Month: August 2009 Articles

We need a more rational debate about crime and punishment

The only big political story of the summer, apart from the decision by
the SNP to release a terrorist bomber into the welcoming,
Saltire-waving arms of the Libyans, has been the row over the NHS. On
the face of it, Dan Hannan’s extended US media ego-trip was good news
for Labour. The Tory MEP proved a useful idiot for the US Republicans,
fuelling their fear of socialism with tall tales of soviet-style queues
for cancer treatment in the United Kingdom. It allowed Labour to go
onto the attack, fielding Andy Burnham to speak up for the NHS, and
forced Cameron onto the defensive, including the breath-taking claim
that the Conservatives are ‘the party of the NHS’, which displays the
same level of cheek as his claim that they are the party of the
environment, the party of co-operatives, and the party of the poor.
What’s next? The Tories are the party of the trade unions and nuclear
disarmament? Watch this space, I hear you cry.

A round-up of progressive views on the news of the day, given exclusively to ProgressOnline.

‘It is important not to over scrutinise every development regarding the
Middle East conflict – the road to peace is bumpy and unpredictable.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meetings in London
with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US envoy George Mitchell can only
be regarded as positive. The suggestion of tougher international action
against Iran’s illegal nuclear programme in return for an Israeli
settlement freeze demonstrates that President Barack Obama sees peace
in the Middle East as dependent on many interlinking factors. Whether
we see a breakthrough in the coming days or not, those that want a two
state solution and those that justifiably fear an Iranian nuclear
weapon can be reassured that the new US President is approaching the
Middle conflict in a progressive, comprehensive and refreshing manner.
Gordon Brown is, I believe, right to be cautiously “optimistic”.’ – Andrew Gwynne MP, chair of Labour Friends of Israel