Bevan Foundation

reviewISSUE 13 WINTER 2009 £10

Democracy: where now?

All Wales Convention • Electoral reform • MPs’ expenses • Participation • Debate • Engaging ethnic communities • Lobbyists • Coalitions • Entitlement • Petitions • Chartists • Protest and song • Barack Obama • Trades Unions Join the Bevan Foundation Contents ISSUE 13 WINTER 2009 the social justice think tank for Wales

Join us and be at the forefront of new thinking to shape the future of Wales. Members of 2-3 Sir Emyr Jones Parry 18-19 John Drysdale the Bevan Foundation come from all walks of life and include businesses, community How the All Wales Convention arrived at its How do we expand direct democracy and findings civic engagement? groups, local authorities, trades unions, politicians from all parties and individuals of all ages. 4-5 David Davies, Elfyn Llwyd and 20-21 Daran Hill Members have a say in what we do and also get: Jenny Willott Coalitions – a formula for success - access to the latest thinking about social justice through our magazine, How the expenses row has changed Bevan Foundation Review, published three times a year; Parliament 22-23 The Rev Aled Edwards - insight into new ideas through our thought-provoking reports and pamphlets; The last Sunday (an extract from his - opportunities to shape policy through our round table discussions and seminars; 6-7 Bethan Jenkins book on the US presidential election) - learning and networking at conferences and lectures The petitions committee could revolutionise Welsh democracy 24-25 Chartism: a celebration

Membership rates for 2009-10: 8-9 Vaughan Gething 26-27 Dafydd Iwan - individuals £30 (low waged £15) if paid by cheque, or £25 if paid by standing order Engaging ethnic communities The power of the protest song - small voluntary organisations, trades union branches, £50 - large voluntary organisations and library subscriptions £100 10-11 Annabelle Harle - small corporate bodies £200 We must consider alternative ways of voting 28-29 Union View - large corporate bodies £500 plus Jamie Jenkins on unions and young people 12-13 Wayne David Are we entitled to our public services? Can I would like to join the Bevan Foundation. 30 Unheard Voices we find a Welsh solution Spiro Sueref on coming to terms with sight Name ...... loss 14-15 Paul Flynn and Robbie MacDuff Organisation ...... What does lobbying contribute to 31 Talking Point Address ...... democracy? Victoria Winckler discusses the promise of eco-housing ...... 16-17 Mary van den Heuvel and Ceri Jackson People with sight problems still face 32 News ...... Post Code ...... democratic barriers Email: ...... Tel:...... Fax: ......

I wish to join as follows (please tick one) From the Editor

By the time you read this, you will be fully aware of the contents of the much anticipated report from the All Wales Individual Corporate large/small Convention, chaired by Sir Emyr Jones Parry. The central question remains: do people want more legislative powers – and, by extension, more independence – or don’t they? Voluntary large/small Library subscription Regardless of what the findings are, one thing is certain. Wales has a history of making up its own mind, arriving at its own radical ideas and then stubbornly seeing them through. It could be argued that the country’s movement toward the I wish to pay as follows (please tick one) All Wales Convention began in 1839 with the Newport Uprising, where Chartists took up arms in a bid to win suffrage. The Chartist contribution to democracy was celebrated in a special Bevan Foundation event last month in – where else? – Please invoice me for ...... Newport. Featuring a range of speakers and performances, it focussed on democracy, and democracy in Wales in particular. Along with the 170th anniversary of the Newport Uprising this year, it’s just over 80 years since universal I enclose a cheque for ...... suffrage, and a decade since the National Assembly came in to being. To mark those milestones, this issue of the Bevan Foundation Review focuses on democracy. We carry an eye-witness I wish to pay by Standing Order ...... account of the US election from a member of Obama team, when campaigning was changed forever, as well as speaking to MPs in the wake of the expenses scandal and examining how the Assembly is moving democracy forward in new ways. We also take a light-hearted look at coalitions, democracy in work, engaging ethnic populations and improving access to Please return this form with your payment to The Bevan Foundation voting and decision-making, entitlement, electoral reform, the impact of lobbying, as well as a piece from Sir Emyr on FREEPOST RRKG-YZYE-HBEC, Aneurin Bevan House, 40 Castle Street, Tredegar, NP22 3DQ what he discovered on his travels.

1 FEATURE We all own the Bills. The Welsh Assembly Government agrees with Westminster whether it will include provision for Assembly now Wales in an Act and effectively by-pass the Assembly. The timescale is more predictable, The All Wales Convention on because the UK Government’s legislative programme runs regularly from year to year, and greater powers, due to there is an expectation that Bills will be completed report this month, is one of within a year, at least. the most anticipated events The new possibilities of acquiring primarily in recent Welsh political legislative powers for the Assembly are bedding history. Here, it’s chairman down. But the Government of Wales Act in 2006 provides another way for the powers to come all at Sir Emyr Jones Parry gives a once, for the National Assembly for Wales to have rare insight into its workings, primary law-making powers across all of the 20 and the attitudes he found devolved fields, to correspond to all the areas

where the Welsh Assembly Government has P among Welsh people that h o t o

executive powers. This could only happen :

met with the body P e t

following a majority yes vote in a referendum, of e r

S l course. If it did happen, LCOs and framework a t e provisions in UK Bills would become a thing of the r hen we talk of devolution, many people’s past. thoughts will return to the 1997 This is where the All Wales Convention comes in. area such as education is devolved to Wales, then and most members of the public are not affected Wreferendum and the creation of the We have had the challenging job of explaining the the Assembly has full responsibility and therefore by ‘processes’, especially the process of getting Assembly in 1999. This, of course, marked the current devolution settlement to the people of law-making powers in that area. But, as we know, powers. It may be the more practical or emotional establishment of a democratically-elected body of Wales, and trying to get a feel as to which way it’s rarely that simple. arguments that touch them, which will in the end there is generally politicians for Wales but, in terms of powers, the people would vote if they were presented with a Those who are against giving the Assembly decide if people vote and how. There are other an ownership of Government of Wales Act 1998 only transferred choice between the current arrangements and law-making powers in the 20 fields all at views on both sides, such as why shouldn’t Wales powers from the Secretary of State for Wales to primary legislative powers across all 20 fields. As ‘the Assembly once believe the current system gives the have the same powers as Scotland? Or those who the newly-formed administration. you can imagine, it has been an eventful journey, among many of the politicians and civil servants time to gradually are afraid that more law-making powers will lead This new National Assembly for Wales inherited full of twists and turns and reminiscent of the public in Wales and get used to dealing with law-making to Wales following the ‘slippery slope’ to the Secretary of State’s executive powers in the 20 A470, which we have travelled along a fair few a feeling that powers. They also feel this provides robust independence. devolved fields, including education and health, so times in the course of our consultation across devolution has scrutiny of any application for powers. Some What we’ve found though is that most people it could formulate and lead on national policy. But Wales. brought politics also think that the Assembly isn’t mature have accepted and support devolution in one way in terms of law-making powers, it could only pass We openly invited everyone in Wales to tell us closer to the enough yet to deal with primary law-making or another. People may not be happy with every secondary legislation. what they think of the Assembly and whether people. powers, and that there isn’t the capacity to decision that the Assembly Government makes, The Government of Wales Act 2006 provided the should it get more law-making powers. Even cope with these powers. but there is generally an ownership of the potential for the Assembly to pass primary though one of the main obstacles has been a For those who want to move to Part 4 of Assembly among many of the public in Wales and legislation. At present, the Assembly is gradually general apathy towards politics in general, we have the Government of Wales Act 2006, where a feeling that devolution has brought politics closer acquiring powers to pass primary legislation. There managed to reach many people in Wales, some of the Assembly would have primary law-making to the people. Whether they feel that sticking with are two ways it can do this, through a Legislative whom haven’t been engaged with politics much in powers, the appeal is in the clarity that this would the current situation is fine or that the Assembly Competence Order (LCO), or asking for powers to the past. Over 2,000 people came to our public bring and the time and resources saved by not should have more law-making powers is a much be included in a UK Bill. In either case, the transfer events around Wales and we’ve received over 700 having to apply for the powers through an LCO. more difficult question – not as clear cut for the powers has to be agreed by Westminster. pieces of evidence from individual members of the Many are frustrated with the LCO system and feel anyone as the question in 1997 which was simply There has been a lot of interest in the LCO public and from organisations. that Westminster scrutiny goes beyond deciding on about whether, in principle, there should be process, and particularly in how long it can The responses have been varied and illuminating whether the Assembly should have a certain devolution or not. The devil is in the detail – and sometimes take, from the start of the process to – fascinating for all of us on the Convention’s powers to look at what the Assembly wants to do the detail of a constitutional settlement is often the winning of new powers for the Assembly. executive committee, and we have sought to take with that power. Some have also pointed out that not at the top of people’s minds. LCOs have taken from nine months up to two on board and scrutinise all the points made. One while the LCO process is possibly over-scrutinised, My committee and I feel that we’ve done our years and longer to transfer powers to the of the main points to come out of the evidence gaining powers through UK framework bills best to get the views of as many people as Assembly. And, of course, this is not the end of and research we have undertaken has been that doesn’t include any robust scrutiny. possible, and it’s now time for us to put everything the story. There is no change on the ground until the current settlement is very difficult to Ron Davies’ famous quote that “devolution is a together in a report which will guide politicians in new primary legislation has been passed, using the understand and unclear. Organisations find it more process, not an event” is certainly true in terms of their decision on whether to hold a referendum, power granted to the Assembly as a result of the difficult to know if responsibility for a certain area gaining full law-making powers as they have been and when. We will be reporting by the end of LCO. lies with Wales or with Westminster and who is coming to the Assembly step-by-step since the November and I’m very glad that my work comes Factually, more powers have reached the accountable for decisions made in that area. Some Government of Wales Act came into force in May to an end there and that the difficult decisions are Assembly through UK Bills, so-called framework members of the public assume that if a subject 2007. But my ficticious Mrs Jones of Bonymaen left to the politicians.

