Friday, August 27, 2021

Launch of "Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Abuse, Neglect and Fire in a London Children's Workhouse, 1854-1907" By John Walker


Thursday evening I went to the launch at Newham Bookshop of this work by local historian, John Walker. I haven't read it yet but I know that the story of this Victorian workhouse for children (which is only 10 minutes walk from where I live) is pretty horrific. There were similar institutions at the time up and down the land. 

After signing copies of the book outside, John gave a talk about the book and what he found while investigating the achieves. He also pointed out the irony that the lodge (or gatehouse) of the workhouse was used to "allow" parents to see their children for an hours or so every three months (yes every 3 months!) which is now used by the local charity, "The Magpie Project" which supports families and children who are denied access to public funds outside institutions. The new so called "undeserving poor". 

Check out https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/ where you can also order the book (Pub 26 Aug 2021 ISBN 978-1-7399142-0-2. £12.99 from all good bookstores). 

Picture of John with our local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai, holding his signed copy of the book. 

Afterwards a number of us went to the famous East Ham pub, The Boleyn, which has recently been refurbished and carried on discussing local Labour movement history. 

Thursday, August 26, 2021

UNISON Housing Association Branch says Goodbye & Thank You

Yesterday I went to a "real" leaving "do" in central London for our temporary branch case worker Susan (with members of our executive, branch and regional staff).

Since Susan was employed during Covid pandemic, I had never actually met her in person beforehand but I had did her virtual induction when she started and had spoken to her on the telephone a number of times.

Also, I had not met physically some of the others present since way before the first lockdown. 

It was brilliant to meet up with everyone in person but I must admit that I was disappointed at the lack of mask wearing on the Underground going there and back. Also, 2  people had to drop out of the celebration because they were waiting for the results of Covid PCR tests. 

We are certainly not out of the Covid woods yet but lets enjoy meeting people (safely) when we can.  

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

"Lost in UNISON" online courses

UNISON is of course the most wonderful organisation ever but it has 1.3 million members who work in a number of very different public services (public, voluntary and private) in all parts of the UK. 

So its structures and what you have to do to become more active in UNISON can appear (and is) daunting to even long-standing members. 

In Greater London Region (jargon check), for many years, we have been running a "Lost in Unison" course which have been really successful and received lots of positive feedback. 

I recommend that if you are a Greater London UNISON member and are interested in finding out more check out below (if you don't know which region you belong to but know your membership number use this link https://www.unison.org.uk/my-unison/ or ring via UNISONdirect https://www.unison.org.uk/about/contact/)

To all Branch Secretaries and Branch Education Co-Ordinators

"Dear colleague, you will be aware that that region has been running an online ‘Lost in UNISON’ stewards induction session for those new to the role, or anyone interested in finding out more before making the commitment, and feedback from the online course has been very positive.

I’m pleased to confirm extra dates have now been confirmed and more details regarding the course, dates and how to apply can be found below:-

LOST IN UNISON STEWARDS INDUCTION SESSION

 UNISON is committed to helping and developing you, our new stewards through this initial period while you’re still finding your feet. We’d like to invite you to attend a steward induction session which will give you some training in steward basics, allow you to explore your role, develop your skills and gain the experience and confidence to be an effective steward in your workplace.

You will also meet other new stewards and have an opportunity to become part of a new mentoring program designed to support new stewards in their workplace and the branch.

Thinking of becoming a steward? Then Lost In Unison is also open to you. It’s a great way to find out more about the role and what it involves before making a decision.

