Comments
Editing the New Statesman
2009-02-20 11:42:36
I have bowed to the democratic demands of my Facebook and Twitter friends, and agreed to accept an invitation to guest edit the New Statesman. When I put up an update saying I was mulling over it, a whole load of messages came through basically saying there was nothing to mull, and I should get on with it. So I will, for an edition some time in mid-March.
I have all sorts of ideas for stories and features, a couple of which I would like to launch here and now, as they will require reader input. The first, inspired in part by my recent work on the BBC programme The Speaker, which is a hunt for the best young public speaker in Britain, aims to counter the middle-aged, middle-class myth that ‘young people are not interested in politics.’ I want three young people, aged 16-18, one from each of the three main parties, to say why they have joined a political party and why politics matters to them. So if such people are reading this, or people who know such people are reading this, they should get in touch with a response on the blog.
I would also like to hand over a page, more if the response merits it, which answers the question ‘if I could get one sentence into Labour’s manifesto for the next election, it would say this ...’ For all that the Tories may be ahead in the polls, and swanning round like they’re in power already, I think the battle of policy ideas still has more energy on the left than the right, and I hope this reflects that. Again, people can put their suggestions here. I will also be arranging links with other sites and of course with the New Statesman itself.
I will start the ball rolling with a couple of my own. I would like to see: - Compulsory voting for general and local elections - An end to charitable status for private schools The New Statesman has an important place in the history of the policy and ideas debate on the left. When I was in frontline politics, I found it sometimes interesting, occasionally irritating, often irrelevant. Perhaps that will be the mix I come up with too, we’ll see.
There is an interesting profile of David Miliband this week, written by editor Jason Cowley, who came from Observer Sport Monthly (another reason why I leaned towards accepting his offer). I already have a couple of good ‘products’, as we editors call them, in my back pocket, but I hope the two above also generate a good response. In the meantime I am off to make a vlog on why state schools are better than private schools.
Archive
Capello and Rooney interviews the highlights of France/Uruguay coveragePublish date: 2010-06-12 09:51:57
Even at Queen's, I'm thinking big ideas for George and DannyPublish date: 2010-06-11 19:53:22
Helping George and Danny with cuts: Part 2Publish date: 2010-06-10 14:06:12
My part in the cuts consultation: Part 1: end charitable status for private schoolsPublish date: 2010-06-09 12:09:25
Cameron using Libs to do what he wanted to do all alongPublish date: 2010-06-08 11:07:03
In praise of Margaret Beckett and Malcolm TuckerPublish date: 2010-06-07 12:28:46
An everyday tale of modern journalism, plus All-Time Premier League teamPublish date: 2010-06-06 11:45:22
Making Hay while the sun shinesPublish date: 2010-06-05 11:12:03
Cameron right to go to CumbriaPublish date: 2010-06-04 14:32:34
All alone in my own BBC studioPublish date: 2010-06-03 14:52:39
Return to dialogue of the deaf is lasting damagePublish date: 2010-06-02 10:23:12
And the winner is ...Publish date: 2010-06-01 10:43:35
ConDem sense of humour bypass never happened under LabourPublish date: 2010-05-31 14:07:49
Cameron/Clegg will be regretting their expenses sanctimoniousnessPublish date: 2010-05-30 10:38:16
I fear Laws will be victim of Cameron ruthless streakPublish date: 2010-05-29 11:40:59
Thanks to the Con-Dems for making Question Time such funPublish date: 2010-05-28 02:01:03
Osborne has Lib Dems pretty much where he wants themPublish date: 2010-05-24 11:50:59
Time to Change Street-Porter's silly but prejudice-reinforcing views on depressionPublish date: 2010-05-21 12:19:18
Thumbs up for Wenlock and MandevillePublish date: 2010-05-20 10:11:10
Humourless Laws facing both ways with ease. And where is Nick Clegg?Publish date: 2010-05-18 10:17:24
Why I love the NHS even more than everPublish date: 2010-05-17 18:05:11
A bit of ENT on the NHSPublish date: 2010-05-17 11:06:17
Charles Kennedy speaks for many Lib DemsPublish date: 2010-05-16 14:18:11
Italian interview on Dick Clamberon, TB, GB, Murdoch inter aliaPublish date: 2010-05-15 13:45:54
Lib Dem desertions coming thick and fast. Business not impressed with ClameronPublish date: 2010-05-14 11:21:41
As Dick Clameron love-in begins, brilliant Martin Argles photos more powerful than wordsPublish date: 2010-05-13 12:39:17
Random House announce publication plans of AC diariesPublish date: 2010-05-12 17:23:12
Fight to get Labour back in starts nowPublish date: 2010-05-12 10:18:21
What's changed and what hasn't after yesterday?Publish date: 2010-05-11 08:29:25
In the circs, Labour's campaign was superbPublish date: 2010-05-08 11:12:25
Cameron as Obama - you have to laugh - then vote LabourPublish date: 2010-05-06 16:00:36
He has his faults, but my God you have to admire GB depth and resiliencePublish date: 2010-05-05 11:04:45
Big Society no laughing matter - but enjoy the film!Publish date: 2010-05-04 09:34:04
GB at his best at Citizens UK, fired with passion and convictionPublish date: 2010-05-03 18:40:35
Polls show race wide open. Tax credits massive issue with womenPublish date: 2010-05-03 11:38:46
