Meeting held on Monday 15th November
nine people were present. Apologies were received from eight.
We wondered why, despite the prominence of Tory sleaze in the media, the Tories are not loosing more support than they are. This led to comments on the lack of leadership in the Labour Party. But moreover, the loss of so many Labour seats in Scotland at the last election leads us to realise that there is almost no chance that a Labour government can be elected unless is comes to some collaborative arrangement with other parties. But there is lack of support for this at the top of the Party.
We were aware that Starmer – perhaps biding his time for now – appears to be reluctant to support any radical policies for fear that this might be opposed by some of the voters he wishes to please. Even the planned coalfield in Cumbria is not opposed forcefully by Starmer who is afraid this will be opposed by locals who fear lost jobs despite the fact that other plans (eg by the Green Party) envisage many jobs in alternative technologies in the area.
Being reluctant to take the risk (as he would see it) of adopting any far reaching radical policies, Starmer appears to be too managerial and lacking charisma. Angela Rayner, on the other hand, was thought to be much more articulate, outspoken and charismatic.
Despite negative responses to COP26, we were encouraged by the decision to return with improved plans next year. It was suggested that Johnson had realised the electoral value of supporting green policies, but we were not convinced these would be transformed into action.
Considering the COP26 results, in contrast to the popular views that China is a problem, we considered China to be an excellent example of both industrial development and green technology. The US was more of a hindrance to green development than China. Furthermore, when China decides upon a policy, this always translates into action. Our personal experience of Chinese people was in contrast to the negativity about China which, we thought, might be the consequence of Western liberal ideology (or propaganda).
And a final thought: might Johnson be replaced as leader of the Tories? £5 wagers were cast in favour of this proposition!
The NEXT MEETING will be on Monday 20th December