On the occasions that national debate rises above the issue of Gordon Brown’s temper, the topic is cuts, cuts and more cuts. Not cuts for the bankers or the rich tax evaders, only cuts for the public sector. This obsession is economically damaging – risking a new recession - and disastrous for the millions who work for and use public services.
The financial markets were let off the leash, bankers and shareholders greedily pursued super profits, and we were landed with the worst financial crisis in history. But still these people live in a world far removed from most of us. The Royal Bank of Scotland, 84% state owned, and on course for a £4bn loss this year, is about to dish out £1.3bn in bonuses. This is rewarding failure on an obscene scale.
But the consensus among our political parties is that the public sector must pay for an economic crisis it did not cause. People who have worked hard to provide vital services, often for low wages, face attacks on jobs, wages and pensions. This consensus has to be challenged. The public sector cannot be the scapegoat for a private sector that has failed us abysmally. We need to value public service above private profits.
With an election just weeks away we really need to shift the terms of debate towards a much more positive view of public services and public servants.
The PCS union – representing civil servants and public sector workers – is asking all parliamentary candidates to sign up to five pledges. And they are asking all their members to ‘Make Your Vote Count’.
Here are the pledges:
1. I pledge to work to ensure that public services are properly resourced and delivered by the public sector and that there are no further local office closures, public sector job cuts or privatizations.
2. I pledge to support measures aimed at closing the UK tax gap including recruiting HMRC staff and ensuring tax loopholes are closed.
3. I pledge to support civil service national pay bargaining and to press the government to offer pay increases to public sector workers at least in line with inflation.
4. I pledge to honour the 2005 commitment on public sector pensions and defend the rights of existing members of the civil service compensation scheme.
5. I pledge to campaign to ensure any changes to public services are only made after proper equality impact assessments have been conducted and their findings implemented.
Dutch troops to leave Afghanistan
Latest news carries the shocking report that NATO airstrikes have killed 33 civilians in Afghanistan. Opposition to the occupation is growing, especially in those countries who have troops deployed there. Dutch troops are to be withdrawn following the collapse of the Dutch centre-right coalition over the issue of their deployment, raising a risk of a domino effect in other countries. There is an urgent need for the implementation of a peace process. The ever informative Juan Cole raises pertinent questions that examine NATO policy in Afghanistan in his ‘Five Questions for the Afghan Surge; Or, Getting Past the Hype’. It is well worth a read.
This is from Salma's blog.
This is from Salma's blog.
Truth behind Daily Express smears
Respect Party leader, Salma Yaqoob has taken the Daily Express to task for its demonisation of asylum seekers.
The Daily Express had an ‘exclusive’ yesterday about the way immigrants are having ‘fun and games as they wait to get into Britain’. Apparently, French charities have converted a warehouse to provide sheltered accommodation for immigrants at Calais. The report describes the centre like it was some kind of holiday resort, where guests ‘are being treated like VIP’s’. Read past the headlines though and you find the centre was actually ‘closed down 12 days previously after Calais authorities deemed it unfit for public use’. Some resort.
Read a bit further and you find that the notorious CRS riot squads cleared the centre of the remaining charity workers and users, with the aid of their batons and riot shields. Not exactly my idea of a holiday. In other words, the Express story is in substance a non-story. Just another way to feed hatred and suspicion about immigrants. As if we don’t have enough already. And even if there did exist for a brief period of time a well resourced centre for those in need of shelter, so what?
Surely, that is a humane thing to do for the many men, women and children gathered in Calais in the desperate hope of starting a new life? Of course it is, but you won’t find many politicians saying so. Instead, most are too happy to pander to ugly demonizations of asylum seekers and immigrants.
Viva Palestina Convoy Celebration Day
The public event from 7pm - 9pm at the Conway Hall will include:
- Keynote speech by George Galloway MP
- A pictorial slideshow and presentation of the Viva Palestina convoy and the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza
- An award ceremony to the representatives of the Viva Palestina Convoy.
Nearest tube station is Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) approx 3 min walk.
The organisers are the Palestinian Forum of Britain (PFB), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Islamic Unity Forum (IUF) with support from British Muslim Initiative (BMI) , Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) , Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) , Stop The War Coalition (STW) , Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) , Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS)
ALL WELCOME
Galloway demands answers over Dubai assassination
Respect MP George Galloway has written to the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister and tabled Parliamentary Questions concerning the news this morning that six of the suspects in the assassination of a Palestinian national in Dubai were British passport holders.
The Parliamentary Questions:
To ask the Foreign Secretary
What discussions he has had with his counterpart in Dubai concerning the Interpol request made by the authorities in Dubai in relation to six British passport holders suspected of involvement in the murder of a Palestinian national in a Dubai hotel and if he will make statement.
