Sunday, December 31, 2023

Happy New Year 2024


 Been for some wonderful walks during holiday and looking forward to many more in 2024. Picture Ecton Hill, Peak District

Monday, December 25, 2023

Merry Christmas 2023

 



Turkey is in the oven. Picture from our morning walk to work up an appetite.

Picture Solomon's Tower, Buxton Country Park. Christmas Day 23

Friday, December 22, 2023

Wanstead Flats A Short Illustrated History

 

I have finally just got around to ordering myself this book as a late Crimbo present. I have lived opposite Wanstead flats (now part of Epping Forest) for over 30 years and it is an absolute joy. I went for an early run this morning around the flats, while listening to "Today" on Radio 4. My perfect start to the day. 

You can buy this book by local authors Mark Gorman & Peter Williams, from Newham Bookshop https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/request.php?ref=A422&within=home  for £10 (plus £3 postage). 

"Once part of the riverbed of the Thames, in medieval times the Flats became grazing land. Over the last two centuries the Flats has hosted funfairs and football, become a site for political protest and been a key part of London’ anti-aircraft defences in two world wars.

Wanstead Flats: A Short Illustrated History includes a number of never-before-published photos".

Thursday, December 21, 2023

UNISON Direct Christmas Opening Hours 2023


For any UNISON members (or rather the many that will be working 24/7 all through the holidays) who need urgent union assistance. Most branches will be closed from today to Tuesday 2 Jan.

Hap tip UNISON Lincolnshire Police Branch. 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Professional Vs Lay Trustees: The Great Pension Scheme Debate


Picture is from last months Professional Pensions Investment Conference where I put forward arguments in favour of member nominated lay trustees on trustee pension committees/LGPS boards. While Richard Hubbard, spoke in favour of Professional Trustees.

It was pretty good natured debate chaired by the Editor-in-chief of Professional Pensions, Jonathan Stapleton, followed by a Q&A from the audience. Richard argued that the present system was not fit for purpose and the complexity of modern pension fund investment meant it was unfair to expect lay trustees to have the skills and experience necessary to be running massive multi million or even multi billion funds.

My reasoning was that member nominated trustees have a vital role, since this is usually all about their own money. Their pensions, their "deferred pay" in law. Their financial futures. There have been a number of dreadful financial scandals over the years by financial "professionals". Remembering that Member nominated lay trustees was largely brought about following the Robert Maxwell theft of pensioner funds. 

There is a tradition in pensions, local and national government and charities of the interested lay person, assisted and guided by trained officer,s asking the simple but difficult questions and challenging the "Group think" and "follow the herd" instincts that financial services are too often influenced by. 

I think it is naive not to accept that there is a conflict of interest between pension savers and the financial service industry as a whole. That is not to say that the present lay trustee model is perfect and does not need reform and that I have worked with a number of reputable professional trustees over the years. 

I argued that member nominated trustees need greater support from employers and statutory time off to undertake all their their duties and receive proper training. Pension boards or sponsors must pay for this. I mentioned a recent report by the AMNT (Association of member nominated trustees). There should be at least one "accredited" pension trustee on a board, whether professional or lay. The qualifications are the same. 

There was a flurry of questions and no doubt this subject will be revisited again and again, especially with the push to consolidate pension funds. 

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Migrants Day 2023: One NHS, many nationalities

 

What on earth will happen to our NHS (nevermind our care services, food production, retail, etc) if  we did not have migrant Labour in this country. 

Hat tip https://twitter.com/unisontheunion/status/1736716695438319848

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Walking along Bournemouth Beach


Last weekend Gill and I were in Bournemouth and the weather Gods were kind to us as we walked from the Pier to Boscombe, then as far as Port Man Ravine, before turning back. A little windy but largely blue skies and sunshine. The surfers were out in force chasing the waves, we passed the oldest Council built beach hut in the UK and enjoyed the winter peace and solitude. 

We did a figure of 8 walking route' alternating between the beach and the cliffs, there and back. My Zepp Life app recorded 10.48 miles (it is a little basic and I think it over estimates distance).Good training anyway for my 26 mile homeless charity walk in January. 

