So I have been watching a great new documentary series on New Labour, focussing on the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. I would say this is essential viewing for the UK politics course. It covers the years when Labour was in the political wilderness, the modernising agenda of Blair and Brown and then the electoral success of 1997. You need to be well aware of the 97-election campaign as well as the issues that led to the radical shift in Labour policy in the 90’s. It looks at the friendship and somewhat fractious relationship between the two Labour titans.
What crisis? The Conservatives meet at their annual conference
Amidst an enormous supply chain crisis that has already led to shortages of goods and workers, Boris Johnson met with his party. After a round of interviews these past few days, he looks like a man not in touch with reality. A mixture of Brexit and covid has conspired to create a situation where there are 1 million unfilled jobs – most notably truck drivers are in short supply.
Last week the government issued temporary work visas for European drivers to work in the UK (until Christmas), but today admitted that a little above a hundred have applied. Johnson blames British industry for taking cheap labour from abroad and failing to invest in British workers and skills. Yet it is becoming clear, Brexit, tougher regulations on low-skilled migrants and the breakdown of global supply chains because of covid is impacting the British economy. Prices are rising and that means the cost of living is increasing. Johnson does not seem to have a plan.
After a failed covid strategy, Johnson promises to preside over a failed economy.
Good job then that the Labour Party are doing so well to hold the government to account. Hmm.
If there was an election today - the tories would still win a majority - but a slim one.
The government plans to get rid of supplementary vote for mayoral elections
There are plans afoot to get rid of SV for mayoral elections and replace it with First Past the Post. Expect legislation to be passed soon and with a Tory majority, it is certain to have a smooth passage. This will make it easier to elect Conservative mayors as second preferences can tilt the balance towards left-leaning progressive parties.
And they plan to get rid of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)
In case you missed it, the power to call general elections will return to the Prime Minister. The Bill to repeal the act has already passed the commons and is now being debated in the Lords. Are we about to see an early election, maybe even next year? if so, the polls indicate another Tory majority and five more years… Welcome to a one-party state.
Pressure group case study
The group Insulate Britain have been protesting on the M25 motorway to raise awareness about the environment and the requirement to insulate all homes. This is a good example of direct action but also whether these groups are good for democracy. Here’s a good comment from FT Schools on the group.
Pandora papers
You may have heard about a massive data leak that sheds light on the murky world of offshore tax havens and tax evasion. To find out more, listen to the Guardian’s great podcast that unpicks the revelations all this week