Cameron has media stitched up, but public still doubtfulPublish date: 2010-05-02 11:36:33
Clegg poem gives foretaste of Tory/Lib coalitionPublish date: 2010-05-01 18:34:02
TV debate polls not what they seemPublish date: 2010-05-01 09:20:27
All still to play for. GB won. DC not answering. NC on wanePublish date: 2010-04-30 11:02:03
After all the fuss of yesterday, it is still the economy, stupidPublish date: 2010-04-29 17:00:44
GB mortified at bigot comment. Visit was human not politicalPublish date: 2010-04-28 16:56:13
All returning to roots as decison day loomsPublish date: 2010-04-28 12:46:55
Eton fags not the only ones looking forward to life under DavePublish date: 2010-04-27 15:47:36
Guest blog from a candidate in Tory-Lib council landPublish date: 2010-04-27 09:16:11
Only one leader talking policy today amid confused Tory tacticsPublish date: 2010-04-26 19:27:54
Clegg over-reach and cuddle up to Cameron both mistakesPublish date: 2010-04-26 11:41:32
Exposed: Tories and Lib Dems desperate to avoid policy debatePublish date: 2010-04-25 15:22:21
On Elvis, soft Lib Dems, Tory unfairness and silly Labour briefingsPublish date: 2010-04-25 09:06:16
Feeding defeat talk waste of time. Fight to winPublish date: 2010-04-24 10:19:02
Even their own polls say GB did better than they're sayingPublish date: 2010-04-23 15:42:51
Now let's have less process more policyPublish date: 2010-04-23 10:03:27
Press Clegg-bashing not helping Cameron. Debate should be on policyPublish date: 2010-04-22 12:33:25
Clegg's debate strategy hardly new honest politicsPublish date: 2010-04-21 12:48:09
More policy on the telly pleasePublish date: 2010-04-20 19:03:23
As Cameron revises body language, focus should be Lib Dem policyPublish date: 2010-04-20 10:25:50
Cameron junks broadcast - is he morphing into John Major?Publish date: 2010-04-19 14:56:02
Come on Dave and Nick - stop the carpingPublish date: 2010-04-19 09:49:59
A friendly letter to David CameronPublish date: 2010-04-18 10:24:08
Clegg rise good news for the campaignPublish date: 2010-04-17 10:02:47
The election landscape has changed. Exciting timesPublish date: 2010-04-16 14:45:39
Clegg wins on style, Brown on substance, Cameron on shallownessPublish date: 2010-04-16 01:32:41
Bring on the big debate. And don't miss Eddie Izzard tomorrowPublish date: 2010-04-15 18:58:37
Cameron's preference for process over policy in pre debate blatherPublish date: 2010-04-14 15:59:32
Black hole plus DIY public services - Cameron's second manifestoPublish date: 2010-04-13 10:37:52
Never mind 5 more years of GB. It's three more weeks of DC people worry aboutPublish date: 2010-04-12 11:16:02
Ashdown spot on about Tories' Sarah Palin momentPublish date: 2010-04-11 12:10:44
London Marathon the best of BritishPublish date: 2010-04-10 12:37:42
Pressure needs to be kept on Tories over NICsPublish date: 2010-04-09 13:15:17
Tories wrong on recession wrong on recoveryPublish date: 2010-04-08 11:47:59
Cameron's deception goes beyond the businessmenPublish date: 2010-04-07 19:55:22
Labour's greater scope for positive campaignPublish date: 2010-04-06 13:14:53
Cameron uncut - message matters more than moneyPublish date: 2010-04-05 11:33:17
Key election questions remain the same and the answer is still LabourPublish date: 2010-04-04 17:43:56
Osborne should heed his own wordsPublish date: 2010-04-03 16:01:39
The 25th HourPublish date: 2010-04-02 11:13:31
Hardly surprising if business prefers tax cut to wastePublish date: 2010-04-01 11:43:48
Tories really ought to listen to TB and Mr KaletskyPublish date: 2010-03-31 09:59:37
TB's return to fray a reminder of Cameron strategy failurePublish date: 2010-03-30 10:44:34
A chance to design Labour's next posterPublish date: 2010-03-29 09:47:29
Right pledges, at the right timePublish date: 2010-03-27 11:32:06
Can't wait to hear what George's tax wheeze isPublish date: 2010-03-26 14:55:00
Darling credible, Mandy exciting, Tories panicking over adsPublish date: 2010-03-25 11:21:25
Today is all about credibilityPublish date: 2010-03-24 09:38:11
Obama's win good news for politics everywherePublish date: 2010-03-23 10:11:13
I take my hat off to a genius brieferPublish date: 2010-03-22 17:21:23
With Hague disabled, Labour team v Tory team even more importantPublish date: 2010-03-19 11:43:25
Tory lack of clarity gets candidates jitteringPublish date: 2010-03-18 10:12:25
Is Kate Winslet's split more important than Michael Foot's funeral?Publish date: 2010-03-17 11:38:52
Why Sir Trevor did no favours for CameronPublish date: 2010-03-16 10:57:18
Support the Street Kids World CupPublish date: 2010-03-15 11:25:17
Bumping into Peter M on the fundraising campaign trailPublish date: 2010-03-14 00:27:35
Adonis shows the way on transport, and debatesPublish date: 2010-03-12 12:22:05
The record needs a better hearing - Labour and ToryPublish date: 2010-03-11 08:50:51
What happened to the detoxification of the Tory brand?Publish date: 2010-03-06 12:00:38
Support, activism and hope returning to LabourPublish date: 2010-03-05 09:46:34
Happy Birthday Lord Ashcroft HB2UPublish date: 2010-03-04 10:59:48
Michael Foot ... above all else a lovely manPublish date: 2010-03-03 14:22:46
Elvis support for Labour lifts the mood furtherPublish date: 2010-03-03 10:16:30
Hoovergate - the rebuttal amid hope of Labour winPublish date: 2010-03-02 13:00:35
At least Britney knows what she is singing aboutPublish date: 2010-03-01 10:57:28
News blackout on Olympian success storyPublish date: 2010-02-28 14:52:49
Kseniya Simonova's got talentPublish date: 2010-02-27 21:14:58
Debate expectations in a good place for GB and CleggPublish date: 2010-02-26 10:21:53