The course will run online (via MS Teams) and will be 2 short sessions each of 2 hours (10am -12pm). You do need to be able to attend both sessions.  To register please complete the relevant form for the date you would like to attend

Friday 10 & Friday 17 September (10am – 1pm)  Ref 04/21

To register please go to  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3x7C10HVpEmfWnc3gy1Cx1yHp08KtJ9AkacB8JqTEi1UOUQxSVVOOVVJQk9WODIxMUVZMUZMSUJaTi4u

Closing date for registration Noon on 1 September

Tuesday 12 & Tuesday 19 October (10am – 1pm) – Ref Lost 05/21

To register please go to  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3x7C10HVpEmfWnc3gy1Cx1yHp08KtJ9AkacB8JqTEi1UNUwxMVZFWEgwUzRUQ08zNk9OMFo0UkZEQi4u

Closing date for registration Noon on 1 October

Tuesday 7 & Tuesday 14 December (10am – 1pm) – Ref Lost 06/21

To register please go to – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3x7C10HVpEmfWnc3gy1Cx1yHp08KtJ9AkacB8JqTEi1UMThYSkhWMThVQkJMWFgwQ00yUTNENERCTy4u

Closing date for registration Noon on 1 December

Monday, August 23, 2021

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Walton-on-the-Naze walk to Frinton-on-sea

After a lovely day with extended family at a rented beach hut in Walton-on-the-Naze (with lots of paddling, sandcastle building and fish n chips) Gill and I decided to walk to Frinton-on-sea to catch the train back to London. 

A fantastic 2 mile walk along the sand and beach huts. Recommended.  

This was our first long train journey since the pandemic. It went pretty well and much better than driving there and back. I could read the Sunday papers (online). I did forgot to take my headphones, so it was a little noisy (but so is a car). 

It is 152 miles there and back from Forest Gate (East London). It cost £40.35 for a duel railway ticket for both of us. Inland revenue allow £0.45 per mile as being the true financial cost of using a car (don't forget depreciation for each mile driven). 

So the train fare is obviously far cheaper (than 152 x .45 =£68). Nevermind the environmental impact and the simple joy of not driving. 

I will link more photos of walk on Facebook.

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Developer defends plans to put social homes in blocks serving as a ‘noise buffer’

A dreadful story reported in "Inside Housing"

"Developer Lovell has defended itself after sparking an outcry by describing blocks of flats containing most of a proposed Bristol development’s social homes as a “noise buffer” between industry and other housing".

This story is behind a paywall so problem if you do not subscribe to Inside Housing (they have to pay their way with subscribers)

I am not sure if Lovell deny the accuracy of this story. Check out the "free to view"  Bristol Post coverage of the wider campaign against this development.  

Friday, August 20, 2021

"Plight of desperate Afghans highlights UK’s cruel refugee plans"

 

MPs from all parties must defeat Westminster government’s plans to further criminalise and punish those fleeing for their lives

Hat tip UNISON General Secretary Christin McAnea blog "We are witnessing deeply upsetting scenes from Afghanistan. People are fleeing safety through desperate means. Human rights activists, feminists, trade unionists, journalists – now waiting for a terrifying knock on their door.

After the UK’s involvement in Afghanistan over the last two decades, we cannot fail them now. But this needs a concerted effort, because the Westminster government is already pushing plans through Parliament to make claiming asylum almost impossible.

The Nationality and Borders Bill – introduced this summer – seeks to punish the most desperate refugees. Those who make ‘irregular’ journeys – or in other words, the only possible route to safety – will be treated as criminals.

As we have seen all too starkly, when people are forced to flee their homes and countries in fear of their lives, they have hours not days, and certainly not years. As this crisis is immediate, the government’s announcement of restricting help to only 5,000 this year, and 20,000 over several years, will be too late for many who need urgent help now.

In recent years, refugees fleeing conflict and persecution have been met with hostility and hate by governments. UNISON strongly opposes proposals to threaten criminal charges and four-year prison terms for the most desperate asylum seekers.

Together with plans to give them more insecure and limited refuge in the UK, and to worsen the condition of detention centres, it is a dishonourable attempt to extend the Home Office’s ‘hostile environment’ to refugees.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has warned that these plans will undermine the 1951 Refugee Convention and has called for an urgent rethink. It is shameful that this warning was issued at all.

