Support the pension strikes
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 2:32 PM.
The issue of pensions is coming up regularly on the doorstep in Romsey. Many people at, or close to, retirement age face adverse prospects. The government – backed up by the Tories and the Lib Dems – are trying to divide working people in two ways on this issue. One is by ripping apart pension agreements with each section of the workforce separately. The other is by trying to divide public and private sector workers on the issue of the retirement age. Along with the CBI, the three main parties think we are all living longer and that the answer to this is bringing public sector workers in line with the recognised retirement age of 65 as opposed to 60.
I am adamant that we must protect the public sector schemes.
Firstly, private sector workers – particularly in low paid jobs and without proper pensions provision – regularly have to work beyond 65. The knock-on effect will be an across the board rise in expected retirement age for the lowest paid workers. We should fight for better pensions for all.
Secondly, life expectancies are only rising amongst certain parts of the population. The average mortality of a manual worker has risen very little since the 1970s.
Thirdly, pensions are deferred wages and schemes are paid into in good faith. To take them away is not only a pay cut but pure robbery.
It is becoming more and more clear that Gordan Brown's stewardship of the economy is a sham. He raided £5bn out of pension funds in his first year in government and this is the current shortfall. It is also less than the cost of the Iraq war. Brown has propped up the economy in a number of ways. He has encouraged the general public to increase personal borrowing. He is selling off public assets and increasing the tax burden disproportionately on the least well off. None of these methods are sustainable. To think that the Labour Party is relying on him as the next Prime Minister shows how anti-labour New Labour has become.
We spend less than half the percentage of GDP on pensions than our nearest Western European counterparts do, resulting in some of the poorest pensioners in Europe. For the ‘fourth richest’ economy in the world this is a disgrace.
RESPECT wholeheartedly supports union action to protect all our pensions and will continue to fight for a restoration of index linked pensions and the right for all of us to live out our old age in dignity.
I am adamant that we must protect the public sector schemes.
Firstly, private sector workers – particularly in low paid jobs and without proper pensions provision – regularly have to work beyond 65. The knock-on effect will be an across the board rise in expected retirement age for the lowest paid workers. We should fight for better pensions for all.
Secondly, life expectancies are only rising amongst certain parts of the population. The average mortality of a manual worker has risen very little since the 1970s.
Thirdly, pensions are deferred wages and schemes are paid into in good faith. To take them away is not only a pay cut but pure robbery.
It is becoming more and more clear that Gordan Brown's stewardship of the economy is a sham. He raided £5bn out of pension funds in his first year in government and this is the current shortfall. It is also less than the cost of the Iraq war. Brown has propped up the economy in a number of ways. He has encouraged the general public to increase personal borrowing. He is selling off public assets and increasing the tax burden disproportionately on the least well off. None of these methods are sustainable. To think that the Labour Party is relying on him as the next Prime Minister shows how anti-labour New Labour has become.
We spend less than half the percentage of GDP on pensions than our nearest Western European counterparts do, resulting in some of the poorest pensioners in Europe. For the ‘fourth richest’ economy in the world this is a disgrace.
RESPECT wholeheartedly supports union action to protect all our pensions and will continue to fight for a restoration of index linked pensions and the right for all of us to live out our old age in dignity.
Admiration and solidarity for Janet Alder
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Monday, March 27, 2006 at 12:46 PM.
For eight years Janet has been fighting for justice in the case of her brother Christopher, who died in police custody. I have met Janet twice whilst campaigning with Respect (Janet stood for Respect in Tottenham in the general election) and she is a truly remarkable and courageous woman. She has been up against an obstructive police force who have destroyed evidence and closed ranks to protect racist officers who committed a brutal criminal offence.
Today’s report makes it clear that four officers are guilty of “the most serious neglect of duty” and showed the attack to be racially motivated. This is a big step in Janet’s battle and there is no doubt that the case would have been completely covered up were it not for her fight. The four officers must now be held to account.
Today’s report makes it clear that four officers are guilty of “the most serious neglect of duty” and showed the attack to be racially motivated. This is a big step in Janet’s battle and there is no doubt that the case would have been completely covered up were it not for her fight. The four officers must now be held to account.
Labels: Unite/Anti Racism
Canvassing has been a joy today, 40 more votes and a lot of very good responses.
There is clearly no appetite for Labour or the Liberal Democrats. They have blown all of their credibility with council tenants and there is an awful lot of ill feeling about privatisation and the war.
There is clearly no appetite for Labour or the Liberal Democrats. They have blown all of their credibility with council tenants and there is an awful lot of ill feeling about privatisation and the war.
