The corrosive fallout from the EU referendum, the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and the horror of the ongoing war in Ukraine have been deeply unsettling and have led many to adopt a somewhat fatalistic approach to the future. It seems that since the financial crash of 2008, UK politics has never reverted back to … Continue reading It’s time for Labour to be bold
The UK's political system has some obvious democratic failings, perhaps the most prominent being the 'first past the post' voting system, which has enabled our current Government to rule as an 'elective dictatorship' on a minority of votes cast. However, there is less obvious inequality of representation created by the lack of working-class voices in … Continue reading Why we need more working-class voices in Parliament
Blaming the Victorians for a large percentage of our rail network being inaccessible to a significant proportion of the UK public is wearing very thin after 150 years. While some progress has been made since 'Access for All' funding for step-free stations was introduced by Gordon Brown's Labour government in 2006, thousands of platforms across … Continue reading When will Labour stand up for a step-free railway?
After being asked to stand in at short notice and give a presentation to my local Labour Party on Labour's 'Green' policy I spent a few hours trawling the internet and writing notes in preparation. I have written previously about the importance of crystal clear messaging and the need to present a radical alternative to … Continue reading So what exactly is Labour’s Green policy?
It is polling day today and an excellent chance to have a Labour voice representing Bedfordshire. I have got to know David over the last few months and, apart from being a good listener, a rare quality in a politician, he will bring the knowledge of 30 years of front line Police experience to the … Continue reading Why I am voting David Michael for Bedfordshire PCC
The last year has been a significant challenge to all of us as the pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of our lives. It has brought out both the best and worst in people, as we have seen communities working together to ensure no-one is left behind, at the same time as cronyism and a … Continue reading Stepping aside but gearing up
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
Julian Vaughan 