Dear Progress
The launch of Left Behind? The Labour Movement Backs the Euro by Britain in Europe raises the valid point that securing the necessary investment for public services goes hand in hand with Britain’s membership of the euro.
As a young Labour activist, I believe that Britain needs a strong economy to invest in public services, specifically the NHS. While Britain remains isolated from the currency of our closest trading partners, our trade, foreign investment and, ultimately, jobs are at risk.
If we are to meet the commitment of the Budget to raise health spending above the European average we must not hold back from joining the euro. The challenge of public services and the referendum on the single
currency must be met together.
Henri Murison, Vale of York CLP
Dear Progress
Since the last election there has been much debate over the reason for the low turnout – particularly amongst 18 to 24 year-olds. Whilst I welcome Labour’s plans to introduce citizenship lessons in schools and the recognition and recommendations of the party’s new NPF Democracy, Citizenship and Political Engagement consultation document, we must recognise that there is a fundamental and underlying problem with the perception and process of politics. Politicians are seen as ‘all the same’, not answering questions and not getting things done. Those involved in politics, especially the young, are often seen as boring and geeky. Let’s face it, politics is never going to be trendy but it does need to be more relevant, accessible and transparent. People involved in politics need to look from the outside in not the inside out. What they agree with and appeals to them will not necessarily be of interest to anyone not directly involved or interested in politics.
Advances in modern technology means masses of information is at our fingertips.
The image of politicians needs to change, and the process of making bills law needs to be made more efficient. The current system is longwinded and makes it look, to those outside of Westminster, that nothing is being done.
Hannah Blythyn, Alyn & Deeside CLP
Dear Progress
Wendy Alexander’s resignation is a loss for those in Scotland pursuing a progressive agenda.
The left’s historical weakness has been concentrating on dividing up the public spending cake, rather than also looking to grow it. Alexander’s resignation suggests that our First Minister shares this mindset.
Economic modernisation is the key to delivering social justice. Without it, all other areas of policy will suffer as a result.
To be socially radical, we must generate the revenue to sustain that radicalism. Alexander’s departure raises questions on the commitment of the Scottish cabinet, either to economic prosperity, or funding the radical social agenda that Scotland desperately needs.
Judith Begg, Aberdeen Central CLP
Dear Progress
It was good to see two pages of articles about all-women short-lists in the latest (March/April 2002) Progress. All-women short-lists have been effective and positive discrimination is obviously still needed until the balance is much more equal. Women members would like to see at least 300 women MPs. And the 2001 election results proved that, unless positive action is taken, the situation never improves.
However, I’d also like to see a discussion about electoral reform and how much easier
it would be to increase the number of women MPs with lists and zipping etc. What on earth
has happened to the promised debate and referendum on electoral reform? Fairer gender representation is only one of the many benefits of a proportional electoral system. Wales and Scotland have put England to shame.
Susan Gibb, Taunton CLP
Dear Progress
I read John Williams’ article (Progress, March/April 2002) about emulating the US ‘primaries’ system with a sense of disbelief. At the moment in Britain, selection of candidates is the sole preserve of party members. But at least we can assume they are committed to the party’s core principles. Contrast that to the US, where elections are routinely won by registered party ‘supporters’ voting in the primary and then changing sides in the actual poll. It is the system that invented ‘spin’, and, contrary to Williams’ rose-tinted view, has an electorate just as disillusioned as our own. He talks about ‘renewing local democracy’. Removing the beliefs and principles, and replacing them with the politics of the beauty contest and the cheque book, does not strike me as the way to achieve this.
Dave Brinson, Eastbourne CLP
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