Election Inquest - Is there a void in the mind of the Left?

From Ken Curran (left).


The Polls have just closed. I am, therefore, not yet in a position to be able to know whether Labour has the largest number of MPs, whether we have a hung parliament, or whether we have finished up in third place. But what I do know is that this has been a terrible election, not just for the Labour Party but for the future of progressive politics.

Whilst the novelty of the TV debates could have raised some excitement amongst sections of the electorate, nobody can genuinely claim they were designed to raise the levels of political enlightenment. They were just another TV Game Show.

To understand why Labour is likely to have done so badly in the election, we need a sense of labour history in order to understand where its malaise had its roots.

Labour stood to be beaten long before the election was called. For years there has been a growing gulf between the Labour Party and its natural supporters. This has not just been a political gulf; every bit as important has been the cultural gulf. Over the past 30 to 40 years, too many Labour MPs have tried to emulate to the rich in dress, lifestyle and outlook. They have regarded politics as a career, not seeing themselves as the advocates of the poor. They have not acted on behalf of those whose problems arise from the operations of the current system of free market capitalism. They have failed to recognise the damage the free market does to those at the bottom of the economic pile. They have personally distanced themselves as far away as possible from those people they perceive as failures. New Labour has failed to recognise that the very economic system it put its faith in to produce a Golden Age of Post Blairism is itself fundamentally flawed.

People were never left in any doubt by Keir Hardie as to who he represented in Parliament. I feel that he would not have wished to have been seen dead with many of today's Labour aspirants. Nor would I.

Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems have tried to build three separate false perspectives. Each, however, presuming that economic and social progress will come as a pre-ordained gift provided we only vote for them. None of the parties have attempted to present the electorate with a vision for the future.

Whilst Brown did make several attempts to steer debate around to economic issues, both Cameron and Clegg avoided engagement on the issue. This meant that without seeing any serious debate, a mainly politically immature electorate were more easily seduced by the two younger and photogenic challengers for Downing Street. Given the nature of the TV coverage, hormones played the major role.

The big question at this important juncture is how do we begin to tackle the void in British politics which is the absence of democratic socialism from the centre stage.

A pointer is provided in an article by Matthew Brown entitled "The Void In The Mind Of The Left" which appears in the Spring Edition of Democratic Socialism. A version of his article can be found here here on the web-site of Independent Labour Publications.

His article is a response to the Compass Summer Lecture in September 2009 on "The Future of Social Democracy" by Jon Cruddas - which is printed as the first article here. In his address Cruddas had called for a realignment of social democracy and social liberalism constructed on what he called the four pillars of progressive politics - equality, community, sustainability and democracy. Under these banners he set out what he calls "a programme for the centre left".

Listening to the talk, Matthew Brown regards Cruddas's programme as little more than a series of leftish sounding demands for reforms; including anything from Compass's much trumpeted High Pay Commission to greater tax justice, scrapping Trident and the third runway at Heathrow, integrated transport, constitutional change including proportional representation and so on.

None of these will answer Mrs Duffy of Rochdale or the poor on the Manor Estate at Sheffield.

Following Jon Cruddas's talk a number of people contributed from the platform. It was Professor Massey who identified the lack of a political strategy in what had been said, claiming that a shopping list of electoral demands would not create a basis for viable politics. Whilst she was well disposed to many of the calls for radicalism from Cruddas, she felt that without a political strategy to support such a programme, it would ultimately fail as (by itself) it would create enemies. She felt that there was a need to go beyond parties and parliament to build a cultural and political movement as a means of bringing about wider and deeper social change.

I conclude from the forgoing remark that without a fully thought through programme and an accompanying strategy, the chances of a future radical Labour Government capable of being able to change the behaviour of capitalism are nil. The first challenge as I see it is to educate the electorate. As Professor Massey pointed out "Labour has been so used to having a natural social base it has no idea how to construct a new one". She claimed that "work has to be put in to establish a new common sense, because that is what he (Cruddas) is calling for. The current common sense took a concerted effort over years - not just the big set piece battles but the drip, drip, drip of arguments and constant assertions".

In 1992 I wrote a discussion paper entitled "Re-vitalising Labour". My opening sentence was - "We must return to the streets as the Party of protest, giving expression to the concerns of the people". We cannot wait for some political event or opportunity to arise before we act. Over the past few years the Party has almost suppressed its natural inclination to show anger in public. We became more concerned with image than we were with the many violations against working people perpetuated by Thatcher and her band of pirates.

Because we wanted respectability from the establishment, our supporters were left on their own. We have to been seen physically both supporting and leading people in their daily trials for them to recognise that Labour is really on their side.

When Professor Massey stated the need to go beyond parliament and political parties to build a cultural and political movement to bring about wider and deeper social change, then personally I feel that she is right. Perhaps we need the formation of a new Chartist Movement to operate beyond the current political parties. With clearly declared objectives, perhaps set in a time-scale it could become a massive public pressure group. Its size would force all political parties to have due regard for its views and demands.(The original Chartists in 1848).

If such a movement had been formed well in advance and in sufficient depth, then perhaps Blair would not have been able to join Bush in his Iraq war. I can think of a number of times when the existence of a new Chartist Movement could have influenced the Government. The most recent could have been over the banking system and the bonus's paid to executive directors. It has not just been Labour voters who have been angry over these issues. I am sure that there are many Tory voters who are angry over the arrogance of bankers and big business bosses. These discontented people have a key role to play if we ever hope to change the behaviour of capitalism.

