Labour MPs in radical manifesto policy bid

[Geezer]

http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2009/1 ... next-week/

November 12, 2009

Labour manifesto

Labour MPs in

radical manifesto policy bid

by René Lavanchy

Labour MPs are seeking to persuade Gordon Brown into adopting a more “radical” policy agenda for the party manifesto at the general election.

Former environment minister Michael Meacher is canvassing support for a list of policy principles drawn up under the banner of the Coalition for Labour Victory.

The statement calls for “massive public investment” in house building, the splitting of banks’ retail and investment arms, keeping Royal Mail publicly owned, higher taxes for the wealthy and the restoration of trade union rights.

Supporters of the statement insisted this week they were receiving support from beyond the “usual suspects” group of rebel left-wing MPs.

Centre-left MP Jon Cruddas and former minister Chris Mullin have both offered their backing, and unions such as Unite, Unison and the GMB are thought to be supportive.

Mr Cruddas told Tribune that “radical taxation and spending policies” were needed in the manifesto.“People have realised that the world has changed. The real worry for me is that the little guy is going to have to pick up the tab as always.

“I think that will strike a nerve with people. The current situation demands boldness. It also links into party democracy.”

Party activists are meanwhile hoping to find out arrangements for the final National Policy Forum at next week’s National Executive Committee meeting.

It will be the final opportunity for unions and constituencies to complete the policymaking process adjourned at Warwick last year.

[goinpostal]

Good luck that will never happen! Might as well approach the Tories while their at it.

[smokerjim]

Why do Labour need to have a commitment in their manifesto to keep RM public - they had it in their last manifesto, didn't they?.....and they'd never break a manifesto commitment, would they?

[Yahoorsur]

Labour MPs in radical manifesto policy bid if only,if only.shakes head sadly and exits leftwards

[britwrit]

Interesting. If there's a big enough wipeout in the election, Jon Cruddas might be the next leader of the Labour Party. And if the Tory spending cuts prove unpopular as they're supposed to be, he could be the second-to-next Prime Minister of this country.

[baldrick]

Interesting. If there's a big enough wipeout in the election, Jon Cruddas might be the next leader of the Labour Party. And if the Tory spending cuts prove unpopular as they're supposed to be, he could be the second-to-next Prime Minister of this country.

It would be good if that did happen, but it is more likely that the Parliamentary Labour
Party will move even more to the right if they think that will make them more electable.

[britwrit]

Yeah. It all depends on what Cameron does. If he let's all the neo-con freaks and leftovers run amok, trying to put all their pet theories into practice, Labour won't have to budge an inch. They'll just watch him self-destruct.

[norbert]

Why do Labour need to have a commitment in their manifesto to keep RM public - they had it in their last manifesto, didn't they?.....and they'd never break a manifesto commitment, would they?

according to the Lord of Darkness they kept to the Warwick Agreement in spirit - er yeah right , the agreement was a vision not a agreement