Check out further photos in my walking Facebook page
 

Saturday, December 16, 2023

West Ham Ward Christmas Campaign: Sadiq Khan for London Labour Mayor in 2024

 

This morning I went to my Councillor advice surgery for local residents, then this afternoon I joined colleagues in the ward to deliver leaflets (Labour doorstep was down) for Sadiq Khan, to be re-elected as London Mayor in May 2024. 

We were joined by the Newham Labour Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and we also delivered leaflets for West Ham ward residents, on how to contact us if they have a problem (and also our Local MP, Lyn Brown and GLA, Assembly member, Unmesh  Desai). We were joined by Cllr Shaban Mohammed, who missed the group photo. 

People appreciated having information on contacting their elected representatives and were as you can imagine for the time of year, quite relaxed and many were happy to chat with us. 

I had one women say that "we are sort of Labour but we don't like Starmer". I responded that I didn't agree with everything he has said or done (I have never agreed with everything any Labour Leader has done) but he is the only leader who can defeat the tories, and that trumps everything. She did not disagree.

We finished off at the beginning (or end) of Corporation Road and had photo outside a relatively new and unusual family business run by two twin brothers - its a mens barbers and a cycle repair shop. One brother is a barber and the other a mechanic. Why not? Will bring my bikes there for a service. Take your bike in and he will give you a price (and if you are male, you can have a hair cut by his brother at the same time). 

Across Newham we had 4 different campaign sessions today.  

Friday, December 15, 2023

26 mile "Winter walk" for homeless charity St Mungo's 27 January 2024

 

I have signed up to this walk via my employer and will be (hopefully) raising money by this "Just Giving" page for homelessness charity.

In the past few months I have visited a St Mungo's hostel, met residents and staff for work reasons and believe this is a worthwhile cause to support. 

When I was younger (much younger) I did a number of 25 mile walks with the cadets and the TA (including the 4 day 40k per day Nijmegen marches). I have also done the 3 Peaks (very tough and we got hopelessly lost and very wet) 2 London Marathons (which were simply awful) and  2 Olympic distance Triathlons (which were much better).

26 Miles in January will be a challenge but London is usually quite mild and of course no major hills or mountains.  Hopefully this will also work off some of the Christmas cheer. 

If you can support with sponsorship then please do.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Grand (Re) Opening of The Millers Well Pub

 

Another "off message" none political, pension or trade union post. It must be Christmas! Today I was invited by former Newham Councillor D Paul Sathianesan to attend the "Grand Opening" of the "The Millers Well Pub" tomorrow at 5.30pm. 

It is being opened by the local MP for East Ham, Sir Stephen Timms. 

I posted on the demise of the Weatherspoon run "Millers" here https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2023/10/good-bye-to-east-ham-spoons.html and really pleased that it has reopened. 

I have a clash tomorrow and will not be able to make the reopening but will no doubt be visiting soon. 


Wednesday, December 13, 2023

UNISON Housing Associations branch officers Xmas meal 2023

 

A great meal out in Hoxton "Tay Do Cafe" (Vietnamese). Quite a few were unable to make it due to other seasonal commitments, but great opportunity for Branch officers to meet up with our Regional officer (Ezequiel) and case officer (Karl). The world (and UNISON) was put to rights.

Afterwards some of us went to a pub for a drink and I bumped into a former Newham Council political assistant and had a catch up. 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Newham Voices: "East End Pubs" December 2023

 


I have finally got around to reading the December version of "Newham Voices". It has been a busy few weeks.  Lots of good stuff about politics and planning but my eye was caught about this review by Phil Mellows, of a new book called "East End Pubs". 

I agree with Phil that it is a shame that the book is only confirmed to pubs in Tower Hamlets and Hackney (I have worked in Towers Hamlets for 30 years, so know a few of their pubs as well). The Newham pub gems mentioned are all my favourites (especially the Eddies and Black Lion). 

Tonight, I had some different drinks and a great meal in a Bulgarian bar/cafe in Stratford High Street called Rodina-2, with Labour Party comrades, John Saunders and John Whitworth (we are known in West Ham as the "Three Johns").   

I genuinely wonder, that if in the future it survives, the Rodina-2 , will eventually be recognised as the latest version of a traditional "East End" pub? I hope so. 

