Like the title says, Happy New Year from all of us at the BULS and good luck in the coming election year! I thought I’d put all this on now as I obviously wont be here later to do so. Don’t forget about the Tory logo competition (http://bulsonline.org/2009/12/22/tory-logo-fun-again/), whoever can produce the funniest logo wins some sort of prize, it doesn’t really work with only one proper entry.
Max
Leading Tories have recently said, innocent people trying to get their DNA records removed from police databases in England and Wales face a postcode lottery. Now sorry this is something that really gets me going, the whole issue of the DNA database is completely pointless. I can understand the arguements against a database on everyone’s details and ID cards but the arguements against this are based on mere insecurity.
People may argue, I haven’t done anything wrong, yes that may be true, but what physical harm will it cause you? None. I’m all for the state taking and keeping a sample of my DNA, why what’s the worse that could happen, they find out I’ve got hayfever and then send me a bunch of flowers?…………………Rant over now.
Max
According to the latest forecast from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, unemployment will rise to 2.8 million in 2010, Dr John Philpott, chief economic adviser to the CIPD, said it was a “remarkable outcome” that unemployment had not taken off further, given the scale of the downturn.
However, it is in fact unremarkable, the action taken by this Government over the last year has ensured that unemployment would not rise above the 3 million mark unlike in the two previous recessions. He then warned unemployment could also rise higher if …the government imposed deeper spending cuts, blatantly showing that not only do the rest of the political world agrees with out actions, but so do most independant organisations, placing one particlar party in the corner, no guesses who.
Max
I’d like to take this oppotunity to announce our newest addition to labour students, twitter! You can now follow us at twitter.com/bulsonline, we’ll be updating it with blog activity, labour news and random bits and pieces. Hope you find it useful. Feedback to jxl963@bham.ac.uk
Joshua
David Taylor, the 63 year old Labour MP for North West Leicestershire died at Queen’s Hospital, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. He served on three select committees, including the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, and he was chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health. I believe everyone here could wish their deepest condolonces to his family and friends and the constituents of North West Leicestershire.
This Morning saw the US senate gather to pass the all important bill which will mean healthcare for as many as 30 million Americans. It has been baffling for all but the most right-wing of English people how a country as civilised and wealthy as the US can happily demand that its people hold valid car insurance while failing to do the same for people’s healthcare.
Here in the UK it is generally seen as a given that if you get sick you’ll have someone to look after you, in the form of the NHS. If you break your leg you will not have to pay for the medical costs. Not so in the US of course, their love of the free market and innate fear of anything left has meant that despite attempts by several presidents to change the way Americans are treated regarding their healthcare, a system in which healthcare insurance is optional has remained until now.
The bill focuses on two general areas. On the one hand it supports individuals. The bill expands the government-run program to provide insurance to the poor and mandates insurance companies to offer patients insurance whatever their medical history. It also improves subsidies for those who cannot get insurance through their employer.
And on the other it places restrictions on companies. They will no longer be able to drop customers arbitrarily. Similarly for those who have conditions that are long-term, such as diabetics, the bill creates a high-risk group which will have focused support to enable them to have a healthcare plan. Finally it stops companies dropping customers who are made redundant.
What the bill means is that those 30 million people will be legally obliged to perches insurance from a private company. It does not seem to solve a problem but merely adds an extra layer to an existing one. People do not have insurance because they cannot afford it; the fact of the matter is that many Americans are feeling the brunt of the recession, just as we are across the Atlantic. 15 million Americans, about three per cent, are out of work, and millions more are on the minimum wage $7.25, about £4.50. Even when you include the government subsidies it still seems rich for politicians to ask people to part with more cash. Better surely to cut the middle man, as many democrats wanted, and produce as system which did not include private companies. What this bill does then is to make the healthcare system in the US more privatised not less, the arguments that it will provide support for millions don’t seem to add up if those who it is trying to support cannot afford the premiums.
Joshua Lindsey-Turner, Editor of BULS Social Resources
Well first of all, congratultions to President Obama on having his bill on reforming the healthcare system in the US being approved in the Senate (60-39), all thats needed now is the two houses of Congress to reconcile their seperate bills, this is a true victory for progress.
Anyway, I personally wont be able to blog at all until the 28th (Christmas day, obviously and then away 26th-27th). So on behalf of the BULS, to anyone out there, Merry Christmas!
Just surfing through the BULS archives and I found this (below), follow the link and well enjoy, feel free to propose your own and we’ll see which is the best!
http://torylogo.com/
Last night Senators voted in favour (60-40) on legislation that will extend healthcare to 31 million Americans. This is quite simply nothing less than a triumph, as after months of radical conservative protest groups claiming there would be “death boards” for the elderly (not to mention Conservative MEP, Daniel Hannan, accusing the NHS of being a “60 year mistake”, who are we to judge), notable progress has been brought to America.
Yes, there is going to be a final vote on Christmas eve and then the Senate’s bill has to be reconciled with the House of Representatives equivalent, but I’m convinced those votes can be won. So finally, in America, progressiveness (if that’s how you spell it) is begining to win over conservative special interest dogma.
