In politics it is sometimes worth stepping back from the immediate hurly burly to take stock of the broader context. David Osland’s new pamphlet “How to select or Reselect your MP” invites us to do so, by his self-conscious decision to reboot a pamphlet that was first published in 1981. While both the Corbyn and […]
Tim Roache calling on trade unionists to back Corbyn
Aug 3rd, 2016 by Andy Newman.At this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala. GMB General Secretary, Tim Roache. “If we had had any of the other three candidates last year, we would have continued to lose all the millions of voters we have lost over the years. [Jeremy Corbyn] offers us an alternative, He offers us proud trade unionism. He offers us […]
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The Labour Party kills satire
Jul 21st, 2016 by Andy Newman.Johnny Cash famously spent a night in jail in Starkville Mississippi for picking flowers. The Labour Party has recently achieved a similar level of ludicrous overreaction by suspending the award winning Irish poet, Kevin Higgins, for writing a satirical poem. Kevin is a renowned artist, whose work is discussed in Justin Quinn’s Cambridge Introduction to […]
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The Delusions of the anti-Corbyn plotters
Jun 30th, 2016 by Andy Newman.On Thursday 23rd June the unexpected triumph of the Leave campaign can only be read as a rebuke to the authority of the political class. Certainly racism and anti-immigrant prejudice informed many voters, but that was far from the only motive for so many people rejecting the overwhelming consensus view of experts and professionals who counseled […]
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Don’t blow up the Labour Party
Jun 29th, 2016 by Andy Newman.The Labour Party in opposition needs to present itself as an alternative government, but just as importantly the role of the main opposition party in a parliamentary democracy is to seek to influence the decisions of government, and shape the political debate. Given the potentially economically catastrophic vote to leave the EU last Thursday, an […]
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Political Violence and Mental Health
Jun 22nd, 2016 by Andy Newman.Given the fact that the alleged murderer of Jo Cox has been charged, it is important that any discussion of the surrounding issues is contextualized by the requirements of the criminal justice system. There is guidance on reporting restrictions and contempt of court provided by the Crown Prosecution Service here. But if we step outside […]
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Staring into the abyss
Jun 17th, 2016 by Andy Newman.Sometimes the rush of the commenentariat to express opinions about contemporary events can seem cynical and ill considered. But I was impressed by two articles which must have been written as almost instant reactions to the tragic murder of Jo Cox, one by Alex Massie in the Spectator and one by Polly Toynbee in the […]
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Winning in the South: Jez we can.
May 9th, 2016 by Andy Newman.The election results from Bristol came in over the weekend, and it is worth reflecting the degree to which they demonstrate significant advance, particularly as Labour does need to win in the South of England. Simon Woolley has already observed the enormous significance of a mayor of Afro-Caribbean heritage being directly elected in a city […]
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A letter to the Chief Constable
May 6th, 2016 by Andy Newman.6th May 2016 Mr Mike Veale Chief Constable, Wiltshire Police Possible Illegal Practice in Chippenham, contrary to the Representation of the People Act 1983. Dear Mr Veale I am addressing this personally to you, due to the sensitivity of the matter. As you are no doubt aware, in May 2016, the current MP for […]
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Nationwide Building Society and Stephen Uden’s “Invisible People”
Apr 15th, 2016 by Andy Newman.UPDATE: Since writing this article I was sent a link via Twitter from the Nationwide Building Society Press office, denying the story. Nationwide say: The GMB’s accusation is disappointing, surprising and, quite frankly, wrong. We have not asked our partners Carillion to reduce the hours of its employees. So let me confirm what I know […]