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

"Frontline staff face lottery when it comes to essential criminal-check costs"

 

Just imagine that you go for a job as a carer (nearly always low paid) then find out you have to pay for your criminal record check (DBS), not your employer! 42% of employers in a recent UNISON survey recharge their employees for these statutory checks in order to work and care. 2.4 million workers. Incredible. Some of these care workers have to pay for multiple checks since they have to work for different employers to get a full time wage.

Hat tip to UNISON care worker Jordan Creed (and branch secretary of the London Voluntary Organisations Branch) for exposing this national scandal. 

"Staff working with vulnerable people face a lottery when it comes to who pays for an essential check needed to do their jobs, says UNISON.

Employers have a legal duty to carry out criminal record checks on frontline public sector workers. A recent survey from the union found that more than four in ten (42%) are passing on the cost of that to their employees.

UNISON believes this means almost two and a half million frontline public sector workers are paying for their own criminal record checks.

Women (74%) and the lowest paid (85%) make up the majority of people working in jobs that require the checks, the research found.

However, UNISON can find no pattern to explain why some employers cover the cost and others – often facing the same recruitment and budgetary pressures – force staff to foot the bill.

According to the survey, over two-thirds (69%) of staff who do not currently pay for the disclosure and barring service check would be put off applying for a job where they would have to meet them cost themselves.

Employees complain about being forced to pay for a new check if they get promoted or move within the same organisation.

UNISON said the law should be changed so employers cannot pass the cost onto staff. The fee was waived during the pandemic for health and social care applicants and the union said government covering the cost for all public sector workers made sense during the current recruitment crisis.

UNISON assistant deputy general secretary Jon Richards said: “People already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis should not be forced to pay to work. Most staff who need these checks earn below the national average and money docked from their pay is cash they can ill afford to lose.

“Criminal record checks are vital and bosses have a legal duty to carry them out. The law should be changed to stop rogue employers from docking money for work essentials such as these checks from their staff.

“Such a seemingly small change would make a huge difference to the tens of thousands of staff who currently have to pay for their own checks. People are being put off applying for jobs and even going for promotion because of the cost, which is no good for them or their employers.”

A cross-party group of MPs will discuss the report’s findings at a parliamentary roundtable event on Tuesday 5 December. MPs, including chair of the home affairs select committee Dame Diana Johnson, will hear directly from frontline public sector workers at the event in Room U, Portcullis House from 12:30pm-1:30pm".

Monday, December 04, 2023

London 2023 Conference: Tackling London’s Housing Crisis 9/12/23

 

Dear all, we now have a detailed plan for our event at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD. The event is both in-person and virtual. 

London 2023 Conference: Tackling London’s Housing Crisis – Labour Housing Group

10am start

Facilitator Sem Moema, GLA assembly member

Matthew Pennycook- Shadow Housing Minister 

Karen Buck – MP - 

Miatta Fahnbulleh – NEF

10- 11am: talks and brief questions

11-11.20 In person and virtual breakout groups: one question & one policy proposal pitch to panel. (Also chance to grab a tea/coffee)

11.20- 12.00  Panel response 

12.00- workshops

Giving Londoners control over their housing

What can the GLA do about the housing crisis

What can London councils do about the housing crisis

 

1pm -2pm lunch 

2-4pm

Danny Dorling – Shattered Nation

Pete Apps – Show Me the Bodies-how we let Grenfell Happen. Will be virtual  

John Boughton – Municipal Dreams (including PowerPoint)

Talk-15 mins each & carry forward of questions and policy ideas from the morning breakouts

It will be great to see you, either in person or virtually. 

(A shame but I will be away on Saturday)


Sunday, December 03, 2023

Labour Unions Christmas Shop


I have just ordered a "Labour New Deal for Working People" mug for Christmas. Check out other gifts https://labourunions-shop.org.uk/
 "Dear John,

With Christmas almost upon us, a reminder that our Labour Unions Campaign Shop carries a range of gifts for the trade unionist in your life.

Whether they’d prefer to drink their coffee out of a New Deal for Working People mug, or if they’d rather their tea to declare Never Cross a Picket Line, we’ve got you covered.