We all agree - Carlisle is cleverer than DCPublish date: 2010-02-25 11:59:11
On News International phone-hacking and CameronPublish date: 2010-02-24 09:40:08
GB, temper or not, a better leader for Britain than DCPublish date: 2010-02-23 10:24:48
Cameron inquiry call says more about him than GBPublish date: 2010-02-22 15:15:59
Some great stuff in The Observer todayPublish date: 2010-02-21 11:00:46
Game definitely on. If polls narrow more, Tory jitters set inPublish date: 2010-02-20 14:35:40
Cameron so right about pigs in pokesPublish date: 2010-02-19 09:12:50
How twitter is changing balance of power in film indsutryPublish date: 2010-02-18 12:00:19
Thanks for the thanks. Is online shopping not always like this?Publish date: 2010-02-17 10:44:30
There'll be another New Big Idea along in a momentPublish date: 2010-02-16 09:53:22
People may listen more to the political GB having heard the personal GBPublish date: 2010-02-15 13:11:57
Happy Valentine's Day. My present to you is Jacques BrelPublish date: 2010-02-14 12:06:54
A celeb fest in my weekend of culturePublish date: 2010-02-13 10:38:58
Alan Johnson right to stand up for security servicesPublish date: 2010-02-12 14:27:56
Time to turn up volume on sport schools revolutionPublish date: 2010-02-11 10:17:54
Let's give Cameron a Doris Day moment over AshcroftPublish date: 2010-02-10 10:29:05
Time for Maya's voice to be heard amid the non-tearsPublish date: 2010-02-09 09:04:22
Marr needs to explain his 'sexed up' question re casualtiesPublish date: 2010-02-08 13:55:36
On GB's tears with Piers, and my emotional moment with MarrPublish date: 2010-02-07 16:04:56
On NI, Tory fears of Labour spinsters, and headbands in sportPublish date: 2010-02-06 10:00:25
Daily Mail tells truth shock horrorPublish date: 2010-02-05 08:54:36
Welcome to the virtual Maya launch partyPublish date: 2010-02-04 10:38:44
Public ahead of press on the mess that is CameronPublish date: 2010-02-03 13:52:26
Cameron winning on media support but losing on leadershipPublish date: 2010-02-02 10:47:50
Buy The Blair Years and raise cash for LabourPublish date: 2010-02-01 09:00:00
A lesson in campaign mindset from young Labour studentsPublish date: 2010-01-31 13:14:19
Media tweets show the real agendaPublish date: 2010-01-29 21:18:59
TB made a judgement, and is defending it wellPublish date: 2010-01-29 14:04:38
On inequality, special advisers, Ireland, and TB/IraqPublish date: 2010-01-28 13:45:08
Message machine Mandelson on form todayPublish date: 2010-01-27 12:15:42
Only one place to be tonightPublish date: 2010-01-26 09:20:26
Cameron and tweeting ought to be natural fitPublish date: 2010-01-25 11:55:58
Big bucks campaigning not what it's cracked out to bePublish date: 2010-01-24 10:28:57
A life in unemployment statisticsPublish date: 2010-01-22 09:39:21
Learning the wrong Iraq lessons for Afghan warPublish date: 2010-01-21 10:24:46
Denis MacShane MP on the rewriting of history re Iraq warPublish date: 2010-01-20 10:44:07
Darling v Gove, Osborne and help the rich squad is No ContestPublish date: 2010-01-19 10:12:27
Dacre's DownfallPublish date: 2010-01-18 03:30:21
Rebutting the good and the bad, and support from football fansPublish date: 2010-01-17 12:45:38
Mandela is a great man, Invictus a great filmPublish date: 2010-01-16 08:54:48
Is Paul Dacre hiding a guilty secret that explains his deranged paper?Publish date: 2010-01-15 09:56:24
What's the real fight to be had?Publish date: 2010-01-14 10:20:20
On Owen Coyle and Brian LawsPublish date: 2010-01-13 18:27:58
Thanks to friend and foe alike for helping yesterday go byPublish date: 2010-01-13 08:49:25
So far so good in campaign to remove discriminatory lawPublish date: 2010-01-11 09:48:15
Thanks to Will Hutton for talking sense on 'class war'Publish date: 2010-01-10 12:56:48
In defence of airbrushed postersPublish date: 2010-01-09 16:45:29
Fire is always best turned on the ToriesPublish date: 2010-01-07 15:41:19
On Hoon-Hewitt and John PrescottPublish date: 2010-01-07 00:55:10
Sad and baffled to see Coyle goPublish date: 2010-01-05 16:26:05
Cameron's wobble the product of his team saying what their audiences want to hearPublish date: 2010-01-05 10:50:58
New Tory slogan - if you've got the cash, splash it on crap adsPublish date: 2010-01-02 12:11:18
And the musicians of the decade were ... The Beatles and The KingPublish date: 2009-12-31 18:52:25
Prepare for avalanche of Ashcroft posters for ToriesPublish date: 2009-12-30 15:06:06
Here's Good Luck to you, Mrs RobinsonPublish date: 2009-12-29 12:22:42
One man's White Christmas joy is another's football disasterPublish date: 2009-12-24 13:36:05
My favourite fact of the day - a French decimal time systemPublish date: 2009-12-23 16:48:00
A few crisis management tips for EurostarPublish date: 2009-12-22 11:49:35
Do we need same approach to booze as smoking?Publish date: 2009-12-19 09:13:28
Prepare for tears, tantrums and an imperfect but miraculous Copenhagen conclusionPublish date: 2009-12-18 10:23:03
London 2012 and Copenhagen today ... different approaches to tight deadlinesPublish date: 2009-12-16 11:13:21
Tiger cut off at the knees. I bet he'll be backPublish date: 2009-12-14 11:03:17
Cameron Shameron on the need for new laws to clarify Ashcroft tax statusPublish date: 2009-12-13 17:06:56
When poor mental health creates great art ...Publish date: 2009-12-12 15:21:13
Giggs gets my Sports Personality vote, but I'll miss the big momentPublish date: 2009-12-11 13:56:15
Tough day for Labour, but tough questions for Tories tooPublish date: 2009-12-10 10:03:13
Alistair Darling's quiet authority key part of recovery.Publish date: 2009-12-09 11:03:25
