Young progressives Articles

Labour promised a referendum on
the European constitution. This constitution failed to become reality. Some of
the good elements of the constitution that attempt to streamline the European
Union have become part of the Lisbon Treaty. The UK Government is supporting
this.

On my way to work in Manchester city centre at the moment I have to
pass by two large banners which loudly proclaim: ‘Ready For Change’.
There’s been lots of discussion in my office about this. What, exactly,
is this actually saying? Should it be read with an implied question
mark, as if to enquire: ‘Are you ready for change?’ Or is it more of a
directive, as in: ‘Get ready for change, people of the North?’. Maybe
it’s deliberately vague, like David Cameron. Whatever it means, if
their choice of a conference slogan isn’t bold, their choice of
conference venue certainly is.

Born in Scotland of a Scottish mother and Irish father, raised in
northern England and now living in the south of England, I feel a sense
of ‘Britishness’ that often eludes others. That’s why I read with horror in this morning’s Guardian the analysis of how Cameron’s
pandering to the Tory euro-extremist right is threatening the Union.
I’ve been of the view for a long time that Labour is now the ‘One
Nation’ party; active and competitive across Britain. Labour continues
to defend a Union strengthened by devolution to the nations and regions
of our country.

One of the reasons I got involved in politics is the NHS. I saw chronic
under-funding in the late 1980s and the poor and impersonal service my
Grandmother received while dying with cancer. It may not be popular to
say but times have changed and though the NHS is not perfect, it has
improved dramatically under Labour; people forget this.