Max
After a while of talks and speculation, a deal has finally been brokered between the three major parties and three broadcasting companies. The three party leaders will battle it out over a series of three broadcasts. The first is to be on ITV, hosted by Alastair Stewart, the second on Sky, hosted by Adam Boulton and the third and final debte will be on BBC, hosted by David Dimbleby.
Now clearly this is a golden chance to re-present politics to the increasingly bitter and disalusioned public. This being clearly something new to the British public will have I’m guessing, at least 10 million watching (well for the first and third debates anyway). There will also hopefully be the SNP and Plaid Cymru participating in the respective regional debates of Scotland and Wales with one also being held in Northeren Ireland.
I personally hope, that unlike in PMQs, where obviously the questions are directed at the PM, the British public will question Cameron on his policies (if he has enough for an hour and a half debate, which I sincerly doubt) and show that the Tories haven’t changed and that a change of logo and slogon doesn’t mean a change of mindset.
Max
Just to put it out there, where all the BUC”F” members that used to so readily comment on this very website, even Dan has taken a break (yeh, I know he’s not President anymore but still). So if you’re out there, come back, slag us off for all I care, at least we’ll get a susbtantial (and hopefully interesting) debate going!
In case you’ve been too busy “merrying” yourself at this particular time of the year he’s a rather mini sum up of the events over in Denmark. (And yeh, it’s the same cartoonist I’ve used 3 times, Chris Riddell from the Observer, but he’s certainly the best one I know of).
Well, it didn’t go great, the Enviromental Secretary, Ed Miliband, said that the Copenhagen summit was the “most chaotic show on earth”. There were a good few countries, including Sudan and Venezuela, that were threatening to overturn the whole summit with the Sudanese delegate comparing the proposals to the holocaust. Evidently, it is true that many of the 3rd world countries present would have struggled to cut their emmissions, however, it is clear that it is down to us to help those without the means to help the world. There were some agreements though through a deal reached between the USA, China, Brazil, India and South Africa:
• A commitment from wealthy and key developing nations to limit global warming to 2C
• Between $25bn and $30bn in climate funds for poorer nations over the period 2010-12, with an annual sum of $100bn envisaged by 2020
• A mechanism to verify each state’s compliance with its commitment to curb greenhouse gas emissions
However, the fact that, for the time being, the summit is not legally binding shows something of an apparent flaw in the procedings despite the PM, Gordan Brown, argued for such an arrangement. (I told you it’d be a brief sum up)
While (personally) this is certainly better than nothing, do you think is enough, what could be done to built upon this and is this the most world leaders could achieve given the presence of prominent climate change deniers?
Max
For once in David Cameron’s leadership of the Conservative and Unionist Party, it seems for once (well, for the time being anyway) that he hasn’t put on his favourite pair of flip-flops, as despite the majority of the polls showing a substantial reduction in the Tory lead (down 4 points on last month in an ICM poll in the Guardian) it seems that with a recent interview Cameron said that in the last 3 general elections “We did a core strategy for 12 years…It is a disaster” and that he will freeze pay for 80% of public sector pay and abolish tax credits for families earning over £50,000. Now correct me if I’m wrong but wouldn’t you regard that a little bit of a “core strategy”?
Max
Recently it has been revealed that London Mayor, Boris Johnson, argued that the recent introduction of a 50% tax on all Bank bonuses over (I think) £20,000 would ”super-penalise” the city. However, today the shadow chancellor of the exchequer, George Osbourne, said “I’m not going to oppose it; I’m going to see whether it works in practice and we’ll judge it by its results.” and then said, Boris “is not opposed to this windfall tax, actually, as far as I understand it,”. Doesn’t this show a little lack of coherace from two of the most prominent figures of the Conservative Party? Also, then Osbourne (or boy george, watever take your fancy) then went onto say, “If people would have taken my advice, we would be in a better place than we are today,”, which is coming from someone who prior to last year’s financial crisis was saying the government was too regulatory on the banks, despite the recession being caused by too little regulation and over-speculation.
Max
Good news!
BULS has recently bought an upgrade to the website, “CSS custom upgrade”. Essentially it will alow me and Josh to do virtually anything to the website. However, I can tell you now, it’s extremely complicated, but through trial and error and a hell a lot of perseverance (and we mean a LOT) we will succeed in an improved website….eventually.
Max, Website Editor
Ok I got back earlier than I thought I would, so here are a few of the main provisions of the Pre-Budget Report:
Note an air of social justice and equality rather than in the case of 3. raising to £1million to help the top 2% of families. I know who I’m voting for.
And from the BBC website, Osbourne said ”the Tories would take action to reduce the deficit while protecting the poorest in society.”…the irony
Max
As I wont be here at the time of the Pre-Budget (12.30) I thought it’d be suitable to blog on what we know is coming up in the pre-Budget report. Well the only thing I can gather is that Banks may face a one-off 50% levy on bonuses above a level which could be as low as £10,000.
