There is no labour in New Labour
3 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 1:48 PM.
For the last few week Respect members in Cambridge have been leafleting for a demonstration against privatisation and cuts in public services.
The demo happened this Saturday and was called by the local trades council. Many Respect members have been involved in the organisation. There was a good turn out and we built further links between the different trade unions in Cambridge and service users. We also took our message to many members of the public.
Whilst out canvassinge for the elections we have been telling people about the demonstration and asking them come along. On the occasions when we have happened on Labour supporters or members we have tried to encourage them to show solidarity with the workers from hospitals, schools, the fire station and other public services by attening the demo. The responses we have received have been telling. There appears to be very little linking Labour party members in cambridge and the Labour movement.
On Saturday morning I was standing outside the Co-op in Romsey Town giving out leaflets about the march and talking to people about public services. I gave a leaflet to one man and invited him to attend, he replied “no, I’m in the Labour Party!”. I tried to ask him again and encouraged him as a Labour party member to support public services and workers. He seemed to have little idea of the irony in the response he had given.
We have had a stall every Saturday for the last two months and the Labour party have more recently set up a stall as well – they arrive later, leave earlier and get less interest and more stick of the public.
I feel sad for them because they are taking the flack for New Labour whilst paying for Cherrie Blair’s haircuts. I also feel sad because lots of labour voters and supporters are hanging on to the idea that local Labour parties still hold some of the values of class solidarity.
I went to ask the woman who runs the stall if she was coming to demonstrate against the privatisation of Cambridge fire station and other services. Her response was to defend the decision to give the fire station to a developer. Even though it was a decision made by the Tory county council. She seemed embarrassed when I explained the real situation and my genuine desire to work together with Labour party members to resist privatisation and protect public services.
My NUT comrade and fellow Respect member Jo reported that she had the same experience with another Labour party member who happened on the rally in the town centre. What is absolutely clear is that the Labour party has lost its tradition of standing together with worker. This is because there is no formal links between the Labour group on the council and the trade unions. Thus they can not find out what is happening in the workplace let alone select candidates from the trade union movement or fight for publicly owned services. It is a party a long way from it roots.
Needless to say there were no Labour party members or councillors on the demo? There has been a right wing coup that has transfored the parlimentry labour party into a bunch of consultants and Public relations people. If those who want to regain the Labour party are going to succeed then they need to rebuild grass roots links with the trade unions. RESPECT is doing this!
The demo happened this Saturday and was called by the local trades council. Many Respect members have been involved in the organisation. There was a good turn out and we built further links between the different trade unions in Cambridge and service users. We also took our message to many members of the public. Whilst out canvassinge for the elections we have been telling people about the demonstration and asking them come along. On the occasions when we have happened on Labour supporters or members we have tried to encourage them to show solidarity with the workers from hospitals, schools, the fire station and other public services by attening the demo. The responses we have received have been telling. There appears to be very little linking Labour party members in cambridge and the Labour movement.
On Saturday morning I was standing outside the Co-op in Romsey Town giving out leaflets about the march and talking to people about public services. I gave a leaflet to one man and invited him to attend, he replied “no, I’m in the Labour Party!”. I tried to ask him again and encouraged him as a Labour party member to support public services and workers. He seemed to have little idea of the irony in the response he had given.
We have had a stall every Saturday for the last two months and the Labour party have more recently set up a stall as well – they arrive later, leave earlier and get less interest and more stick of the public.
I feel sad for them because they are taking the flack for New Labour whilst paying for Cherrie Blair’s haircuts. I also feel sad because lots of labour voters and supporters are hanging on to the idea that local Labour parties still hold some of the values of class solidarity. I went to ask the woman who runs the stall if she was coming to demonstrate against the privatisation of Cambridge fire station and other services. Her response was to defend the decision to give the fire station to a developer. Even though it was a decision made by the Tory county council. She seemed embarrassed when I explained the real situation and my genuine desire to work together with Labour party members to resist privatisation and protect public services.
My NUT comrade and fellow Respect member Jo reported that she had the same experience with another Labour party member who happened on the rally in the town centre. What is absolutely clear is that the Labour party has lost its tradition of standing together with worker. This is because there is no formal links between the Labour group on the council and the trade unions. Thus they can not find out what is happening in the workplace let alone select candidates from the trade union movement or fight for publicly owned services. It is a party a long way from it roots.
Needless to say there were no Labour party members or councillors on the demo? There has been a right wing coup that has transfored the parlimentry labour party into a bunch of consultants and Public relations people. If those who want to regain the Labour party are going to succeed then they need to rebuild grass roots links with the trade unions. RESPECT is doing this!
Labels: Local Respect
5 reasons to vote Respect in the Local Elections
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 6:39 AM.
Public Services owned by and run for the public
we will campaign against the sale of public property to developers and oppose the three main parties privatization of schools, hospitals, public housing and emergency services.
Independent councillors accountable to local people
Unlike the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dem's Respect are not funded by big business. The role of a councillor is to represent the people and not to middle manage the Central Governments agenda.