Clegg risks squeeze as election nearsPublish date: 2009-12-08 15:30:58
Copenhagen really matters. Guardian front page sets scene wellPublish date: 2009-12-07 10:26:33
Four years on, what do we think of Cameron's leadership?Publish date: 2009-12-06 13:55:17
Boris and Waddles, an everyday tale of Tory croneyismPublish date: 2009-12-05 09:53:35
The Speaker's wife is a credit to him, and spot on about Cameron's ToryismPublish date: 2009-12-04 10:52:37
PMQs win for GB was a direct result of Cameron's strategic failurePublish date: 2009-12-03 08:21:10
Cameron's conkers add to his problem with serious opinionPublish date: 2009-12-02 10:59:45
Sarko at risk of riling Obama and GB. Cameron on conkersPublish date: 2009-12-01 10:29:48
The life and death of the man who made the link between exercise and healthPublish date: 2009-11-28 11:37:29
Even top Tories think Dave and Co can't do piss up in a breweryPublish date: 2009-11-27 20:51:29
Well done BBC Inside Sport. Shame on media for news blackout on Coulson bullying casePublish date: 2009-11-26 13:59:57
Well done BBC in Mental Health Media awards. Looking forward to Inside Sport on depression tonightPublish date: 2009-11-25 10:26:22
BBC main bulletin blackout on leaders' speeches bizarrePublish date: 2009-11-24 10:17:48
Business right to be worried about Tory axe on RDAsPublish date: 2009-11-23 10:17:12
Why should Brown and Cameron apologise for being seen to pay tribute to the war dead?Publish date: 2009-11-22 11:12:38
Beware climate change denial dressed up as 'commonsense'Publish date: 2009-11-21 12:54:27
Something for the weekend - a long lazy blog lifted from interviewsPublish date: 2009-11-20 12:35:23
If France and FIFA won't act on Thierry Henry, let's have a boycott of Gillette razorsPublish date: 2009-11-19 10:09:00
Never in the history of human taxation has so much been promised from so many to so fewPublish date: 2009-11-18 18:32:39
Tories far from 'effete and unfamiliar' when it comes to twisted tax prioritiesPublish date: 2009-11-18 09:52:12
Two very different stories of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-17 17:17:11
Congrats to Ellie on PPB campaign, and Willy Hague on getting van RompuyPublish date: 2009-11-17 11:40:14
Private schools worse than State schools - unless it's drugs you're after. DiscussPublish date: 2009-11-16 12:10:25
Fiona Millar 5 Toby Young 0Publish date: 2009-11-15 13:18:38
Where we fight we winPublish date: 2009-11-13 11:22:00
Good luck to Number 10 on 'lobby' review. And a big NO to the other PRPublish date: 2009-11-12 14:39:11
Robert Enke RIP. May his death increase understanding of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-11 17:59:53
On the exploitation of grief to get GordonPublish date: 2009-11-11 08:59:01
Why Tories are not home and dry, and wrong to call GB callousPublish date: 2009-11-10 13:00:20
Labour needs more of the winning mentalityPublish date: 2009-11-09 10:30:44
The scandal of friendship and the shame of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?Publish date: 2009-11-07 10:53:53
US clarity of strategy required for full explanation on AfghanistanPublish date: 2009-11-06 10:31:48
Just because he is French doesn't mean he's wrongPublish date: 2009-11-05 10:58:46
Congratulations to David Cameron and Trevor KavanaghPublish date: 2009-11-04 10:34:36
Is there a Sun blackout on Cameron's dumping of 'cast iron guarantee' on Europe?Publish date: 2009-11-03 20:37:04
Johnson seems to get it on immigration. Right on advisors advising tooPublish date: 2009-11-03 11:58:59
Public opinion on climate change - the public might be the problemPublish date: 2009-11-02 11:37:23
In praise of Stephen Fry, who should tweet or not as he sees fitPublish date: 2009-11-01 09:29:34
John Sergeant spot on re TB. TB's Olympics legacy. Liam Gallagher's generosityPublish date: 2009-10-30 11:50:44
Conservative contortions on Europe and BlairPublish date: 2009-10-29 11:44:12
Two-jobs Osborne suffering credibility deficitPublish date: 2009-10-28 09:14:22
Canaries win AC spin award with dark nights productivity surveyPublish date: 2009-10-27 09:41:48
Blair - dead big in Japan!Publish date: 2009-10-26 17:21:17
No complacency, variants on a themePublish date: 2009-10-24 09:48:46
Griffin may have been dreadful, but there can be no complacencyPublish date: 2009-10-23 11:57:29
Margaret Hodge MP on how to fight the BNPPublish date: 2009-10-22 16:48:39
Thanks to Charlie Falconer and Dominic Grieve - yes, I know he is a ToryPublish date: 2009-10-21 17:24:18
On Biscuitgate, barmy Tory policy, and BNP v GeneralsPublish date: 2009-10-21 10:36:15
More on Obergruppenfuhrer Dacre, Biscuitgate and Bullingdon ConservatismPublish date: 2009-10-20 12:16:37
Biscuitgate and Susan Boyle, no win territory for GBPublish date: 2009-10-19 12:31:00
Hating the Mail - a mindset worth havingPublish date: 2009-10-17 11:28:12
A line by line guide to the Mail statement on Gately article outragePublish date: 2009-10-16 19:12:36
Hit the Mail where it hurtsPublish date: 2009-10-16 16:36:02
Talking Cameron and Obama with US Democrats. Progressive Convervatism? No, he can'tPublish date: 2009-10-16 10:02:40
Inspired by kids' green passionPublish date: 2009-10-14 18:24:13
Good news on leukaemia, good news on student activismPublish date: 2009-10-13 08:24:21
Musings from Bertie Ahern, and how I won the Nobel prize for literaturePublish date: 2009-10-12 09:26:18
Continuing double standards in the mediaPublish date: 2009-10-11 11:36:21
The best policies in Cameron's speech were those of Labour Big GovernmentPublish date: 2009-10-08 17:07:40
Tongues slipping all over the placePublish date: 2009-10-08 09:00:07
