The interim report by Lord Collins on the relationship between the party and trade unions was circulated to Labour’s national executive committee this morning. Too late for them to comment prior to publication — but they will be relieved by what they read. One of Ed’s greatest qualities is his ability to unite Labour, and […]
Posts Tagged ‘Labour-Union Link’
Individual trade unionists are being offered no influence. Just like party members
Sep 12th, 2013 by Jon Lansman.At the end of Ed’s speech at this week’s TUC, most delegates clapped politely, as befits the person they’d prefer to be the next prime minister. But there was no enthusiasm. Trade union delegates feel misunderstood and unwanted. and it is not surprising. Ed talked of a “new relationship with individual trade union members“. That desire […]
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Is Ed Miliband facing his High Noon at the TUC?
Sep 9th, 2013 by Andy Newman.Ed Miliband’s speech tomorrow at the TUC may well define the rest of his political career. One of the most useful contributions to the debate about Ed Miliband’s proposed changes to the Labour Party has come from Luke Akehurst, who I am sure would not mind being referred to as representative of the traditional centre-right […]
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The battle for Labour’s soul
Sep 9th, 2013 by Mark Seddon.In the run-up to next year’s local government elections and as a springboard to the general election, Labour will hold a “special conference” next year. Will it be to launch a popular campaign for jobs, growth and an end to the privatisation of our public services? Might it be to roll out its anti-austerity manifesto? […]
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In Bournemouth at the TUC, union leaders firm up against Ed Miliband’s proposals
Sep 9th, 2013 by Jon Lansman.In Bournemouth for the TUC Congress, the leaders of the three biggest unions affiliated to the Labour Party yesterday firmed up their position against Ed Miliband’s proposals to ‘reform’ the Labour Party trade union link. Dave Prentis, General Secretary of Unison which already has two sections of its political fund – one affiliated to Labour […]
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Strengthen the link, don’t weaken it
Sep 5th, 2013 by Manuel Cortes.There have recently been widespread sensationalist and inaccurate media reports about the relationship between our Party and trade unions. But the money that working people contribute to British politics is the cleanest in the business. The long-standing relationship between unions and the Labour Party has not always been easy even though it has delivered great advances […]
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Things may look rosier in Westminster, but Ed is standing on the edge of a precipice
Sep 4th, 2013 by Jon Lansman.After a dreadful summer, Ed had little reason to fear PMQs this week. His standing in comparison with both Cameron and Clegg is considerably enhanced by their defeat over Syria. Cameron is especially damaged and months of hard work by Lynton Crosby are down the drain. Voters, who oppose any involvement in Syria by a […]
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Enhance the union collective role in the party, don’t reduce it
Aug 30th, 2013 by Martin Mayer.Ed Miliband’s proposals to “mend” the trade union/Labour Party link were prompted by an internal battle for the soul of the Labour Party. This culminated in a bitter row over Falkirk, when the right wing – Blairite shadow ministers, a majority of the PLP and the New Labour pressure group Progress – cried “foul “over UNITE’s success in building support for yet another working class trade unionist candidate.
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Young Labour: “any weakening of the union link should be opposed”
Aug 23rd, 2013 by Newsdesk.The national committee of the Labour Party’s young wing, Young Labour, vowed on Wednesday night “to defend the right of trade union members through their affiliated trade union to take part in the selection of candidates at every level of the party”. Young Labour joins scores of grassroots activists and party units in expressing concern […]
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The Collins inquiry (part 2): what role trade unions should play within Labour
Aug 21st, 2013 by Keith Ewing.The Collins review into the Labour party – trade union link has two fundamental questions to consider. The first is whether trade unions should continue the practice of collective affiliation, and if so on what terms. The other is what role trade unions and their members should play within the Labour party. Yesterday I suggested […]