The treatment of asylum seekers and refugees is a litmus test for any government. The response should be humane, offering compassion and a safe haven – not criminal charges, threats and the vermin-infested accommodation that many asylum seekers in the UK have had to endure.

UNISON is often the first port of call for vulnerable groups of people, because we have built a union that offers care and compassion wherever our members work. Where governments fail in their humanitarian and moral duty, it is ordinary people who step in.

And this is true of our members, who are often distressed that they cannot do more to support refugees and refugee families.

UNISON is proud to be a central part of the movement for humanity and compassion. We are urging the government to fund targeted support for women and girls and the promotion of human and labour rights, by restoring aid that was recently cut by £78m.

We are also calling for Afghan asylum seekers to be given refuge in our communities here in the UK, and for MPs from all parties to defeat the government’s cruel and inhumane plans for refugees and asylum seekers".

Thursday, August 19, 2021

ONS Covid survey - Swab test went ok but failed to complete blood antibody test (again!)


Since October 2020 I have been a volunteer taking part in the random mass survey by the ONS on Covid infections. Every 4 weeks someone from the ONS would visit me at home and collect a PCR test and for the first several months also take a blood sample from me.  

The idea is that via this testing the Government would have a better idea of what is the true rate of current infections of Covid in the UK and also how many people test positive from past infections (and vaccinations). 

I tested negative from October 2020 from PCR and blood samples until 1 April 2021 (yes, I have only just twigged it was "April Fool Day") when I was negative for PCR but positive in blood test for anti-bodies. However, since this was 2 weeks after my first Covid vaccine, I was pleased that I appeared to have some protection. 

Since then I had one more positive blood test showing anti bodies but there has been some problems with blood testing and also the ONS have now moved to finger testing by volunteers rather than vein blood samples being taken my medically trained staff. 

Today I had a visit and was able to carry out a successful PCR test but was not able to get enough blood from my finger to complete the Covid anti bodies test. Which was very frustrating not least because I want to "do my bit" by helping out with this national survey but also it would be reassuring that they find I still have anti-bodies from my jabs. The same thing happened last month. I was told that men do have "sticker blood than women and thicker skin". I suppose I should be pleased that my blood appears to clot quickly. 

Anyway, I will try again in 4 weeks.  

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

"Homeowners £326,000 richer than renters over 30 years, report finds"


Check out the indie.  The problem is not so much home ownership, but the fact (in my view) that the market is rigged by the Government in favour of home ownership above other tenures. 

Now prices are so high then this may change since in many areas "Buy to Let" landlords cannot pay off their mortgages despite charging sky high rents. 

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

"Robert Roberts was a north-Walian quarryman. His death on 23 April 1888 resulted in a churchyard break-in by candlelight, an illicit burial, and the rise of a Prime Minister".


"Robert Roberts was a north-Walian quarryman. His death on 23 April 1888 resulted in a churchyard break-in by candlelight, an illicit burial, and the rise of a Prime Minister.

All because his final wish was to be buried beside his daughter at their local churchyard".

Check out this fascinating tale  hat tip @LondonNurse2015 

Monday, August 16, 2021

National Cyber Security Centre - Grass up a Phisher

 

After many months, if not years, of just deleting phishing emails, texts and voice messages (you know the ones -  "you are about to be arrested by HMRC for tax evasion" etc by a bloke who sounds like the one parodied by "Frankie Goes to Hollywood" announcing the start of nuclear war) I have now been forwarding such emails and texts to the UK "National Cyber Security Centre". 

Not sure how much difference it will make but I have been sending such dodgy texts to "7726" (then blocking them on my phone) and emails to "report@phishing.gov.uk". 


Sunday, August 15, 2021

Hunsdon North Loop walk

Off message but Gill and I had a marvellous countryside walk today in near perfect walking weather. I had come across a new free web site this morning https://www.hertfordshirewalker.uk/ and selected this Hunsdon North Loop walk . It is a circular 5.7 miles route only 38 minutes by car from Forest Gate (it is possible by train and bus but not on a Sunday I think).