Cameron confuses strategy and tactics and puts Union at riskPublish date: 2009-10-07 10:29:26
Osborne inspires apathy at BBC LeedsPublish date: 2009-10-06 16:01:59
Let's see more of the Tory candidates pleasePublish date: 2009-10-06 09:23:11
Labour needs to fight on record to stop Tory vandalismPublish date: 2009-10-05 14:28:40
VacuDave goes all peevish at difficult questions. Bring on the debatesPublish date: 2009-10-04 23:33:52
Lots of joking around in Jersey, though nothing as hysterical as Dave's Europe positionPublish date: 2009-10-03 10:31:22
On The Sun, Obama in Copenhagen and Alistair McGowan on the looPublish date: 2009-10-01 10:59:49
Sun switches ain't wot they used to bePublish date: 2009-09-30 10:17:14
Darling and Mandelson show what I mean by authenticityPublish date: 2009-09-28 16:28:18
Serious Politics 1 Low Journalism 0Publish date: 2009-09-27 11:55:54
Media's love for Cameron should be turned into a weaknessPublish date: 2009-09-26 10:30:03
Time for ministers to stand up and fightPublish date: 2009-09-25 09:40:26
Today's media double standards watchPublish date: 2009-09-24 09:29:45
Breaking News - GB wins award, Lib Dems face all waysPublish date: 2009-09-23 09:43:49
Why authenticity is the key to comms, and why Merkel will winPublish date: 2009-09-22 08:29:13
Why I love NHS walk-in centresPublish date: 2009-09-21 12:13:03
Here goes with the smoked SalmondPublish date: 2009-09-20 10:40:21
Breaking News - Cameron's vacuousness an impersonator's nightmarePublish date: 2009-09-19 11:06:09
Cameron has an army of spin doctors - aka journalistsPublish date: 2009-09-18 10:07:06
On Scottish independence, Cameron's short-termism, and Jimmy Carter being rightPublish date: 2009-09-17 09:56:56
Is Cameron Alex Salmond's Trojan Horse?Publish date: 2009-09-15 10:13:42
On the TUC, Roy of the Rovers and Anna WintourPublish date: 2009-09-14 11:04:46
Memo to Apple boss Steve JobsPublish date: 2009-09-13 17:36:31
A day in the life of a (crap) City traderPublish date: 2009-09-11 17:52:25
Defend record with pride, attack Tories with gustoPublish date: 2009-09-10 11:06:36
Cameron's Conservatism beyond parodyPublish date: 2009-09-09 10:38:00
On transforned cities, and tales of Princess Di and Laura BushPublish date: 2009-09-08 09:45:54
Labour should put minister up against Griffin on Question TimePublish date: 2009-09-06 12:39:56
School speech the latest source of right-wing frothing at ObamaPublish date: 2009-09-05 08:23:02
More horse's mouth, less Beeb blah pleasePublish date: 2009-09-04 22:49:20
Real respect for sport can be Olympic legacyPublish date: 2009-09-04 09:27:34
First ladies watch out for Japanese bombshellPublish date: 2009-09-03 10:47:19
TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Bigmac
2010-05-12 21:51:59Re biased Media reporting before, during and after the elction.
Check out the behaviour of Nick Robinson when he discovered that Nick Clegg had decided to talk to the Labour Party. (BBC News 24)
I complained about his behaviour on his blog message board.
I did not use abusive language nor did I say anything that was not true. The moderators did not allow my criticism of his behaviour because they said it was defamatory!
If you want the evidence I have printed out my statement and their reason for refusing to show it.
Free country? Only if you are a Tory supporter.
MLaugmefeOrgamy
2009-04-16 12:45:43Free Online Casino Gambling
So, gambling strategy means some general strategies which are required for playing every casino game, and on the other hand every casino game has distinct type of gambling strategy.
Tom McGrath
2009-03-29 23:00:31If I could get one sentence into the Labour Party manifesto it would be:
"The Labour Party intends to abolish debts: debts of all kinds, first, and third world debt, mortgages, overdraughts, IOUs for a fiver; we will draw a line in time and start again."
Vicky Fowler
2009-03-25 21:22:13Hi Alastair,
I am very interested in the Young Political Speaking you mention in your blog.
Very briefly to your questions, I joined the Labour Party because of the enthusiasm of one current PPC who leapt across the table in a meeting to shake my hand. With the background of the party and the passion shown in this one action – I couldn’t really do anything less than join! As to why politics matters to me, well as you will too well know, there is a whole world of excitement under the ‘shallow veneer’ often portrayed of the political world by too many. However things can be changed for the better, and there ARE so many positive changes to celebrate – that is, by far, the best part!
How can I get more involved?
Many Thanks,
Dr Gideon Polya
2009-03-23 07:52:48According to Professor John Holdren (Harvard University; former chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; President Obama's Chief Science Adviser) the most acute problems facing the world are (1) nuclear weapons (Labor should take the lead and abolish the UK nuclear deterrent with a quid pro quo of abolition by other nuclear terrorist states e.g. France and Apartheid Israel), (2) poverty (Labor should oppose deadly UK, US, US Alliance and US-backed occupations of foreign countries and take the lead on providing the circa $1 trillion annually that could abolish global avoidable mortality that totals 16 million excess deaths annually), and (3) global warming (some top climate scientists fear that it is almost too late to act and Labor must get the world to meet the 6-8% annual reduction in greenhouse gas pollution that, according to UK Tyndall Center experts Anderson and Bows, is required to avoid catastrophic global warming).