Labels: Local Respect
Thursday's local paper presented us with the news that Joanna Toomey and Iain Coleman, Lib Dem County and City Councillors for Romsey Ward, have fallen in love and decided to move to Scotland. The truth is that Romsey residents and others in Cambridge would not have been worse off if the Love birds had been in Scotland for the duration of their time on the council. In fact it would be fair to say, with the inept decisions the council have made, we would all have been better off.
Cambridge Respect are only standing in Romsey ward at this Election and I was our only candidate. There will now he a double by-election in a ward we feel we can win. Needless to say we will be looking to stand in the two vacant seats and build on the excellent response we have been getting. We now have a chance of making a massive breakthrough. Thank-you cupid.
Cambridge Respect are only standing in Romsey ward at this Election and I was our only candidate. There will now he a double by-election in a ward we feel we can win. Needless to say we will be looking to stand in the two vacant seats and build on the excellent response we have been getting. We now have a chance of making a massive breakthrough. Thank-you cupid.
Labels: Local Respect
Cambridge Lib Dem’s Double Standards . . . Again!
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 2:32 PM.
The Cambridge Lib Dems like to make out that they are a caring party who look after the old and those with specific needs. They rightly point out that cuts in services are a disgraceful result of New Labour policy. It is indeed true that increased privatisation and the claw back of debt clocked up by privatisation policies, are the root of cuts in vital services. However, this week the Cambridge City Housing management board, controlled by Lib Dem Councillors, has voted to sell the sheltered housing schemes at Simons House, Seymour Court and Tiverton House.
These residential care facilities are a key part of Cambridge City Council's integrated health and housing services, providing important and affordable support and accommodation for the community. We must defend them.
RESPECT will be helping gain the 500 tenant signatories needed to present the case to the next full city council meeting. We will do all we can to help prevent a decision that will go against the will of all of the residents. This was made clear in the overwhelming vote by council tenants to keep all remaining council housing in public hands. The Council have already spent £430,000 trying to convince tenants to sell. They didn’t get the decision they wanted and are now proposing to ignore the vote completely.
If you can help get signatories or want to sign please email me!
These residential care facilities are a key part of Cambridge City Council's integrated health and housing services, providing important and affordable support and accommodation for the community. We must defend them.
RESPECT will be helping gain the 500 tenant signatories needed to present the case to the next full city council meeting. We will do all we can to help prevent a decision that will go against the will of all of the residents. This was made clear in the overwhelming vote by council tenants to keep all remaining council housing in public hands. The Council have already spent £430,000 trying to convince tenants to sell. They didn’t get the decision they wanted and are now proposing to ignore the vote completely.
If you can help get signatories or want to sign please email me!
Labels: Local Respect
A less convincing apology I have never seen . . .
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on at 5:42 AM.
Tony Blair's analysis in parts was spot on . . but he didn't believe what he said.
"According to [opponents of the war], the policy of America since 9/11 has been a gross overreaction; George Bush is as much, if not more of, a threat to world peace as Osama bin Laden; and what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else in the Middle East, is an entirely understandable consequence of US/UK imperialism or, worse, of just plain stupidity." (T. Blair, Reuters HQ, Canary Wharf, 21/3/06)
Blair’s speech to Reuters last night was desperate. How can he constantly refer to himself as a progressive? Does he really think he is helping to stop world poverty or environmental destruction? Both of which he used as an excuse for Iraq, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and The Balkans. He is now trying to convince his opponents by showing that he understands everyone’s concerns, but went on to say he would do it all again. It just made him look like a bigger apologist for Bush, stupid and desperate, calculated and wrong!
"According to [opponents of the war], the policy of America since 9/11 has been a gross overreaction; George Bush is as much, if not more of, a threat to world peace as Osama bin Laden; and what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else in the Middle East, is an entirely understandable consequence of US/UK imperialism or, worse, of just plain stupidity." (T. Blair, Reuters HQ, Canary Wharf, 21/3/06)
Blair’s speech to Reuters last night was desperate. How can he constantly refer to himself as a progressive? Does he really think he is helping to stop world poverty or environmental destruction? Both of which he used as an excuse for Iraq, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and The Balkans. He is now trying to convince his opponents by showing that he understands everyone’s concerns, but went on to say he would do it all again. It just made him look like a bigger apologist for Bush, stupid and desperate, calculated and wrong!
Labels: Local Respect
Iran is Bush's Iraq exit strategy
4 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 12:17 PM.