2 Bevan Foundation review 3 DEBATE

The MPs expenses row has been This changes called the greatest scandal to rock Parliamentary democracy in over 100 years. But what has it property market to stabilise. The gentleman then some MPs have had enough. I’m sure we’ll see changed? Here, three Welsh said that I should return to see him when I had increasing numbers of MPs retiring over the next purchased a property and he would then advise few months, many in safe seats. This could be a everything MPs give their view. me on “nomination”, which he said would have good thing, with a large influx of new MPs casting financial repercussions. I responded by saying, as a a critical eye over the workings of Parliament, When it comes to reforming the expenses system lawyer, I was aware of Capital Gains Tax and questioning and taking nothing for granted. elsewhere, we MPs spend up to 170 nights a year anyway I wasn’t going to Westminster to make a In the long term, we will see changes in the in London, and I have yet to hear of anyone who killing on property. people standing for election. Contrary to what the can come up with anything better than we have The man’s response was of annoyed indignation public say they want, I believe we will see more that costs less than £22,000 a year. With certain and he muttered something like “have it your own candidates who have previously been Special allowances that haven’t been scrapped, like food way”. To me, a Member of Plaid Cymru, my main Advisers, MPs’ researchers and otherwise involved and subsistence, the press say it’s too much, but I home is and always will be in Wales, come what in politics. The vitriol targeted at MPs, whether don’t see it. What we have is in line with – and may. Others have played fast and loose with the justified or not, doesn’t make the job attractive to often less than – the public sector. If you replace “flipping” procedure, some with astonishing those currently working elsewhere – except for one thing with another, the press jump up and regularity and results which are shameful, and do bankers, who have possibly been even more down and say that we’ve got another allowance. not offer any explanation other than greed and vilified. The saddest thing that has come out of the milking the system. One impact of the scandal that has received very David Davies MP expenses row is that it has made MPs paranoid. It may be that MPs have been encouraged to little attention is the impact on families. Spouses There is good and bad in all of this. There was that incident when Alan Duncan was take as many benefits as possible in order to keep and children often bore the brunt of public outcry, The good has come from a recognition that there secretly filmed while making a couple of jokes, and salaries as low as possible. That is not an adequate whether or not that MP was accused of wrong- has to be greater – indeed, complete – it grew to the point where his position within the excuse. doing – wives abused in the supermarket, children transparency from all MP. It’s why I took the Shadow Cabinet became untenable. When people Looking to the future, I gave evidence to the bullied at school. I’m not trying to raise sympathy decision to publish all my expenses online. I think meet me, they expect a bit of candour. I’m not Kelly Committee recently and I suggested for MPs, but this affects decisions to re-stand. also that what has happened in Parliament will expected to reply in long sentences of verbiage. abolishing these allowances and giving Members Democracy would lose if we have fewer MPs with extend to elsewhere in the public sector and the I’m straight and direct. If I’m not happy about of Parliament an increase in salary. Individuals children, or if all MPs have very thick skins. BBC. I suspect we’ll find greater offenders there. something involving the party, I want to be able to could then purchase or rent property as If we are to rebuild, however slowly, trust in What is bad is that some of the press reporting say so in the knowledge that I’m not being secretly appropriate and it would ensure that the gross and politicians and in our political system, we need has been more about getting a good story than filmed. If I am no longer able to do that, then I disgraceful fiddling is discontinued once and for Parliament to be more representative. We need being fair-minded. That some Parliamentarians are think it is bad for democracy. all. MPs with small children, more women, more very wealthy is not news. They made their wealth Transparency is overdue and the public demands ethnic minorities, people from more varied outside before they entered the Commons, so it’s Elfyn Llwyd MP it. What we must not do is rush ahead of ourselves backgrounds, people who have worked outside of not very fair that they have come in for some flack. The expenses scandal descended on Westminster as the Government tried to with the Parliamentary politics. And if one of them inherited a house from Aunty almost without warning. I say “almost” because Standards Bill which eventually became a And we need more marginal seats. Constituents Flo, it doesn’t mean that they are attempting to many of us believed that there were some sharp nonsense. need to hold their MPs more closely to account. As gain an advantage because they claim expenses on practices going on and also that the rules were We must get it right and after that start proving a Lib Dem I would be expected to say that, but it. Many people in all walks of life are given or open to different interpretations. None of us, that politics in Westminster is worthy of public proper proportional representation would make a inherited such things, and MPs are not the however, believed that some of these support and confidence, but I fear that it will be a difference. There are far fewer safe seats, so every exception here. interpretations were so exotic or indeed that such long haul. candidate has to prove their worth. Because I believe that there has to be practices were as widespread as it appears. But we need more than that. Constituents need transparency, I set up a panel from my constituents There is no excuse for the practices which appear Jenny Willott MP to be able to sack an MP who breaks the rules, or to scrutinise my expenses. I think it’s safe to say dishonest, and ultimately the only proper course of As people focus more on the upcoming General even the law, mid-term. There needs to be much that the people on it are not the sort who would action would mean bringing prosecutions in the Election, it is all too easy to sigh with relief and more openness about MPs’ finances, but coupled cover up for me. The panel includes Paul Starling, same way as would happen to any of our stop worrying about the expenses scandal and its with better understanding about the costs of the former Daily Mirror Welsh political editor, constituents in every day life. It is arguable that aftermath. But that would be a mistake: the running an MP’s office and staff. Democracy has a Sandy Blair, former WLGA head, and Bernard Members of Parliament who have seriously impact of the recent turmoil will be with us for price tag, but the public needs to feel that the cost Morgan, a retired chartered accountant. They are transgressed are in a more favourable position many years. The details of the recent scandal have is worth it, and at the moment they don’t. people with standing in the community, but not than their constituents since they are not open to been well documented so I won’t dwell upon it. Everyone in politics has a responsibility to change the type to turn up at a Conservative wine and summary dismissal as would be the fate of many Suffice to say there were clearly MPs who behaved that. cheese evening. of them outside the rarefied atmosphere of the appallingly, perhaps even illegally, but there were We now have a chance to overhaul the system, a This measure is something I believe that all MPs House of Commons. others who, although tarred by the same broad window to make things right, to start the long, should be doing. But I believe it should only be When I was first elected in 1992 I was told by brush, did nothing wrong. Either way, the slow journey to re-building confidence in temporary, because what I’d really like to see is a the Parliamentary leader to visit the then-Fees consequences are substantial. Parliament. If, as a result of this dreadful year, we system where every expense – from MPs, civil Office to talk to them. I duly attended and during In the short term, we will see a huge turnover in end up with more political hacks in Parliament, servants and the public sector – are published the interview I was asked if it was my intention to MPs at the next election, partly from a change in fewer MPs with families and children, a weakened online. That’s the only way that the expenses purchase a property in London. My response was Government, partly because some MPs are Parliament and a feeling that democracy isn’t system can be put beyond question. that I was considering it but waiting for the resigning following the scandal, but also because worth the effort, then we will all have lost.

4 Bevan Foundation review 5 PETITIONS

The real benefit Making the from the petitions committee is that it ‘ also a possibility that petitions could be used as a allows members of campaign tool, to get something in to the system, pen mighty the public to raise or for press purposes. The opportunities are issues that AMs endless. might not have There is the prospect that two equally deserving again otherwise causes could clash if public bodies decide to move considered. down the route of using petitions, particularly if The National Assembly they are contentious. For example, Sustrans is has been developing its pushing for shared surface access to pathways for cyclists. The Enterprise and Learning committee own ways of extending began an inquiry, which unearthed a problem: the democracy to people in If we believe an issue warrants it, we will carry RNIB said that the introduction of shared pathways Wales beyond voting in out a full investigation before passing a would make them difficult to use for their elections every four years, recommendation on to the Assembly or to a fellow members. We still need to resolve this impasse. and one of the most committee, as we did after receiving a petition All four politicians who are members of the successful examples is from canoeists on access to Welsh rivers. In this committee believe that we can now take the instance, we decided to take evidence in Scotland, petitions system from strength to strength. In years the petitions committee. where legislation similar to what was being asked to come, it could lead to public organisations Bethan Jenkins AM explains for has been enacted. thinking about how they shape policy on a wider how it works. The committee only requires 10 signatories for a basis. We’ve only had 48 e-petitions this year – I’d petition to be considered, although we received like to see more. And there’s no reason why we 4,000 names on the tanning petition. In 2008, we can’t go out to schools, out to pubs, to anywhere looked at 186 petitions and 48 e-petitions, and where people talk about the issues that affect some 77 of them still remain open. Around half of them in their communities. We need to become all the petitions we see concentrate on transport more proactive, seeking out petitions, encouraging and health matters. Some people have said that 10 them. signatures seems a remarkably low number, and The Assembly’s external teams need to sell the not representative. But that rather misses the petitions system, to get right down to grass roots. point. The real benefit from the petitions The Assembly must also take advantage of social committee is that it allows members of the public media, find ways of allowing Facebook and

P didn’t take kindly to the Assembly delving into to raise issues that AMs might not have otherwise YouTube petitions, or receiving names via text or h o t o local authority issues. This is because many of considered. It scopes our debates, and allows the Twitter. The petitions committee will have to keep :

J u l i

a those issues were out of the control of the petitions committee to provide a window in to the pace with the plethora of advancements that are n

C

r Assembly, and as such, it could not affect change. Assembly. changing the way we live. a m /

S We therefore developed a protocol for the What happened with plastic bags from There are fundamental questions that need to be u s t r

a relationship between the WLGA and the petitions supermarkets is a good example of how an issue asked about the committee’s function once we n s committee, and also one for Assembly Members. that was considered important outside of the have operated it for long enough to evaluate it. There was a concern that AMs could potentially Assembly moved its way towards legislation. It was We need to ask if it is an easy way to campaign, if t is really in this third term of the National hijack petitions for personal political advantage, one man’s personal passion to have them banned. it is just democracy-light? Assembly that the institution has really come into and terms for the committee were drawn up to He came to give evidence to the committee, and However, perhaps the best development to come Iits own in designing ways to give the public a prevent that from happening. we subsequently referred the petition to the out of the petitions committee is that it has voice each and every day of the year. I was certain from the moment I heard about the sustainability committee to carry out an allowed the Assembly to come alive for so many The petitions committee started as an idea from petitions committee that I wanted to be a member. investigation on our behalf. That committee looked different people. Before it began, AMs were forced Dafydd Elis-Thomas. He had seen the successful It has proved to be an incredibly rewarding at what had happened elsewhere in Europe, to describe what we do in a slightly dry and dusty introduction of the petitions system to the Scottish experience, not least because there is something particularly in Ireland. This led to the proposal of a way. Now we are using the petitions to drive Parliament (there is also something similar in different to deal with every time we meet. Most levy on the bags which, the Minister intends to put Assembly business. Before, people sometimes operation in Australia), and he thought it would committees of the Assembly will concentrate on an in to practise. struggled to tell the difference between what we work well for Wales. At first, it was the Presiding issue for up to seven or eight months. Already, we Sometimes it is impossible for us to fulfil the did and what happened in Westminster, Brussels or Officer who decided which petitions were have considered a host of different matters, from ambitions of those who present us with a petition. even in their own town hall. A better impermissible, but now the process has been access to cancer treatment and roads being From a visit to the Scottish Parliament’s petitions understanding of our functions and of what we devolved to the committee clerking team adopted, to banning tanning salons in leisure committee, we were shown how to manage are responsible for can only be good for considering the number of petitions we receive, centres. The campaign by Donate Wales regarding expectation, and how to assist petitioners to the democracy. and the time needed to liaise with petitioners over the personal consent debate on organ donation, best of our ability. For example, we had a petition correct wording and background information. where people will be required to opt out rather against top-up fees in Wales, but a decision to Bethan Jenkins sits on the petitions committee There were immediately some issues to deal than in to the organ donor register, began with introduce them had already been taken before the with the chair, Val Lloyd, Mike German and with. The Welsh Local Government Association the petitions committee. committee had a chance to consider it. There is Andrew RT Davies