We need a wide debate on the future of what is a fragile democracy. We can at least do our own bit in the light of today's election results. Others are welcome to participate. See here also.

Ken Curran Snr, Chair of the Sheffield Co-operative Party. Sheffield District Labour Party. Writing in a personal capacity.

On Sunday evening, the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group (seen below) will be discussing the consequences of the General Election Result for Labour. Roger Barton our former MEP will be the speaker whilst Ken Curran will be present to argue for his above concerns. This could well be the first grass roots reaction in the Labour Party to the new situation. (See the right hand panel for details).

What Should Labour's General Election Manifesto Say? (Part 2)

See Part 1 here.

To date, 43 Labour MPs supported by the Coalition for Labour Victory and Compass have signed the following statement calling for Labour’s election campaign to be based on a "radical redistributive programme". The statement appears below.

"In order to mobilise the maximum number of Labour voters in preparation for the next election, we believe that Labour should now focus its campaigning around the following key principles:

A. The recession should be tackled not with cuts in essential public spending, but by massive public investment in house-building, infrastructure and the de-carbonisation of the economy.

B. Banks should be split up with their casino investment arms hived off. Publicly-owned retail banks should be required to meet new social and community objectives and support manufacturing, with lending to businesses and homeowners restored to 2007 levels. Pay and bonuses should be tightly regulated.

C. A clean break must be made with market fundamentalism – deregulation and privatisation. Public provision should be expanded – in health care, education, housing, pensions, energy and transport. Royal Mail must remain wholly in the public sector.

D. In the face of huge and unacceptable growth of inequality, a big redistribution programme must swing resources away from the rich to provide sizeable increases in pensions, the minimum wage, the lowest benefit levels, and to fund job creation and improved public services. Union rights must be restored – it is in economic crisis that workers are most in need of that protection.

E. To achieve the 80% carbon emission reduction target by 2050, renewable sources of energy should be promoted on a far bigger scale, industry (including airlines) should be required to reduce its climate change emissions by at least 3% per year, household carbon allowances should be introduced, and the UK targets should be fully met by domestic action and not by carbon offsetting abroad.

We also believe that if Labour is to revive its membership in numbers and activity, it must fully restore its internal democratic procedures so that the voice of its individual and affiliated members is listened to and taken account of. This process has begun with the adoption of all-member voting rights for the National Policy Forum. But we believe that several further reforms are needed, in particular to restore to the elected NEC full supervision and control over the party’s operation and finances, to introduce a charter of members’ rights and a Party Ombudsman to enforce them, and to renew for all party employees the core civil service values of impartiality, integrity, honesty and objectivity in the development of party policy and selection of party candidates."

Diane Abbott, John Austin, Colin Burgon, Ronnie Campbell, Colin Challen, Michael Clapham, Katy Clark, Harry Cohen, Michael Connarty, Frank Cook, Jeremy Corbyn, Jim Cousins, Jon Cruddas, Ann Cryer, Ian Davidson, David Drew, Bill Etherington, Mark Fisher, Paul Flynn, Neil Gerrard, Fabian Hamilton, Dai Havard, David Heyes, Kelvin Hopkins, Lindsay Hoyle, Brian Iddon, Lynne Jones, Andrew Mackinlay, John McDonnell, Michael Meacher, Alan Meale, Austin Mitchell, Chris Mullin, Gordon Prentice, Ken Purchase, Linda Riordan, Alan Simpson, Marsha Singh, Graham Stringer, Paul Truswell, Joan Walley, David Winnick, Mike Wood.

Hat tip - Labour List

Update 5 February : See coverage in today's "Tribune".

Do You Need A Compass When You Cover Two Regions?

Dronfield falls within the East Midlands Region, but it is situated immediately to the south of the boundary of the Yorkshire and Humberside Region. It is not, therefore, surprising that the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group should attract both its speakers and its audience from both of these Regions.

But who should we get to addresses us about the role of Compass the Democratic Left pressure group? For Compass have convenors for both of these Regions.

Easy really, yesterday evening (at their own suggestion) we were addressed by both Steve Yemm their convenor for the East Midlands Region and Alex Sobel their convenor for Yorkshire and Humberside.

It was a fine occasion, aided by the fact that we had a room full of 20 people who were keen to participate in the discussions. We were also grateful to Christine, Caroline and Rosie Smith for providing us with a Xmas spread, which we finished off in the lounge bar after the meeting - where the discussions continued.

Steve and Alex stressed that the position of Compass was centred around its belief in the need for social equality, democratic participation and sustainable communal provisions, including environmental sustainability. It was felt that the failure of global capital had placed us at a cross roads in history. This had followed a period in which neo-liberal advances had dominated the political agenda and labour movements had mainly be forced into re-active stances. There was now a chance to adopt more positive and creative platforms in building a new economic and cultural paradigm.


Scope was seen for measures which included co-operative ownership, a high pay commission, tackling consumer values with measures such as a ban on advertising directed at children under 11 , the Tobin Tax and the return of powers to Local Government. Whilst Compass campaigned with other groups on the key issue of climate change, where so many young people recognised the great need for an environmental push.

Models were seen as arising from decades of social democratic achievements in Sweden and more recent developments in Venezuela.

As you would expect from the regulars at our discussions, this was all sound material for the dialectics of our debates. Numbers of us are also members of Compass or are aware of its activities. As a group we also made submissions to Compass on Political Education and Integrated Transport - for details of these see here and follow the links and labels they provide.

