I was tasked to speak on this motion 26 on behalf of the NEC at Conference last week but it did not receive sufficient prioritisation by branches and regions to be debated.
Which is a shame since if we don’t bring down the costs and charges of no…Read more…
Christian Wolmar on London’s zero emissions nirvana – can the new strategy really achieve that by 2050?
In the week that the Mayor of London announced his new London Transport Strategy (out for consultation until the 2nd October – read more here), come join us for a discussion and debate with Transport expert Christian Wolmar to discuss the ambitious plans, whether it can really…Read more…
#UNDC “Why we need to build a new housing consensus for affordable and decent homes for all”
This is the speech I gave on Thursday on behalf of the NEC about the Housing motion put forward by London Region and my branch.
“Conference/Chair
John Gray, Community NEC, speaking in favour of motion 36 as amended. I happen also to…Read more…
Court tells Government they cannot make Council Pensions funds be dependent on Boris Johnson Whims
In a victory for common sense the Courts have apparently thrown out the requirement that Council Pension funds have to invest according to the political whims of the UK Foreign office.
Who on earth would want their pension being dependent on the…Read more…
Grenfell Tower Fire – London Hazards Centre
Hat tip Phil Lewis Chair of London Hazards & in today’s UNISON NDC regional newsletter “London Calling”.
“Here is some information I was able to get hold of
2009 – Lakanal House tower block catches fire killing 6 people. The local authority is prosecuted for lapses in fire safety. A review is…Read more…
UNISON National Delegate Conference 2017 – Tuesday
My Conference day started with a short jog up and down the famous Brighton beach. The weather was hot even at 7.30am.
At 8.30am we had our first UNISON NEC meeting to discuss and (hopefully) agree on any outstanding matters or policy positions.
Confe…Read more…
UNISON National Delegate Conference 2017 – Monday
Comrades together picture from this evening outside the Holiday Inn Hotel in Brighton after the UNISON London Region delegates meetings.
Our ace Regional Conveyor, Yvonne Green, is on my left with Housing Association branch delegate Mitsy on her left …Read more…
John Gray Fathers Day
Lovely picture of my Dad, John Gray (left), my big Sister Helen, My little Sister Lucy, Me (John Gray) and our Grandfather, John Gray.
(and top of the head of “Muff” our daft but so loyal family boxer dog)Read more…
Great Newham Get Together – In Honour of Jo Cox
This afternoon I went to the Newham Woodcraft Kids Zone and Big Lunch Picnic in Wanstead Flats next to the Golden Fleece pub.
It was simply a fantastic community event. Loads of people from all over Forest Gate and Manor Park had come to participate, …Read more…
Newham Council Response to High Rise Residents following GrenfellFire
I have asked a UNISON colleague who is a very experienced Housing Surveyor to check on this advice and also asked the Council who is checking Housing Associations & privately managed high rise blocks’ fire risk assessments.
Democracy in the Workplace: Newham Compass Tuesday 20 June
Shame this clashes with UNISON National Delegate Conference. I don’t think I have met Scott but Janet is a very experienced and thoughtful trade union official and also chairs Trade Union Share Owners. Read more…
International Day of Dignity for Cleaners and Security staff #JusticeDay2017
Picture this evening from outside the front entrance of the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) headquarters in London of members of the SERTUC (South East Regional TUC) International Committee.
Today (June 15) is the International Day of Dignity for C…Read more…
The Great Get Together Newham
All the events on one poster! Please share widelyRead more…
Grenfall Tower Fire – The shock and the horror but East Enders rally to help
Like everyone I was horrified at the news reports and pictures this morning at the fire and destruction of Grenfall Tower in Kensington. I have been a housing officer in London for the past 25 years, who has managed a number of high rise resident…Read more…
West Ham General Election day 2017 (we win)
June 8 was not only a political historic day nationally but a busy day locally for all activists. At 4.30am 10 members of West Ham Women’s forum were in Ilford North to deliver the “don’t forget to vote” leaflets as were other West Hammers in marginal …Read more…
UNISON NDC 17: Havana Club Rum Reception
UNISON National Delegate conference take place next week. For some reason this rum reception is always well supported by delegates! Read more…
Some facts and figures about 8 June
Hat tip to Dave Ratchford for the chart and figures below. Worth reflecting about I think.
“Labour Share of Vote in recent elections
1983 206 seats 27.6% of the vote 8.4m1987 229 seats 30.9% of the vote 10m1992 271 seats 34.4% of the vote 11.5m19…Read more…
Back to real life (but not for long)
As much as I enjoy campaigning, it is has been marvellous to spend a lazy Saturday morning without worrying about deadlines, printing off walks, knocking on doors and dealing with the inevitable problems and frustrations suffered by election agents of …Read more…
West Ham General Election Result June 2017
Picture collage from our Count in the early hours of this morning. A fantastic result for team Lyn Brown. As Agent I was so proud of all our West Ham activists, who have tirelessly campaigned near and far for a Labour Government. Which of course we hav…Read more…
Vote Labour Today – For the Many Not the Few
Polls close 10pm tonight
You do not need your polling card to vote. Just go to the polling station and give your name and address.
If you don’t know where your polling station is click here
If you are a postal voter and have not yet voted you can ta…Read more…