Obviously, I’ll blog this evening on the full pre-Budget report but until then what do you make of this proposal?
It is now exactly 4 years to do the day in which David Cameron was elected the leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. So what in that 4 year period has been his best “achievement”? Inheritance Tax cuts for the top 2% of families? A “cast iron gaurantee” on a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty? Opposition to the fiscal stimulus package introduced in the wake of the financial crisis of autumn 2008, despite initially supporting it for a total of 10 days (and despite every other major western economic country following suit to Labour’s policies)?
As thousands of people today begin to get ready for a demonstation in London over the climate change summit in Copenhagen, what do you think will happen at the summit and what do you hope the world leaders to achieve?
You don’t have to attend the meeting or vice-versa but if you want to only go for the curry meet outside the Learning centre before 9.30 and then we will walk to Chamon. Any problems, email: committee@bulsonline.org or phone Dora:07958327889
Well I dunno about everyone else, but there has been a many a facebook update from BUC”F” members on the subject of the SNP’s attempts at Scottish independance being along the lines of “Remember Salmond, we are stronger together than apart”..now for the majority of BUC”F” members, they are in fact Eurosceptic…do you think that is a little bit of a contradiction…again? Pro-unity at home but self-interest abroad
2 new polls published a fortnight after the previously blogged upon Ipos-MORI poll in the Observer (which showed the Tories lead to be shrunk to 6 points), show that the Conservative party’s lead over Labour have in both polls shrunk by 4 points, leaving it at a 10 point lead. Is this the fight back mentioned at the conference in Brighton caused by Cameron’s incoherant policy over Europe? The economic optimism? Or merely a (big) blip?
First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond is due to publish a white paper on Scotland’s constitutional future, which could pave the way for an independence referendum.
What do we think?
Max
This weeks Mail on Sunday has brought to light allegations (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1231774/Camerons-bid-toff-Tories-backfires-candidate-tells-leader-I-like-double-barrelled-name.html) that Tory HQ (or more exactly Mr. David Cameron) is urging prospective parliamentary candidates with more aristocratic names to drop or change them for the election next year. The case mentioned is that of Ms. Annunziata Rees-Mogg, PPC for Somerton and Frome, who was asked by Dave to change her name to the more prole-friendly “Nancy Mogg”. While Ms. Rees-Mogg is known to her friends as “Nancy” (understandably), she has so far refused to budge on the matter, as indeed has her brother Jacob Rees-Mogg (PPC, Somerset NE).
Good for her I say. The inverse snobbery utilised by some Labour campaigns in the past (see Crewe and Nantwich, byelection) is nothing but a shameful perpetuation of old Class Warfare tactics in my view. I would argue that most voters have more intelligence than to back or spurn a candidate on the basis of name alone. If either of the young Rees-Moggs are overly privileged or out of touch, that will speak for itself through words and deeds come the campaign. There will be many reasons for the good folk of Somerset not to vote Tory in 2010 – a candidate having a fancy name or being well spoken should not be among them.
What do the good folks of BULS think? Is a posh name fair game for attack? Should Labour be wary of a successful “de-toff” campaign by Mr. Cameron?
Comrade Nash, BULS member (in exile, NZ).
It looks like the Swiss voters have decided to ban Islamic Minarets with 57% of voters in the referendum voting in favour of the ban, seeming to parallel a widespread insecurity over immigration in our country which led to there being BNP MEPs elected into Europe. This ban on minarets seems unashamedly discriminative towards the Islamic population within Switzerland, for me this is totally unacceptable and openly seems to want to condemn Islamic culture in their country. Just a thought…surely if they are going to ban minarets shouldn’t they ban church spires as well?
Chris Blewitt, Former Website Editor
I’m speaking to you as a former royalist. That’s right, whilst down here in one of Her Majesty’s many Dominions, I’ve gone over to the over side. This blog has seen royalist v. republican rents before – normally crashed by the Tories ad their charming loyalist sentiments, with Comrade Guise leading the charge for the revolution. Ah… the memories.. But i’m coming at it with a kiwi slant. Oh yes.
Why? Well having been long torn on the Republic issue (emotionally drawn to royalty – but with no logical or rational justification for being so), republicanism down ‘ere seemed a different matter. What’s the big deal I figured – It’s not as if you’re the ones who have to pay for them – and you only have to see them every couple of years. Republicanism isn’t as big here in NZ as it has been in Australia. For a long time it has been kept off the political agenda by more pressing issues (as is always the case with any constitutional reform; see Lords, House of.).
But regardless of whether one believes in the institution of Monarchy, or in the hereditary principle at all, what swings it for myself is the idea that choosing ones own head of state is a fundamental part of nationhood. Her Majesty may be Queen of New Zealand, but she is not a New Zealander – nor is a monarch of the Windsor line ever likely to be so. SO I’m a New Zealand republican – whilst remaining undecided in the Motherland. For those prone to yelling “traitor” (I often do, it’s rather fun) here’s another fact to sway you: All immigrants to NZ, including those from the UK, are required to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen as part of becoming a citizen. As a natural-born UK citizen, I have never had to do anything remotely similar to this – not even a reasonable pledge of allegiance to the nation, or to the state, a la USA. It seems somewhat bizarre that were I to repatriate myself halfway across the globe I should have to swear allegiance to one institution I thought I’d left behind.