Mark Houlbrook
2009-03-20 18:29:52"Hope not fear, action not despotism, utopian before the divine, truth in place of spin and justice as fairness, Relentless in the quest for restorative and distributive justice"
tracey
2009-03-19 03:27:04"Sorry for the last ten years, we'll abolish Nu Labour and go back to founding priniples."
And then I woke up.
Chris Jeeves
2009-03-18 15:37:01If I had one sentence to put into Labour’s manifesto for the next election, it would say this: As in the wise words of Clause 4...
Francis Bond
2009-03-12 17:14:59We will strive for a country where a child can grow up knowing that the earnings of their parents or the size of their house won't affect whether or not they can achieve their greatest hopes and furfill their highest aspirations.
Elizabeth Rhodes
2009-03-11 17:46:18We will introduce compulsory and fully comprehensive sex education into all primary and secondary schools, discussing not only biology and disease but also sexuality and the embracing and celebrating of all types - including trans-sexuality; intimate partner violence and sexual assault - including discussion of 'date rape' and victim blaming; teen pregnancy and choice, including abortion rights - without judgement (that can be discussed in Religious Education, not in Sex education); body issues such as obesity and anorexia, which can feed into personal feelings about sex and sexuality; and sexual pleasure and reciprocation for both parties and the celebration (not shame) of the body.
Sam
2009-03-11 15:16:51"To create an entrenched constitution which outlines specific individual rights for citizens and non-citizens, which legislation is retrospectively subject to."
There could be a list of basic ones and a list of those granted to citizens. I say specific rights rather as opposed to vague ideas like "equality". This would obviously be very difficult, but if done well and enforced it could address loads of stuff - gendered discrimination, potential abuse in immigrant detention centres, erosion of civil liberties through whimsical legislation etc.
Shame there's little incentive for any government to do it (and loads of reasons for them not to).
Dan
2009-03-11 14:36:14If i could get one sentence into Labour's manifesto for the next election, it would say... domestic politics taught in citizenship lessons (age 14+), curriculum set by board of universities.
a proper aid for democratic involvement, and hey might not be too bad for our party either
LSL
2009-03-11 10:34:52To take seriously tackling all forms of oppression against women ranging from the pay gap to sexual violence, from objectifying advertising to limited opportunities and to ensure that women become important, autonomous and unoppressed individuals in society
Get Labour Out
2009-03-11 01:47:24My one line would be:
"We will listen, listen properly and not accuse anyone that disagrees with us of being anti British, racist, against peace or other excuses that Labour have trotted out when someone says something they don't agree with"
Duncan Enright
2009-03-08 23:39:47Every school, and particularly special schools, will have a school nursing team sufficient to coordinate all health needs of the children they serve, saving money, time and lives by transferring resources from the hospitals.
Jason Charlton
2009-03-07 20:18:13Committed to work for Britain, our people, their values and all our futures.
Or
Sorry, we made a mistake in getting rid of Tony.
Will Parbury
2009-03-07 12:26:39A national network of cycle lanes separated from the road so people can cycle in safety improve their health, protect the environment and create jobs.
Dean Perry
2009-03-06 22:22:42If I was given the chance to insert a sentence into the Labour Party Manifesto it would be this;
‘It is Labour that understands that internationalism is key to full economic recovery, engagement instead of protectionism is the way forward as well as the continuous investment in public institutions like the NHS and education will place Britain on the road to economic recovery.’
Chris Allen
2009-03-06 13:06:46If I could get one sentence into Labour’s manifesto for the next election, it would say this:
Introduce a 'living' wage over the existing 'minimum' wage; reinstate the lower 10p tax band; introduce a higher tax band of 60p for those earning above £100,000; and increase the National Insurance Upper Earning Limit and 40p tax band, all of which would support those on the lowest incomes at the same time as increasing revenue for public services such as the NHS and education.
Simon Wellavize
2009-03-06 11:35:35We believe there is such a thing as society, and intend to foster a more equitable society by taxing the top 5% of earners more.
Rob Taylor
2009-03-05 22:11:48Prisons, utilities and public transport are not for profit, we will return them to the public sector.
Hollie
2009-03-05 19:27:571 sentence:
Labour are committed to end the age discrimination rife in the National Minimum Wage- we support and EQUAL minimum wage for all workers, regardless of AGE.
Rob Brooks
2009-03-05 19:16:47My sentance would be: We will abolish boom and bust
Johnny
2009-03-05 15:49:47One line for the labour manefseto?
Our National services are for the nation, not for private profit, and we will end PPP and return public transport to the people.
i can dream can't I?
Edith Speller
2009-03-05 15:43:38My manifesto sentence would go something like this:
"As we are a party who believes in social justice for all, and climate change disproportionately affects the poor of this country and of the world as a whole, we will take decisive actions to achieve our ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets, and help Britain's citizens become greener while maintaining a high quality of life."
Examples of actions:
- immediate halt of airport expansion and reintroduction of integrated transport planning plus rail upgrades (e.g. electrification) to make public transport a viable option for more people.
- free insulation and other home improvements for all council houses + low-income households; double advantage of giving work to people in trades being hit hard by recession
- immediate halt in all coal power station development; using some of that economic stimulus to invest in green tech.
- much more but I've rattled on plenty long enough already!
Of course this should all be happening *now*, not after an unspecified general election...
michelle di leo
2009-03-05 15:13:12One line for the Manifesto? Introduce tax relief on childcare.
Best way to make work pay for mothers and fathers alike and give them flexibility.
Michael Denoual
2009-03-05 14:00:53I am 17yr old college student from preston. I joined the labour party because i felt that it was the party that best represented my views. They also introduced, what i feel is one of the most important pieces of legaslation in history, this being the minimum wage. Politics is important to me because i feel that if the young people of our country are not intrested then what chance do we have in the future.
Michael Denoual
Irene Burton
2009-03-05 13:01:31My one sentence would read..
We will increase carers allowance to a living income instead of the token sum full time carers currently receive.
Jayne Innes
2009-03-05 12:57:15My one sentence would be "Bring in more measures from national government to enable and support older people to stay in their own homes."