6 Bevan Foundation review 7 ENGAGEMENT Engaging decade of devolution has produced many there are more candidates for election and actual never shied from being concerned about how and welcome changes to the way that our representatives then engagement is likely to remain why race can be a barrier to success or fairness. our ethnic Ademocracy works in Wales. However, one difficult at best. We need more candidates to stand However, I know that BAME communities are not fundamental problem still remains – how does for election, but where are they? Since I got just concerned about racism and the far right. The politics engage Black and Asian origin communities seriously involved in politics in Wales over a decade last time I looked I used the same public transport communities in Wales? ago I can honestly say that within a year or so I and healthcare system that everyone else does. I have been involved with previous attempts to was aware of all of the potential BAME candidates BAME candidates are not there to simply act for try and connect politics to Welsh Black, Asian and for election. Since then, I have not see a new people that aren’t white. Elected representatives Political parties are still Minority Ethnic (BAME). Previously I was chair of BAME face stand for a winnable seat at a general should represent all of us. finding it hard to involve our the Right to Vote project. That experience or assembly election. Candidate selection has to meet the acid test of growing black and Asian reinforced for me that a number of barriers exist; I have never accepted that this is about a lack of quality. I don’t want to see mediocrity promoted communities in mainstream sadly, many of those barriers to engagement talent within BAME communities. I don’t think from any group to simply tick a diversity box. remain unresolved. However, I believe that we can political parties have done anything near enough Obviously poor BAME politicians act as a hindrance politics. Vaughan Gething, find a way forward that delivers on the promise of to recruit members and develop activists and rather than a help to engagement. None of us Labour prospective brining politics closer to all of our people. potential candidates. The older model of looking should forget that some people want BAME Assembly candidate for The first challenge is ensuring that people are after lead figures within communities to deliver politicians to fail, to fall into stereotypes of failure Cardiff South and Penarth, registered and that they take part in elections. One votes is a thing of the past. Parties now have to do or incompetence. BAME communities will not outlines the challenges and of the conundrums of devolution is that while it what they always should have done in my view – warm to someone who appears on posters at what he believes must to has inescapably brought politics closer to people in recruit, retain and develop. election time but isn’t considered capable enough Wales, electors are less likely to vote in an It isn’t enough to simply engage in occasional to represent the party on mainstream issues of done to combat them. Assembly election than in a general election. There problem solving. Parties would do well to try and concern like the economy, schools, hospitals and is still a need to proactively put more people onto proactively engage BAME communities in policy the environment. the register. making as part of the wider engagement of I don’t see a way to successfully engage BAME Part of the problem is the reality that many communities. Lessons should be learned from what communities that does not have as a central BAME communities are in deprived areas where – has worked in encouraging more women to criterion the ability to produce winning candidates frankly – large numbers of people, regardless of become representatives. Structures that promote of real quality. As well as tackling party structures, how they describe themselves, are simply not engagement (much like the successful women’s recruitment development is unlikely to be engaged. However, without descending into glib forums that Baroness Gale continues to run) and achieved without mentoring support. The strictures about how parties and candidates need modifications in selection procedures are part of Operation Black Vote (OBV) programme is now to be more visible and accessible there is a real that. Minimum levels of BAME candidates in finally off the ground, only it’s nearly seven years additional barrier for BAME communities. Hardly selection shortlists can be part of that as well as after it should have been in place. Right to Vote any of the candidates that stand for election and sections within parties for BAME members to proposed that such scheme should be introduced have a serious chance of getting elected are from organise in as well. in the Assembly. There has never been a BAME communities. Sectional organisation is also a conundrum. If it satisfactory explanation as to why seven years were It is constantly reinforced every time I meet built into structures, it can guarantee wasted. people who are partially engaged or actively representation that does not exist. The challenge is The OBV scheme is not the answer on its own. involved how regularly BAME communities always to make sure that the section doesn’t Identifying a handful of people each year is no way complain about the fact that politicians are so become a maximum level of engagement or a way to engage thousands of people who are not unrepresentative. Part of this huge problem that to avoid further progress. I view the sections as a properly represented and never have been. What parties face in selecting BAME candidates is that campaign for their own dissolution, to the point the OBV scheme has shown is that where a quite simply there aren’t enough potential when they are no longer necessary because scheme has confidence among BAME communities candidates who are already engaged. mainstream party structures deliver genuinely there is no shortage of people who want to find If you look at local government representatives in representative outcomes. Given where we still are, out more. Each one of those people should be a Wales and wider public appointments from school I do believe that there is a real need to ensure role model, not simply the politician who is already governors through to chief executives of ASPBs, representation with party structures together with in place. There is no reason why parties shouldn’t you don’t see a kaleidoscope of colours staring a programme to develop membership levels and look to build on this themselves. However, it is back at you. Far from it. It isn’t as simple as activity levels. obvious that the first genuinely successful BAME placing more adverts in The Voice or The Gleaner. I don’t accept that this is a hugely difficult or elected representative in Wales will be faced with Getting more people to apply for those positions complex challenge for parties to resolve. I know significant burdens of expectation. That is a is only part of the battle, because most from my own experiences that parties are now reflection of the willingness to engage from BAME successful appointees already have networks of more open about inviting people to come to taster communities and the fact that even with a decade supporters and influencers. To people not involved events to help understand what elected of devolution we still have much left to do. it is easy to understand why they may say – as they representatives do and how they can go about It should be possible to ensure that participatory do to me – that it looks and sounds like the system successfully getting selected and elected. democracy really does include all communities is already full. I have often been asked whether I aspire to be a within Wales. The real challenge is finding the There is always a chicken and egg scenario. Until black politician or a politician who is black. I have political will to do so.

8 Bevan Foundation review 9 ELECTORAL REFORM Time to tune in unfairness at the heart of our politics would render Alternative Vote Plus (AV+) system advocated by any package of constitutional reform inadequate. many for the House of Commons. Although the and turn on “The case for the reform is overwhelming. To difference in perception and workload of the two hold that the outcome of a general election should categories of Assembly Member brings difficulties broadly reflect the way the nation has voted is a of its own, the greater proportionality of the basic tenet of a democratic society.” election result is inherently more popular and gives In Wales, where the One Wales Government is greater legitimacy to the Welsh government. After made up of AMs from two parties which between all, the more people are happy with the result of them won over 50% of the vote in the 2007 the election, the fewer complaints there will be election, this contention by senior academics in the when the elected government implements its We must make the switch to field of political science must surely make perfect manifesto. alternative means of voting if sense. Broadly, the more proportional the system, the The Electoral Reform Society, established in greater opportunity it offers for diversity. Where we are to re-engage the London in 1884 and now with offices also in more candidates are needed, interested individuals electorate in politics, argues Wales and Scotland to reflect fresh needs under are less intimidated, and the advantage to parties Annabelle Harle, head of the devolved government, has as the main plank of its of offering a wide choice of candidates becomes Wales office of the Electoral campaign a demand for a switch to the Single clear. The Welsh Assembly has shown us the way Reform Society. Transferable Vote (STV). Many people have seen an here – we have seen at first hand in Wales the STV ballot paper, where they number the different ways of working that obtain when the candidates in order of their preference, as ruling body has more or less equal numbers of they are widely used in trade unions and male and female members, and we know that it is The end result is, he celebration of the 170th anniversary of remained the same, whereas the proportion of professional organisations. The advantage a difference worth extending to all our institutions. the Chartist uprising in Newport in October home-owners, car-drivers, foreign-holiday-takers – as it should be, to the voter is in the enhanced degree of No discussion of the current political scene is Tgave us pause to reflect not only on how far to name a few privileges – has increased ‘the amalgamation choice, allowing each to express accurately complete without a look at the role of the media. we have come along the road to democracy, but dramatically. Is it more a question not of bread, but of the choices of the way they would like to see the election It is not only anoraks who call into question the also how far we still have to go. The six demands, of circuses – the monster in the living-room, all the electorate, decided. The end result is, as it should be, part played by the press, television and radio in by intention or by accident, have all more or less breathing entertainment at all hours, providing the rather than the the amalgamation of the choices of all the fomenting unrest. Despite examples of the been met now, although it is debatable how much perfect escape from the realities of the day, and winner-takes-all electorate, rather than the winner-takes-all opprobrium perpetually heaped upon politicians of a cheer we would raise for annual elections. The the portable distractions keeping us in continuous result result under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) from time immemorial, many commentators agree new Welsh experience of an election almost every touch with the virtual world, free to relax in our system we currently use for Westminster that the constant disrespect extended to politicians year would be a tough one. spiritual suite wherever our earthly body may be at and for Welsh and English local authorities. by the media in our day has not been good for What is most worrying, and what has already the time? No longer do we tune in and turn on – Nobody imagines that this change alone will government or society. The failure of the become the subject of several forests’ worth of we turn on and tune out. restore the body politic to perfect health, but ERS Conservative party to fulfil, at Westminster during newsprint and many hours of punditry, is the Alongside a general lack of interest in the hopes that it would play a part in contributing to a the Hague–Howard-Duncan Smith years, its rapidity with which the citizen at large has tired of process, research also reveals trends of concern to re-awakening of interest in the process of obligation to oppose, left a vacuum into which that hard-won prize – universal adult suffrage. all those who hope for a fairer society, where democracy. rushed an abhorrent media to pick away at From being a preoccupation of the masses to the equality of outcomes as well as opportunity is the The Scottish experience of introducing STV for government, accusing ministers at every turn of preserve of the few, engagement in the politics of reality rather than the aspiration. Voter turnout local government elections illustrates well the everything from dereliction of duty to outright daily life has dwindled since the end of the Second tends to be lowest in areas where the electorate advantages all round to be gained from a similar untruth. By the time Her Majesty’s Loyal World War to a specialist undertaking indulged in, has, in theory, the greatest ‘opportunity’, and move in Wales. Party support is spread evenly Opposition united itself behind Cameron, BBC in the general view, by nerds and sycophants highest where the electorate has achieved the across the country, without no-go areas for any of News was finding it acceptable to lead its bulletins unable or unwilling to take their chances in the highest outcomes. It is facile to argue that the rich the main parties. In many areas where previously with items from a future Conservative manifesto, a real world. are less preoccupied with where the next meal is one party held a monopoly of seats, voters now move which 20 years ago would have been almost And yet we all still live in the same world, and coming from and can therefore more easily stir have a choice of councillors from differing parties unthinkable. are happy to use the services organised for us by themselves and get to the polls: it behoves us to that they can approach over local issues, and A change of system, a change of air, a change of elected representatives, to walk on roads they explore in greater depth this disengagement, and councillors from a variety of parties are learning to attitude – all these things are possible. Let us make supervise, send our children to schools they run, seek means to dispel it. We have to do this to work together to find the best solutions for the a fresh start and a fresh awakening to set us on buy food they approve, take pensions and benefits maintain the legitimacy of our electoral system and community. The difference between the 24 out of the road to a new democracy. agreed by them and funded by taxation on our mode of government. 32 Scottish and 18 Welsh local government income equally so agreed, use medical services A letter to The Observer signed by 15 coalitions is that in Scotland, the ruling groups * The letter was signed by Professor Raymond Plant, they run, and take medicines they license. We academics* and published on September 6 this won their seats proportionally rather than at the Professor David Marquand (formerly Principal of must be very satisfied, or very uninterested. year said: “We recognise that electoral reform will whim of the FPTP system. As a way of sweeping Mansfield College, University of Oxford), Professor It is often argued that the rise in living standards not in itself be sufficient to renew public away the status quo, the switch to STV has Pippa Norris (John F Kennedy School of over the past 60 years has lessened the urgency of confidence in our democratic institutions. worked brilliantly. Government, Harvard University), Professor David demands for change – but social inequality has Nevertheless, to continue denying the British public The Additional Member (AMS) system we use for Held (Graham Wallas Professor of Political Science, grown in that time and conditions for some have their long overdue opportunity to remedy the the Welsh Assembly elections is similar to the LSE), and 11 others

