One year ago, we could only dream about an SNP Government and what it could achieve. Today, the report card reads;
(1) Keeping Health Services local - including announcing a £842 million package for the Southern General - all from public funds.
(2) More visible police on our streets.
(3) Froze the deeply unpopular Council Tax, a fact emphasised by people on the streets today.
(4) Committed to abolishing prescription charges - ending the tax on the sick.
(5) Ending the Graduate Endowment - restoring the principle of free education.
Whilst the SNP achieve, New Labour appear to now be on life support, and it is somewhat ironic that the biggest casualty yesterday was Ken Livingstone. The election of Boris the Barmy, shows that London and England are preparing for a Conservative Government. Scotland must not allow this ragbag of hard right wingers to grab their hands on our country, or our finance.
The case and need for Independence grows stronger with each passing day.....
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