Jayne Innes, Labour PPC for Nuneaton
Neil Fraser
2009-03-05 12:46:48‘if I could get one sentence into Labour’s manifesto for the next election, it would say this ...’ Replace the House of Lords with an elected second chamber and force all politicians to retire at 65, in line with the electorate.
johnblakey
2009-03-05 11:53:31We are very,very, very sorry indeed and we will look to our history and make amends for all the wrong things we have done.
Roland Baker
2009-02-26 18:18:04My one sentence for the manifesto is:
"We are sorry we rewarded banks and financial non-regulators for destroying the economy so we will prioritise diversified business investment and police it with skills, integrity and sharp teeth instead of ignorance, dishonesty and cold wet noses on our lap."
colin wilkes
2009-02-26 14:02:57One sentence to include in the forth coming manifesto is as follows;
"In recognition of our mission being successfully completed it is now time to remove the New from the Labour party and return it, ruined to its original owners."
Francis Bond
2009-02-22 23:12:10In relation to the manifesto, removal of charitable status for private school is spot on; education is the key to social mobility, which is why good investment(Which the Tories won't provide) in state schools, commmunity education centres and vocational institutions is crucial if we are to be a society that values everyone, not just a few.
Mark Dempsey
2009-02-22 21:13:16First a clear value statement akin to 'for the many not the few' that binds a together our vision for the future.
Second a fundamental and comprehensive reform of the political system to clean up sleaze, make people feel that politics in worthwhile and valuable, and to tackle the cynicism of the media. Should include House of Lords reform (finally), voting reform, and and the wholescale modernisation of Parliament.
Charlotte MacKenzie
2009-02-22 13:42:58Three ideas: voting at 16, same minimum wage for people of all ages, free local travel for teenagers.
PS For anyone using Twitter to add to the list including #laboursnextmanifesto means all the suggestions will appear together at http://www.hashtags.org/ when you search for laboursnextmanifesto
Michael Tombs
2009-02-21 23:02:59If I could get one sentence in Labour’s next manifesto for the next election, it would say this “I would like to see a target of 80% domestic waste recycling throughout the UK by 2020”.
There is no reason why this cannot be achieved as we now have the technology to recycle all paper, card, plastic, metal, organic plant and food waste, as well as electrical items, batteries and oils, so there are no reasons why local authorities cannot achieve this target within 10 years … recycle means no more waste incinerators being built.
Francis Bond
2009-02-21 21:38:11Hiya, im 17 and interested in what you were saying in the blog about young people writing about why politics excites them. Im a member of the Labour Party and an elected member of The National Youth Parliment and would love to contribute to the feature. I don't know if you want us to give a sample answer on this blog or not but please let me know.
Clive Birnie
2009-02-21 10:56:56Alina, Thanks for the reply. Yes our MP Dr Liam Fox is aware, as is our councilor, and we also wrote to the PM, his opposite nos. Ed Balls, Sir J Rose etc etc Maybe I should have written to AC here :-)
Will Campbell
2009-02-21 03:44:05No relation, by the way.
Did you make any effort to persuade His Nibs (T Blair) of the necessity of withdrawing the tax break of public schools when you were his director of strategy and commuications? Or are you tacking to the left as well?
As for compulsry voting, we are compulsorily taxed, and now you want to haul us to a booth or at least to fill in a form once every blue moon. Why don't you focus on persuading more people to vote, as a free choice? Why the urge to compel people to do things?
Nicola Mortin
2009-02-20 23:31:08if I could get one sentence into Labour’s manifesto for the next election,
it would say this ...to have the voting age begin at 16. They can marry, fight for our country and pay taxes, yet they don't have a say in what goes on in their community.
Lou Rossati
2009-02-20 21:35:05Glad you accepted the New Statesman's offer Alistair.
My sentence for the next manifesto:
"We will remove top-up fees for higher education (yes, we KNOW we introduced it but it was a stupid mistake - okay, we admit it!), return to a properly funded grants programme and remove the link to parental income, which disadvantages many lower and middle income families."
Alina Palimaru
2009-02-20 21:18:28To Clive Birnie
Thank you for sharing your story and being open about it. Don't worry about how you are being dismissed. It's what you accomplish that matters!
As for your daughter's education, just keep working with her. One of my friends is dyslexic, and he is now attending Law School! Where there's will, there's a way.
Did you bring this matter to your MP's attention?
The Twitterer again
2009-02-20 18:07:57Hi Alina, - the vid was hilarious - thanks!
If I may respond to a comment from Judith earlier. I do think (and I say this lovingly and as someone who thinks that the two greatest things to happen to British politics in the last 100 years was Alastair Campbell and Tony Blair), that the latest polls are to be believed and that Labour is, at the moment, truly four consonants and two vowel. To be in denial about this is to be behaving like the Tories circa 1992. (incidentally was still in school then, but I do have some vague memories)...
Alina Palimaru
2009-02-20 17:26:49To One of the Twitterers:
I fully agree with your views on internet outreach!
About the prospects of on-line voting, you will find the video below both amusing and disturbing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cnRstr0z6I
Best,
Alina
alastair campbell
2009-02-20 17:21:12Ivan, thanks for the book - I remember you giving it to me, and it is a superb book. I was already thinking of something on the theme of recession/charities/the vulnerable. Maybe there is something you could suggest for the manifesto too
Ivan Corea
2009-02-20 16:20:32Hello Alistair, we met a few years ago and I think I sent you Mark Haddon's book, 'A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime.' Alistair I would really ask you to consider doing a story on how the credit crunch and the deepening recession is affecting the most vulnerable members of society - families with disabilities including autism. Many more families with autism are below the poverty line. Many have to choose between heating an eating. John Battle MP Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Poverty tabled an EDM on Autism and Poverty. 87 MPs signed it. Then Rudi Vis MP tabled a motion in the Commons on Autism and Winter Fuel Poverty. Over 50 MPs have signed it and recently 42 MPs signed David Drew MP's EDM 710 on Autism Sunday. Chery Gillan MP is bringing an Autism Bill on 27th February. On 2nd April the United Nations marks World Autism Awareness Day. So please consider doing a piece on the Vulnerable and the Credit Crunch and the Recession.