10 Bevan Foundation review 11 ENTITLEMENT

all rather than choice for a few; and it has and equality as entitlements for all patients. It reinforced partnerships with the trade unions and states that “once-aspirational targets will become local government, while introducing change and guarantees for all patients”. And if patients fail to modernisation through co-operation and receive their entitlements, robust redress consensus between stakeholders. mechanisms are promised. Central to much of this approach has been the Then, with regard to policing, for England and concept of ‘entitlement’. Individuals have been Wales, the Government commits itself to extend able to access services as a right and, in education its approach so that every community will have an for example, young people have been able to entitlement to a high quality, responsive service. access a raft of educational services which have This will include a right to minimum response been available irrespective of geography, or pupils’ times by the police and an obligation for the views and parents’ individual circumstances. of local people to be taken into account in An early and significant example of this decisions on prosecutions. in education for approach was the policy document The paper also gives a clear indication of the example, young Extending Entitlement: supporting young ideological direction of a Labour Government after people have been people in Wales. Published in 2000, this the 2010 General Election, pointing to next- ‘ policy statement provided the basis for the generation public services. If Labour is re-elected able to access a restructuring of the Youth Service in Wales. next year we are likely to see this entitlement- raft of educational Shortly after, an enabling clause was based approach taken further. In Wales, given that services which introduced into primary legislation in all three candidates in the contest to be Rhodri have been Westminster which allowed for a statutory Morgan’s successor wish to continue with WAG’s available responsibility to be placed on local current approach, and a clear majority in the irrespective of authorities in Wales to provide services for Assembly also favour this, we may well see an geography, or young people. Since then, we have seen a interesting convergence of Labour thinking pupils’ and significant improvement in the provision of between Cardiff and London. parents’ individual services for young people at a local level. This does not mean we will see a new uniformity circumstances. The Welsh Assembly Government’s of aims and commitments between Welsh Labour P h o

t embrace of an entitlement-based approach and British Labour. Devolution is all about o :

A

n to service delivery has been in addressing particular needs in distinct d y

D contradistinction to a number of key circumstances. But it does mean that embracing a r k features of new Labour, particularly under Tony the concept of entitlement, Labour on both sides Blair. In England, targets, league tables, central of Offa’s Dyke could provide a fresh ideological direction, limited use of the private sector and cohesion. market mechanisms have been key features of When it comes to agreeing Labour’s General A sense of new Labour. However, the exigencies of the Election manifesto, it is important that this unity economic recession have helped to move the of purpose finds clear expression. People in both policy emphasis in a different direction. Now, as England and Wales are concerned essentially we are in an economic downturn, the emphasis is about similar issues, but we cannot have the entitlement very much on protecting core services, particularly ludicrous situation of a UK-wide manifesto for the most vulnerable, and planning for the long making commitments which apply to England term in a way which will guarantee improvements only. Are we entitled to our ver the past few years there has been a for all. As we approach the General Election, one of the public services? Labour difference of ideological emphasis In Building Britain’s Future, the Government has key challenges for Labour will be to agree a thinks so, and it is Obetween the Labour Government in set out its administrative programme for the manifesto which is as relevant in Wales as it is in exploring a UK-wide Westminster and Rhodri Morgan’s administrations remainder of this Parliament. Central to its England. This must mean that the particular in Cardiff Bay. Although there has been a approach is a commitment to introduce clear entitlements in devolved policy areas in Wales will solution that would also tendency to overstate the divergences rather than entitlements to public services in England. In be different to those in England, and what is suit a devolved Wales, the commonality between London and Cardiff, education there are promises that, in the crucial is that they will be linked by a common argues Wayne David. the First Minister’s “clear red water” has been forthcoming White Paper, Labour will set out how thread firmly rooted in modern social democracy. evident in a number of policy areas. it intends to provide entitlements for all pupils and Under Labour, Wales and England would be In health and education in particular, the Welsh parents. Building on what has already been done moving towards somewhat different objectives Assembly Government has pursued a distinct with regard to personalisation and catch-up but they will be pulling together on the same approach which has tended to reflect Labour’s provision, Building Britain’s Future promises to go journey. traditional values. The WAG has shied away from further. market mechanisms and competition; it has placed Similarly, for the NHS in England, the paper Wayne David is Labour MP for Caerphilly and a strong emphasis on collective improvement for promises to entrench basic standards of access Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales

12 Bevan Foundation review 13 LOBBYISTS A ‘serious threat’ Lobbying The report investigated House Representative activities of lobbyists. The committee describes the improves Tom DeLay’s relationship with the lobbyist Jack existing system of voluntary self-regulation as to democracy Abramoff. Both Abramoff and his partner, Michael “little better than the Emperor’s new clothes”. Scanlon, a former communications director for The PASC also assessed controls on employment Government DeLay, pleaded guilty to corruption charges arising moves between the Government and the business The practice of lobbying out of defrauding several Native American tribes world – the so-called ‘revolving door’. The decision ministers and MPs has after charging them $85 million in lobbying fees, Committee expressed its strong concern that grown into a considerable grossly overbilling their clients and secretly splitting “with the rules as loosely and variously interpreted business in recent times. But the multi-million dollar proceeds. Abramoff is as they are, former ministers in particular appear making not everyone is happy with currently serving a five-year prison sentence and to be able to use with impunity the contacts they will pay $25 million in restitution with $1.7 million built up as public servants to further a private Robbie MacDuff, chairman of this development. Paul Flynn, to the Internal Revenue Service. We also met with interest”. The Committee calls for a “strong” the Association of Labour MP for Newport a group of American lobbyists including one who advisory committee on business appointments Professional Political West, explains his formerly worked for DeLay. They were slightly that is “more representative of society at large”, Consultants, makes the case misgivings. taken aback when I told them that I put all the to provide departing ministers and civil servants letters I receive from lobbyists in a file marked with advice on the lobbying activities that they for lobbying in politics. ‘Parasites’. can carry out for a new employer which is “as We found Brussels was lobby city, with 15,000 of unambiguous as possible in its meaning”, in a ‘Lobbyists’ no longer exist. The them working there, all bright, gifted people on a way which gives “the public and media the Lobbying is legitimate and legal. It actually leads to name died of shame, and it is now used mission to persuade. In a day’s evidence, we did opportunity to assess whether or not this advice better government, because the decisions made by only as a term of abuse. But the business of not find anyone who would utter a word against has been followed”. government and by civil servants are significantly persuaders-for-hire continues. Lobbyists have the dark arts of lobbying. The view is that here The committee had some lively sessions enhanced by vested interests outside the political metamorphosised into political or public affairs they are accepted as part of a community that questioning former ministers Richard Caborn and sphere that are able to engage with government in consultants. Their approach is subtler, but their feeds off the Euro beast. Lord Warner. Both had taken lucrative jobs after well-informed dialogue. purpose remains subversive. MEPs were particularly defensive. A new register stepping down as ministers. There is a grave What happens in this country is not comparable The purpose of lobbying is to further advantage of lobbyists’ interests was introduced into force on danger that ministers awarding contracts might to what goes on in the US, which is allegedly well- the already advantaged. They are the paid Commission business in 2008, and it is voluntary, well be influenced by the possibility of a regulated. We don’t have the payments regime persuaders to those that can afford their fees to weak and watered down. I did not get a friendly retirement hacienda, as so many of them have they have, the donations to parties’ fighting funds. the detriment of those that cannot. The Commons response when I suggested that MEPs’ enthusiasm metamorphosed into lobbyists. We urged stronger We have a completely different system, one that is Public Administration Select Committee (PASC), of for transparency evaporated when it was controls to block this possible abuse, including a far more transparent than they have in the States. which I am a member, has probed this murky suggested that their travel expenses are published. ban on ministers taking retirement jobs in When it comes to hospitality, the sensitivity on world of lobbying and came up with some tough They often travel by air with cheap back-to-back departments where they once reigned. the part of the public is down to the politicians of recommendations. tickets and then claim recompense at first class One of Obama’s first executive orders was to the day. It is not down to lobbying. It is up to We did not find any obvious smoking guns but, travel rates. It left me thinking that the European ban any member of the Bush administration from Parliament to introduce policy and if the policy shortly after we reported, The Sunday Times Parliament is tough on transparency and the lobbying their old departments. This will devalue decides that Westminster committees cannot go helped by exposing the apparent willingness of a causes of transparency. the use of contact books and links with old pals. It abroad on fact-finding trips, then so be it. number of peers to cooperate at a price with PASC members were determined to take a will blunt the corrupting power of an army of There seems to be a view out there that all commercial organisations. Two of the peers were stronger line in our parliament, and so we called former Bush groupies. Obama wants a clean lobbyists do is wine and dine. The bulk of what we disciplined for agreeing to assist the passage of for a statutory register of lobbying activity to bring break from ‘business as usual’. Lobbying is the do is face-to-face, usually workmanlike meetings in laws favourable to certain companies. It greater transparency to the dealings between sleazy lubricant of Washington, so there were Parliament that last just one hour. It’s easy for the demonstrated that the Lords has long had a more Whitehall decision makers and outside interests. stunned lobbyists on the hill fretting about their populist media to bandwagon-jump on all the permissive regime than the Commons. We acknowledge that there are some now useless skills. They hit back with a vicious criticism that there is of lobbying industry, We interviewed lobbyists in the UK, America and circumstances where lobbying can be useful. But campaign against Obama’s health reforms. particularly from Paul Flynn and PASC. But the in Europe, and found skilled deceivers who train we agreed by a unanimous vote that reforms were In Britain, we found abundant evidence that code we adhere to specifically forbids their clients in concealing the truth from select necessary. Lobbying the government should, in a present self-regulation means no regulation. The extravagance. committees. The most shocking evidence came democracy, involve explicit agreement about the conduct of lobbyists who flout all ethical rules The measure of focus on this small area of what from the USA. There, the PASC met a splendid terms on which this lobbying is conducted. Doing appears to be ignored with, occasionally, one we do seem to us to be disproportionate. Paul group named the Citizens for Responsibility and nothing would only result in an increase of public given a slap on the wrist. A change of minister Flynn’s view appears to be based on two things: Ethics in Washington. Because Congress and the mistrust in the Government, and solidify the has delayed the Government’s response to the that all lobbyists are there to make big bucks; and Senate have failed to police themselves, this group impression that government listens to favoured PASC report. The rumour mill now claims that that there are people in lobbying who are published a book with a title that would be groups – big business and party donors in Government will back a kite-mark for lobbyists. inappropriate for that activity. Our view is that impossible in Europe: Beyond DeLay: The 13 Most particular – with far more attention than it gives to That will not answer PASC demands for hiring us is rather like hiring a lawyer. We are of Corrupt Members of Congress. They assured PASC others. fundamental reforms. There will be great anger considerable use to big clients who don’t have the that none of the named politicians would be In addition to a register, the PASC also proposes among the committee if Whitehall fails to impose time to understand the processes of government. stupid enough to sue them because of the bad that a “rigorous and effective” single body is new rules that match the serious threat to good In that instance, we are simply fulfilling our role as publicity that would result. needed to oversee and regulate the ethics of the government that lobbyists represent. consultants.