Direct investment in local communities
We will work to protect local businesses and community facilities from multi-nationals. We will fight to reinvest in youth amenities, adult education and well resourced public spaces.
Respect for the environment
Recycling is not enough. We will propose a sustainable city charter in which businesses must not produce as much waste. Housing, planning, transport and leisure decisions will be approved by the environment committee.
Councils against war and imperialism
Along with other Respect councils we hope to declare that Cambridge council opposes the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and all future wars that aim to secure profits for oil companies and other corporate interests.
we will campaign against the sale of public property to developers and oppose the three main parties privatization of schools, hospitals, public housing and emergency services.
Independent councillors accountable to local people
Unlike the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dem's Respect are not funded by big business. The role of a councillor is to represent the people and not to middle manage the Central Governments agenda.
Direct investment in local communities
We will work to protect local businesses and community facilities from multi-nationals. We will fight to reinvest in youth amenities, adult education and well resourced public spaces.
Respect for the environment
Recycling is not enough. We will propose a sustainable city charter in which businesses must not produce as much waste. Housing, planning, transport and leisure decisions will be approved by the environment committee.
Councils against war and imperialism
Along with other Respect councils we hope to declare that Cambridge council opposes the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and all future wars that aim to secure profits for oil companies and other corporate interests.
Labels: Local Respect
With Your Help We Can Win
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 3:10 PM.
We have had another successful weekend. The stall on Saturday was buzzing and lots of people wanted to talk to us.
We canvassed 200 houses on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and the positive responses have really increased. We spoke to 40 new definite RESPECT voters on the doorstep this weekend alone and over 60 more who are possible RESPECT voters.
The canvas returns show that we are now well known and that lots of people are willing to vote RESPECT. It is clear that many now just need the confidence and reassurance to do so.
We need to do a lot more to win, but what is becoming apparent is that with your effort in the next 10 days a result is a real possibility!
PLEASE GIVE ALL THE HELP YOU CAN - SEE THE CAMPAIGN TIMETABLE OR PHONE DENISE (07921256766) IF YOU CAN SPEND TIME HELPING DURRING THE DAYS!
We canvassed 200 houses on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and the positive responses have really increased. We spoke to 40 new definite RESPECT voters on the doorstep this weekend alone and over 60 more who are possible RESPECT voters.
The canvas returns show that we are now well known and that lots of people are willing to vote RESPECT. It is clear that many now just need the confidence and reassurance to do so.
We need to do a lot more to win, but what is becoming apparent is that with your effort in the next 10 days a result is a real possibility!
PLEASE GIVE ALL THE HELP YOU CAN - SEE THE CAMPAIGN TIMETABLE OR PHONE DENISE (07921256766) IF YOU CAN SPEND TIME HELPING DURRING THE DAYS!
Labels: Local Respect
Shame on Liberal Democrats
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 4:10 PM.
The Lib Dem Councillors voted unanimously against a motion to reconsider the sell off of the three sheltered housing schemes at Simon's house, Seymore Court and Tiverton House. Their disregard for the current and future tenants in these schemes shows a lack of commitment to affordable publicly run housing. They clearly have no commitment to the integrated and affordable way in which these schemes are of benefit to society and those most vulnerable.
We will continue our commitment to high quality publicly owned council housing.
We will continue our commitment to high quality publicly owned council housing.
Labels: Local Respect
Here is a picture of the three Cambridge candidates. We are in the area all of the time. Please stop to talk to us or ask questions. We will come and visit you if you get in touch. We are also outside the Co-op on Mill Road between 10.30 amd 12.30 on Saturday mornings.Labels: Local Respect
I took a break from canvassing this weekend to attend the National Union of teachers conference. Respect is different from our political rivals because we are actively involved in the trade union movement. Campaigning for stronger trade unions in order to create better conditions of service and, amongst teachers, for better investment and a more radical approach to schooling.
It is always a joy to get together others who really feel we can make a difference and who know the government agenda has its priorities wrong. It was especially exciting this year because of the growing presence that Respect has amongst teachers. There were two other candidates at conference and Respect members and supporters were a huge presence. We made a massive input as we were able to put across a political alternative to conference delegates who are completely fed up with mainstream politicians. The Government came under serious attack from conference speakers and many Respect members contributed to important debates.
This government provides us with a massive threat to comprehensive state education. The education white paper passed last month proposes to take state schools out of public control and move them into the hands of big business. Trust schools and City Academies allow businesses to have a say is the curriculum and running of schools whilst handing over control of the land and buildings. We have already seen how this is open for corruption as New Labours cash for peerages scandals has involved some of the backers of the acadamies project. Access to a good education is a right and market forces will create more inequality, only those who can afford it will get a good education. Poor student, those who are disadvantaged and students with special educational needs will loose out as schools become under pressure to maximise output.They will become more like factories turning out Mac-workers. Schools are already to much like conveyor belts as it is. Respect support the NUT, who want comprehensive schooling that places happiness, healthyness and co-oporation at its heart.