Hunsdon is a lovely old village. The walk passes its airfield which is still used by microlight & small planes but during World War Two was home to fighter bomber Mosquitos squadrons. 126 RAF air and ground crew stationed here were killed during the war. A very sobering fact.

The walk itself was pretty varied, lots of wheat fields, woods, valleys, rivers and streams, some slight hills, lots of majestic birds of prey and some friendly bullocks. The weather was warm but not too hot with a refreshing breeze. The sky line was spectacular with fast moving white and some dark clouds with bright sunshine. 

One very welcome and unusual feature of this walk was the number of benches provided for people to sit on. This was a really quiet walk and we hardly saw anyone apart from a few dog walkers and picnickers.  

I took (for who knows what reason) a wrong turn at a crossing without checking the Ordinance Survey apt which meant another 2.5 miles but it was such a lovely walk that it didn't really matter (honest!).  

At the end of the walk I enjoyed a pint of Best at the The Crown in its beer garden. 

I will post more pictures of the walk here on Facebook




Saturday, August 14, 2021

Labour E20 Canvass & #HappyBirthdayHardie

This morning there was a physical "Labour doorstep" canvass in Stratford, Newham followed by a celebration of Keir Hardie's Birthday (tomorrow 15 August) and his links with the borough. The Keir Hardie Society encourage supporters to post pictures to show his legacy as one of the most influential people in British politics. 

Keir was elected as the first Labour MP in 1892 for what was then called the West Ham South Parliamentary seat. 

The main picture shows activists holding copies of one of his election leaflets outside Stratford Town Hall where the election count in 1892 took place. Keir is reputed to have made his acceptance speech from the balcony to cheering crowds below. 

Bottom right is a picture of activists outside the Theatre Royal in Stratford. In 1992 it premiered a production of "A Better Life" which was based on the life of Keir.

Many people commented on his election manifesto leaflet on how many similar problems face us nowadays such as the need for "Healthy Homes", Fair rents", "Work for the Unemployed" etc. 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Triathlon Challenge 2022

Picture of London Aquatics Centre (Olympic Pool 2012). After work this week I went for my first swim since Sept 2018 (I am amazed at this but Google timeline is pretty scary and insistent). 

I have kept myself fairly fit during the pandemic but I need a goal to get fitter and also burn off excess "lock down" pounds. 

Last Friday I met up with an old friend, who I used to go running with many years ago (Not anyone from Newham) for a meal in Covent Garden and (after several drinks) we agreed to take part in a self organised Olympic distance triathlon early next year (April/May). 

Similar to the one I did with Newham's Terry Paul in 2016  , when we swam 1500m in the Aquatic Centre,  went on a 40k cycle ride to the Houses of Parliament and back again then went for a 10k circular run alongside the River Lea. 

I will raise funds for UNISON's Welfare "there for you" and will throw open the challenge to Terry and others to join us. 

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Newham Labour - Deadline tomorrow (Friday 13.8.21) at 12 noon "We're hiring a Campaign Organiser"

Reminder

Role: Newham Labour Group Campaign Organiser 

Working For: Newham Labour Group

Salary range: £36,108.99 - £40,000 per annum subject to experience (gross and inclusive of London Weighting. Full-time and based on national Labour Party pay scale range 26 – 28)

Duration: Fixed term to October 2022

Application deadline: Midday, Friday 13th August 2021

Check out https://jobs.theguardian.com/job/7356156/newham-labour-group-campaign-organiser/ for further details 

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

"Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Abuse, Neglect and Fire in a London Children's Workhouse, 1854-1907" By John Walker


I was really pleased to be invited to the launch later this month of a new book by local Forest Gate historian, John Walker. Check out @e7_nowandthen

This will take place at https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/ where you can also order the book (Pub 26 Aug 2021 ISBN 978-1-7399142-0-2. £12.99 from all good bookstores).