Despite any banterous and wholly good-natured put downs I may engage in, New Zealand is no longer a colony. It seems entirely appropriate for it to take the final step into full-fledged nationhood that is choosing its own head of state. For an issue that would have left me confused and torn back home, here it seems simple as.
The website of New Zealand Republic can be found http://www.republic.org.nz/. There is also an obligatory Facebook
Comrade Nash, BULS member (in exile, NZ).
As you may know, candidate for Havering council, Peter White, recently described the Queen as “a parasite and milks this country for everything she can.” Now while the choice of language is unacceptable, obviously, putting that aside, do you think he has a point? Is there a place for the Monarchy in 21st Century Britain?
Max
A recent poll in the Observer showed the Tory lead over Labour has been slashed to 6 points, meaning there would be a hung Parliament. So, what do we all make of this?
Oh and by the way, just over 1500 views this month, the highest we have had since last May rather than June now! Keep it up.
By Max
This report is to let you all know what the Guild’s Officer Team have been up to and what motions are being discussed.
Guild Council on Thursday was interesting, informative, well attended and better organised than last month, as evidenced in the relatively early finishing time of 8.30pm.
Motions were passed to ban Delta Force Paintballing company from advertising on campus (the paintballing society have informed us that cheaper, safer and better qualtity paintballing is always available through them), and to request the University to install more water fountains and extend Honey Pot funding to postgraduates.
Questions were asked about the future of Sociology and Brigid Jones the Education and Access Officer informed the Council that the University are currently considering six possible options, one of which would mean closing the department, but five others in which it would be merged or maintained.
Johnny Davis the Welfare Officer attempted to dispel some of the rumours surrounding the tragic death of a second-year law student in Alton Road. The thoughts of the Officer team, and all of us, are with his family and friends at this sad time.
A motion was passed (and an amendment rejected) to strengthen the power of Guild Council censure. The Home Students’ Officer has resigned following two censures, but attention was drawn to the fact that the Council do not currently have the power to actually fire Officers. Guild President Fabienn Neuner will be taking further action.
Questions were also asked about the re-naming of Joe’s Bar and the necessity of every society and school having compulsory representation. Both points are currently under review.
One frustrating admin error was the omission of Dora Meredith’s motion for pay-as-you-go gym membership, to replace the current termly/yearly fee. But we have been assured that the Guild are already in talks with Munrow Sports Centre.
Overall it was progressive and engaging, and I felt as if I was part of a wider movement intent on making a difference.
If you ever want to come along I’d recommend it. Snacks are provided.
By Suzy
Yes thats right, for November we have had over 1000 views (1009 to be exact on the last count and we’re only just over half way throug the month), this has not been achieved since last June!! So please keep it up and if you ever want to rant about anything or just start a debate, feel free to email me at committee@bulsonline.org and I’ll put it up in your name or if you can’t be doing with that have a go commenting on other people’s blogs.
It’s good to be back in business
By Max Ramsay
Saw a few posts similar to this on BUCF blog (i.e. clips from youtube) and so I couldn’t resist (plus it gives you a very useful insight into Tory HQ).
I think the policies outlined in the Queen’s Speech are a real indication of which party really cares about the people of this country.
For the financially disadvantaged: – a savings gateway
For young people: – the ambitious aim of eradicating child poverty by 2020 will be enshrined in law, in order to force the incoming government to protect Britain’s youth at all costs.
– the widening of access to apprenticships
– early action for poorly performing schools
For minorities: – representation and respect for example through kosher and halal options of meals on wheels
– increase in positive action and closing the gender pay gap
For the sick: – further improvements to Labour’s NHS
For us all: – greater access and openess through strengthening local governments, constitutional reform and increasing the transparency of party donations
– security from the whims of banking elites through greater government control
I know who I’ll be voting for.
Suzy
Good news fellow bloggers!
We have surpassed the number of views to the website from last month while not even being half way through this month. So, this makes November the highest viewing month since last June. Keep up the comments and please if you want to rant on ANYTHING email me at committee@bulsonline.org and I will put it up.
Oh and the the username at the top changes to whoever posted the last blog.
By Max Ramsay
The official results read as follows:
Labour – 12,231 votes (59.39%)
SNP – 4,120 votes (20%)
Tory – 1,075 votes (5.22%)
BNP – 1,013 votes (4.92%)
Solidarity – 794 votes (3.86%)
Lib Dems – 474 votes (2.30%)
Total votes cast – 20,595
Despite the worst turnout in a Scottish by-election ever, this result leaves me with the feeling that we aren’t totally done yet. I think this by-election at least gives us some hope in bonnie Scotland where the SNP seem to be crumbling away and the Tories are failing to make in-roads.
Hey fellow blogges,
As you MAY have noticed, the website has a new theme, yes it’s a bit bland, but hopefully in the coming weeks we’ll able to spice it up a little.