Our discussion group has also shown that it is possible to have serious political debates on a Sunday evening in a pleasant social setting. It is a recommended approach, especially if you are seeking to fashion your own compass.

This is class war – carried out by Cameron against the poor

Here is brief extract from an article by Polly Toynbee in today's Guardian that caught my eye. I know how much the Blatherers enjoy a bit of class analysis!

So far every single one of Cameron and Osborne's tax plans promote the wealth of the exceedingly wealthy. Not the middle or upper middle but the top 2%. It is astonishing that they have been so overt about it. No previous Conservative party ever sought power on the basis of promises to divert so much revenue from so many to so few. It is not class war or engaging in scare tactics to point out that Cameron and Osborne's only known tax plans gift £1.2bn to the top 2% of wealthiest estates in inheritance tax. Their marriage tax relief gifts 13 times more cash to the top than the bottom. Giving back extra tax relief on pensions of the richest gives £3.2bn to the top 1.5% of earners. Reversing Labour's 50p income rate gives £2.4bn back to the top 1%. The total sum taken from 98% of voters to donate to the top 2% is £11. 7bn. That really is class war – the rich looting everyone else.

The full article can be found here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/08/class-war-cameron-background-privilege

Does Labour Need A Compass?

Steve Yem and Alex Sobel are convenors for "Compass" which seeks to provide direction for the Democratic Left. At the next meeting of the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group at 8pm on Sunday 13 December at the Dronfield Contact Club , they will lead a discussion entitled "Does Labour Need A Compass?". Discussion meetings are open to all Labour Party members, all Dronfield Contact Club members and others by invitation.


"Compass" states that it " is building the ideas and organisation for a new progressive consensus based around our core values of democracy, equality and sustainability - instead of silos we know you can't have one without the other two. As the planet gets hotter and the poor get poorer we're campaigning collaboratively with progressive politicians of all parties, pressure groups, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, academics, activists, campaigners and across civil society. We're building a coalition for a radical 21st century politics the country needs now."

For fuller details of the views and values which come from "Compass" see their web-site here.

Anyone can start the debate now on this thread. Why not get your tackles in before the kick off? The debate can start via our comment box.

Our Submissions To Compass

In connection with the Compass project "How To Live In The 21st Century", two submissions have been made from the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group. These can be found on the appropriate Compass web-site if you click onto the following topics -"Political Education, Political Education, Political Education" and "Integrated Transport"

Background explanations of these two sets of proposals are provided below -


On "Political Education, Political Education, Political Education"


A vibrant and intelligent political culture requires issues to be debated openly (but not violently) within the context of widespread commitments to civil liberties, including those of free expression. In the modern Labour Party and often in the wider Labour Movement, a past tradition of considering practical political alternatives in the light of the concepts of social equality, collectivism and democratic participation has tended to be sidelined. This is not an argument for the adoption of a political dogma by today's movement; for core values themselves need to be under continual testing and re-examination and to be attuned to changing circumstances. But unfortunately in today's movement too often core values tend to have withered away, rather than being re-assessed and updated.

The Labour Party in particular needs to encourage and facilitate internal debate and discussion about our times. A key avenue to achieve such an approach is the establishment of a political education programme to stimulate debate and discussion amongst what could then become a growing and active membership.

Such an approach is likely to require a serious publications' avenue which the Labour Party membership could contribute to. This would require moves towards a weekly Labour Party newspaper, the establishment of a theoretical journal, the publication of discussion pamphlets, the running of discussion groups and study courses; plus the use of web-sites and other avenues of more modern technology. The Labour Party itself should aim at running such provisions, building upon the efforts (amongst others) of Tribune, Chartist, the Fabian Society and Compass.

Such forms of Political Education will, however, only achieve a living impact when the internal structure of the Labour Party is openly democratised - yet political education could also encourage such a development.

The TUC, individual Trade Unions and the Co-operative Movement form essential parts of our Movement. They have their own traditions of providing their own internal educational programmes. The focus of such activities are often centred around the practical needs of health and safety representatives, shop stewards and equivalents. These programmes need to be leavened with fuller investigations around the historical, political and core values of the Labour Movement.

Ways and means of re-establishing a pre-Thatcherite tradition of working class education centred on the earlier practices of Colleges such as Ruskin, Coleg Harlech, the Northern College and Newbattle Abbey need to be explored.


On "Integrated Transport"


A programme to move towards the effective use of an integrated public transport system; involving the establishment of a variety of forms of social ownership for the operations of buses, trams, taxis, aeroplanes, ships and lorries. In order to reduce congestion on our roads, priority will be given to public forms of transport over the use of private cars. A full use of an expanded rail network would be employed for the movement of goods as well as passengers. To maximize the use of public transport facilities, cheap and free fares would be extended, based on need. Current free and concessionary travel facilities for pensioners and others would provide a model for such schemes. Publicly run (or supported) taxi services, buses, trams, planes and ships would be linked whenever possible at bus and tram terminals, airports and ports. Entitlement to air travel would balance the needs of travellers with carbon footprint considerations.