One of the very last history events I attended before the first lockdown in 2020 was a talk followed by a guided walk led by John at the site of the Forest Gate Childrens workhouse

On New Year's Day this year, myself and my fellow ward Councillor, John Whitworth laid a wreath in remembrance of the 26 young boys killed in the fire at the workhouse in 1890. 

(I also by coincidence know John's son, FT journalist, Owen Walker via the pensions world and must get around to write up an appreciation of his excellent book on the Neil Woodford scandal which was also published this year). 

Monday, August 09, 2021

WANTED: your experiences of Labour membership

 If you are a Fabian member you should have got an email invite to this survey (with a live link). An "interesting" survey to fill out if you have 5-10 minutes.

"For those of you who are Labour party members, we invite you to complete our new survey of Labour members' experiences of their party.

We've launched a national survey of Labour members to understand their experiences of party membership and ambitions for getting more involved.

We know there are lots of great examples of local parties that really strive to bring members together and help people from all backgrounds to take part. But it’s also true that the way Labour works and local party cultures can sometimes leave members frustrated.

Our survey asks questions about local party culture, activism, meetings, and candidate selections. We want to know how you think Labour is doing as an organisation for its members – and how it can do better.

The experiences of party members revealed in this survey will help inform discussions on how Labour becomes a party that is open, inclusive and reaches out to all those who recognise the change our country needs.

Please respond by 13th August to get your voice heard and make the Labour party better".

Sunday, August 08, 2021

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge (Chingford) Forest Walk

 

Today the weather forecast was pretty dire (rain showers all day) but Gill and I decided to take a risk and go for a local walk in Epping Forest. We started off near to the Queen Elizabeth hunting lodge (currently closed). There are usually plenty of parking spaces and it is only 10 minutes walk from Chingford station,

The risk paid off and we had a lovely 4/5 mile walk with only one or two short showers. Because of the weather forecast it was also very quiet since most people had been put off by it. 

There are a mass of walks you can take from this starting point. We started along the Holly Trail then went through various woodland paths that took our fancy. The thing about Epping Forest is that it is very difficult to get seriously lost since eventually you will come across a road. A GPS app such as this one from Ordnance Survey helps (£2.99 per month). 

Due to the mud and puddles thanks to all the rain we had recently it was definitely "Wellie weather" but boots and gaiters would have also worked. 

Highlight of the walk was at the end with my sausage & bacon sarnie at the Butlers Retreat


Saturday, August 07, 2021

#HappyBirthdayHardie

"August 15th marks the anniversary of the birth of James Keir Hardie. Every year the Keir Hardie Society celebrate with an online #HappyBirthdayHardie campaign - calling on supporters of the society to send pictures showing the legacy that belongs to one of the most influential people in British politics.

Here are some of the best examples of the #HappyBirthdayHardie celebrations."

I will give this some thought on how to mark his birthday locally. In Newham we have a number of #KeirHardie related sites to choose from! 

Check out this Newham Council booklet to celebrate the 120th anniversary of his election as the first ever Labour MP in 1892 for West Ham South. 

Friday, August 06, 2021

Labour Dialogue telecanvass tomorrow Sat 7/8/21 at 11am to 1pm


Many apologies for late notice but I am running a telecanvass session tomorrow morning 11am-1pm. 

If any local Labour Party member in Newham wants to join then email me John.Gray2012@icloud.com for zoom invite. 

Training given if you have not used dialogue before but you do need your username and password to your Labour Party account in order to participate.  

Have you activated your online Labour Party account?  You will need to do that before you can canvass. You also need access to a PC or laptop or tablet and a phone (preferably a landline but mobile fine)

Activate

https://login.labour.org.uk/activate

Log on

https://dialogue.labour.org.uk/


 



Thursday, August 05, 2021

The Three Johns (& crispy tripe)

 

Just back from a lovely catch up and meal with my two West Ham Labour comrades, John Saunders and John Whitworth, at 012 Bar & Grill in Stratford. 