By Max Ramsay your website editor
Based upon the assumption that less of a blog means more comments:
So much for a “Cast-iron gaurantee”. And sorry I couldn’t resist with cartoon.
By Max Ramsay
Getting back into the spirit of student politics came as a refreshing shock last night in the form of Guild Council. Having attended numerous meeting for what now seems like a tiny tiny organisation called Exeter College Students Union I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. Lots of talk about dreary issues that we had no power to implement or desire to do so from the students. However once in the Guild Council Chambers, with a little electronic voting card in my palm, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d got involved with something that could actually make some exciting changes. Any sense of cynicism that had built up over the course of last year left me and I waited, flicking through the agenda, for the rest of the councillors to take their seats. However personal impressions aside, what was it that was actually discussed and decided upon at last night’s council?
The guild has decided to sign up for the 10/10 campaign. This is a pledge to cut its emissions by ten per cent by 2010. The major political parties have signed up for this already, as have a thousands of individuals, businesses and organisations such as O2, Royal Mail, Comic relief and of course NUS! This is a great way to educate people about climate change and suggest simple ways they can cut their emissions. You can sign up at www.1010uk.org/ and take the challenge.
The guild also agreed to implement new policy which will promote blood donation on campus but oppose the archaic rules that the NHS has in place which do not allow gay or bi men to donate if they have had sex with a man in the last 12 months or for woman who have had sex with a man, who has had sex with a man in the last 12 months.
Among other things there is to be greater transparency between students and the Ethical and Environmental forum, the minutes of which are to be made available and consultations between students and the officer compulsory. This is great news as the more consultation we have with students the better our decisions will become.
Guild council was not all good news. We decided to allow shell oil to advertise in the guild. This is a serious ethical issue and I’m certain that if most students knew the implications of supporting such a company they would be appalled. Shell have pursued an anti-union policy and have drastically effected the environment in Peru where they recently installed several new oil platforms. Not to mention attempting to dump obsolete oil storage platforms in the North Sea Trench.
The problem with the invitation for the leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin to appear on Question Time, is that it is totally disproportionate to the influence held by this political party.
If we take the results of the last General Election into account, the BNP gained less than 200,000 votes. Less than 0.5% of all votes cast. At the European Election in the summer of this year, they gained two seats and according to the BBC, 6.2% of votes. This may seem huge but these figures do not include Northern Ireland. With the two republican parties in Northern Ireland registering 200,000 votes, when added to the Unionist vote of another 200,000, this significantly reduces this figure. In 2004, the BNP registered 4.9%, again ignoring Northern Ireland. Thus their vote percentage rose 1.3%. This hardly represents a major bump, especially considering that there were 2 million fewer votes cast in 2009 than in 2004, thus more than 10% fewer votes, with Labour in particular suffering from voter apathy and disaffection. Thus, with all this in mind, we can see that a major shift in attitudes to the BNP is far from proven. A smaller percentage of votes than the Green Party not to mention, UKIP, Labour, the Lib Dems and the Conservative Party. Yet where on Question Time is Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party? She appeared once before the European elections, however, there are no plans for her to return. Her previous appearance prior to that was in 2005. The Green Party gained more votes than the BNP at a national level, in 2005, and at a european level in 2004 as well as this year as I have stated. Alongside that, the BNP have no MPs at Westminster, unlike Respect, the SNP, Plaid Cymru,the DUP,the SDLP, the UUCP and Plaid Cymru.
Let me make this clear, I have no problem with members of smaller parties being invited onto Question Time, especially when those minor parties command a fair degree of popular support e.g. UKIP who despite having no MPs at Westminster command respectable figures at elections, with 15% support this year. Members of minor parties often make valid points which the representatives of the larger parties often do not. Though I do not agree with their central policy position, Nigel Farage of UKIP, is an eloquent and sharp member of the political establishment and his insights are often incisive and accurate. By the same token, other members of the political elite are given rather more credence and publicity than they merit, for example George Galloway (who ridiculously described Saddam Hussein as a “brave” man.) I am merely arguing that the BNP, by being invited onto Question Time, are being credited with more political influence than they actually possess, which I feel is dangerous.
Now that the BNP have been invited onto the show, it cannot be rescinded as this would give the party a martyr-complex. I do, however, think that there is no basis for inviting this party in the first place.
The only possible explanation, and one that I hope has no foundation in truth, is that this is a cynical ploy to improve ratings by talking up what remains an extremely small and insignificant little party that is, purely because of its ideology, given the air of publicity.
It is thus irresponsible and wholly inappropriate of the BBC to have issued this invitation to Nick Griffin.
Hiya, just to let everyone know here are some recent titbits from Guild Council:
- Shell oil are now allowed to advertise in the Guild following a Guild policy change
- A banner campaigning for decisive action on climate change at Copenhagen is being made to hang in Mermaid Square
- The Guild Council chambers are to be renamed the “Mark Terry Council Chambers” to recognise a former Birmingham student who campaigned against apartheid
- As part of the building work Joe’s bar is to be re-located, as are the ARC, Student Development and the Job Zone – The Guild has pledged to cut CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010
- A book exchange is up and running and needs more publicity!