14 Bevan Foundation review 15 PARTICIPATION “You can see me the officials had grasped that as a blind person he Size 14 Arial font is a compromise between people was unable to fill out the form he was assured that who have sight problems and politicians that are on YouTube”? they could do this for him, and that he would be conveying a message. Not only would it be better registered to vote. However, no voter registration for older people, it could be useful for those card arrived and he was denied a chance to vote, without sight difficulties as people are much more to have his say in the way that Wales is governed likely to read a few punchy sentences in a good People with sight problems are ales has a long history of struggle for in Europe. size than a crammed leaflet in a tiny font. And being denied their fundamental democracy, for “llais y bobl” – creating a This experience suggests that local accessible formats that people are offered on the voice for the people. Yet today there are authorities believe that it is acceptable for doorstep shouldn’t be an afterthought. democratic rights through a series W Politicians spend still plenty of Welsh people who don’t use their someone else has to fill out the form for a Polls Apart Cymru reported in 2007 that just much time, money of barriers to voting in elections, right to vote – not through apathy, or blind person, as long as they can sign the 49% of polling stations displayed large print ballot and neither councils nor disappointment in politicians – but because of a ‘and effort on form. Is it really right that a blind person has papers. This was particularly disappointing as other candidates seem to have answers, system that makes access for people with sight literature which to rely on a friend or neighbour to fill in a accessibility tests around physical access showed write Mary van den Heuvel, problems almost impossible. lands on the legal document, and then sign it without an improvement. Many of the poll station staff doormat, but campaigns officer, and Ceri Jackson, The disappointing turn out in the European really knowing what it says? surveyed were not even aware large print ballot Elections this June – just 31% – puts this literature in an Staff training would be an enormous help. papers should be displayed. policy and communications shortcoming in sharp relief. There are over accessible format It is difficult to accept that today the voting There has been some improvement in access to manager, of RNIB Cymru. 100,000 people with sight problems in Wales, and is often hard to registration system relies on an inaccessible polling stations over the past couple of years. effective exclusion from the voting system means come by paper-based form, but it is worse that People with sight problems can ask for a large many of these people are denied access to a people were unable to advise this man print ballot paper or a Braille template which over- fundamental democratic right. correctly. He was denied the chance to vote lays the original. In 2007, there were problems The Electoral Commission through simple staff oversight at the council. with the over-lays that didn’t fit the ballot paper, website lists reasons why If people with sight problems are able to register but there has been much improvement in people should be able to vote: to vote, then choosing who to vote for becomes resources and training so “It gives you a say on important the next mine field. One woman, from Rhydyfelin, that council staff can help issues that affect you – told us: “I didn’t have any information about with voting at the polling Over 90% of everything from roads and candidates through the door in a format I could station. people with sight recycling in your area, to read. I wouldn’t know who to vote for – and there RNIB Cymru is working ‘problems in Wales education and climate change. was nothing to remind me to vote.” with the Electoral are over the age Remember, registering to vote Politicians spend much time, money and effort Commission and hopes to of 65, and many of doesn’t mean you have to, it on literature which lands on the doormat, but make further in-roads them do not have just means you can if you want literature in an accessible format is often hard to with political parties access to a to”. However, this right to vote come by. And with around 2,500 people with sight producing accessible computer. is made impossible for many problems in each constituency in Wales, they could literature. Although issues blind people by a series of be a critical voting group in the next election. involving lack of access to barriers including access to voter At a hustings event for the European Elections, the voting system for register forms, election material the lead candidates of the four main parties were blind people are complex, and voting independently. asked how people with sight problems would it is still shocking that in 2009 there is a group of In the autumn, each household make an informed choice about who to vote for in people effectively excluded from a voting system in Wales receives a form from the forthcoming elections, and whether those which is respected across the world. the local council which asks for parties produced information in an accessible The Electoral Commission website also says: the names of the adults within format. Experienced politicians will often answer “Across the world people have died fighting for the property, to help compile the that Braille, audio, large print and electronic the right to vote and be part of a democracy. By voting register. This form is not formats are available on request. But three of the registering to vote you’ll be showing that you think available in an accessible format. four candidates had not been politicians in Europe that right is important. Think about it this way – in One man, from Neath, told the before, and seemed taken aback by the question. the UK, less than 100 years ago, people were killed RNIB: “I tried to register to vote. I rang the One in particular struggled with the concept, during their struggles to get the vote for women. council when my mother-in-law said I had adding: “You can see me on YouTube.” Many people across the world are still denied the received a letter about registering. They said Over 90% of people with sight problems in right to vote.” they’d do it for me. But we never received our Wales are over the age of 65, and many of them Many blind people believe that right to vote is voting cards.” do not have access to a computer. Even if they did, important, but they are still denied the rare When he was told that YouTube cannot be accessed via speech software. opportunity to have their say in the way that Wales the voter registration It doesn’t matter if this is active or passive is governed. While Wales moves increasingly form had arrived, he discrimination, the current situation is simply not towards devolution, it is blind people who are left phoned the council to satisfactory. fighting for a freedom which should have been ask for assistance. Once Information in clear print would be a good start. granted to them a long time ago.

16 Bevan Foundation review 17 PARTICIPATION

The more emphasis there is Millions of people are regularly involved in opportunities and provides adequate training and on citizen single issue service provision and advocacy, support. ‘ community action, fundraising and Many community activists can give instances of participation, volunteering. Action is growing on more antagonism or obstruction by local elected social inclusion complex, multi issue concerns around representatives. The tension is about who is the and community sustainable development such as transition legitimate representative of residents and regeneration .... towns. communities. In terms of citizen participation in the greater the My own organisation exists to support and public services there are likely to be additional requirement there promote participation of tenants and tensions about professional perspectives and will be for residents in housing and community issues. autonomy, and simply work place and job control. electoral The aim is to enable people to make Currently electoral democracy and direct democracy and decisions about issues that affect them so democracy are treated too much as separate traditional that services they receive are appropriate spheres. The more emphasis there is on citizen government and effective. Over the 21 years of our participation, social inclusion and community structures to existence there has been dramatic progress, regeneration (in its broadest sense, not just about from fighting for tenants and communities jobs), the greater the requirement there will be for delegate power simply to be told what is going on, to formal electoral democracy and traditional government and resources to requirements that services should be centred structures to delegate power and resources to direct on, influenced and evaluated by tenants and direct participative structures. Equally there will be participative residents. a greater requirement for participative structures to

P structures. The reality is far from perfect and far too demonstrate inclusivity, balanced representation h o t o

: patchy, but there is a strong commitment in and accountability.

W e l

s policy, regulation and practice to social These components of democracy are not h

T

e landlords integrating participation of tenants separate in type or in level but need to be n a n t

s and residents in their operation and decision interwoven and complementary. Direct democracy

F e

d making. needs this to happen for it to function effectively. e r a t i o Practical examples of this commitment are legion, Electoral democracy needs it for the same reason, n including: but perhaps it also needs it for its own salvation. Tenants voting at the joint TPAS Cymru/Welsh Tenants Federation annual conference in 2008 • Tenants editing information and publications from landlords; • Tenants ‘mystery shopping’ and inspecting Decisions for you services; • Tenants working jointly with staff to set and monitor service standards; - or by you? • Tenants being part of appointment processes for chief executives and senior managers; • Tenants forming independent scrutiny While the electorate becomes ever committees able to challenge both emocracy is a system of giving everyone a performance and policy; more disenchanted with traditional fair share of decision-making power. That’s politics, direct democracy and civic Dthe intention but many people remain • Tenants as members of governing boards. engagement have never been healthier. disaffected with its main component in our society – electoral democracy. The declining health of Tenant participation is long established, but more But challenges lie ahead, writes John electoral democracy is much bewailed, but the recently Government and Welsh Assembly policies Drysdale, director of Tenant Participation solutions focus far too much on citizen motivation have stressed citizen engagement and the P h

Advisory Service Cymru and responsibility and not enough on electoral participation of users and citizens in all public o t o :

democracy itself as a system. services. This amounts to a revolution (potentially) W a l e s

In contrast, other components of democracy in democratic planning and accountability. a n d

such as direct democracy and civic engagement However, this is where the boundaries of electoral W e s t

have arguably never been healthier. Direct democracy and direct democracy can collide rather H o u

democracy is where people take decisions more than mesh. Direct democracy can only exert s i n g

directly about issues which affect them, while civic influence and make decisions if electoral A s s o

engagement involves people taking action democracy at national and local government levels c i a t i o

themselves to influence decisions and practices. cedes power and resources, creates real n

18 Bevan Foundation review 19 COALITIONS 10 ways Westminster has a critical say, regardless of to shape 2 A key reason half the Lib Dem executive said no whether that pleases all the parties or politicians was because they saw insufficient Rewards for involved at an Assembly end. Devolution so far has P h

their party in the proposed arrangement, and a o been a process of gradual accrual which has t o :

lack of clarity around political gain. As James N required Westminster consent to develop and a t i o