When considering integrated transport policies, account should be taken of how transport effects climate change, and any decisions regarding integrated transport should include plans to reduce carbon emissions from future forms of transport. Consideration must therefore be given to future plans to convert the existing rail network to a completely electrical system of rail transport. An expanded rail network should also be fully electrified. An integrated transport policy should also include plans to develop road transport vehicles with greatly reduced carbon emissions. Types of electrically driven vehicles, which satisfy future transport requirements, will therefore have to be developed if this objective is to be realised. Electrifying the rail network and the provision of road vehicles, which depend on electrical power, will transfer demand from fossil fuels to electrical power and will place greater demands on the electricity supply industry. An integrated transport policy should therefore include plans to increase the amount of electricity produced by renewable sources and plans to replace the current generation of aging power stations with power stations with low carbon emissions.

The role of railways in an integrated transport system would require a curb being placed on the need for the use of heavy road transport with limits being placed on the use of lorries and huge pantechnicons. Their operations would need to be restricted, especially where alternative rail services are available. This could be achieved through the licencing of the giants of the road.

Whilst cheap public transport would attract many away from private car usage, it is likely that a programme of restraints on private car usage will need to be introduced to relieve major avenues of congestion. This will need to be done via a programme of restrictions rather than via a market policy involving the use of congestion charges.

Integrated Transport : Update

The Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group's submission to Compass on "Integrated Transport" needs to be submitted on 23 February. In the light of points made in the appropriate Dronfield Blather comment box, I have amended our initial proposals as indicated below. Other changes have been made to fit in with the word-limits stipulated by Compass.

If you wish to see further amendments, then please give the details in the comment box on this thread over the week-end.

The "Political Education : Update" appears here.

Policy Name : Integrated Transport.

Policy Explanation

A programme to move towards the effective use of an integrated public transport system; involving the establishment of a variety of forms of social ownership for the operations of buses, trams, taxis, aeroplanes, ships and lorries. In order to reduce congestion on our roads, priority will be given to public forms of transport over the use of private cars. A full use of an expanded rail network would be employed for the movement of goods as well as passengers. To maximize the use of public transport facilities, cheap and free fares would be extended, based on need. Current free and concessionary travel facilities for pensioners and others would provide a model for such schemes. Publicly run (or supported) taxi services, buses, trams, planes and ships would be linked whenever possible at bus and tram terminals, airports and ports. Entitlement to air travel would balance the needs of travellers with carbon footprint considerations.

When considering integrated transport policies, account should be taken of how transport effects climate change, and any decisions regarding integrated transport should include plans to reduce carbon emissions from future forms of transport. Consideration must therefore be given to future plans to convert the existing rail network to a completely electrical system of rail transport. An expanded rail network should also be fully electrified. An integrated transport policy should also include plans to develop road transport vehicles with greatly reduced carbon emissions. Types of electrically driven vehicles, which satisfy future transport requirements, will therefore have to be developed if this objective is to be realised. Electrifying the rail network and the provision of road vehicles, which depend on electrical power, will transfer demand from fossil fuels to electrical power and will place greater demands on the electricity supply industry. An integrated transport policy should therefore include plans to increase the amount of electricity produced by renewable sources and plans to replace the current generation of aging power stations with power stations with low carbon emissions.

The role of railways in an integrated transport system would require a curb being placed on the need for the use of heavy road transport with limits being placed on the use of lorries and huge pantechnicons. Their operations would need to be restricted, especially where alternative rail services are available. This could be achieved through the licencing of the giants of the road.

Whilst cheap public transport would attract many away from private car usage, it is likely that a programme of restraints on private car usage will need to be introduced to relieve major avenues of congestion. This will need to be done via a programme of restrictions rather than via a market policy involving the use of congestion charges.

Note : The first paragraph is what originally appeared. The second paragraph is the submission from Jack Wearing in line with points also stressed by Ken Turton. The third paragraph is made up of extracts from Ken Turton's two submissions. Whilst the final paragraph is related to points Bob Heath made at our initial discussion and looks in the direction of comments from "Peezedtee". The word total for the section is 348. The word limit is 400.

Arguments In Favour

1. Freedom of movement for many currently isolated due to age, poverty and residence in isolated communities.

2. Tackling problems of traffic congestion and pollution, with cut backs for disruptive road building programmes.

3. Most travel would be in a social context, with people moving away from being isolated in their cars.

Arguments Against

1. The alienation of those committed to private car ownership and usage.

2. Job losses in the car industry, mitigated by more employment associated with public transport.

3. Current lack of a public service ethos throughout society.

Note : The above two sections go together in needing to be limited to a total of 100 words. They have been cut back from 154 in the original to 83.

How Does The Policy Relate To the Core Beliefs of Compass? (i.e. equality, collectivism, sustainability, democracy.)

An integrated transport system will radically extend equal access to convenient forms of transport to everyone. It will challenge the possessive individualism which arises from the current dominance of private car ownership and advance collective and co-operative forms of behavior. In reducing private car usage, congestion and pollution; a sustainable transport system would reduce the need for road building and disruption. To operate a widespread and interlinked public transport system, there would be the need for a variety of forms of municipal, co-operative, regional and national forms of ownership.

Note : As in the original. 89 words. 100 word limit.

How Does It Build The Institutions Of Social Democracy?

The variety of forms of public ownership mentioned above would require a range of forms of democratic control. Bus and tram companies would be subject to local government ownership. Taxi services could function under co-operative arrangements. Whilst an expanded rail service would function better under national or UK governmental controls. The structure for Air and Shipping Companies would depend on the scope of their operations. Scrutiny by elected representatives would be required at all levels, plus avenues of influence over policies by consumers and producers.

Note : This is a condensed version of the previous 136 words, reduced to 82 words to meet the 100 word limit.