- There is an ongoing campaign to allow LGBTQ students to donate blood when the donation van comes back.
Comments/queries?
By Suzannah Robinson, BULS Guild of Students Council Representative
Hey fellow bloggers,
Just thought I’d let you know as the new Website Editor I plan to make some changes here. Some being quite specific like as I promised in my election speech, more information on the committee and having the BULS’ constitution on the website for all to see. Along with Josh, we will work to give this sight a new image. This hopefully shall be done by the end of the week after reading week. So stay posted!
Oh and one little change, if you want any blogs posted here email them to committee@bulsonline.org as I’m still yet to access the old blogging email address.
By Max Ramsay, Your Newly elected Website Editor
As seen recently in the news, PM Gordan Brown, has vowed economic upturn by the end of the fourth financial quatre and this year and while yes there has been another quatre of contraction, this was only minor (0.4%). Consequently, there is an upbeat mood in the financial sector, unemployment growth is slowing and businesses are regaining their losses. Essentially, economic recovery is on its way.
However, let me ask a “What if?” question. What if in the sudden collapse of the banks last October had Brown, Darling, the Cabinet and the Labour government had taken a different choice? What if they had done what the Conservatives had been arguing only a fortnight later? A second great depression, waves upon wave of mass redundancy with unemployment reaching 3 million within a matter of months and the British people watching their money flow down the drain along with bankrupt banks.
This could have come to pass. A re-run of the mid-1930s.
Many Tories though like to forget about the first 10 days of that financial freefall. The days in which Cameron, leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, supported the emergency bail-out of the banks from a Labour government. However, originally enough, Cameron on the 10th day of the crisis played his favourite game, “flip-flopping”, at this critical moment in British Politics, Cameron (who had been sidlelined by Brown’s jetting to different EU and US leaders to organise an international bail-out to help stabilize the crisis) called the wrong shot.
But why do that? He obviously knew that it was the right decision to support the package, as he himself did for a brief period, along with the fact that every other major political party and government in the world was following suit. Ultimatley, we will never quite know Cameron’s change of direction (again). But what we do know is that the decisions that were made by the Labour government, were the right ones, while not saving Britain from recession (as this was evidantly impossible) they clearly reduced its damaging effects and has helped Britain weather this financial storm.
By Max Ramsay, BULS member
My first experience of being involved in a political experience was on Saturday 3rd October. I had never been politically active before and was not actually that well informed about politics. I decided to join the Labour Society at the Society Fair as it was the party I related to the most but mainly because I wanted to understand more about the World of Politics.
We took the train into Redditch where we were greeted by Richard Smith – Jacqui’s husband. I didn’t really understand what it was we were actually going to do but I was soon to find out. We split off into groups and each went into a different part of Redditch where we door knocked and filled in a Voter ID form. It was a good experience to talk with people on their doorsteps about what they felt about local politics – that is when they opened their doors and didn’t pretend not to hear me, or when their dogs didn’t try to bite my ankles.
This was followed by leafleting in another area of Redditch. Although easier than having to face people on their doorsteps I preferred making contact with people and hearing their opinions.
We were then taken in Richards car back to the Smith’s home where we were invited to pizza, dips and beer. It was fascinating to listen to the Labour society, Jacqui Smith and local Redditch Councillors talking about what I still feel is the foreign world of politics. It did however make me want to learn and understand more about it, which was probably the best thing I took away from the experience.
by Amira Mullaney
It has been widely reported that the BBC may be considering inviting BNP leader Nick Griffin to appear on Question Time. This could pose some problems for Gordon Brown as currently the Labour Party will not share a platform with the BNP. It seems to me that there needs to be a reversal on this policy now that the BNP have succeeded in winning two seats in the European parliament, if we want to beat the BNP we have to meet them in open debate. It is clear that there is electoral support for this party and we cannot ignore that, therefore I believe the Labour Party should send an MP to have an open debate on Question Time and tackle the hideous things that Griffin has to say head on. Only then can the truth about the BNP be truly exposed.
The opprobrious scandal surrounding the issue of athlete Caster Semenya’s gender is raises bigger questions about the role of gender in our society and in my opinion reinforces the shockingly regressive views of the world media.
Primarily it makes us question whether we are examining solely a person’s biological sex, or combination of this and their gender when we assess to which “category” people fit when looking at sport. If, as I am under the impression, we assess sex only, we are surely faced with innumerable problems. For example, the Confederation of African Football’s gender testing ahead of next year’s African Women’s Championship will be using the sole definition of a woman as: someone who is menstruating. This, as you can imagine is highly problematic, especially when dealing with athletes who probably take medical aids to help them maintain peak fitness… If we assess only biological sex it forces questions such as to which category do women with genetic conditions like androgen insensitivity syndrome (meaning that women can have male chromosomes which would not give them any athletic advantages) fit into? Surely its hugely unethical to exclude people from sport on the basis of something which they have no control over. Unfortunately however, this is precisely what appears to be happening at the moment.
