Meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2024
Five people were present. Six gave their apologies.
We started by reflecting upon the previous session. While we felt it had been a good discussion about education, informed by notes circulated in advance, we were divided as to whether the process of deciding the topic, with one person preparing for it, was a good idea for future meetings. At the same time we welcomed any individual who might wish to prepare a topic in advance, and one topic (taxation and the economy) was suggested for a future meeting.
The present ‘scandal’ about infected blood transfusions reminded us of a wide range of disasters over recent years in which the authorities had been shown to be severely at fault (Hillsborough, Grenfell, Post Office, etc) all of which involved elements of ‘cover up’ by those in power. What does this tell us about our society? It appeared that in all cases the more economically deprived sections of society suffered disproportionately. It was observed that, in general, institutions set up to regulate state services (Ofwat, Ofgem, Ofcom, etc) did more to protect the interests of the private businesses involved in providing the services, rather than the wider public whom they served. Maybe this was because their committee members were invited rather than elected. Indeed, some evidence was given than such committees generally had scant regard for the interests of ‘ordinary folk’. This was also thought to be an aspect of ‘English’ culture which promotes conformity and deference to authority.
We discussed how the public school system (which enshrines the class system which is reflected in our governments) promotes deference and obedience. Also the wider school curriculum and practices promote such uncritical values. The Monarchy, as an institution, was also seen to embody the values of deference and subjugation.
The present government’s legislation plans to severely limit the range of public demonstrations were examples of how present authorities reject any tendency to oppose central power. We wondered how organisations such as Just Stop Oil and XR would respond to such legislation. Given the severity of the climate crisis, they are unlikely to simply submit to such authority. We wondered whether resorting to violence, which challenges the economic basis of fossil fuel industries, might be their next strategy. How to blow up a pipeline?
It was noted that change requires individuals to be prepared to resist authority and conformity. Nigh Bevan, starting the NHS, was seen as an example of such a non conformist.
On a final more positive note we note that David Lammy (the shadow secretary) had indicated that a Labour government would accept any International Criminal Court decisions regarding Israel and Hamas.
The next meeting will be same time and place on June 18th.