What Are The Cost Implications?

Decisions will have to be made on compensation levels. The scale of compensation can differ between major investors on the one hand and on the other holdings by pensions funds, public bodies and small shareholders. The cut back in the use of private cars will save police and health service costs as accidents and pollution decline. Savings would be made in the decline in the need for road widening and construction programmes, whilst the costs of rail electrification and expansion (plus the need for anti-pollution power stations mentioned earlier) will need to be taken into account.

Note : The changes here arise (a) from the need to cut back on the number of words to fit the 100 word limit (they are down from 111 to 95), and (b) to meet points made by Blogger Brader, Ken Turton and Jack Wearing.

Who Wins And Loses Amongst The Electorate?

Resistance to aspects of the programme would come from many car owners, yet as individuals they would benefit from a more integrated transport system which would build a more civilised society. Strong support would come from many young people (in particular) who have commitments to environmental improvement.

Note : Unchanged. 47 words. Limit 100.

A Sound Bite For The Public?

We will be able to move around conveniently when we want at a cost we can afford.

Note : Unchanged. 17 words.Limit 25.

Where Has This Worked Before?

An aspect of the policy was run by the former South Yorkshire Metropolitan Council in relation to its bus services. It was possible to find buses easily and to interchange between services. Bus prices were held, becoming relatively cheap over time. It was popular and well used, until it was disbanded due to the actions of the Thatcher Government. British Rail also ran a fully (internally) integrated service of some significance prior to the Beeching cuts of the 1960s.

Note : This is the same as previously, plus an extra final sentence drawn from the case made by Ken Turton. 78 words. Limit 100.

Political Education : Update

The Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group's submission to Compass on "Political Education" needs to be submitted on 23 February. In the light of points made in the appropriate Dronfield Blather comment box and in a phone message to me from Ken Curren, I have amended our initial proposals slightly as indicated below. Other changes have been made to fit in with the word-limits stipulated by Compass.

If you wish to see further amendments, then please give the details in the comment box on this thread over the week-end.

Policy Name : Political Education, Political Education, Political Education.

Policy Explanation

A vibrant and intelligent political culture requires issues to be debated openly (but not violently) within the context of widespread commitments to civil liberties, including those of free expression. In the modern Labour Party and often in the wider Labour Movement, a past tradition of considering practical political alternatives in the light of the concepts of social equality, collectivism and democratic participation has tended to be sidelined. This is not an argument for the adoption of a political dogma by today's movement; for core values themselves need to be under continual testing and re-examination and to be attuned to changing circumstances. But unfortunately in today's movement too often core values tend to have withered away, rather than being re-assessed and updated.

The Labour Party in particular needs to encourage and facilitate internal debate and discussion about our times. A key avenue to achieve such an approach is the establishment of a political education programme to stimulate debate and discussion amongst what could then become a growing and active membership.

Such an approach is likely to require a serious publications' avenue which the Labour Party membership could contribute to. This would require moves towards a weekly Labour Party newspaper, the establishment of a theoretical journal, the publication of discussion pamphlets, the running of discussion groups and study courses; plus the use of web-sites and other avenues of more modern technology. The Labour Party itself should aim at running such provisions, building upon the efforts (amongst others) of Tribune, Chartist, the Fabian Society and Compass.

Such forms of Political Education will, however, only achieve a living impact when the internal structure of the Labour Party is openly democratised - yet political education could also encourage such a development.

The TUC, individual Trade Unions and the Co-operative Movement form essential parts of our Movement. They have their own traditions of providing their own internal educational programmes. The focus of such activities are often centred around the practical needs of health and safety representatives, shop stewards and equivalents. These programmes need to be leavened with fuller investigations around the historical, political and core values of the Labour Movement.

Ways and means of re-establishing a pre-Thatcherite tradition of working class education centred on the earlier practices of Colleges such as Ruskin, Coleg Harlech, the Northern College and Newbattle Abbey need to be explored.

Note : the word limit for the above is 400 words, a sentence has been removed from the original in order to meet this limit. The section now totals 388 words.

Arguments In Favour

(1) An intelligent, questioning and democratic labour movement would help to raise the whole level of political debate and tackle the limitations of the ya-boo politics.

(2) It would help to make clearer and more coherent political choices for the electorate.

(3) It would improve the Labour Movements image, especially amongst young people and in its links with the International Labour Movement.

Arguments Against

(1) If it took the wrong turn, expanded political debate within the Labour Movement could lead to disruption and turmoil.

(2) It could encourage entrist techniques into the Labour Party.

(3) It could turn the Labour Party into merely a debating society.

Note : This section goes together with the one entitled "Arguments In Favour", the total has been cut back from 124 words to 98 words to meet the 100 word limit.


How Does The Policy Relate To The Core Beliefs Of Compass? (i.e. equality, collectivism, sustainability, democracy.)

This programme essentially caters for the extension of Compass style understandings into the wider labour movement, whilst guarding against any tendency of these to become dogmas.

Note : Unchanged, 26 words. The limit is 100.

How Does This Build The Institutions Of Social Democracy?

It will help to develop a labour movement which will press for (a) an internally democratic Labour Party, (b) the opening up of the democratisation of governmental, parliamentary and local authority institutions and (c) will encourage serious political debate within the popular media.

Note : Unchanged, 43 words. The limit is 100.

What Are The Cost Implications?