While putting Newham and the local Labour Party to rights, over some beers and lovely Nepalese food (chili chicken, cheesy chips, mutton Thali, seasonal veg and crispy tripe - no comment please) it was also so good to meet up in person again. 

Wednesday, August 04, 2021

Labour doorstep app canvass in Olympic E20, Brilliant William Morris quote & young people queuing up for Covid vaccine.

 

On Saturday I joined Labour Party colleagues to take part in a physical canvass of the Stratford E20 area (the site of the former 2012 London Olympic village). For the first time I was asked (or rather pushed) into leading a canvass team using the Labour Party "doorstep app" on my mobile phone. In the past we had paper sheets with details of names and addresses to call at to canvass on behalf of the Labour Party, now it can be done online via your mobile phone. It seemed to work very well and I hope the information we received on voting intentions was uploaded and saved to the national Party database.

I went with my colleague, Cllr Shaban Mohammed and former Councillor, Aleen Alarice.  We got a very good reception from residents who were overwhelmingly pleased that we were knocking on doors and asking them whether there are any local problems or issues they want us to raise.

I was really struck to see the green plaque in the foyer of the block we canvassed with the great William Morris quote “History has remembered the kings and warriors, because they destroyed; art has remembered the people, because they created.”. 

While cycling home I passed a massive queue of mostly young people, waiting for their Covid jab despite the intermittent downpours that day. I thanked them as I went past.

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

"This monstrous glowing orb makes a mockery of east London’s Olympic legacy" Lyn Brown MP

 

When London bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, we were driven not just by sporting desire, but by a vision for a regenerated east London after decades of deindustrialisation and deprivation. We were promised not just new infrastructure and economic growth, but the opportunity to genuinely improve the lives of local residents, including those who suffered dislocation and disruption to create the new Olympic venues. Most local people passionately supported the bid and the Games on this premise. Yet, while the Games did bring significant investment into Newham, there have been clear failures to benefit local people in the years since the closing ceremonies.

Delivering a lasting, positive legacy for the Olympic site was a job entrusted to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), established by Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, with the promise that local people really would benefit from the impact of the Games. For the most part, the opportunities created have remained out of reach for most local people. Rents and living costs have risen rapidly in the area but these have not been matched by sufficient wage increases or enough accessible new jobs, let alone enough affordable and social housing.

As the local MP, I have always made the case that new developments must meet local needs. Almost a decade on from 2012, I don’t think the LLDC has lived up to that promise. And, while the corporation has failed to deliver the positive changes that local residents need, I believe it is also removing the ability of local residents and their elected councils to have an effective say about what gets built in their communities.

A case in point is the MSG Sphere in Stratford. The LLDC’s planning committee meets soon to decide the fate of the planning application for this giant orb-shaped music venue from the Madison Square Garden company. The site was originally public land that was sold to developers with the idea of creating new workspaces and homes, a fitting vision for the positive legacy of the Games. Instead, what we now face is a massive live entertainment venue, almost as tall as Big Ben, covered with nearly a million garish LEDs, programmed to display videos and adverts. The company behind the concept owns Madison Square Garden in New York, and clearly has little connection to Newham’s communities.

I have had serious concerns for some time about the value of this proposed development, the degree of community consent it has involved and the harm it may do to people in Stratford and neighbouring areas. Newham doesn’t want this venue, yet it’s the LLDC, not Newham council, that gets to recommend to Sadiq Khan whether it is built. I don’t believe that’s fair or right.

Many local residents have clear and serious objections to the light and noise pollution this development would cause, as well as the potential for increased antisocial behaviour and traffic. The giant venue will beam bright lights into the surrounding area until 11pm on some days; beginning again at 6am or 7am, depending on the time of year. One constituent has predicted that it will be like living next to the surface of the sun. Many residents feel that living next to the site will be a nightmare.