Whatever Semenya’s “biological sex” is “proved” to be, and whatever this means for her future sporting career, much can be learned from this scandal. Sport must question the importance of gender and society as a whole must reflect on the consequences of so rapidly humiliating such a young individual. Indeed, everyone seems to have overlooked the fact that this girl is a mere 18-year-old…as if competing on the world stage isn’t scary enough at any age, being faced with this sort of scrutiny must be hugely distressful. I literally cannot imagine being faced with the grossly offensive headlines such as the Sun’s “Mum backs ’800m and 2 veg’ star…The fact that other papers such as the Guardian seem to have “jumped on the bandwagon” and plastered her face over their front pages is massively disappointing. Furthermore the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) must reflect on their utter failure in not protecting this athlete. It is a disgrace that this information has been released before the results have been proven, even worse that there was discussion even before she had competed in the final.
My biggest hang-up with this issue is that I can’t imagine that this would ever happen to a man. Obviously in sport as men are usually more physically capable there would be very little motive for a woman to pose as a man and therefore I can’t imagine anyone being accused of it. However, it is the principle. I am embarrassed that such a humiliation has been allowed to occur. Frankly one can only admire the strength that Semenya has shown throughout the scandal.
The general-election campaign is getting underway now. Birmingham Young Labour are beginning a massive push forward to win back our city and keep Birmingham constituencies red. BULS must surely follow suit. Every weekend and many evenings there are campaigning sessions taking place in various parts of the city. If you want to get Sir Albert Bore’s emails about when and where these take place then drop me your email; tom_guise@hotmail.com
Here’s my early pitch for the election campaign theme song, lets hope head-office read this blog and take my advice. Although if you believe the guys over on the radish then we at BULS are in constant contact with head office.
The EPP, the EU Party group for centre-right parties remains the largest group in the EU Parliament. So you might immediately think it would be quite a good group to be a part of. Not so for one little scamp, young David Cameron believes he’s better than the most influential group of MEPs in Europe. He’s decided (a long time ago no less) to set-up his own little group.
Now, it’s important to keep this in context. During the Tory 2005 leadership election, the front-runner was David Davis, a bit of a EU-sceptic. Liam Fox was also doing well. There was an EU-sceptic consensus if you like amongst all candidates (except Ken Clarke). So Cameron was faced with the difficulty of looking like an inexperienced candidate in a field of people who shared similar core beliefs, not the most likely of winners. There was no serious difference, thus Cameron had to reach out to the Euro-sceptic wing of his party in a new way. He did this by pledging (I know he made a pledge!!) to leave the mainstream group and form a new euro-sceptic one. Conservatives heap praise on the man for his brave and decisive decision but do not be fooled, it was an opportunistic and cynical ploy for Cameron to cease power of his party, and it shows the basis of any policy pledges he has made since, and will make in the future. He is an opportunistic and pragmatic politician who will do anything to grab power.
I’ll let you judge for yourselves on the party’s he wishes to join with, it has within it the Czech Civic Democratic Party and the Polish Law and Justice Party. Put them through Wikipedia and come up with your own view of how appropriate it is for them to be closely associated with one of our mainstream political parties. Chris Patten acknowledges the move as a bad idea that will reduce Britain’s long-term influence in the EU, and an MEP in the South-East, Caroline Jackson stood down over the issue.
The move was a success, in terms that it won Cameron the leadership with much help from some ridiculously biased press coverage towards him. Yet it must be held has his biggest mistake by all involved in the Tory party, and now he faces the battle of actually seeing if he can build the group. You could be in for the treat of seeing his biggest U-turn yet, but one thing is for sure, we must continually monitor what this group gets up to and put the spotlight on it as much as possible.
DO YOU?
The unexpected arrival of a postal vote for the South East Region Euro Elections raised the difficult question of where to cast my ballot. But even more confusing is the array of parties.
I’d like to vote Labour, but I have to choose between them and the Socialist Labour Party. But then what if I’m feeling a bit democratic; should I pick the Liberal Democrts, Pro Democracy: Libertas.eu, or No2EU: Yes to Democracy? Then again I’m quite a fan of the Green movement; but then I have a choice of The Green Party or The Peace Party- Non-Violence, Justics, Environment. What if I’m feeling a bit nationalist? I have to navigate my way through the British National Party, the English Democrats, United Kingdom First and the United Kingdom Independant Party. It’s all very confusing!
Were I allowed a second preference, the child in me would like to pick the elusive and secretive Roman Party. Ave!
While Facebook informed me that yet another of my old classmates has a baby, I thought about teen pregnancy and the recession. More and more young people will be leaving school to go to no jobs, where’s the incentive not to start their family early? A number of girls I was at school with aspired to this anyway; I remember one telling the careers adviser that her plan for after school was to have babies. With falling job prospects I predict teen pregnancy is going to rise… Some people will ride out the recession by getting an education, some will do it by getting kids. Hmmm…
I’ve been hiding in a revision bubble for the last month or so, and as such have missed most of the expenses row. Emerged briefly to gasp for air and buy a newspaper to celebrate a relative lull in the exam timetable, only to find it still dominating the front pages.