The start of a political education programme throughout the labour movement could initially be done at minimal cost. What is needed is encouragement from labour leaders and Labour's head office to participate in a range of voluntary political educational activities. This would begin to set up the structure for summer schools, courses and publications which would often be financed by those encouraged to participate in what they saw as meaningful political activities. Costs would mainly be related to scholarships and staff payments when voluntary course directors and tutors could not be attracted.

Note : Unchanged, 92 words. The limit is 100.

Who Wins And Loses Amongst The Electorate?

If political education within the labour movement operates in ways which encourages questioning and debate, it is likely to help develop a relevant and appealing political perspective for the Labour Party. This would provide clear and intelligent choices for the electorate. In such circumstances, it would be vested interests that would lose out. If, however, political dogma distorted the uses of such avenues, then this would alienate wide sectors of the electorate.

Note : Unchanged, 73 words. The limit is 100.

A Sound Bite For The Public?

Informing and understanding the political dimensions of everyday life.

Note : Fully changed, from suggestions in the comment box by Blogger Brader. 9 words. The limit is 25.


Where Has This Worked Before?

Although what has been suggested has never worked fully within the labour movement, aspects of this approach can be seen in the work of people such as the Webbs, the Coles and R.H. Tawney as well as in the past work of Workers' Educational Association, University Extension Courses and the residential Colleges for working people mentioned earlier. Given modern technology, use of Computer communication systems can now be employed. It is a practice we are developing with the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group and on this blog.

Note : The final sentence has been added, following a suggestion from Ken Curren. 91 words. The limit is 100.

Match Cancelled, Game Continues

A Dronfield Scene - The Morning After The Night Before























Yesterday evening's Dronfield Labour Party discussion meeting had to be cancelled due to heavy snow, which started to have a full impact just as we were due to assemble. This has meant that we were unable to have the planned discussion in order to finalise our two submissions to Compass as part of its programme "How To Live In The 21st Century"

As our submissions need to be in by 23rd February, we need to look for other means by which they can be finalised. One of those avenues is for readers of this blog to continue to make submissions in our relevant comment boxes. Please aim to do this by 18th February. Links to the appropriate threads are provided below. Contributions from those who normally attend our discussions will be especially welcome. But anyone can join in. Those who attend our meetings but don't operate personal computers, will be contacted by snail mail on how they can also be involved.

Weather permitting, I will also raise the issues concerned for discussion at the coming meeting of the Dronfield Labour Party.

To meet the deadline, Blogger Brader and myself will have to re-draft the submissions after 18 February. We will then place the re-draft on this blog. This will give people an opportunity to object via our comment box if they think that we have violated the spirit of the points that have been put to us. We will then take such points into account and publish the final version when this is submitted to Compass.

For our draft submission on "Integrated Transport" see here.

For responses to the above see the comment box attached to the above and also here and here.

For our draft response on "Political Education" see here and follow up via its comment box.

Transport And The Environment

The last item we posted from Ken Turton on the above topic has been responded to in this comment box by someone using the "anonymous" label. All the indications are that the comment is from B.B. Bunting the author of "The Power Play : To End The Car".

What Anonymous/B.B. Bunting has to say will be of great interest to our Discussion Group, who will again be tackling the topic on Sunday. Environmental concerns are always high on our agenda. In addition to the points made by Ken Turton in the last item we posted, concerns are also regularly brought forward by another Ken - Ken Curran. He also addressed one of our earlier meetings on the topic of "The Climate Change Crisis".

In the draft for our submission to Compass on "Integrated Transport" we include a statement claiming that "the cut back in the use of private cars will save police and health services as accidents and pollution decline". Perhaps we need to stress these implications more strongly.

Since I read the Penguin edition of E.J. Mishan's "The Costs Of Economic Growth" in 1969, I have always been aware that many of the growth items which we see as economic pluses are in fact serious minuses. Mishan called them diseconomies of scale. When the accident, pollution and road building costs for private car usage is statistically assessed; we add up the costs of the services provided by crematoriums, hospitals, salvage firms and the police as if they were economic pluses rather than arising from human losses. This means that we are liable to ignore what are massive problems.

When I provided responses for a Norman Geras profile recently, this is how I responded to one of his questions - Q. If you could effect one major policy change in the governing of your country, what would it be? A. To limit the use of private transport to emergency services, with public transport being publicly owned and freely available, whilst planning for the huge economic and social consequences which would follow.

My claim that public transport should (in general) replace private transport, led to this type of criticism, which is then debated on this thread. I was seen as being totalitarian.

Policies, Not Personalities

The Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group meets on Sunday 8 February to finalise its submissions to Compass in connection with their project "How To Live In The 21st Century".

We will be considering the submissions which were shaped at our meeting on 14 December, 2008. Any member of the Labour Party and/or the Dronfield Contact Club plus those receiving invitations are welcome and encouraged to attend. The meeting is by no means restricted to those who initially shaped our provisional submissions which are on the topics "Integrated Transport" and "Political Education".

The deadline for sending our submissions to Compass is 23 February.

There are details available of what Compass are up to. When you click in here you will find these, they include their full time-table of arrangements. Further links will then be found to show how others can join in the process. You can act via any group interested in the well-being of the Labour Movement, including just an informal get-together of friends.

The important thing in politics should be policies and not personalities.

Political Education

A Group of Yorkshire Miners at Sheffield University 25 years ago. They were part of a day-release course run by the Division of Continuing Education. The course ran for three years and studied Industrial Relations, Economics and Politics.

