If you haven’t registered to vote – Click on https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. It will take about 5 minutes and all you need is your national insurance number (on a pay or pension slip, tax form, or plastic card). You can even use a smart phone…Read more…
The EU: in or out – Newham Compass debate 13 June
This should be interesting. I have not heard anyone yet speak on behalf of “Labour Leave”. Read more…
Axe the Housing Act
Picture is from the Defend Council Housing lobby against the Housing and Planning Bill in the House of Commons earlier this month. A number of MPs, Lords, Tenant representatives, campaigners and trade unions came to speak at it.
I was late due t…Read more…
Pension v ISA: what future for workplace saving? 27th June 2.30-4.40pm
This should be fascinating. A debate between the quiet and unassuming, Michael Johnson and trade union Baroness, Jeannie Drake on the future for pensions (or is it workplace savings?)
“Dear colleague
The coming year will be pivotal for the…Read more…
Forest Gate “Labour In”
Picture is from the stall on Saturday in Forest Gate of West Ham CLP supporters campaigning for “Remain” in the EU referendum.
This was led by our MP Lyn Brown (left of picture).
There was a very good response. Lots of “thumbs up” and positive commen…Read more…
UNISON “there for you” grants for School Uniforms
UNISON’s special charity for its own members “there for you” is helping low paid families to meet the cost of providing school uniforms. If your net earned (work) income is less than £18,000 per year (see below) and you have savings of less than £800 then you can get £40 per child uniform grants…Read more…
London Loop Walk Section 6: Benstead to Kingston
This post is a little late and off message but the weekend after the May 5 elections I resumed my attempt to walk around the London Loop route from last year.
The London Loop is a 150 mile circular walk around London split into sections. I had hoped t…Read more…
Has Labour betrayed the Working Class?
I am not really into so called “betrayal politics” but recently I had a disagreement over the cause of the relative decline in support for Labour by some white working class voters.
East European Immigration was given as the reason.
I argued that i…Read more…
Sunday Night Live 22 May: Remain & Leave on Trial
I hope to attend this debate on Sunday evening.Read more…
Newham Council AGM 2016
Yesterday evening the official Council AGM took place at the main hall of the Old Stratford Town Hall. It started with local primary school children choir and band. I believe that they played a Soviet Red Army marching song which always goes down…Read more…
UNISON Ramain In the EU
Check out “Another Europe is Possible” for the real leftie case to remain and reform Europe. Read more…
Newham Compass debate: Refugees and the EU – Wednesday 18 May
This looks like a really interesting debate tomorrow evening but I have a clash so I don’t think I will be able to make it. Read more…
A two term limit for elected Mayors
Last Thursday at a very well attended meeting of my local Forest Gate North Branch Labour Party,
members voted overwhelmingly to support the below rule change.
There was a really good debate with a wide range of different views and arguments ex…Read more…
Striking junior doctor Dr Rosena Allin-Khan picked as Labour candidate for Tooting
Picture of the new Labour Candidate for the Tooting By-election “We are delighted to announce that Rosena Allin-Khan has been selected by local members as Labour’s candidate in the upcoming by-election in Tooting, following Sadiq Khan’s election …Read more…
UNISON Parliamentary Reception with Stella Creasy MP on Workers’ Memorial Day
This is a late post but picture collage is from the UNISON Parliamentary reception on 28 April 2016 for Labour Link members in North East London.
The first speaker was Ilford North MP Wes Streeting MP then Stella Creasy MP. I spoke about this be…Read more…
“Disciplinary or grievance hearing? It’s dangerous to go Solo…”
This is a great poster. Not sure where I found it now.
One of the worse things that I have to do as a trade union rep is to refuse representation to work colleagues who join the union too late. You cannot join knowing you have a problem and then…Read more…
Liz Baptiste: New UNISON NEC member for Further Education
Great news. My fellow Greater London UNISON Regional Council Officer (for Equalities) and comrade Liz Baptiste (on left in picture next to Regional convenor, Yvonne Green and yours truly) has been elected as the new National Executive Committee member …Read more…
BE A LABOUR COUNCILLOR?
Ever wanted to get involved in local politics and make a difference in your local area but don’t know where to start or are not sure its for you?
UNISON is keen to increase the number of trade unionists standing as Labour Party candidates. Local communities are diverse in their life…Read more…
London Mayor Sadiq Khan
I am so pleased and chuffed that Sadiq has been elected our Mayor for London with 1.3 million votes. I am also proud that Londoners have clearly rejected the vile and racist smear campaign that Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith, his advisors …Read more…