Meeting held on Monday 17th April 2023
Seven people were present. Eight gave their apologies.
One of the group had been out of the country for the last few months and much of the meeting was a resume of our views about various aspects of the political climate.
Labour’s pole lead of about 25% had recently reduced to about 15%. Many of us thought that Labour’s recent personal attack on the PM, regarding sexual crimes against children, was in bad taste and contributed to that. Also PM was giving the impression of being competent (despite total failure to adequately engage in striking unions). Johnson was now rarely in the headlines and the conclusions of the Parliamentary Disciplinary Committee were yet to be finalised. Despite favourable polling, we were not very confident about Labour’s prospects at the next general election. Present difficulties, such as the increasing cost of living, may well lead to apathy towards voting, unless Labour can effectively communicate a more clear alternative to Tory policies. We were also (again) somewhat irritated by Labour Party rules which militate against tactical voting and collaboration across parties. We noted the case of Councillor O’Brien’s rejection by LP for breaching party rules in Grindleford/Hathersage
Rachel Reeves (Shadow Chancellor) was articulate and competent, but, stuck to economic orthodoxies, it was suggested.
Regarding Education, we noted disenchantment with Ofsted following the suicide of a headteacher as a consequence of a poor Ofsted review. Criticism was made of the Ofsted’s one-word conclusions to inspections. But little was being done about large scale absenteeism following Covid restrictions. There was some dissatisfaction with what Labour had achieved for education in the past when in govt. (Jack Straw)
We noted the growing levels of inequality, while accepting that there are different ways of measuring inequality. However, the top 1% are clearly increasing in wealth and political power. We felt that the privileged circumstances of Tory politicians, largely based upon their private education, renders them unable to appreciate of even know about the hardships and ways of life of the masses they govern. UK is considered to be the second most unequal society in Europe.
The problems of the NHS were viewed as part of a Tory policy to prepare the ground for increasing privatisation, but noted that problems with health provision were prominent across Europe owing to increases in longevity and medical science.
Finally we reflected upon the monarchy as symbolic of the inequality and class distinction that characterises British life.
Next meeting, 15th May.