Graham responded to an original version of this n deepen. Until now, the existence of a Labour

the next a l

A

argument: “If you don’t ask yourself what you s government in Westminster has been a significant s e m

want out of a coalition at the start of the process, b pheromone during the coalition courtship ritual. l y

f you can’t be surprised if lots of people are going in o Will this change if the Conservatives form a r

Welsh Assembly W a

different directions at the end of it.” At the end of l Westminster government in 2010? e the day, any deals made between negotiators have s Government to be sold back to their own parties. Without clear the other parties hadn’t really done so either,” 9 Conversely, the biggest roadblock to the policy pledges and perceptions of political argued Plaid Cymru Chair John Dixon on his blog Conservatives being part of an administration in advantage (for both parties) they would never have in his response to when this first appeared. He Cardiff Bay is Ideology. They are a centre right This year’s One Wales Two got One Wales through the party meetings called went on to argue this was because we are not yet party, even if their Assembly grouping is to endorse the deals. Expected rewards must be used to a system that will invariably produce a substantially to the left of many of their Years conference ended in a clear and attainable if coalitions are there to last. non-majority government and that until this Westminster colleagues. And ideology matters. At 10consensus that Assembly changes our party political culture will not reflect the One Wales Two Years conference, senior Welsh elections in 2011 are likely to 3 Unity is essential. This doesn’t mean there can’t the inevitable. It is a point accepted in entirety. Assembly Government Special Adviser Mark lead to a minority government be dissent within parties once final deals are Drakeford stressed the importance of ideology in or – more likely – further proposed. No party should enter a coalition 6 A Track record can count for a lot. A natural underpinning the viability of One Wales. After all, coalition. Daran Hill, of Positif without a full and frank debate, and any party comfortableness will exist between political parties he contended, two avowedly socialist parties were which tries is storing up future trouble. But there who have worked together before and whose naturally drawn to work together because of the Politics, which worked with does need to be unity during coalition leading players have sat in Cabinets together. synergy of their political ideologies. Will things the Bevan Foundation in negotiations. Possible partners need to be sure Because the Lib Dems and Labour had worked really have changed that much by 2011 so that staging the event, argues that those with whom they are negotiating have the together at an Assembly level before, it was their ideology is collectively set aside? if we accept coalition is the confidence of their groups to continue alliance which looked the most natural in 2007. natural state of Assembly negotiations. That is why when four Plaid Similarly, the Rainbow makers would never have 10 And, finally, Numbers count, as Johnny Ball Assembly Members refused to back the Rainbow come so close to their crock of gold if they hadn’t used to say. To even get into negotiations, you governance, what can the last during the negotiation phase, they quite rightly been working openly together to destabilize the need political Momentum. The slump in Labour’s three elections and earned the ire of their leadership. Similarly, Labour minority Labour administration during the previous vote in 2007 and the failure of the Liberal administration teach us about and the Liberal Democrats also had open two years. By 2011, the evident comfort in Democrats once more to make a gain on their six the next Welsh Assembly dissenters during the same period, none of which relations between Labour and Plaid Ministers will existing seats deprived the perceived natural Government after 2011? makes the path to a stable coalition easier when count a great deal– better the devil you know. alliance between them of any sort of momentum. you’re still at negotiation phase. However, this same factor can also count against If a party demonstrates real political momentum partners, too. If a referendum on a strengthened during an election, it is in a stronger moral position 4 Manifestos matter. It is to implement manifesto Assembly has not been held by May 2011, how to make deals and bargains once the dust settles. he experience of May-July 2007 provides a policies that political parties exist. When coalitions will Plaid persuade their members to even think And the leader of that party is in a stronger very good example in how coalitions come are brought together it is very much on the basis about making a deal with Labour again? position to get any deal agreed by the members. Tabout. So, with a focus on that period but of what can be delivered, how and at what cost. Beyond this, there is an even more basic question with also an eye on previous arrangements, here’s There must also be trust within the parties 7 A key reason Ieuan Wyn Jones is Deputy First of arithmetic. With administrations requiring over a list of 10 factors which determine whether an themselves that such costings have been properly Minister and not Mike German is because he kept 30 seats to be secure, Plaid and Labour making 40 Assembly coalition can be formed and can formulated, and that there is room in the budget his Options open in 2007. During the phase when together was always going to be a better prospect succeed. to deal with the unforeseen too. And each party both of those parties were negotiating with each than a rainbow which made 33 seats. will have red lines to identify the policies they insist other and with the Conservatives, both were also 1 There must be Trust to deliver between parties, on to enter coalition, such as Plaid’s natural in separate talks with the Labour Party – until the For the mnemonically minded amongst you, to particularly among the AMs in party groups, that insistence on furthering and deepening the Liberal Democrats shut down their lines of form the next Welsh Assembly Government you their negotiators are getting them the best deal. constitutional settlement for the Assembly. communication to Labour. At no point did Ieuan need a TRUMP TO WIN. When the Rainbow Alliance faded from the skies Wyn Jones ever throw out any options for his party in 2007 it was because the trust had gone. From 5 There is also a need for Preparation by the during the two months between Assembly election An earlier version of this article, Vote for Don, the moment the Liberal Democrat executive failed political parties before entering coalition and formation of the coalition in which his party appeared on the WalesHome website to endorse the deal negotiated by their party with negotiations. “I don’t think any of the parties, let was an undoubted winner. (www.waleshome.org) in July in one of Daran’s Plaid and the Conservatives, the trust died. Even alone the public, were properly prepared for the weekly political columns. He has revised the though the Lib Dems subsequently held a special negotiations in 2007. Certainly, I know that Plaid 8 The buy in of the Wider party is also crucial, as original in light of the wide-ranging online conference to revoke the executive decision and had not adequately discussed the question; and John Dixon also argued on his blog. The uneven response. put the deal back on the table, the trust had gone. my perception throughout the process was that pattern of political power at Assembly level means

20 Bevan Foundation review 21 BARACK OBAMA The last quickly, we were full and a third centre was my days campaigning with the 1997 Yes for Wales opened to cope with the flood of volunteers. campaign. Sunday As lunch time approached, I went out for a break Late in the day, as the streets emptied and the and noticed the most fantastic sight I had ever three offices morphed back into one with seen in political campaigning. The whole street had consummate ease, there was a warm welcome. The face of modern political been occupied by a throng of volunteers making Those who had volunteered to go and campaign in campaigning was changed by thousands of phone calls. That amazing sight will Nevada were welcomed back home as heroes. It Barack Obama’s successful US remain. By the end of this Sunday, it was hoped was understood that things were close there. The presidential bid. One Welshman that the team I was part of had made 50,000 phoning will carry on tomorrow. with a ringside seat was the Rev phone calls. It was said quietly that California could have The people who turned up today were not delivered over half the campaign’s phone calls for Aled Edwards, head of Cytun, who political hacks but young people and children, all the US. Throughout the other states, local spent the last few weeks of the heavily pregnant women, respectable middle aged workers would be doing the face-to-face work. campaign volunteering for Obama women who had never done anything political in They are still doing that work. on Californian phone bank. In their lives, pensioners and some with obvious Whatever. After today, political campaigning will an extract from his book, disabilities. The stuff that makes history is like a never be the same again. The Barack Obama West Wing Wales, he rock. Today, vast numbers came to claim a piece of campaign has rewritten the book. Today, I the rock that is about to emerge from the solid experienced the most phenomenal coming- recounts those final few soils of this very special land. together in one dynamic experience of the energy hours before history There is another theory. People are increasingly and commitment of the liberal left, and the was made. nervous. Such is the fear here that Obama might effective process delivery of the right in American still lose, nervousness is making people want to do politics. something. Doing nothing on this Sunday would be a torture on the nerves. The Obama campaign gives a garden sign to everyone who makes 75 calls and commits to making another shift. Someone asked why so many people wanted a oday I experienced something that the world garden sign so late in the campaign. The answer of modern politics has never seen before. It’s was very clear to me. These Obama garden signs Tnow Sunday night in San Francisco: the last were forever: certificates of commitment. Sunday of a terribly long election campaign for the At the request of a very thirsty volunteer I went White House. looking for some bottled water. Boxes of bottles The volunteering legions who worked today from were given free of charge by the local corner shop. Berkeley to phone states such as Florida, Montana, At the end of the day I went looking for a small Ohio and Colorado for Barack Obama are all but pizza and some Coca Cola. I was sent back to the exhausted, but are more than ready for one more office with a massive pizza box. The proprietor full day of campaigning. Tomorrow will mark insisted that Obama did not get “small” in his another history-breaking day in the annals of place. The only size anyone in the Obama team American politics. could have in his place was extra large. Early this morning I received a call from the What’s amazing is that all this happened today Berkeley team asking for me to come in as soon as with such energy and community enthusiasm in I could to help with the thousands who were order to elect a politician. coming down to volunteer on the phone banks. At midday we had a go at introducing an Everyone who shows any political know-how in automated phoning system that triggered the Obama campaign gets promoted quickly. I had computerised responses. Seeing that it was not meant to go and worship this morning but there working that well, people went back to phoning was a sense of urgency to the call. I prayed quietly, manually. This campaign was also fleet of foot read my Bible a little and discerned that heading today. immediately for the campaign office was what I Everyone who phoned today knows that Berkeley should do. Today, God would understand. is not the rest of America. All who phoned also P

By the time I had arrived the Adeline Street office remembered those who said they would be voting h o t o

was already beginning to fill up with enthusiastic for McCain. I had to remind one volunteer that :

A l a

volunteers. I was asked to move on to a second negative responses linger longer in the mind than n

E d office as part of an initial team of three who several positive responses. She smiled and w a r d would give quick two-minute training to volunteers conceded that as a psychologist she should have s who gave hours of their time to phoning. Fairly remembered that. I remembered that reality from Volunteers making thousands of phone calls on the street

22 Bevan Foundation review 23 CHARTISTS

The Hennessys performing 'Waiting at the Oak'

Our host Beverley Humphreys School children enjoyed the stalls and exhibitions P h o t o s :

T a h a

I d r i s The road we took to democracy Risca Male Voice Choir with musical director Martin Hodson MBE