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Yesterday a set of proposals on "Integrated Transport" were presented on this blog arising from ideas debated at the December Meeting of the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group. At that meeting we went on to discuss and support a further set of ideas on "Political Education". These are presented here in draft form and have yet to be finalised. When completed, these ideas are intended for submission to the independent left pressure group Compass, as explained here. They appear in the format required by Compass.

Comments are welcome on this draft. They will help the Group in determining the exact nature of its final submission.

Policy Name : Political Education, Political Education, Political Education.

Policy Explanation

A vibrant and intelligent political culture requires issues to be debated openly (but not violently) within the context of widespread commitments to civil liberties, including those of free expression. In the modern Labour Party and often in the wider Labour Movement, a past tradition of considering practical political alternatives in the light of the concepts of social equality, collectivism and democratic participation has tended to be sidelined. This is not an argument for the adoption of a political dogma by today's movement; for core values themselves need to be under continual testing and re-examination and to be attuned to changing circumstances. But unfortunately in today's movement too often core values tend to have withered away, rather than being re-assessed and updated.

The Labour Party in particular needs to encourage and facilitate internal debate and discussion about our times. A key avenue to achieve such an approach is the establishment of a political education programme to stimulate debate and discussion amongst what could then become a growing and active membership.

Such an approach is likely to require a serious publications' avenue which the Labour Party membership could contribute to. This would require moves towards a weekly Labour Party newspaper, the establishment of a theoretical journal, the publication of discussion pamphlets, the running of discussion groups and study courses; plus the use of web-sites and other avenues of more modern technology. The Labour Party itself should aim at running such provisions, building upon the efforts (amongst others) of Tribune, Chartist, the Fabian Society and Compass. (Note: these proposals are an add-on to the work of such groups and not a replacement.)

Such forms of Political Education will, however, only achieve a living impact when the internal structure of the Labour Party is openly democratised - yet political education could also encourage such a development.

The TUC, individual Trade Unions and the Co-operative Movement form essential parts of our Movement. They have their own traditions of providing their own internal educational programmes. The focus of such activities are often centred around the practical needs of health and safety representatives, shop stewards and equivalents. These programmes need to be leavened with fuller investigations around the historical, political and core values of the Labour Movement.

Ways and means of re-establishing a pre-Thatcherite tradition of working class education centred on the earlier practices of Colleges such as Ruskin, Coleg Harlech, the Northern College and Newbattle Abbey need to be explored.

Arguments In Favour

(1) An intelligent, questioning and democratic labour movement operating in the above ways would help to raise the whole level of political debate in the country and tackle the general limitations of the ya-boo debates now taking place across the main media avenues.

(2) It would help to make clearer and more coherent political choices for the electorate.

(3) The British Labour Movement has many links with the international labour movement. The importance of these would begin to be more widely understood (and used) by the movements rank and file. This would improve the Movements image, especially amongst young people.

Arguments Against

(1) If it took the wrong turn, an expanded political debate within the Labour Movement could lead to disruption and public turmoil which could alienate wide sections of the electorate.

(2) It could encourage entrist techniques into the Labour Party by Trotskyist and other groups.

(3) Unless concerns about political theory are related to practical political concerns, it could turn the Labour Party into a debating society rather than an organisation seeking to provide personnel for our democratically elected institutions.

How Does The Policy Relate To The Core Beliefs Of Compass? (i.e. equality, collectivism, sustainability, democracy.)

This programme essentially caters for the extension of Compass style understandings into the wider labour movement, whilst guarding against any tendency of these to become dogmas.

How Does This Build The Institutions Of Social Democracy?

It will help to develop a labour movement which will press for (a) an internally democratic Labour Party, (b) the opening up of the democratisation of governmental, parliamentary and local authority institutions and (c) will encourage serious political debate within the popular media.

What Are The Cost Implications?

The start of a political education programme throughout the labour movement could initially be done at minimal cost. What is needed is encouragement from labour leaders and Labour's head office to participate in a range of voluntary political educational activities. This would begin to set up the structure for summer schools, courses and publications which would often be financed by those encouraged to participate in what they saw as meaningful political activities. Costs would mainly be related to scholarships and staff payments when voluntary course directors and tutors could not be attracted.

Who Wins And Loses Amongst The Electorate?

If political education within the labour movement operates in ways which encourages questioning and debate, it is likely to help develop a relevant and appealing political perspective for the Labour Party. This would provide clear and intelligent choices for the electorate. In such circumstances, it would be vested interests that would lose out. If, however, political dogma distorted the uses of such avenues, then this would alienate wide sectors of the electorate.

A Sound Bite For The Public?

In seeking to build a society which involves its people within the decision-making process, we recognise that this has to start within our own institutions.

Where Has This Worked Before?

Although what has been suggested has never worked fully within the labour movement, aspects of this approach can be seen in the work of people such as the Webbs, the Coles and R.H. Tawney as well as in the past work of Workers' Educational Association, University Extension Courses and the residential Colleges for working people mentioned earlier. Given modern technology, use of Computer communication systems can now be employed.

Integrated Transport

At the December meeting of the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group we discussed the idea of sending a submission to Compass the independent democratic left pressure group for its project "How To Live In The 21st Century" (see Compass links on the item below). We came up with a set of ideas for establishing an integrated transport system. Based on the discussions, I have drafted the following submission in the format required by Compass. But we will need to re-examine this at the February meeting of the Group. It could be subject to numbers of changes before it is submitted. In preparation for the February meeting, members of the Group will be given a full opportunity to propose amendments of style and substance. One avenue is for them to do this via the comment box on this thread. Others who aren't members of the Group are more than welcome to submit their own ideas, which will be brought to the attention of the Dronfield meeting.