Or perhaps one of our New Deal posters will hit the spot.

Head over to our Labour Unions shop for all the solidarity stocking fillers you might need.

labourunions.org.uk/campaignshop

Yours in festive solidarity,

Helen and Robbie"

Saturday, December 02, 2023

Capital Ring Walk 2: Falconwood to Grove Park

Today, Gill and I completed the 2nd "Capital Ring" walk around London. Officially only 3.5 miles but our Zepp Life walking app claimed 6 miles. This included walks from local railway stations to start and finish but also getting a little lost and exploring the gardens in Eltham Palace. 

It was more built up than last week (no sunshine and much colder) but still very pleasant, mostly walking through parks, green lanes and footpaths. 

The highlight was stopping off at Eltham Palace, childhood home of King Henry V111 and the country home of the English monarchy for over 250 years, run now by English Heritage. We did not have time to tour the inside of the Palace, and had a disappointing experience with a grumpy and rude cafe manager but the other staff and volunteers were most welcoming. Will return in summer to explore further. 

The Courtaulds family bought and restored the site in the 1930s, using I assume their wealth obtained from their textile mills. I was brought up in North Wales and the mills in Flint and Holywell were major employers but when they closed,  it contributed to massive unemployment at the time. There are also serious concerns about the safety of these mills and the impact on its workers. 

We passed the home of famous cricketer WG Grace and the theatre named after another famous local boy, the comedian Bob Hope, who emigrated to America aged 4.  British comedian, Frankie Howard was also brought up near here. We then walked past the home of "Farmer Brown" who at the turn of the 20th century, dressed in smock and tall hat, who lived to the age of 102 "on a diet of whiskey, ale, steak and cigars". 

It took about an hour to get there and back via train from Forest Gate. You can get a route for free form google maps but we used Ordnance Survey app (subscription) and the guide book "The Capital Ring" by Colin Saunders. 

Check out further pictures on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/walksinandaroundlondon/

Friday, December 01, 2023

Wellingborough PPC: ‘I cut short my honeymoon to win this by-election’

 

Hat tip Labour List for this article by former Newham Councillor Gen Kitchen. 

"I was on day four of my honeymoon in Suffolk when I got the call to say Peter Bone had been suspended from the Commons and a recall petition had been triggered.

I would have said wild horses couldn’t drag me from my honeymoon early, but I travelled home immediately to get ready to begin my campaign with the local community in mind.

Wellingborough deserves better than Tory neglect

I grew up in Northamptonshire and I know just how special the local area is, but I’m also acutely aware of the issues that concern local people. From crime to cost of living – Wellingborough deserves a better future.

My husband Joe and I are moving back to Northants, and we can’t wait to get settled back in the County where we grew up and where our families live.

Wellingborough deserves a candidate with bold ideas, energy and determination. Local people can and should have an MP with integrity who works tirelessly for them.
I’m confident that my experience means I can represent Wellingborough

I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of others. I am proud of my decade of experience in the charity sector, supporting homeless people into employment, helping vulnerable women to improve their lives, creating new clinical nurse specialists, and raising over £1 million for cancer research.

I want Labour’s campaign here to be positive, full of energy and hope for the future. That’s because I am hopeful for the future. I believe we should be proud of where we live and that we can fix the things that we know are wrong.

We don’t have to sit back and give criminals free reign to escape punishment. We should be able to get an appointment with a GP when we need one. We can provide our children with a worldclass education.
The Tories are out of ideas and in a cycle of failure

Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party are bereft of ambition and new ideas. They are in a cycle of failure and we are paying the price. Peter Bone’s refusal to do the decent thing and resign immediately is costing the taxpayer over a hundred thousand in a costly and cumbersome recall petition. It’s time for them to get out of the way for a party that is offering the country hope for a brighter future.

People are eager to hear from Labour here, and genuinely want to know how we can get towns like Wellingborough and Rushden back on a positive track. They want to feel proud of their high streets, safe in the town centres and are keen to know how the Labour Party can help with that.
Early conversations are important – every conversation matters

That’s why these early conversations are so important, to find out what people want, because nobody knows that better than the local shopkeeper, the small business owner, the parents looking for activities for their children.