To ask The Home Secretary
If the following British passport holders Louis Graham, Paul Keeley, James Clarke, Melvyn Mildiner, Michael Barney, Stephen Hodes reported to Interpol by the authorities in Dubai are British citizens and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Home Secretary
If any of the following British passport holders: Louis Graham, Paul Keeley, James Clarke, Melvyn Mildiner, Michael Barney, Stephen Hodes, are also nationals of other states and if so what states and will he make a statement.
To ask the Prime minister
If he has had discussions with the ruler of Dubai about the grave international crisis over the murder of a Palestinian national allegedly by a group of 11 assassins including six British passport holders and if he will make a statement.
The Parliamentary Questions:
To ask the Foreign Secretary
What discussions he has had with his counterpart in Dubai concerning the Interpol request made by the authorities in Dubai in relation to six British passport holders suspected of involvement in the murder of a Palestinian national in a Dubai hotel and if he will make statement.
To ask The Home Secretary
If the following British passport holders Louis Graham, Paul Keeley, James Clarke, Melvyn Mildiner, Michael Barney, Stephen Hodes reported to Interpol by the authorities in Dubai are British citizens and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Home Secretary
If any of the following British passport holders: Louis Graham, Paul Keeley, James Clarke, Melvyn Mildiner, Michael Barney, Stephen Hodes, are also nationals of other states and if so what states and will he make a statement.
To ask the Prime minister
If he has had discussions with the ruler of Dubai about the grave international crisis over the murder of a Palestinian national allegedly by a group of 11 assassins including six British passport holders and if he will make a statement.
Why am I standing for Respect?
“I am proud to be a Respect party candidate for Enfield Southgate constituency, as I believe in Peace, Justice and Equality for all. I will be campaigning against cuts in education, healthcare, care for the elderly and other vulnerable groups in the community, etc.
“Mainstream politicians have let us all down; they don't care about ordinary people. They grovel to the rich and powerful. They line their pockets with expenses. It's no wonder people don't feel like voting. Respect is offering a different type of politics.
“All three so called ‘BIG’ parties propose big cuts in public services which will destroy our already suffering economy. Respect opposes these cuts to avoid more job losses.
”Present government has spent billions on bailing out the banking system and wants to make cuts in public services. Why should we pay for the mistakes made by bankers who still get huge bonuses? Respect would take control of the banks and invest in jobs and public services.
”Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan in the name of war on terror is another mistake of new labour which is costing Britain billions of pounds and lives of our soldiers. No wonder people are being deprived of their rights to jobs and public services. This is an unwinnable conflict. Respect opposes this British and US adventure. We are campaigning to bring the troops home now. We do not want any more deaths for US power. We should escalate our efforts for peace.
”Present government has spent billions on bailing out the banking system and wants to make cuts in public services. Why should we pay for the mistakes made by bankers who still get huge bonuses? Respect would take control of the banks and invest in jobs and public services.
”Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan in the name of war on terror is another mistake of new labour which is costing Britain billions of pounds and lives of our soldiers. No wonder people are being deprived of their rights to jobs and public services. This is an unwinnable conflict. Respect opposes this British and US adventure. We are campaigning to bring the troops home now. We do not want any more deaths for US power. We should escalate our efforts for peace.
“One of the best things about London is its cultural diversity, and its 'live and let live' attitude, Some want to scapegoat for lack of resources. Instead of blaming the council or the government, they blame immigrants. Respect rejects this rubbish.
“We fight for equality for all communities and resources for all. Sticking together is a better way to fight for houses and services. “
“We fight for equality for all communities and resources for all. Sticking together is a better way to fight for houses and services. “
Contact Samad
You can get in contact with Samad Billoo by email at samad@therespectparty.info
You can find out more about the Respect Party on our national website at www.respectparty.org
You can find out more about the Respect Party on our national website at www.respectparty.org
Register to Vote
IT IS YOUR VOTE USE IT DON’T LOOSE IT
There will be a General Election and local council elections in 2010.
The Respect Party opposes the public service cuts proposed by the three old parties. We do not believe that ordinary people should be forced to pay painful price for the mess the bonus-hungry bankers have made of the economy.
There will be a General Election and local council elections in 2010.
The Respect Party opposes the public service cuts proposed by the three old parties. We do not believe that ordinary people should be forced to pay painful price for the mess the bonus-hungry bankers have made of the economy.
We will be calling for an end to privatisation, public investment with an environmental job creation programme, pulling the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan and defence of our multi-cultural society against racism and Islamophobia.
We obviously hope you will vote for Respect. But whoever you wish to vote for your name must first appear on the electoral register. Unless you are registered you will not be able to vote in any of next year's elections.
For more details about registering to vote please visit http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ where you can fill in an online form which you can then print off, sign and send to your local council.
