This evening the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill passed its 3rd reading in the House of Commons, with no opposition amendments succeeding in adding safeguards to the legislation. We live in an increasingly dangerous world and the bill formalises what has been carried out for years, without any legal framework. I can understand … Continue reading Spycops Bill
Factionalism is a luxury we cannot afford. Unity is essential if we are to win elections. I will work alongside colleagues, whatever shade of red they are. I am a train driver, Chair of NE Bedfordshire CLP, an ASLEF union Health and Safety Rep and was a candidate in the 2017 and 2019 General Elections. … Continue reading Julian Vaughan NEC Election Address
Divided we fall; factionalism is both a luxury we cannot afford and one that voters will not forgive us for at the ballot box. Achieving unity is essential to our success and I have a track record in bringing people together with different views and working across political divides to agree solutions. I am a … Continue reading NEC CLP Election Nomination Address
Along with many in the Labour Party, I felt a wave of contentment when reading the 2017 Labour Party manifesto. Finally, after many years where there was little more than a cigarette paper between the two main political parties, there was now clear water. The manifesto painted a vision of a society where the needs … Continue reading Divided we Fall
We are living through unprecedented times and my work has been dominated by the effects of the pandemic, so it was a welcome change to attend the latest Zoom meeting today regarding progress on step-free access at Biggleswade train station. Attendees at the meeting included lead designers and sponsors from Network Rail, Richard Fuller MP, … Continue reading Biggleswade Step-Free Update 29th June
Many questions arise from the events in Bristol over the weekend. Should demonstrators have free rein to take part in criminal damage? No. Am I delighted that the statue of Edward Colston now lies at the bottom of Bristol harbour? Yes, absolutely! While I don't condone the criminal damage I can certainly understand why it … Continue reading Healing the scars of our colonial past
Dear Richard I am writing to you regarding the actions of Boris Johnson’s special adviser Dominic Cummings, the subsequent actions of Boris Johnson himself and the potential consequences of the actions of both. Although it will not be tested in Court it is clear to many, including those with considerable legal expertise, that Dominic Cummings … Continue reading An open letter re Johnson and Cummings
On Wednesday afternoon (27th May) Boris Johnson appeared in front of the Commons Liaison Committee. A Prime Minister normally appears in front of this committee around three times a year. This was Johnson's first appearance in front of it. To very loosely paraphrase his hero, never was so much revealed by someone saying so little … Continue reading Johnson reveals so much by saying so little
So overwhelming has been its effect, as it has reached into every nook and cranny of our daily lives, it's difficult to remember a time before Coronavirus. A few months on from a thumping election victory and apparently 'getting Brexit done', Johnson must be wistfully thinking whether he will ever see his sunlit uplands again. … Continue reading The beginning of the end for Boris?
I believe it's time for the 'clap for carers' to stop. This is not because I'm 'unpatriotic' or don't recognise the incredible work carried out by our NHS, I love both dearly. Like huge numbers of people across the UK I've been moved by the show of affection for our brilliant NHS and carers. However, … Continue reading Stop the clapping, support our NHS
Julian Vaughan 