Richard Burgon MP Bootle CLP Meeting, 26Th Feb 2016, at Lakeside Adventure Centre
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Warming to the challenge: Richard Burgon MP Bootle CLP meeting, 26th Feb 2016, at Lakeside Adventure Centre Bootle’s MP, Peter Dowd, had invited new Labour MP for Leeds East, Richard Burgon (like Peter, in the 2015 intake) to speak to this specially convened meeting, which attracted attendees not just from the Bootle constituency, but from adjacent Maghull and Formby, for example. This mix was a good thing, as people who had not met before had time to make each other’s acquaintance and to share thoughts. And with the attendance of Bill Esterson, MP for neighbouring constituency, Sefton Central, we had three MPs in the room! The fully accessible venue of Sefton local authority’s Lakeside Adventure Centre, provided an excellent setting: outside, the beauty of the dunes, grasses, lawned area, wide sky and lake + adjacent parking; inside, a spacious room elegantly set out with large round tables (and table cloths), an efficient PA system (hurray!), and a finger buffet, which included veggie and vegan options (hurray again!), tea, coffee and water, as well as a wide selection of dainty, tasty cakes! The scene was set for a sociable as well as instructive evening. Booking the room from 18 00 – 22 00, with the speaker due to arrive @ c19 00, was also a good move. Attendees felt welcomed by the pleasing environment and the buffet, and the timing and tables (rather than seats in rows) encouraged people to mix and chat before the event officially got under way, as well as accommodating the arrival of people at different times, without later arrivals feeling they were ‘late’. This element of sociability, as well as being enjoyable, also contributes to our ability and willingness to campaign together out on the doorstep and on the streets. By the time the speaker was introduced, people were relaxed, conversations had already started around the room, and the general atmosphere was welcoming and expectant. I had the impression that many members had ‘done their homework’ and googled Richard Burgon prior to the meeting (I had myself)! He was introduced by Bootle CLP Chair, Mike O’Brien, who provided background information on Richard, which was followed by Peter Dowd’s words of welcome. Richard was warmly welcomed by everyone as he stood up to speak. He was even more enthusiastically received after he had spoken. His speech was wide-ranging and detailed, articulate and heartfelt, and clearly relevant to those listening. Questions, comments and concerns from the floor were also wide-ranging, including on the economy, Trident, the EU referendum, the devastating impact of the Cuts on the lives and prospects of young people in particular, climate change, the environment, Labour values and purpose, and the urgent need for leadership / political guidance from the top of the LP, in particular on the economy. Concern was expressed about the behaviour of pro Austerity neoliberal Labour MPs towards Jeremy Corbyn and deputy leader, John McDonnell. and the need for the party to present an effective opposition. Richard listed a number of examples of how the party had had an impact in the House. Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, speaking from the floor, conveyed the pain, anguish and desperation felt by Labour councillors faced with implementing and/or mitigating each round of savage Tory Cuts. Cuts is clearly the wrong word for what is being done to individuals, communities and services: there was awareness in the room, that these ideological actions are meant to be terminal for the public sector and the welfare values and services set up in the postwar period, on which the majority of the population depend, not just for their health and social care, but for employment, dignity and mental health, and the safety net for when lives are hit by crisis. The importance of working together locally (and beyond), and in parliament, was stressed: to communicate Labour values and purpose, to help people understand the issues, and the difference that a Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn is making and will make in government. There is clearly a hunger for good information and clear policies that can be shared and used, not least in combatting the complaint that Labour MP candidates encountered at the last election, which Richard mentioned: being told on the doorstep, “You’re all alike”. Whatever else we do, as Labour members and supporters, we must put that judgement to bed, by relentlessly demonstrating the difference in practice. This will, I think, be crucial in the upcoming local elections, but perhaps most crucially, in the EU referendum in June, where the LP must make the case for the EU, not just as the means to cheaper flights and mobile roaming charges, increased job opportunities, new businesses, safer food and drink, maternity rights, and the working hours directive, for example, but as the means for responding as part of a political, social and economic alliance to climate change, the trafficking of women and children, violence against women and children, the rise of religious and political fundamentalisms, and the refugee crisis, for example, as part of a socially democratic, Left alliance within the EU, that understands the historical role of the EU as peace-keeper, rather than neoliberal enforcer of Austerity policies. The UK Labour Party has had influence in the EU previously, through its MEPs, and can do so again more broadly. In the context of rising neo fascist groups and parties, the UK’s potential role is vital in helping contain and diminish these forces for conflict rooted in racism, homophobia and misogyny. At the end of the evening, political conversations continued as people left, and for some, lingering in the car park (in the freezing cold!). But the buzz left us warm and animated. There was, I felt, a consensus that this had been a very worthwhile and stimulating event, and that, on the evening’s evidence, Richard Burgon is a really excellent addition to the PLP. So warm thanks to the Bootle constituency organisers. As joint Political Education Co-ordinator for Merseyside Momentum, I took the opportunity of mentioning Merseyside Momentum’s pubic meeting: ‘Europe: the EU, immigration, Austerity’, to be held at the Quaker Meeting House, School Lane (next to the Bluecoat in Liverpool City Centre) on 28 April 2016, including lead speaker, LP NW MEP, Julie Ward. Local LP councilor, Daniel T. Lewis, will also be on the panel. .