Monday 15th July 2019
13 of us welcomed a guest from Suffolk. Five people sent their apologies.
Some of us, having watched the BBC’s Panorama on the handling of complaints of anti-Semitism submitted to the Labour Party, expressed real disquiet over the treatment of the Party’s employees and what appeared to be a reluctance to deal expeditiously with a growing number of these complaints. The initial reaction of the Labour leadership team in blaming a few disaffected former staff members for their criticisms was thought to be inadequate. However the motives of the BBC in producing such a one-sided view of the situation were questioned. Further discussion was hampered by the fact that a majority of us had not seen the programme but it was pointed out that one of the features of both left and right wing populism was a greater focus on attacking individuals rather than concepts or policies.
Brexit and the remain/leave divide were thought to have definitely increased the level of interest in a possible re-alignment in UK politics which may lead eventually to a renewed democratic process that is more issue based. To move from this to a more open and pluralistic society remains a cause for some optimism and is at present being worked on by a number of progressive organisations outside the traditional Party structures. It was felt that whatever the outcome of the Brexit situation and the result of any forthcoming General Election the Climate Emergency would move relentlessly towards the top of the political agenda and the discussion of growth/no-growth and its measurement, such as indices of wellbeing as well as more wide ranging economic measures, may assume greater importance.
A short discussion on Inequality in society was prompted by an observation that walking in urban areas such as parts of Sheffield reveals the effects of austerity on the environment in which our citizens are living. It was noted that in the past Local Authorities had impressive plans to improve urban environments but as they do not have significant tax raising powers they have been squeezed financially and have been unable to put them into practice. It was felt that a more collaborative approach between active citizens and national, regional and local government is required to make a difference.
Finally the group considered what might be the priorities if, at the next General Election, Lab., Lib.Dems., SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru and some independents held a majority of seats and worked together. A ‘Green New Deal’ was the first suggestion.