I believe that the US neo-cons have no intention of leaving Iraq without first imposing an economy that serves American big business interests. They will almost certainly leave air bases to watch over 'their' interests, as they have elsewhere in the world. By taking control of Iraqi oil and awarding contracts to US companies, they are ensuring that the Iraqis pay for the occupation.
Many people I speak to think things would get worse in Iraq if the troops left. While we won't know unless the troops leave, even those Iraqis who supported the Coalition now see that the occupation itself has created a breeding ground for the insurgents. I think there could well be an increase in bloodshed if we leave, however things are continuing to get worse for the Iraqi people whilst we stay. We have to recognise that we have no business being in Iraq and that the overwhelming majority of Iraqis, nearly 90% in a recent poll, want us to leave. Where is the democracy on that issue? Where is the referendum?
The long-term stability of the region has been seriously threatened and we are now faced with the prospect of an attack on Iran. Many people don't believe that George Bush is mad enough to do this, even though he has commissioned plans detailing how it could be done and a timetable for doing so. The US and British governments have lost the war they started in Iraq and it is pro-Iranians who now hold key positions in the new government of Iraq: a further excuse for the Neo-Cons to press for an attack on Iran.
The US are now planning for the same process of sanctions and air strikes on Iran. The US are waging a propaganda war through the UN and Blair, Brown, Straw and the gang are all playing the same game. Staying in Iraq does not just mean staying in Iraq, it means expanding the war into a mass regional conflict.
We should bring the troops home now!
Many people I speak to think things would get worse in Iraq if the troops left. While we won't know unless the troops leave, even those Iraqis who supported the Coalition now see that the occupation itself has created a breeding ground for the insurgents. I think there could well be an increase in bloodshed if we leave, however things are continuing to get worse for the Iraqi people whilst we stay. We have to recognise that we have no business being in Iraq and that the overwhelming majority of Iraqis, nearly 90% in a recent poll, want us to leave. Where is the democracy on that issue? Where is the referendum?
The long-term stability of the region has been seriously threatened and we are now faced with the prospect of an attack on Iran. Many people don't believe that George Bush is mad enough to do this, even though he has commissioned plans detailing how it could be done and a timetable for doing so. The US and British governments have lost the war they started in Iraq and it is pro-Iranians who now hold key positions in the new government of Iraq: a further excuse for the Neo-Cons to press for an attack on Iran.
The US are now planning for the same process of sanctions and air strikes on Iran. The US are waging a propaganda war through the UN and Blair, Brown, Straw and the gang are all playing the same game. Staying in Iraq does not just mean staying in Iraq, it means expanding the war into a mass regional conflict.
We should bring the troops home now!
Labels: Stop the War
The Education Bill is a Disgrace
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 8:51 AM.
The bill encourages the market to make further inroads into education and will lead to more testing, streaming and selection on ability. Where Foundation schools and city academies – the forerunners to trust schools – have been set up, it has led to more exclusions, less pay for teachers, more involvement in a profit-driven ethos, and falling rolls in neighbouring schools.
However the passing of the education white paper also marks a watershed in modern British politics. If you were not already convinced that the parliamentary Labour Party has been hijacked by right wingers, then here is your wake-up call.
The fact that Blair needed the Tories to pass the paper illustrates the these are Tory reforms. John McDonald, well respected Labour MP and chair of the left wing campaign group, said that:
"Blair has now effectively resigned as the leader of the party."
The implication is that Blair is now running a coalition government with the Tories. Blair is systematically taking apart the socially progressive gains in education that even Thatcher was unable to get through, because of a strong oppositional voice. Some of those same voices are now behind this right-wing agenda.
Respect will continue to fight the new proposals on a local and national level.
However the passing of the education white paper also marks a watershed in modern British politics. If you were not already convinced that the parliamentary Labour Party has been hijacked by right wingers, then here is your wake-up call.
The fact that Blair needed the Tories to pass the paper illustrates the these are Tory reforms. John McDonald, well respected Labour MP and chair of the left wing campaign group, said that:
"Blair has now effectively resigned as the leader of the party."
The implication is that Blair is now running a coalition government with the Tories. Blair is systematically taking apart the socially progressive gains in education that even Thatcher was unable to get through, because of a strong oppositional voice. Some of those same voices are now behind this right-wing agenda.
Respect will continue to fight the new proposals on a local and national level.
Troops Out of Iraq, Don't attack Iran
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Friday, March 10, 2006 at 5:43 PM.