I’m not clued up on the ins and outs of the scandal or the resignation, but on reading about Michael Martin one interesting detail stuck out. Women MPs, particuarly those elected in 1997, apparently tend to hold him in great regard for the help and advice he gave them on arriving at Parliament for the first time. As someone not quite from the establishment himself it was suggested he empathised with them and understood what it was like to be a relative outsider. I found this really interesting…
Now out of the real world and back to my bubble, five exams down, two to go.
Norman Tebbit once gave me a really cross look and I genuinely shivered, I felt like death himself was preparing to give the finger. Anywho, old Tebbit has given me a couple of laughs in this interview that sums up all that is wrong with the media of today. Leave the man alone…stop trying to force politicians into saying things they don’t want to.
The Home Secretary came to visit BULS last week. Having such a high-profile guest was a complete coup for organisers Dora and Louise, you’re new chair and womens officer. Well done to them. I had intended to allow them to write up their thoughts of the event, they wished to wait till the end of exams. Yet, the Tories have decided to get rather immature indeed and their attitude is shocking.
Dora had the intention of making this event public and at time of writing emails to departments to advertise recieved a call from the Home Secretary’s Private Office informing her not to make the event public. Dora called me and I agreed with her that the only course of action was to make it open just to BULS members. In fact, since that decision was made several requests for attendance were recieved and granted, so we had a couple of tories, a socialist worker and a few others attending who were not members. Unfortunately, news of this could only be made by word of mouth. We also made it clear that people could join on the evening, this opportunity was taken up by about 2-4 people, essentially we charged for entry as it was a clever way to limit numbers.
The Home Secretary has the exact same security level as the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Making the event public was simply not an option and would, in my understanding, had led to the entire Guild building being shut down, searched and probably closed for the duration. I think on balance, allowing a select few in to the room was best.
I, Dora, Louise and the rest of the committee new and old accept the upset this may have caused. It is a shame we were not allowed to make the event public, yet security of people in the room, in the building and the Home Secretary herself is a prime concern for all involved. We’re grateful that the University and the Guild accomodated this special event and I am immensely proud of Dora and Louise and their professionalism and organisation. Rather than a point of debate, of which there were numerous in the meeting, notably on trident, this was a matter of security.
On a side note, David Lammy, Minister for Higher Education visited the Guild last month in an event that was invitation only. This event was organised by the Guild and has recieved no attention by the double-standard Tories who are criticising BULS. If the Tories are ever in power and invite top security-level ministers to the Guild, I would hope that members of BULS would have the maturity and common sense not to snipe and cause petty argument on matters of security.
I’m not going to accompany this with the usual “oh it taints all parties” or “sack the worse offenders” or “look what that Tory millionaire claimed for!” I personally don’t care. I know a fair bit about the allowances system and I can completely understand where the likes of Jack Straw and Douglas Hogg are coming from. Hogg, for example, put in a full list of his home expenses but didn’t actually claim for specific things, he merely wanted to be completely open about what was being done on his home.
Here’s two people I think have it right;
Lord Foulkes who attacked the media onslaught against our democracy and Stephen Fry who spoke with complete common sense.
The media and by in large the public need to get over it. The politicians need to stop tip-toeing around the issue, all 3 leaders are guilty of trying to make themselves emerge in the best possible light. Get yourselves sat down together and come up with a workable solution. Here’s two ideas for sake of argument;
1) The House of Commons buys a stock of 600 (I forget how many London MPs there are) or so properties in London which are maintained by the Commons authorities. Centrally administered = completely above board. If not doing this then at the very least ban MPs from making a profit on second homes and if this is unworkable then atleast have the taxpayer re-imbursed for the cost of the mortgage.
2) Employ a much larger staff in the Fees Office to actually look in detail at all the claims. At the moment there are about 6 people working in there. More staff means more time can be spent scrutinizing individual claims.
MPs need to realise that the real issue is the additional costs allowance, looking at staff admin in the House of Commons is a waste of time, the problem outside the village is the ACA. Get realistic people!
Thought I would draw your attention to Prescott’s campaign against a bill put forward by the Tory MP Christopher Chope and signed by 10 other Tory MPs, which would allow employers to pay their employees under the minimum wage if the employee agrees.
Feel free to sign the petition against the bill on the website.
The Labour Party launched, a few weeks ago, a new interactive tool allowing any member the chance to contact voters from their own living room.
I didn’t look at it until now but it’s simply amazing. All you do is go onto the members area of the website, log in, click on the link, choose a target seat in your region, and phone away. With cheap deals on landline calls it could actually be cheaper than doing it in a grotty office somewhere! I will certainly be using it as I have free landline calls anytime.
Click on the make a call button, dial the number on your phone, and the voter ID script comes up in front of you with easy click buttons so the data is inputted instantly on the local party’s database!! Check it out!