Labour members and volunteers are very welcome to join us on the doors for these vital conversations. Wellingborough is less than an hour on the train from London, and we’ve got a fantastic team on the ground up and running and ready to welcome you. I hope to see you soon!"

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Newham Annual Rough Sleeping Count November 23

 

On Tuesday evening I took part with fellow councillors, outreach workers, council officers and other volunteers in the annual count of people sleeping "rough" in Newham. Across the country similar counts are taking place. Newham also does extra counts every alternative month. 

We had to arrive at Newham Dockside building for 11pm to be briefed (and eat the provided crisps, biscuits, chocolates and mince pies) then go out to be on site from midnight up to 3am. 

I was a driver and "counter" paired with an outreach officer from the homelessness Charity "Change, Grow, Live" who are contracted by Newham. I am also one of the two UNISON NEC members (and employed in the sector) for the UNISON Housing Associations and Voluntary organisations Community Service Group, so it is always interesting to speak with other workers who I represent nationally (wearing of course different hat). It was pretty cold that night and I had 4 layers of clothing, gloves and a UNISON LAS hat. 

We were asked to visit tower blocks in Newham where there had been past reports of rough sleeping. We had to visit 8 such blocks - take the lift up to the top floor then walk down the fire escape communal stairs. 

On our first tower block we found 2 rough sleepers settling down to sleep on the stairs and a third bed unoccupied. We engaged with them and they were polite and apologetic for sleeping on the stairs and explained that they believed that they will be getting more suitable accommodation very soon. We made arrangements for the follow up team in the morning to visit them and offer advice and support. This team started at 5am. 

You can see from the stats in the picture college that the number of rough sleepers in Newham has gone down dramatically in recent years. But it is still a huge issue and while they must be treated with respect and humanity, it is simply not a safe place to sleep on our streets (or communal stairways'). 

I do not know the overall Newham figures yet but will post again when I do. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Launch of Labour Rights Investor Network

 

Launch of Labour Rights Investor Network coincides with event at US Department of Labor

The Labour Rights Investor Network (LRIN) is a global initiative that brings together asset managers, asset owners and investment service providers committed to integrating labour rights into their stewardship practices. LRIN signatories include the New York City Employees’ Retirement System and Teachers’ Retirement System, Sweden’s Folksam and the UK-based Local Authority Pension Fund Forum.

The launch of the Network coincides with an event at the US Department of Labor aimed at highlighting how businesses and investors can become more resilient and competitive by harnessing the growing global movement for worker voice. The event, “New Frontiers for Empowering Workers and Business,” will feature Acting Secretary Julie Su alongside New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, representatives from Microsoft and others from the labour and business communities.

The Network’s guiding Investor Statement notes that labour rights are “fundamental pillars of human freedom,” as recognized by the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Beyond the fundamental nature of the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, members of the Network also recognize the investor case for empowering workers. “Companies that respect labour rights reap many benefits, such as greater productivity, safer workplaces, and improved employee engagement,” according to the LRIN Investor Statement. The LRIN is housed at the Global Unions’ Committee on Workers’ Capital (CWC), a committee of the International Trade Union Confederation, the Global Union Federations and the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD that advocates for the responsible investment of workers’ capital.

“With this Network, we will bring the voices of workers whose fundamental labour rights are violated to the attention of investors committed to ensuring those rights are upheld in their portfolios. This will enable those investors to improve their human rights due diligence, mitigate risks and uphold responsibilities under international norms and frameworks,” said CWC Chair Christoffer Jönsson.

Signatories to the Investor Statement request that the boards and senior management at investee companies take responsibility for labour rights oversight, ensure respect for workers’rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and provide disclosures on labour-related metrics.

The Labour Rights Investor Network will then provide the necessary information and tools for investor members to integrate this into their stewardship practices. 