I am hoping that there will be a lot of people from Cambridge on the Stop the War demo, called for Saturday the 18th of March. We are getting a good response for the coaches. Opposition to the occupation of Iraq is at an all time high both in Iraq and here. Now the US government is busy bullying its way round the UN and the international community trumping up the case against Iran whilst breaking international laws left, right and centre. What hypocrisy.Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan, is speaking at a Stop the War meeting in the Latimer Room, Clare College, Cambridge on Monday the 13th at 8pm.
If you would like a seat on the Stop the War coaches which leave Cambridge at 10am from Queens Road then you can buy tickets at the above event or Email me: woodcocktom@hotmail.com
Labels: Stop the War
The Cambridge County Council are making one of their worst decisions ever by proposing to give away Parkside Fire Station. The decision will give developer Revurban the land in return for a smaller, less well equipped station and some undersized over priced yuppy flats. It is a completely undemocratic move. Not only has the contract not been out to tender, but the station once built will no longer be owned by the public. We must not let this happen! Cambridge RESPECT is fighting this decision and we urge you to do the same. Of course this would be easier with an elected councillor.
The building as it stand is not just a fire station but a community fire station. This means we are all allowed to use it! with some proper public investment Parkside station could be a fantastic resource for the people of cambridge.
Labels: No Fire Cuts
It is clear from talking to Romsey residents that the council is failing to provide enough activities for young people of all ages. Romsey Mill and the Ross street community centre have some organised activities and these are invaluable resources. However Teenagers and younger children need to have sports and social activates that are properly funded and organised.
Many parents seem to be willing to put some time into supporting these activities but the drive must come from council funding in order to provide the infrastructure and equipment. Supervised tournaments, discos, film screenings and other community based activities would be a progressive way of keeping young people active and supporting the communities educational needs.
Park keepers are now seen as a thing of the past. They were the victims of cut backs. We need new council employees who can supervise our open spaces so they are safe for everyone and so the community can get the maximum use out of them. The council now employs liaison officers to check on young people with ASBO's it would be more progressive to employ these people to run activities so that our youths do not get victimised for having nothing to do.
Many parents seem to be willing to put some time into supporting these activities but the drive must come from council funding in order to provide the infrastructure and equipment. Supervised tournaments, discos, film screenings and other community based activities would be a progressive way of keeping young people active and supporting the communities educational needs.
Park keepers are now seen as a thing of the past. They were the victims of cut backs. We need new council employees who can supervise our open spaces so they are safe for everyone and so the community can get the maximum use out of them. The council now employs liaison officers to check on young people with ASBO's it would be more progressive to employ these people to run activities so that our youths do not get victimised for having nothing to do.
Labels: Local Respect
Welcome to the Blog. Over the next two months I will be posting about the Cambridge Respect local election campaign in the Romsey ward for 2006. I hope to share my experiences and hope that you free you can comment. If you are able to vote in Romsey I hope that the blog might aid you in making an informed decision about the candidate you chose to Represent you. For other visitors I hope that we can share ideas about much broader issues.
No to Fire Station Development
1 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 4:30 AM.
Sent to Cambridge Evening News 2/3/06
Not Published!
The proposed redevelopment of Cambridge fire station is a disgrace. Job losses at the station already mean that they rescue teams can not crew both special appliances at the same time. The new development will further reduces the services that the fire fighters can provide, by removing training facilities and other vital resources, but it is also a serious mismanagement of public property.
I am appalled that a publicly owned asset can be just given away to a profit hungry developer. Where are the councils principals? We have fought hard over the last century to build a welfare state that supports all of us regardless of social background. At that heart of this commitment is the public ownership of our own services and facilities. This disgraceful decision is one of a long line that hands public assets over to the private sector and is already ripping the heart out of our education, health, housing and now emergency provisions.
I urge the news and its readers to back proper public investment in Cambridge fire and rescue in order to maintain and build on the high standard of safety that we have come to rely on.
Not Published!
The proposed redevelopment of Cambridge fire station is a disgrace. Job losses at the station already mean that they rescue teams can not crew both special appliances at the same time. The new development will further reduces the services that the fire fighters can provide, by removing training facilities and other vital resources, but it is also a serious mismanagement of public property.
I am appalled that a publicly owned asset can be just given away to a profit hungry developer. Where are the councils principals? We have fought hard over the last century to build a welfare state that supports all of us regardless of social background. At that heart of this commitment is the public ownership of our own services and facilities. This disgraceful decision is one of a long line that hands public assets over to the private sector and is already ripping the heart out of our education, health, housing and now emergency provisions.
I urge the news and its readers to back proper public investment in Cambridge fire and rescue in order to maintain and build on the high standard of safety that we have come to rely on.
Labels: No Fire Cuts