You can also contact the local council at Electoral Services Office, First Floor, 1 Gentleman’s Row, Enfield EN2 6QQ. Telephone: 020 8379 8582; Fax: 020 8379 8584. Their opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Remember, you can’t vote for anyone unless you are registered.
For more details about registering to vote please visit http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ where you can fill in an online form which you can then print off, sign and send to your local council.
You can also contact the local council at Electoral Services Office, First Floor, 1 Gentleman’s Row, Enfield EN2 6QQ. Telephone: 020 8379 8582; Fax: 020 8379 8584. Their opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Remember, you can’t vote for anyone unless you are registered.
Make a donation for peace, justice and equality
Donations to Samad's election campaign can be made online using a debit or credit card or Paypal account. Donations will be processed via the Respect Party Paypal account and forwarded to Samad's campaign in Enfield Southgate.
You can also send cheques - made payable to Respect Party (write Samad Billoo Campaign on the back) to Respect Party, PO Box 167, Manchester, M19 0AH.
To comply with UK laws please read the statement below before making a donation. Thank you.
To comply with UK laws please read the statement below before making a donation. Thank you.
Terms and conditions - please read carefully
In compliance with party funding laws, if I am donating more than £50, I understand that my details will be checked to ensure I am registered on a UK electoral register (this applies to overseas residents as well as UK residents). If I donate more than £7,500 to Respect nationally in the course of a calendar year (or £1,500 to a single Respect branch or election campaign) I understand that my name and the amount of the donation will be reported to the Electoral Commission for publication on their public register of donations to Respect.
Make a donation to Samad's campaign
Make a donation to Respect's national election campaign
About Respect
The Respect Party was set up in January 2004. It was formed because of the need for a left-wing alternative to the three established parties - New Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats.
None of those parties represent the interests of ordinary working-class people or those who want a fairer, more equal and just society.
When millions marched against the invasion of Iraq, the government ignored us.
When workers and communities take strike action or protest against privatisation, job losses and cuts to our services, they are criticised by the New Labour government and the other parties.
The Respect Party is opposed to war, privatisation and unemployment.
The Respect Party stands for peace, publicly owned services and a decent future for all.
We want a world in which the democratic demands of the people are carried out; a world based on need not profit; a world where solidarity rather than self-interest is the spirit of the age.
We want to reach out to all those who share our views, to build a new party for change in the interests of ordinary people.
Election Successes
Respect has made progress since it was set up in January 2004.
In the 2005 general election Respect got impressive results despite the 'first past the post' electoral system, which makes things difficult for a new party. We were able to win results in a clutch of inner-city working class constituencies which no other left party had achieved for a very long time.
Expelled Labour MP George Galloway stood for Respect in the east London constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow and overturned a 10,000 majority held by the New Labour pro-war MP Oona King.
In two other east London constituencies, East and West Ham, Respect came second to Labour. In another east London constituency, Poplar and Canning Town, we came third.
In Sparkbrook and Small Heath in Birmingham Salma Yaqoob won 27.5 percent of the vote - only 3,000 votes short of winning the seat.
We now have six councillors on Tower Hamlets council, a councillor in the London Borough of Newham and three councillors on Birmingham City Council.
If you would like to find out more then get in touch or join us.
None of those parties represent the interests of ordinary working-class people or those who want a fairer, more equal and just society.
When millions marched against the invasion of Iraq, the government ignored us.
When workers and communities take strike action or protest against privatisation, job losses and cuts to our services, they are criticised by the New Labour government and the other parties.
The Respect Party is opposed to war, privatisation and unemployment.
The Respect Party stands for peace, publicly owned services and a decent future for all.
We want a world in which the democratic demands of the people are carried out; a world based on need not profit; a world where solidarity rather than self-interest is the spirit of the age.
We want to reach out to all those who share our views, to build a new party for change in the interests of ordinary people.
Election Successes
Respect has made progress since it was set up in January 2004.
In the 2005 general election Respect got impressive results despite the 'first past the post' electoral system, which makes things difficult for a new party. We were able to win results in a clutch of inner-city working class constituencies which no other left party had achieved for a very long time.
Expelled Labour MP George Galloway stood for Respect in the east London constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow and overturned a 10,000 majority held by the New Labour pro-war MP Oona King.
In two other east London constituencies, East and West Ham, Respect came second to Labour. In another east London constituency, Poplar and Canning Town, we came third.
In Sparkbrook and Small Heath in Birmingham Salma Yaqoob won 27.5 percent of the vote - only 3,000 votes short of winning the seat.
We now have six councillors on Tower Hamlets council, a councillor in the London Borough of Newham and three councillors on Birmingham City Council.
If you would like to find out more then get in touch or join us.
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