The planning application has proposed that the MSG Sphere would host 300 events a year, a number far higher than the venues that already exist nearby, such as the London Stadium. It will undoubtedly be noisy and disruptive. Yet there is no qualified professional assessment of the effects that noise, light, moving images and distracting advertising will have on the environment and local people, including vulnerable groups and children.

Crowd management issues could be equally serious. The planning application includes a vague operational manual for how the venue might function, rather than a transparent, detailed and binding plan for impacts on the local area and transport system. And there’s currently no commitment to cooperate with other big venues, such as the London Stadium and the O2, to avoid overwhelming the Jubilee tube line and other local transport.

MSG’s planning application was submitted more than two years ago, in March 2019. The public consultation that has taken place since then has certainly been lengthy, but for many people, that doesn’t make it adequate. There has been a drip-feed of extremely complex, technical submissions with more than 2,000 separate documents and representations available online. The enormous scale of the submission has created huge barriers for residents, many of whom have had difficulty accessing the relevant information, properly understanding the implications or making an informed, democratic decision.

Newham’s residents have little power over the final outcome; Newham council only gets two representatives on the LLDC’s planning committee out of a total of 12 members, including seven unelected committee members. I’m calling on the LLDC to refuse the application and protect Newham’s residents from yet another inappropriate development. I would hope they would listen to and act on what elected representatives say. Securing some of the promised benefits of the Olympic legacy depends upon it.

  • Lyn Brown is the Labour member of parliament for West Ham  (hat tip Guardian & Cllr Terry Paul).

Monday, August 02, 2021

Fancy being an independent member of Newham Overview & Scrutiny Committee?


"We are looking to add further independence, skills and knowledge to Newham’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee by seeking 3 independent co-optee members.

For further information please visit https://orlo.uk/CommitteeVacancies_zZsia
Closing date 8 August"

Sunday, August 01, 2021

London Labour Party AGM 2021 (& call for Co-operative Commission for London)



Last weekend was the Greater London Labour Party virtual AGM. I missed the Saturday due to some technical difficulties. I was able to join the second day on the Sunday as a UNISON political fund delegate (due to being Chair of the GLR Labour Link). 

Angela Rayner MP,  the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, was our inspirational  keynote speaker.  She gave a passionate speech about how this present Tory Government makes Margaret Thatcher look like a pussy cat and that we must come together to win a future general election, not least, in order to feed all our hungry kids. 

The UNISON motion on Social Care was proposed by our Regional Secretary, Maggi Fermcombe (congratulations to Maggi for also being elected Chair of GLR Labour Party Board). I spoke to second the motion calling for the London Mayor to set up a Co-operative Commission. See my speech below:-

Economy & Work – A Cooperative Commission for London

"Chair, conference, John Gray, from UNISON Labour Link, seconding this motion and welcoming this call to for the Mayor and the GLA to set up a cooperative commission for our City.

My longstanding UNISON comrade, Angela Rayner, reminded us this morning about the labour movement family and our shared history and values.  The cooperative movement is a vital part of our family

We are pleased though that there is an emphasis on a collaborative effect on this call for a commission, involving not only co-operators but also trade unions, voluntary sector and local government. As we are amongst comrades, let us accept, that there has been sometimes difficulties and disagreements between some supporters of particular co-operative models and trade unions - with Councillors often caught in the middle.

Conference, there are huge opportunities for genuine bottom up cooperatives in London, we have just passed a motion on good quality work in London, we all want these “good”jobs, but we also want new economic models, greater democracy  at work and the chance to build real community wealth.

We needed co-operatives in London before Covid and will need it even more, as we hopefully come out of it. Let us build collectively a model that suits and fits modern London, a model led by our Labour Mayor and Assembly members but co-produced with the cooperative movement, trade unions and local government. Conference, please support this motion"