Investor Quotes

“As financial stewards responsible for the retirement savings of thousands of unionized workers, we want to ensure that the companies in which we invest our capital are in turn investing in their workforces. Ignoring fundamental workers’ rights risks eroding long-term shareholder value. The historic movement to ensure labour rights are respected has led to measurable gains for hundreds of thousands of workers. We are proud to stand boldly with the Committee on Workers’ Capital to announce this important initiative, which centres respecting labour rights as a business imperative key to mitigating systemic risks.”
— BRAD LANDER, NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER

“We are delighted to be an early signatory to Labour Rights Investor Network, as we see the real value it will bring to strengthening our stewardship. We expect investee companies to respect freedom of association and collective bargaining, but know far too often this fails to happen in reality. Through gaining resources and hearing insights directly from unions, we believe that the Labour Rights Investor Network will help us address the problem.”
— EMILIE WESTHOLM, HEAD OF RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, FOLKSAM

“LAPFF is very pleased to support the launch of the Labour Rights Investor Network as a signatory. Over the years, the Forum has engaged with numerous companies and unions over management of workforce issues, and these topics are being raised more frequently. We have also found on issues like climate change that collaborative networking initiatives can increase the effectiveness of investors’ stewardship activity. So, the creation of a network focused on rights at work could not come at a better time.”
— COUNCILLOR DOUG MCMURDO, LAPFF CHAIRMAN

https://www.workerscapital.org/labour-rights-investor-network/

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Newham Heritage Month 2024

 

Hat tip Newham History Facebook. Post by Newham Heritage. 

"We'd love to see you at Stratford Library for an Inspiration Day on Saturday 2 December, where some of the photos, objects, maps and more of Newham over the centuries will be on display!

😍Love the idea of being part of next year's Newham Heritage Month festival, but not sure where to start? We'd love to see you at two friendly FREE events to support your project ideas:
📆Inspiration Day at Stratford Library 2 Dec
📆 Online Grant Surgery 7 Dec

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Capital Ring Walk 1: Woolwich to Falconwood

 

A few years ago Gill and I went on a series of linear walks around our city called the London Loop. This was in 24 sections and just under 150 miles. It was really great fun and we went to beautiful and historic parts of London that we had never been to before. It took us a couple of years to complete but was well worth it.

Today we began the Capital Ring. This is "only" 78 miles around London and there are 15 linear sections. 

We started off outside the Woolwich foot tunnel and walked along the Thames past the ferry. The weather was cold but there was blue skies and sunshine. This riverwalk is so impressive.

Then we left the river and walked through a series of parks, woods and common land. It is amazing how many green "lungs" London has and that they were so quiet, peaceful and surprisingly hilly. 

We stopped off for brunch in the Old cottage coffee house outside the historic Charlton House (I have been to UNISON away days here) . I had the best sausage and bacon baguette in my living memory. Recommended. 

We walked up along Woolwich Common which our guidebook said was used by British Army units to gather and camp before they would march down to Woolwich Arsenal to collect their weapons then go to the Thames to embark on their ships for overseas service. By coincidence as we walked across the common we could hear a (we assume) military band practicing playing music from the modern day Woolwich barracks. 

When we came across "Severndroog Castle" at the highest point of the walk, I was absolutely astonished that I have lived in London for 35 years and had never heard of or visited this place. I will definitely come back on a Sunday and go up to the top to view the 7 English Counties you can see from its viewing platform.  

We dropped down through more parks and woods walking along a bed of autumn leaves. One path was blocked by a massive tree blown down (snapped near its base) and we had to work our way through brambles. Thankfully, we were not wearing shorts. 

We finished off in Falconwood and took the train back home. 

I will post further pictures on Facebook.

I cannot wait until the next Capital Ring walk. 

Friday, November 24, 2023

Plaistow North By Election Polling Day (& speaking at Pension conference)

I took yesterday off work for the by election but got tied up in morning with urgent UNISON "fire and rehire" case work. I was able at lunch time to go "knocking up" (knocking on doors of identified Labour Supporters , reminding them of the election and encouraging them to vote) with party colleagues Sofia and Larry. We had a good response but I felt that some residents were being somewhat evasive about their voting intentions. They had changed from previously saying they were Labour supporters to now saying they were "undecided". Not a good sign.

After we had finished that round I had to go back home, change into a suit and rush off to the Bloomsbury Hotel (ironically right next to Congress House) and speak in a Professional Pensions Conference panel debate on the merits of  trustees being "Professional Vs Lay: The Great Pension Scheme Debate". Anyone who knows me would be able to predict which side of the argument I was on and I will post on this another time.

