The sheer scale of the tragedy of Hillsborough is difficult to comprehend, cutting across so many aspects of the relationship between the people and the state. It starkly set out how justice is not applied equally across our society and how agencies of the state persistently close rank and prioritise reputational protection over the safety … Continue reading Hillsborough – finally a catalyst for change?
Tag: UK politics
When will Labour stand up for a step-free railway?
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?
So what exactly is Labour’s Green policy?
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’s time to slash the VAT on domestic solar energy
The looming climate disaster is the most pressing issue of our times. The failure to meet the challenge will lead to a domino effect. Numerous other issues, such as climate induced migration, water scarcity, food shortages, ocean acidity, threats to biodiversity and both financial and political shocks will threaten the fabric of societies across the … Continue reading It’s time to slash the VAT on domestic solar energy
So why does the UK need PR?
For many people the walk to the polling station is a forlorn and pointless ritual, with no prospect of your vote making a shred of difference to the result. General Elections are decided by a sprinkling of marginal seats across the UK. In the 2019 General Election, a landslide victory for the Conservative Party, only … Continue reading So why does the UK need PR?
Tories crack the Ministerial Code
The Ministerial Code, which has been in place since the Second World War, but only became public in 1992, sets out the rules and principles which outline the standards of conduct for government Ministers. It used to be the case that even a suggestion of impropriety would lead to a resignation, but under Johnson's premiership, … Continue reading Tories crack the Ministerial Code
The push for PR gathers momentum
I am proud to have written the motion on a fairer voting system that was recently adopted by ASLEF at their Annual Assembly of Delegates. However, in a democratic union like ASLEF, success is only achieved with the support of branch delegates from across the railway network. I am particularly grateful to my colleague who … Continue reading The push for PR gathers momentum
Divided we Fall
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
An open letter re Johnson and Cummings
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
Johnson reveals so much by saying so little
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
Julian Vaughan 