People from all walks of life • Secret voting Editor. Tomorrow’s voters were ready to challenge struggles for democracy in Wales. gathered at Celebrating • Wages for MPs the panel, especially on politicians’ expenses and In the evening, the Henessys gave a superb Democracy: Our Voice, Our Vote, • Equal electoral constituencies higher education fees. None of the politicians – performance of ‘Waiting at the Oak’, brilliantly • Abolition of the property qualification for MPs Nick Ramsay AM; Eleanor Burman AM; Vaughan complemented by the Risca Male Voice Choir. Our Freedom to mark the 170th • Annual elections. Gething, partner with Thompsons Solicitors and Performances by Coleg Gwent and Malpas anniversary of the Chartist Labour candidate for Cardiff South and Penarth; Primary School, along with specially Uprising in Newport, 80 years These demands were fundamental to democracy and Fiona Cross, Torfaen’s Chair for Operational commissioned poems by Gillian Clarke and since universal suffrage and, and justice, yet it was another eighty years until Services – had an easy ride. The audience’s Patrick Jones, forcefully reminded us that of course, a decade of most of the demands were enacted. enthusiasm gave lie to the idea that young people ordinary men gave up their lives for the The Bevan Foundation, marked the anniversary are not interested in politics. democracy we enjoy today. Beverley Humphreys, devolution. of the Newport Uprising with a day of discussion, After that, there were more than 20 stands to hosted the evening with an infectious passion music and performances on 15th October 2009. visit on everything from trades unions and mental that rubbed off on the 300-strong audience as Why? Because the Chartists’ uprising 170 years health to electoral reform and Paul Robeson. This they repeated the Hennessys chorus that we are ago is still relevant today. Their struggles (and Crosskeys, Coleg was followed by ‘Voices from the Past’ where three all just ‘another link in the chain’, before Gwent, Drama n a wet, autumn night 170 years ago, on those of the Suffragists and Suffragettes sometime historians, Dr Ryland Wallace, a lecturer in history departing into another wet, autumn night, 170 Department November 4th 1839, more than 5,000 men later) remind us that democracy was hard won: the at Coleg Gwent; years on. Odescended on Newport from the Gwent right of all people to choose a representative in Rachel Lock-Lewis, a valleys, Monmouthshire and Merthyr Tydfil. There Parliament had to be argued and fought for over senior lecturer in Celebrating Democracy: Our Voice, Our Vote they encountered troops who fired on the crowd many decades. Their struggles remind us too of modern history at our Freedom was held at the Newport Centre, and on the men who tried to enter the Westgate the importance of active participation – there were University Of Wales, Newport, on October 15th 2009. The event was Hotel. At least 20 people died and more than 50 hundreds of chartist societies across Wales and Newport; and Harry organised by the Bevan Foundation and kindly were injured. England, made up of ordinary men and women Ernest, Chair of the sponsored by Wales TUC, Electoral Reform The Uprising was a bloody climax to the angry at their exclusion. Paul Robeson Trust, Society and Thompsons Solicitors. discontent over political reform that had The Bevan Foundation’s celebration of democracy outlined the smouldered across south Wales for several years. started with a chance for more than 250 young Chartists’, Betsan Powys gives her account of the session in The Chartists had six demands: people to grill four current and aspiring politicians, Suffragettes’ and her blog http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereport • Votes for all men over 21 chaired by Betsan Powys – BBC Wales Political black people’s ers/betsanpowys/2009/10/expenses.html

24 Bevan Foundation review 25 PROTEST AND SONG My life in protest song It also seemed every natural to translate some of be coming back at the moment. Every now and my other recent work. I lost my seat on Gwynedd those songs I’d heard into Welsh. I probably again, a song will say something that strikes a Council because of the schools issue (regionalist From the Dustbowl to the Iraq War, started with We Shall Overcome. That’s the one we chord. I’m convinced at the moment that if singers party Llais Gwynedd stood against Iwan and other via Fulsom Prison and sang when we carried out the sit-down protest (it were to put radical lyrics in their songs, they would Plaid candidates on a platform of opposing primary Thatcherism, the protest song has was Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg’s first major get quite a reaction. school closures in the county and succeeded in provided a powerful voice and protest, on the Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth in I had the workers at Air Products, near Wrexham, ultimately winning 13 seats on the local authority), rallying cry for the disenfranchised. 1963), as well as We Shall Not Be Moved. Those call me and ask if they could use one of my songs partly because of the cynicism towards established were very powerful songs to us at that time. when 200 jobs there were under threat. They politics. It’s quite ironic to find myself on the Dafydd Iwan, Plaid Cymru’s Carlo, a song that seemed to gain a lot of emailed me with new words that they wanted to receiving end of such a reaction. The new songs president and a leading voice for notoriety because people linked it to Prince Charles use. I said yes, because they were very, very good. acknowledge that sometimes there’s an attitude Welsh nationalism since the 1960s, at the time of his investiture as Prince of Wales, Songs are very important in that radical tradition, towards the establishment, and sometimes there’s explains how his music and was something of a diversion for me. I wasn’t and I believe that it shows that there is still wind in an attitude against the establishment. politics became inextricably linked. going to spend too much time on anti-investiture the sails of protest songs yet. campaigning so I wrote this song, which turned My latest album, Dos I ganu, is more radical than Dafydd Iwan was talking to Duncan Higgitt into a publicity machine. I thought it was interesting that Charles was perceived as this symbol of godliness and we were the devil We’re Here to Stay incarnate. (to the tune of Yma o Hyd by Dafydd Iwan) It rather took the shine off the roadsign campaign (Cymdeithas had, by that time, begun They came over here in the fifties Men with sharpened pencils And when the dust has settled taking down English-only roadsigns to regularly To make cylinders, pumps and tanks Came up with figures that say From the fatal hammer blow return them to the Welsh Office). Some older people left the movement because of the Using local knowledge and labour We’re no longer viable And the factory walls fall silent investiture. The feelings for the royal family were We took their employment with thanks And want to move it away Our ghosts will be here forever very strong – even in the coal-mining valleys there The world’s changed several times over The work, toil and devotion For no reward our pay was a royalist streak that was difficult to Recession has come into play History is forgotten today Waiting for the answer understand. They didn’t take too kindly to what Now they’ve built a factory in China But our stamp will be here forever That’ll come on judgement day they thought was an anti-investiture song, and And they’re taking our work away They’ll never take this away P h

o even in Caernarfon there were people who We’re here to stay t o :

K objected to it.

e We’re here to stay It’s here to stay We’re here to stay i t h

M Songs can be strange in that way. They can be We’re here to stay It’s here to stay With pride and a passion o r r i s unpopular because they’re contentious but, when With pride and a passion The pride and the passion With pride and a passion the heat is taken out of the situation, people who With pride and a passion The pride and the passion With pride and a passion t began with my guitar. I was looking for songs were against them politically at the time can come With pride and a passion The pride and the passion We’re here to stay to sing and I had a songbook with a huge to embrace them. As such, I think songs play a We’re here to stay It’s here to stay Icollection of American folk songs. I had very subliminal role in changing people’s attitudes. collections from the Seeger family and also Ewan I was always told that as an entertainer I should We’re here to stay MacColl. But it was when I got hold of This Land is stay off politics, as it wouldn’t help my career. In Chiselled from Cefn Sandstone Whatever the final decision We’re here to stay Your Land (by Woody Guthrie) and also Pete the end, I’ve found that people will support you, Moulded from Trefynant Clay To pull up roots or to stay Waiting for the answer Seeger at Carnegie Hall (Still available as We Shall even if sometimes they don’t agree with what Forged from steel and iron There’s one thing to remember Waiting for the answer Overcome) that the idea of the song as you’re saying. We worked by night and day There’s something they can’t take away Waiting for the answer propaganda tool really sparked in my head. I was brought up in a fairly political home. My Our forefathers developed their business Our pride, friendship and laughter Come judgement day Seeger was able to entertain and also tell you all mother and father were committed supporters of Expanded and made it pay For wherever you wander or roam about a protest march in Birmingham, Alabama. It Plaid Cymru and of the language. When the Welsh Worked with skill and passion You’ll find something Acrefair built We’re here to stay struck me as some very natural. I started writing language society started, it was a very natural step Now they want to take it away Just to remind you of home We’re here to stay songs and putting in the words in the same way. to go into Cymdeithas. I never ceased to be a With pride and a passion There were times when I would use this technique member of Plaid Cymru. I was asked not to We’re here to stay We’re here to stay With pride and a passion to talk to the audience about the language or campaign for Plaid in the 1970s because people Vietnam or apartheid in exactly the same way as thought I was too close to the illegal campaigns, We’re here to stay We’re here to stay With pride and a passion Seeger had. But, at the same time, there’s always but I’m convinced those campaigns helped political With pride and a passion With pride and a passion We’re here to stay been a strong internationalist element in my songs, change in Wales and helped radicalise a younger With pride and a passion With pride and a passion because the universality of freedom is very generation of Welsh people. With pride and a passion With pride and a passion important to my songs. Protest songs fall out of favour, but they seem to We’re here to stay We’re here to stay

26 Bevan Foundation review 27 UNION VIEW Unions must

real job creation. But the Government’s enthusiasm notoriously low, with only one in 10 of this age start. This year, Wales TUC has been developing support the for internships and work experience as a potential group opting to join a trade union. materials to be used in schools and prepare pupils solution is a cause for concern. Without further There are specific reasons for this. Young people for the world of work as well as working closer guarantees of decent minimum standards, the are more likely to move jobs so there is high with NUS Wales to better protect, vulnerable, Government intern route is always going to be open to probability that they will leave a union if they move young workers. exploitation. to an employer without union presence, and The TUC’s Organising Academy and the recently in its work What’s more, the Government’s strategy hinges younger workers are overwhelmingly concentrated launched Activist Academy are key vehicles for on genuine commitment from employers. Without in sectors where union density is particularly low. building the skills of our young activists both this, Backing Young Britain gets nowhere because Trade unionists used to complain that young within the trade union movement but also with initiatives the jobs, internships and apprenticeships will fail to people had become a generation of Thatcher’s students, through our partnership with the materialise. Or at least, will fail to materialise in a children and that they were no longer willing to National Union of Students. Meanwhile, the way that provides a quality route into sustainable join trade unions. The reality now is that rather Activist Academy offers real potential to motivate With almost one in five 16-24-year- work. The Government needs to find more ways to than having a negative image of trade unions, new activists. olds currently without work, youth ensure that employers engage in and contribute to many young people simply have no image of trade Finally, it is imperative that we consistently make redundancy has become a this agenda. Using its considerable purchasing unions at all. However, several trade unions are the case for a better deal for young people. We pressing issue for the Government. power as a procurer of goods and services from already proving that organising young workers can need to continue to lobby for a national minimum the private sector would seem one way of obliging be successful, with the right kind of targeted work. wage that does not discriminate against younger Jamie Jenkins, the CWU Regional employers to participate in the Government’s For unions to really make their mark among workers, for more and better apprenticeships and Secretary, argues that unions must plans. young workers there needs to be a greater union to tackle the chronic lack of affordable housing for become more involved in And, of course, the unions have a key role to presence in those sectors where young people are young people. democratising businesses where play in all this. There are three big challenges that concentrated. For unions to recruit young Ultimately, unions need to be seen as the young people work. they have to meet. First, we need to continue to members, they need to be in the hotels, champion of young people in the workplace, by campaign and lobby Government to ensure that restaurants, shops, and call centres where so many demonstrating that becoming a trade union job creation and work experience initiatives are young people start their working lives. This, of member is not some relic of a bygone industrial rewarding and effective, providing sustainable course, poses a whole set of organising challenges age, but the best way of guaranteeing decency t’s a tough world out there for our younger pathways into employment while more good for unions. and dignity at work in an age of change, generation today. For too many young people quality apprenticeships are made available to Schools and colleges are also a good place to opportunity and increasing uncertainty. Ichoices are narrowing as unemployment runs young people. And we need to use our presence rampant, jobs remain concentrated in low skilled, in the workplace to monitor the real experiences low paying sectors, unpaid volunteering becomes of young people entering employment through the only route into many professions, and these schemes. That unions have been given an competition for decent apprenticeships and advisory role on the Future Jobs Fund panels is one university places intensifies while supply lags well very welcome example of how we can feed into behind demand. this. The awareness of the long term effects of the Second, unions can play a supportive role with recession on young people’s aspirations and young people entering work for the first time, working lives has led journalists, academics and particularly those previously unemployed and politicians of all stripes to increasingly speak of a excluded young people coming to the workplace ‘lost generation’. A cliché, perhaps. But one with through Government initiatives. Developing an ominous ring of truth about it for those of us in cohorts of union reps who can play an active role our teens and early twenties, out there facing the in mentoring and supporting young apprentices, sharp end of the labour market. work experience placements and other new All this poses clear challenges for Government entrants not only helps those vulnerable young and employers. While it is heartening to see this people but promotes recruitment and organisation Government, unlike previous administrations, while demonstrating the value of union committing itself to addressing the needs of young membership to new groups of workers. people, it remains to be seen whether the package Finally, trade unions need to do more to organise of support within the Backing Young Britain and recruit more widely among young workers. initiative is of a sufficient scale to make a Young people make up a sizeable chunk of the significant impact on the problem of endemic workforce with workers aged 16 to 24 making up youth unemployment. The guarantee of a job or 14% of the total workforce. Around a third of 16 training place for all long-term unemployed young and 17-year-olds and two thirds of 18 to 24-year- people is a bold commitment. olds are in employment. They are most likely to be Increasing public sector apprenticeships is in low paid work and suffer higher levels of genuine progress, and the Future Jobs Fund shows bullying and employment rights abuses. And yet a clear break from past initiatives, with a focus on union membership among young people is