Afterwards back home to Newham, change of clothes into comfy shoes, outdoor clothes, torch and drop key. I took the 58 bus to the committee room and was soon allocated a round with my Councillor colleague Larisa and a Hammersmith & Fulham Labour colleague (also a local Councillor and Chair of Planning) Omid.  It is always difficult to canvass in the dark but we worked very well together as a team. Larisa's russian language skills were particularly helpful. I did not realise how many residents from eastern europe also spoke russian as well as their native language. 

I only had 2 "difficult" conversations with residents about Gaza and the Labour Party response but they were respectful and considered. However, again, I was concerned at the number of residents who were now saying they were "undecided" or not voting.

I bumped into some of the the independent landlord party activists outside polling stations and had no problems but they were clearly breaking electoral law by gathering so close and in large numbers. It must have been intimidating for voters.

At the end of our round we joined up with another team and were still out "knocking up" after 9.30pm. Many thanks to activists from Tower Hamlets and Hackney for their support. 

After the close of campaigning some of us went to the nearby historic "Black Lion" pub for a drink and a gossip. While we were hopeful of a good result, we thought it was going to be tough night. 

Alas, our wonderful Labour Candidate, Akhtharul Alam, did not win on this occasion. It was not his fault in the slightest. The community did punish us over Gazi but there were other issues regarding parking, fly tipping and Anti-social behaviour which we need to address better. While this is clearly a defeat I am confident that Labour can restore trust and win back support in the future. 

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Eve of Poll Canvass: Plaistow North By election

Picture of activists meeting up before evening canvass. By election takes place tomorrow. If you can help at all please register https://events.labour.org.uk/event/396117

Plaistow North is normally a secure Labour seat but there has been a tremendous effort by the Conservatives and the so called "Independent Landlords Party" (who have been bullying and threatening Labour members). 

The canvass went well and we were joined by the Labour Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz. I led our group via the Labour doorstep app. Some complicated low rise block numbering system caused a little bit of confusion but nothing serious.  Many thanks to our Tower Hamlets comrades who are now in the new Stratford and Bow Parliamentary seat for joining us. 

Afterwards, many of us met up for coffee and Pizza at Caloroso. Carb loading for tomorrow. Polls open 7am-10pm. 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

"MARGARET BONDFIELD WAS A TRAILBLAZER, AND WE NEED TO RECOGNISE THIS!"

 

I have just signed the petition here https://www.lwn.org.uk/margaret_bondfield_portrait supported by the Labour Womens network for a portrait of her to be displayed at Parliament. Yesterday, there was an informal social held at the UNISON centre for members of the National Labour Link Committee. We had Claire Reynolds as a guest speaker from the network ,who gave an excellent speech on the importance of recognising the achievements of Margaret Bondfield (see below).  

By coincidence I used to the Housing officer of Margaret Bondfield House (and Susan Lawrence House) in Bow. Once, the niece (or great niece?) of Margaret Bondfield phoned our housing officer and asked me for directions to the Housing block named after her which she planned to visit. 

"MARGARET BONDFIELD WAS A TRAILBLAZER. A WORKING CLASS SOCIALIST AND TRADE UNIONIST WHO AGAINST THE ODDS BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN TO CHAIR THE TUC, THE FIRST WOMAN CABINET MINISTER AND THE FIRST WOMAN PRIVY COUNSELLOR.

DESPITE HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION, THERE IS MINIMAL PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF BONDFIELD'S PLACE IN HISTORY, WITH A SINGLE STATUE IN NORTHHAMPTON, AND NO PORTRAIT OF HER IN WESTMINSTER AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF VISUAL TRIBUTES TO OTHER NOTABLE PARLIAMENTARIANS.

WORKING WITH ALISON MCGOVERN MP, LWN IS CALLING ON THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ART COMMITTEE TO PUT THIS RIGHT AND COMMISSION A FITTING WORK TO ENSURE MARGARET BEGINS TO RECEIVE THE RECOGNITION SHE DESERVES IN THE PARLIAMENT SHE HELPED TO TRANSFORM.

Margaret Bondfield was elected to Parliament for Northampton in the December 1923 General Election, one of the first three Labour women MPs ever, alongside Susan Lawrence (East Ham) and Dorothy Jewson (Norwich).