The final submission to Compass will also appear on this blog. This is the current state of play -

Policy Name : Integrated Transport.

Policy Explanation

A programme to move towards the effective use of an integrated public transport system; involving the establishment of a variety of forms of social ownership for the operations of buses, trams, taxis, aeroplanes, ships and lorries. In order to reduce congestion on our roads, priority will be given to public forms of transport over the use of private cars. A full use of an expanded rail network would be employed for the movement of goods as well as passengers. To maximize the use of public transport facilities, cheap and free fares would be extended, based on need. Current free and concessionary travel facilities for pensioners and others would provide a model for such schemes. Publicly run (or supported) taxi services, buses, trams, planes and ships would be linked whenever possible at bus and tram terminals, airports and ports. Entitlement to air travel would balance the needs of travellers with carbon footprint considerations.

Arguments In Favour

1. The programme would provide freedom of movement for many currently isolated due to age, poverty and residence in isolated communities.

2. The programme would tackle problems of traffic congestion and pollution and cut back on the need for disruptive road building programmes.

3. The programme would provide travel in a social context with people moving away from being isolated in their cars.

Arguments Against

1. Unless the policy is constructed with care, it could alienate wide sectors of the population who are committed to private car ownership and usage.

2. There will be dangers of job losses in the car industry, unless it is re-structured and re-equipped to provide the transport needs of the growing public market.

3. Many of the people required to operate an integrated public transport system will need to be drawn from current transport avenues which are run on the basis of competitive norms. They will need to be assisted to develop a public service ethos.

How Does The Policy Relate To the Core Beliefs of Compass? (i.e. equality, collectivism, sustainability, democracy.)

An integrated transport system will radically extend equal access to convenient forms of transport to everyone. It will challenge the possessive individualism which arises from the current dominance of private car ownership and advance collective and co-operative forms of behavior. In reducing private car usage, congestion and pollution; a sustainable transport system would reduce the need for road building and disruption. To operate a widespread and interlinked public transport system, there would be the need for a variety of forms of municipal, co-operative, regional and national forms of ownership.

How Does It Build The Institutions Of Social Democracy?

The variety of forms of public ownership mentioned above would require a range of forms of Democratic control. Many bus and tram companies could operate under local government control with their electors and users being encouraged to join in organisational structures to influence local transport policy decisions. Taxi operations would normally function under local co-operative arrangements with those operating and using taxis having a democratic input. Differing Air and Shipping Companies could operate at a variety of democratically controlled levels according to the scope of their operations. Operations at a UK or national level would function mainly for the major framework in an expanded railway system and in establishing and supervising the necessary interlinks between differing forms of transport. These would need to be subject to wide and open forms of national and UK parliamentary scrutiny.

What Are The Cost Implications?

With the expansion of public ownership decisions will have to be made on compensation levels for the previous shareholders. It is possible for the scale of compensation to differ between major investors on the one hand and on the other hand holdings by pensions funds, public bodies and small shareholders. The programme would also lead to a decline in both private car production and imports, with an associated loss of advertising and taxation revenue. Alternatively, the cut back in the use of private cars will save police and health service costs as accidents and pollution decline. Savings would be made in the decline in the need for road widening and construction programmes.

Who Wins And Loses Amongst The Electorate?

Resistance to aspects of the programme would come from many car owners, yet as individuals they would benefit from a more integrated transport system which would build a more civilised society. Strong support would come from many young people (in particular) who have commitments to environmental improvement.

A Sound Bite For The Public?

We will be able to move around conveniently when we want at a cost we can afford.

Where Has This Worked Before?

An aspect of the policy was run by the former South Yorkshire Metropolitan Council in relation to its bus services. It was possible to find buses easily and to interchange between services. Bus prices were held, becoming relatively cheap over time. It was popular and well used, until it was disbanded due to the actions of the Thatcher Government.

The Dronfield Labour Party Discussion meeting came up with a second set of proposals on the topic of "Political Education". It will be covered in the same format as above in an item to be posted tomorrow.

Setting Out Our Compass

Compass, the independent democratic left pressure group, are encouraging people to hold meetings to determine sets of political proposals for a programme entitled "How To Live In The 21st Century". These are for submission to Compass, where they will be voted upon by its members to form the organisation's campaigning priorities.

Dronfield Labour Party runs a monthly discussion meeting and it devoted its last one to the above proposal. At its meeting, five sets of ideas were proposed and discussed. The meeting decided to pursue two of these with a view to submitting them to Compass. One was on "Integrated Transport" and the other on "Political Education".

Harry Barnes as the Political Education Officer of the Dronfield Labour Party has drafted submissions on the above two items in line with discussions at the meeting. He has drafted these in the format required by Compass.

At the moment these are provisional documents which need to be returned to the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Meeting for further debate and refinement. When this has been done they will be submitted to Compass.

In the meantime, the provisional submissions will be placed on this blog. The proposals in relation to "Integrated Transport" will appear tomorrow and those on "Political Education" will follow on Saturday. Later the finalised versions as submitted to Compass will also appear on this blog.

Members of the Dronfield Labour Party Discussion Group and any other readers will be encouraged to respond via our comment box.