28 Bevan Foundation review 29 UNHEARD VOICES TALKING POINT Snakes and this most humbled and degraded of conditions. I simply will not work when there Ladders had been plunged into the very cesse pit of hell are no jobs around, and without the vision to ever find an escape. Trapped traditional approaches to for ever in my own body, in my own hell. The economic development, using lowest of the low. grants to tempt multi-nationals Blindness does not discriminate. Blindness can be to Wales, are not sustainable. As so even handed, so democratic, for no matter yet there is no ‘new’ model what strata of society one inhabits, sudden ready-made on the shelf, waiting blindness will take you right back to the start like a to be adopted. nightmare game of snakes and ladders. I am now However, the beginnings of a 53. Looking back on those early years of blindness, new approach were highlighted I try to recollect the emotions that slapped me at the Wales Low Carbon about like a torturer. I was worthless, sorrow and Summit, held at the British Gas After a car accident at panic were the whirlwind within me, frustration Energy Academy in Tredegar. First just 25, Spiro Sueref

had me bound in iron chains, anger had no P up, the Mayor of Güssing, a h o t lost his sight and his direction and clawed its way ever deeper inside, o small town in the east of Austria, :

H L life changed forever. and life was broken into jagged, irreparable pieces. M described how they had switched

A r

Bringing a touch of philosophy to my 28 years of c from total dependency on fossil Here he talks about h i t e

blindness, I must compare it with being born c fuels to generating all the town’s t his experiences, again, having to grow up again and having to s energy needs – including highlighting the learn all about the world again. The only way for synthetic natural gas – from solar, wood and democracy of this new living being to develop is with love and agricultural products.1 Not only had Güssing blindness in the way it patience. A hand to hold and guide you through High Hopes for become a net exporter of energy, all from does not discriminate the tears, tantrums, sulkiness and stubbornness of renewable sources, it had also generated more as well as the this new childhood. Someone to turn to in times than 1,000 jobs in the process. These jobs were in of despair, whose patience will gradually turn it Low Carbon energy generation itself and also in spin-off importance of into tears of triumph. activities, such as manufacturing wooden flooring organisations such as The RNIB and the Cardiff Institute were like Victoria Winckler and eco tourism. Suddenly, the rhetoric about RNIB and the Cardiff family members to me, looking kindly on their renewables and jobs looks real. Institute for the Blind wayward offspring. I learnt that people are Next up at the Summit, the winners of the Welsh important, not just their vision. I used their he day I wrote this column got off to a Assembly Government and Blaenau Gwent County paternal advice to claim my allowances. I joined gloomy start. Not only was I up very early in Borough Council competition to design eco-homes new social groups. I learnt to mix with society once Tthe morning to do a Radio Wales interview presented their vision.2 These homes looked very more. And I learnt how to handle a computer, the on unemployment, but the unemployment figures attractive and in addition had virtually zero energy most powerful tool that the blind have ever had. themselves were very depressing indeed. costs – indeed the canny householder could make To me democracy is a talking computer, for I can As all the headlines in Wales were quick to point about £500 a year from selling electricity back to work again and I am me again. out, unemployment had risen for the third the grid! They too could create jobs, by using local successive month to stand at 8.7% – 125,000 materials and in the off-site assembly of timber people. The UK broadsheets told a different story: frames and so on. Energy and eco-homes are not Spiro was born in Corfu, Greece in 1956. ‘recovery hopes rise as UK unemployment dips’, the whole answer, for sure, but are not to be eople have called me Speedo, Spear, Spyro He moved to Cardiff at 11 months old as claimed the Telegraph, while the Financial Times sneezed at either. and even Scyppio! My friends call me Spee. his Dad had British citizenship, derived headlined ‘UK jobless total shows signs of Put them together with steps to make sure PBorn in Corfu, raised in Cardiff also known from Malta. He qualified as a quantity stabilising’ was equally optimistic. unemployed people benefit from the jobs created as the Greek leek! surveyor after school but after a crash Tell that to people who live in large parts of and, with leadership, Wales could no longer be I worked as a quantity surveyor before a car Wales, where unemployment is nearly double the topping the unemployment league in a few years aged 25 he lost his sight. Spiro married windscreen shredded my sight into red confetti. UK average. In Merthyr Tydfil, for example, male time. wife Teresa at 23, so she has gone One second I was driving along on top of the unemployment stood at 13.5% in the year to through all his years of blindness. They world, the next moment I was blind, concussed March 2009 – before the most recent rises – with Victoria Winckler is Director of the Bevan and confused, and in physical agony and mental have two sons Peter and Tony, and a Blaenau Gwent not far behind at 10.7%. New Foundation. torment, a condition that was to haunt me for daughter, Rania. unemployment ‘hotspots’ are also emerging: years. I was 25. Spiro now works in Cardiff Institute for Swansea and Newport in particular stand out with 1. For more information visit http://www.eee- Despite the anguish, the emotion I most tried to the Blind as a computer training officer nearly one in ten out of work in both areas. info.net/cms/ suppress was that of shame. I was ashamed I did and club coordinator. He likes BBC Radio These high levels of unemployment, alongside 2. The winners are bere:architects, London, and HLM not avoid the accident, I was ashamed that I would 3, Cardiff City Football Club and going headline-making levels of economic inactivity, are a Artichects, Cardiff. See never work again and support my family, and I was church on Sundays. rallying cry to do something different. It is clear http://wales.gov.uk/theworks/home/news/091106e ashamed for my family and friends to see me in that the old model of ‘helping people into jobs’ cohomeswinners/?lang=en

30 Bevan Foundation review 31 NEWS

s When China Rules Where should the publications t the World Axe Fall?

n The question of public spending cuts Digital Wales, Divided Wales was debated by four leading Much of the debate about

e commentators – Maria Battle broadband in Wales is about access (Consumer Focus Wales), Will and speed. The key issue, this report v McLean (WLGA), Paul O’Shea from the Bevan Foundation argues, is (Unison) and David Rosser (CBI) at the low take-up amongst older e the National Assembly for Wales on people and low income households. 21st October 2009. Chaired by Nick Unless more is done to tackle the Ramsay AM, there was a surprising digital divide, social and economic consensus about focusing services on exclusion will get worse. Author and journalist Martin Jacques citizens as well as debate over higher addressed more than eighty people taxation. Good to be Here at this year’s annual lecture in A full report of the event is Hitting back at the stereotype of Swansea on 23rd October 2009. available to download from the poverty and deprivation in the Heads Covering the theme of his latest Bevan Foundation Website – of the Valleys, this report uses a book, When China Rules the world, www.bevanfoundation.org mixture of statistics, evidence from Martin explored the increasing inspections and independent awards prominence of China on the world to conclude that the quality of life stage – and the implications for the that is at least as good as – and in West. A lively discussion followed, some ways better than – that of chaired by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Wales’s big cities. Noel Thompson, with contributions from academics, students, the Paying the Price of Being Poor Chinese community and the public Low income households face extra alike. Thanks to Martin and to costs for fuel, financial services and Swansea University for making the the costs of education. The report lecture such a success. sets out the conclusions of three A podcast of the event is available discussion forums, arguing that more on our website – should be done to stop penalizing www.bevanfoundation.org Older People and low income households. This report was carried out in employment partnership with Consumer Focus From Snake Oil and Wales, National Energy Action Cymru The first of the Bevan Foundation’s and Save the Children Cymru, with to Sutinib new ‘Future Forums’ – roundtable additional material by the New Policy discussions on big issues facing Wales Institute, and funded by the Welsh – looked at older people and Assembly Government’s New Ideas Sir Michael Rawlins, employment. Held in association with Fund. Chairman of the Prime Cymru at the HRH Prince All reports are available to download National Institute Charles’s residence, Llwynywermod, on – www.bevanfoudation.org for Clinical delegates heard from Gwenda Alternatively you can request a hard Excellence, was the keynote speaker Thomas (Deputy Minister for Social copy by contacting us on 01495 at a Bevan Foundation conference on Services), Ruth Marks (Older People’s 356702. access to medicines. His tour de force Commissioner) and Terry Mills (Prime through the history of Cymru). A report of the event will be pharmaceuticals highlighted the available shortly. Contact us: tensions between society and the The Bevan Foundation pharma industry. The Innovation Centre A full report of the event – Festival Drive including the full text of Sir Michael Victoria Business Park Rawlins’ speech – is now available to Ebbw Vale download on our website – NP23 8XA www.bevanfoundation.org The event and report were funded TEL: 01495 356702 FAX: 01495 356703 by an educational grant from ABPI EMAIL: [email protected] Cymru Wales.

32 Bevan Foundation review