I spoke on pensioned and told the conference how the money was there to give all working people a decent pension at a reasonable retirement age and we passed he motion. I also spoke at a Respect fringe meeting that had 90 delegates attend. The mood was excellent and there was a real feeling that Respect can make an excellent breakthrough in the local elections and start regaining some real representation for ordinary people. Lots of other people spoke about Respect campaigns elsewhere in the county and there is a real feeling that the population is comming round to the feeing that we need an alternative to the three partiesof big bussiness.
I cant wait to start canvassing again tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do!
It is always a joy to get together others who really feel we can make a difference and who know the government agenda has its priorities wrong. It was especially exciting this year because of the growing presence that Respect has amongst teachers. There were two other candidates at conference and Respect members and supporters were a huge presence. We made a massive input as we were able to put across a political alternative to conference delegates who are completely fed up with mainstream politicians. The Government came under serious attack from conference speakers and many Respect members contributed to important debates.
This government provides us with a massive threat to comprehensive state education. The education white paper passed last month proposes to take state schools out of public control and move them into the hands of big business. Trust schools and City Academies allow businesses to have a say is the curriculum and running of schools whilst handing over control of the land and buildings. We have already seen how this is open for corruption as New Labours cash for peerages scandals has involved some of the backers of the acadamies project. Access to a good education is a right and market forces will create more inequality, only those who can afford it will get a good education. Poor student, those who are disadvantaged and students with special educational needs will loose out as schools become under pressure to maximise output.They will become more like factories turning out Mac-workers. Schools are already to much like conveyor belts as it is. Respect support the NUT, who want comprehensive schooling that places happiness, healthyness and co-oporation at its heart.
I spoke on pensioned and told the conference how the money was there to give all working people a decent pension at a reasonable retirement age and we passed he motion. I also spoke at a Respect fringe meeting that had 90 delegates attend. The mood was excellent and there was a real feeling that Respect can make an excellent breakthrough in the local elections and start regaining some real representation for ordinary people. Lots of other people spoke about Respect campaigns elsewhere in the county and there is a real feeling that the population is comming round to the feeing that we need an alternative to the three partiesof big bussiness.
I cant wait to start canvassing again tomorrow. We have a lot of work to do!
Two New Respect candidates in Cambridge
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 7:39 PM.
Cambridge RESPECT have launched two addition candidates for the Romsey ward By- Elections. Denise Knowelden and Sam Caldwell have joined me to create a full slate in the ward.
We have stepped up our activities in Romsey over the last 6 weeks and have canvassed a large part of the ward. We are getting an excellent response and feel if we can visit the rest of the ward then we stand a good chance. Romsey has traditionally been a Labour seat but there is little appetite for 'New Labour' on the door step. The lib Dems now hold all four seats in the ward as many people have reluctantly switched in the last out of discust at the Blair agenda. People now feel let down by them as well. Ill thought out development, and Housing, Health and Fire Service cuts and privatisation. threats have shown people that there really is little difference between the big three Parties.
We have stepped up our activities in Romsey over the last 6 weeks and have canvassed a large part of the ward. We are getting an excellent response and feel if we can visit the rest of the ward then we stand a good chance. Romsey has traditionally been a Labour seat but there is little appetite for 'New Labour' on the door step. The lib Dems now hold all four seats in the ward as many people have reluctantly switched in the last out of discust at the Blair agenda. People now feel let down by them as well. Ill thought out development, and Housing, Health and Fire Service cuts and privatisation. threats have shown people that there really is little difference between the big three Parties.
Labels: Local Respect
Support Military Families Against the War
0 Comments Published by Tom Woodcock on Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 6:00 PM.
Tony Blair has refused to meet the families of those killed in Iraq. He has not visited the many hundreds of soldiers wounded in his war nor attended
any of the funerals of those killed.
The families are demanding a meeting with Tony Blair because they need an accounting for the reasons the country was taken to war and the reasons why they have suffered so much.
On Wednesday April 26 the military families are organising a lobby of MPs in parliament. Following the lobby they will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph and delivering a petition to Downing Street. They are calling on other families and servicemen and women to join then to make clear to Tony Blair that he cannot continue to ignore them.
The open letter the families have written to Tony Blair can be downloaded from here:
http://www.mfaw.org.uk/
The petition demanding that Tony Blair meet the bereaved families can be signed here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/MFAWAp06/petition.html
and downloaded for collecting signatures here:
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/new/resources/index.htm
any of the funerals of those killed.
The families are demanding a meeting with Tony Blair because they need an accounting for the reasons the country was taken to war and the reasons why they have suffered so much.
On Wednesday April 26 the military families are organising a lobby of MPs in parliament. Following the lobby they will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph and delivering a petition to Downing Street. They are calling on other families and servicemen and women to join then to make clear to Tony Blair that he cannot continue to ignore them.
The open letter the families have written to Tony Blair can be downloaded from here:
http://www.mfaw.org.uk/
The petition demanding that Tony Blair meet the bereaved families can be signed here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/MFAWAp06/petition.html
and downloaded for collecting signatures here:
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/new/resources/index.htm
Labels: Stop the War
