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Would You Join the Ken Loach Movement for Progressives?

Posted: 01/03/2013 12:01

How refreshing it was to have Ken Loach straight talking social honesty on Question Time? How depressing that with three comments he demolished the collective wisdom of our three political parties. Despite the patronising 'National Treasure' comment of the embarrassing Claire Perry MP, he was the only one to talk about people, the 1 million youth unemployed and the need for us to do something. Progressives should welcome his suggestion that the Unions split from labour as it has it could create a viable movement on the left.

It was refreshing because this coalition government formed in the 'national interest' has failed to solve any of these problems and are running out of people and snow to blame. Just look at their mid-term report. The opposition have failed to communicate clearly what they would do as an alternative. So we must presume this is nothing or not far from what we already know. With the clock ticking to the next election Labour should ignore their lead in the polls. They should be really concerned that they have not communicated one clear alternative. Their leader, while genuine and honest, has not developed the appeal or communications skills to cut through to the electorate. Progressives have nothing to vote for so they will either vote liberal democrat or abstain.

One of the biggest problems the public has today is that not one of our professional politicians are willing to put up there hands and take responsibility. We have had twenty years of failed economic planning and no structured plan for people and society. Labour were in charge until 2010 while the Lib Dems and Conservatives have presided over the vandalism since. Not one has come up with a credible alternative for maintaining an effective state apart from selling it and following the old Hayekian policies designed for the cold war. The left has moved so far to the centre we have three parties of professional politicians who have little emotional or intellectual connection with the electorate. The electorate have very few options.

Quick Poll

Should the Unions listen to Ken Loach and withdraw funding from the Labour party and create a new progressive movement?

VOTE


We live in very distinct times which have changed the the public attitude and acceptance of the our political classes and hierarchy. Matthew Taylor and the RSA have pointed out that society has a few active groups and influencers who set the agenda for how we live and do business. Outside these hierarchies are the consumers, the people who receive the impact of disastrous short-term policy making.

The unwritten and unacceptable deal is the political classes, some corporations and establishment set the agenda. (Just look at the Treasury policy development around corporation tax which lowers the rate for the very corporations that have been avoiding tax) We the public play along submissively. Thats fine if we were playing along. Things change if we listen to Ken Loach and change status quo.

We are not at a point of anarchy we are simply not playing along. We are disengaged but still active. Hence Ken Loach suggestion to form a new left to match UKIP is not insane. Just look to Beppe Grillo in Italy. It frightens the markets and the right but gets the people engaged.

The time for change is now. Our hierarchies are in a state of chassis. In general we have an feeble class of politician on both the left and the right. Many of them rarely have life experience and are terrified of original thought. Many do not recognise nor understand the large sections of society who are motivated by solidarity, individualism and fatalism. This is the only job they have know or have trained for so they are terrified to upset the status quo and risk their jobs.

Throughout the conference season none of the political parties addressed this reality because one feels there are very few who recognise what is happening on the street. No matter what party they come from week after to week on question time and watching debates in parliament one gets the firm impression these people are outer worldly. They are firmly trapped in their westminster bubble and don't have a clue what is happening on the street. Its tiring to hear their constant tittle tattle and statements of being 'tough on the economy, tough on crime' and all the rest. They are paid to sort this out and should have it done by now.

The traditional establishment has been rocked by scandals, corporate malfeiscence and failures of the police and judicial system. The public has lost fate in them and no longer trust their judgement. Instead of politicians seeking justice and fairness for the people they tend to get in the way and protect the special interests. We have a climb down on leveson, selling of the NHS, rolling back on environment regulation, rolling back on food regulation, privatisation of schools. All issues which the public were against. They are paid to manage the affairs of the state not to outsource all the services and assets. (Gordon Brown with Gold - David Cameron Schools, NHS even the Red Arrows)

Some people are motivated out of solidarity. We have had an increase of people coming out to campaign and show solidarity around key issues and campaigns. This is largely driven by social media and the public can be motivated in reaction to a piece of public policy or a reaction against  a company or group. This is the opportunity for a new left to tap into this solidarity. It would be radical for the Unions were to disengage from a 100 years support for labour to 'new labour' but it would create a new offering for the public.

Lets do it.

 

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22:28 on 07/03/2013
I watched Ken Loach on BBCQT last week, and it was indeed a breath of fresh air. But I'm concerned that we're talking about the creation of yet another party of the Left. I'm concerned the word Left occurs at all. There is certainly a case for an alternative; but I believe the label "Left" would mean spending most of our time and resources would be spent trying to rehabilitate the word itself, rather than fight on the issues we agree to fight on.
That's the second concern I have. What would our agenda be? How are we to decide it? Who will decide it? If it is to happen, and if it is to succeed (measurement of success?) we would need not just Trades Unionists, but academics, media celebrities - anyone to help us get the media's attention. As any member of a minor party will tell you, media attention is desperately short.
So, what concerns should we fight on? My vote is Climate Change.
15:38 on 02/03/2013
Go for it, I'd switch allegiance in a heartbeat.
12:12 on 02/03/2013
I take issue with 'the coalition formed in the National Interest'. Tories onlyb ever serve self-interest and never the National Interest.
21:56 on 01/03/2013
Where do i sign,anything for my children and grandchildrens future...BUT the 1st sign of a snout in the trough with the rest of the parasites...and our vote is gone...absolutely sick of the politicians we have now.
16:58 on 01/03/2013
The Labour Party ceased to be the Labour Party when Tory Bliar took control. I did for my sins join the Labour Party many years ago. I was sick and tired of the rise and rise of privatisation from the Blair,with his PFI's and the breaking up of the NHS. Or the glossy consultations from my Labour controlled council and thought that I should stop moaning and do something about it.
The first meeting I turned up to I was asked if I would leaflet council estates to persuade people to become an Arms Length Management Organisation. Which IMO is privatisation by the back door. I asked this person if they lived in a council property, her reply 'of course not' as though I had suddenly put something rather smelly under her nose. It was at this point that I realised that my Labour Party was dead!
Since I was old enough to vote I have but since that evening I struggle to put my mark against any candidate as really they are all just shades of each other. I feel completely disenfranchised and if that is the case for someone like me no wonder so many people have completely switched off. Leaving a vacuum to be filled but unfortunately so far only by the right. So bring it on where do I sign up to this party of Progressives.
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Janet Logan
Brit, Left-to-Moderate, compassionate, pragmatic
16:25 on 01/03/2013
I'd go for it. The left has not been left for so many years. It's not even that I want a particularly left-wing alternative. I want one that puts people first. I'd like to see ground broken on hundreds of thousands of council homes - not these useless "affordable homes" cra@@y schemes - affordable by whose measure? Imagine the economic boost in terms of jobs, apprenticeships, money in pockets to spend in the local economy, rents paid by tenants in work, reduction of the housing benefit bill and the general reduction in rents in the private sector that would surely follow?
A living wage.
Multinationals made to pay for the privilege of making massive profits here in the form of fair, unavoidable taxation.
Jobcentres that help, using flexible schemes, not hinder those trying to find work. People not seen as beggars without choices because they need some help.
A bit of respect for the ordinary person.