One of the Twitterers
2009-02-20 16:07:07If I could get one sentence into Labour's manifesto it would be "To make local and national participation in the democratic process fully accessible online."
In terms of e-government initiatives, a few years back(when I was still living in the UK), we were somewhat ahead than the rest of the world. But there's still much, much more potential for engaging the public online. And I'm not talking about some high tech web voting system or online focus groups to reach young people or residents surveys where you can view the results online (which are all fine, but...) - I'm talking about fully using the internet to systematically engage communities about things that matter to them; to involve them in decision making while they're sitting at their computers.
Like for e.g when Mr Campbell made that New Statemen editor decision, I bet his Twitter followers felt really empowered after that! A light example, but you catch my drift.
I don't believe the British public is inherently apathetic - I just feel they need the appropriate channels in which to voice their views. I also believe that Labour, as the great modernising party of our time is the only political party to be able to make that huge online leap.
For the record, I've never shared my comments about politics before in a forum - which just goes to show that Mr Campbell's efforts online are already rousing people who ordinarily would not have a voice or indeed who choose not to use it.
Clive Birnie
2009-02-20 14:15:07On your state school / private school theme. Another point of view from my bitter experience. There are those of us who have been left with no choice. My daughter is now at a private school. She is dyslexic and dyspraxic. Confirmed by an eminent Educational Psychologist. Our LA says sorry but there is no funding for her to receive any help. She can't progress without it. Cannot "access the curriculum" to borrow her SENCO's words. 10% of the kids at the private school she attends are there for the same reason. So our choice was private education or no education. There is no equality in state education. None. Zip. Kids from the same state school she no longer attends get sent across the county for professional sports coaching because they are "gifted & talented". I just hoped my daughter could learn to read. For this I am dismissed as a pushy middle class parent with unreasonable expectations.
Charlie
2009-02-20 14:06:33Good Luck with guest editing the NS.
Re your ideas:
- One sentence for inclusion in the manifesto:
"What do we do for an Encore?"
- Voting to be compulsory- I agree, but postal voting bust be reformedv to eliminate possibility of fraud (see Glenrothes)
- Abolish Charitable Status for Public Schools - Only if you make school fees tax deductible at the same time. (Anyone paying school fees effectively pays 2x)
kwhite
2009-02-20 14:04:42An end to charitable status for private schools - absolutely
An end to selection by aptitude (11+ and its ilk, which - despite 11 years of Labour government - limps on where I live)
Lead the way on proposing an International Court for the Environment - give us a means of enforcing our environmental rights by public interest action
Promise that ... Read moreour next London Mayoral candidate will be directly elected by our members
Give MPs a transparent and appropriate salary and move all "expenses" to come under the remit of an independent and accountable body within the scope of the House of Commons organisation
Move mental health up the political agenda and set out clear reforms to ensure it is properly funded as an NHS service
Marcus Dillistone
2009-02-20 13:46:45The worlds environmental problems are caused by three things which seem - whether for political or religious reasons - too 'hot' for even the media to discuss. They are; population, population and population. Please, someone open the debate for all our sakes!
P.S. I will take this commission anytime.
Marcus Dillistone
2009-02-20 13:37:49The thing I find depressing about private education is that too many parents subscribe to it for reasons of social snobbery, not for any considered educational reasons. These same parents also feel that, by paying the school, they can absolve themselves of the need to nurture their own offspring.
Regarding withdrawal of charitable status: on a practical level, if private schools start to close - and more surely would - there would be a resulting influx into the state system at a time when budgets will be already stretched. This is starting to happen in the SW already as parents can no longer afford fees. Many more will follow because there is a 'recessional lag' in private education, it being the last thing many parents will cut.
The number one priority in all schools is - IMHO - cutting out disruptive behaviour; this is where real effort needs to be made. Rightly or wrongly private education has a natural edge here with smaller class sizes and easier options to expel.
Jane A
2009-02-20 13:18:54I'm glad you decided to guest edit : Yes you can!
One sentence which I'd like to see in the next Labour manifesto:
Discrimination against people on the grounds of their mental health status should be subject to the same anti-discrimination legislation which covers peoples race, gender, religion or belief, sexual preferences or physical disability. It is the last area of civil rights concern which is long overdue for parity.
I'm sure you can put that far better than I have, by the way, and probably in one sentence rather than two.
jane
Charlie
2009-02-20 13:05:21Good Luck with guest editing the NS.
Re your ideas:
- One sentence for inclusion in the manifesto:
"What do we do for an Encore?"
- Voting to be compulsory- I agree, but postal voting bust be reformedv to eliminate possibility of fraud (see Glenrothes)
- Abolish Charitable Status for Public Schools - Only if you make school-fees tax deductible at the same time. (Anyone paying school fees effectively pays 2x)
Leigh Caldwell
2009-02-20 12:08:59Dear Alastair
Great to find your blog (via Facebook). I will add it to my list and check regularly.
I have forwarded your request to Tony Gilland of Debating Matters, who runs an annual competition to find the best debating team among UK schools. It might be worthwhile to look at their pool of talent and see if they have someone for you.
Also have another idea or two...I will write some notes up and get back to you.
Judith Haire
2009-02-20 12:03:33These are crackingly good idea. If you could extend the age bracket to 16-19 you could trawl the politics departments of universities for your young people, note Sheffield University has one of the most vibrant politics departments around, I know that cos I was a politics student there Compulsory voting now thats a breath of very fresh air. To put in practice though, are you going to stop people's benefits if they don't vote or take them by the hand to the polling booths? I don't believe in polls so we have no need to be nervous of the Tories. Keep on blogging good luck all best Judith
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