This year marks the 100th year anniversary of their election, and offers an opportunity to recognise Margaret Bondfield's life and legacy. This remarkable woman rose to the most senior levels of government, broke glass ceilings wherever she went, knew all the key political players of the age, and remained true both to her deep religious faith and her profound belief in her politics and in parliamentary democracy

You can find out more about Margaret's life and her considerable achievements here.

Margaret Bondfield’s legacy has been obscured by a number of factors. The history of trade unionism is seen and written as overwhelmingly male, as is the history of the Labour Party. Her absence from – indeed, hostility to – what she perceived as a middle-class female franchise movement meant that she is excluded from suffrage history and was often viewed by its memorialists with active dislike. Although she remained loyal to the Labour Party throughout the 1931 crisis, her subsequent absence from Parliament deprived her of a public platform. Had she been a man she might have ended her career in the House of Lords, but women were not able to sit as peers until 1958. Since women usually stood as candidates in the more marginal seats, her parliamentary career was much briefer than those of many male colleagues. Late in life she destroyed many of her papers so that there is no substantial archive in the UK.

Please support LWN's efforts to give Margaret Bondfield the recognition she is due, beginning with a portrait in the House".


Monday, November 20, 2023

"Stratford sphere proposals rejected by London mayor"


 Hat tip BBC News. Good news for local residents!

The exterior of the "Sphere" would show adverts and visual displays, which locals say will stop them sleeping

Plans for a Las Vegas-style "Sphere" entertainment venue on the edge of the Olympic park in east London have been rejected by the mayor.

Sadiq Khan decided on Monday to block the giant eyeball-shaped dome proposed by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company (MSG) on three key grounds, including light pollution.

The company said it was "disappointed in London's decision".

The final decision will go to Communities Secretary, Michael Gove.

Mr Khan rejected the development, citing the amount of light pollution that it would cause for Stratford residents, its huge electricity bill and associated lack of "green" credentials, and the impact it would have on heritage sites in the area.

A spokesperson for the mayor said: "London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city.

"But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents."


City Hall officers said the dome at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park would be a "detriment" to health

The Sphere, designed by architect Populous, would be a copy of the Madison Square Garden Sphere in Las Vegas, a $2bn (£1.6bn) arena which played host to U2 last month.

The London Sphere would be covered in LED panels and would stand almost 100m (300ft) high and 120m (360ft) wide. It would be built immediately to the east of the Olympic park.

The Sphere's main auditorium would have a 21,500 capacity.

'Detriment to health'

The detailed decision from City Hall showed Mr Khan, who is able to intervene in large planning applications, accepted officers' concerns about "significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm" to neighbouring properties.

There had been reports of residents having to fit blackout blinds to avoid the glare.

The City Hall documents also revealed the Sphere was considered a "detriment to human health" and causing "significant harm" to "hundreds" of Stratford residents in their own homes.

Greater London Authority officers had commissioned an independent expert review of the applicant's environmental statement in order to assess the concerns about light pollution.

The experts, WSP, "identified significant errors and omissions" in the applicant's assessment, according to City Hall.

This included not undertaking the measurements correctly and in line with UK guidance.


The London Legacy Development Committee (LLDC) previously backed the plans as a popular tourist attraction

City Hall said: "WSP concluded that the Illuminated Sphere, in conjunction with other artificial lighting within the proposed development… would be likely to have significant adverse effects on occupiers of nearby residential premises."

This included at least 33 homes in the New Garden Quarter residential development; 28 homes in the Legacy Tower/Stratford Central; and 177 student rooms in the Unite student accommodation building.

The size of the Sphere would make it a "bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous form of development" and cause harm to the setting of 16 heritage buildings, including the Grade II* listed Stratford Theatre Royal and three conservation areas.

The London Legacy Development Corporation, which first determines planning applications in the Olympic park, gave its approval in March last year.

Mr Gove had already issued an "Article 31 direction", informing the LLDC that he was considering whether to call in the plans - effectively giving him the final say on whether it is granted planning permission.

A Sphere Entertainment spokesperson said: "While we are disappointed in London's decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those."