This is the second of what we
hope will be a regular – generally weekly - email from Welsh Labour Grassroots,
a network of activists of the left and centre left of the Labour Party in
Wales.
We have also set up a WLG blog where the contents
of the email will be posted, enabling followers to add comments, other
information and have a reference point. The blog also has information relating
to the basic position of WLG, a link to our existing but little used website
and, if you are a member of the Labour Party, how to join and provide support
to our activities. Sympathisers who are not LP members are most welcome to
receive and comment on our emails through our blog - just as is currently the
case on our WLG Facebook
page - and if you wish submit sources and other information to us to be added
to the posts, which may help in our discussions and joint action. All posts on
the WLG blog will be signposted through Twitter and Facebook.
Left week - LA
Olympic fervour has been
difficult avoid even by a non sporty miserablist lefty like myself. The elation
written on the faces and expressed in interviews with those who had won a medal
was simply infectious at a very human level. You could see that it was the
culmination of years of hard work and commitment. It makes the ‘and me’ jumping
up and down of some politicians seem churlish and the corporate presence
together with their biased distribution of largess – like the BMWs – just
appear pathetic.
There have some good comments
on Labour List but I’ve yet to see a socialist conclusion
drawn yet. Many will understand and know the history of the organisation and
funding of the Olympics and Britain’s improved medal position over the last 12
years better than myself but it does seem to represent, at least in part,
democratic state planning, supporting people through facilitative organisation
and investment at its best: and all taken forward by the last Labour
Government. Pity it was about competitive sport and not restructuring the
economy – well look who’s being churlish now!
Left roundup
Labour Representation
Committee news reports on preparations
for the 20 October TUC demonstration, the 68 is too late campaign both with
model motions for LP branches together with industrial action taking place
currently. All LP branches should now be making arrangements to ensure a huge
turnout of members on the 20th.
Greece has not gone on
holiday! The Coalition of Resistance reports on
how the Greek ‘austerity’ coalition government is facing new pressures from the
EU troika and how resistance is again building. Whilst in Italy the
constitutional court has ruled
against privatisation.
Following on from the
discussion piece about the growing real and ideological collapse of
neo-liberalism Labour Left suggest it is time to ‘feel some’ white collars.
Strikes are continuing to
save Remploy and if you can’t get to the picket line the GMB union has an online
petition . See also Union News.
Labour Party
Things are going quiet for
August and I notice that all the leaders have gone abroad for their hols at the
same time – national government in operation or agreed neutralising of the
issueJ.
Anyway here is UK Labour News
and that from Welsh Labour.
Owen Smith MP our shadow
secretary of state for Wales has been raising some questions about how the relationship of devolved services works
with a UK wide provision. And our Welsh Government has produced a consultation
document on promoting local democracy. It is too late to comment but raises issues that we
on the left might think about developing as the debate is sure to continue.
Welsh Labour Grassroots
Well we are getting the blog going and some days the visitor sessions – people actually read something - have been running at around 20, so not bad for the first week and one supporter has added a comment. Hopefully we can iron out the inevitable bugs over the next few weeks, so bear with us.
All the best
Darren Williams WLG Secretary
Len
Arthur WLG Assistant Secretary
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