look left MT20 1

3 MT20 left look Contents Classism and the climate CONTENTS Beyond the statistics of state school representation of state the statistics Beyond The Great Unequaliser: Women and COVID-19 Women Unequaliser: Great The The vanguard of revolution in South in Asia of revolution vanguard The Amnesty penalty on the death International Labour must save the Union Labour must save The politics of hope The On the loss of HMS social democracyOn the loss of : How the Tories failed the North Tories the : How The commisar’s gambit commisar’s The 10 wins for the Left in 2020 the Left 10 wins for Honesty about privilege both ways cuts How socialist is Sanders? How Unite to win: Lessons from 1997 for 2024 1997 for from win: Lessons to Unite : interview of LGSM with Mike Jackson, founder 31. Timea 31. Timea Iliffe: Davison: 33. Lucas 35. Emily Passmore: 38. Beau Waycott: 40. Dan Harrison: 9. Jade Calder 11. Doaa Shabbir : 14. Beth Nott: Beard: 17. Alex Leach: 20. Danny Ledda: 22. Toni 24. Martha Storey: Carcha 26. Ciara 4. Patrick Clarke: 4. Patrick 7. Jasper Evans: - - - BETH NOTT JASPER EVANS SOPHIE HEATH JADE CALDER MATTHEW KAYANJA MATTHEW Letter from the Co-Chairs from Letter CO-EDITOR: CO-EDITOR: CO-EDITOR: SOFIA COTTERILL CO-EDITOR: DEPUTY EDITOR: GRAPHIC DESIGNER: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DEPUTY EDITOR: Matthew and Sophie, Co-ChairsMatthew and Sophie, Michaelmas 2020 porting next Beth, Sofia, term. and the new committee In solidarity, in person! sup to look forward and we in Michaelmas 2020 has been a pleasure, Being Co-Chairs OULC for ers questions - even those who just came along to watch (video and audio muted ) - you kept OULC ) - you (video and audio muted watch who just came along to those ers questions - even on faces pixelated of seeing our get tired didn’t hope you We times. going amidst unprecedented members meet a few even you’ll Maybe in the future. with OULC be involved you’ll and that Zoom to their liberation group; it was a privilege to host and attend them. host and attend a privilege it was to group; liberation their to our speak and asked events up to everyone who showed go to to have most thanks of course The for Parliament in 2019, and discussed Labour’s future with figures from across the spectrum across of the from with figures future Labour’s in 2019, and discussed Parliament for the amazing in-depth who organised panels relevant our caucus reps due to Our thanks are Party. We also hosted a great range of speakers, including Labour Peer Andrew Adonis and West Mid West and Adonis Andrew including Labour Peer of speakers, range a great also hosted We who ran alumni our past with a panel of OULC to looked We Liam Byrne. candidate lands mayoral from cancel culture to the Union to the North Face jackets of Andy Burnham. With door-knockingWith Burnham. jackets of Andy the North the Union to to culture Face cancel from parcels food Homeless Action and delivered Street Turl with collaborated out of the question, we Oxford. sleepers around rough and warm drinks to Anneliese Dodds. Labour’s No. 2 played Zoom party games with freshers and OULC veterans, which which veterans, party Zoom and OULC 2 played games with freshers No. Labour’s Dodds. Anneliese every in Beer discussed the big topics & Bickering, week We meet. members to for way a great was has adapted in these strange conditions, and that the club has continued to be a thriving hub of the thrivinga be theof hub to continued has club the that and conditions, strange these in adapted has the distance. despite leftstudent in Oxford, MP and local Oxford Chancellor the Shadow by social attended with a welcome began the term We of Trinity Term, then at least by the end of the summer, until finally we realised university life wasn’t life university realised finally we until end of the summer, the by least then at Term, Trinity of OULC of how proud incredibly are we the chaos, Despite time. some quite for be the same going to When we were elected as Co-Chairs in Hilary Term 2020, we couldn’t have imagined the type imagined of have couldn’t 2020, we elected as Co-ChairsTerm were Hilary in we When end the by over be would the hope coronavirus was first there in Michaelmas. At have we’d term

2 look left MT20 the first time in British history, trade unions repre- government continued to redistribute wealth in an On the loss of H.M.S social democracy: sented a majority of British workers. Thus, unions egalitarian fashion – by 1977-8, incomes were the wielded an unprecedented level of power over the most equal they had ever been, and the number of Capt. Callaghan, Thomas Hardy and British economy and the Labour government with households in absolute poverty had fallen to their which they were so intimately linked. lowest level in the post-war era. Labour’s fall 1974-9 The shadowy iceberg in the distance grew. Labour governments after 1974 could clearly see Patrick Clarke, History and Politics at St Peter’s College Thankfully, however, the ship of British social de- the iceberg mocracy had able captains at its helm. By 1978, in- ahead and, The smart ship glides seamlessly upon the steady security for every citizen, and the expansion of the flation had fallen to single figures, economic growth by 1978, ap- waters, the captain’s content, the passengers in public sector. By the accession of the Labour gov- had risen to over 3%, the current account was back peared to be ‘On the face of it, the Win- the highest spirits. Until – thwack. The Titanic ves- ernment in 1974, however, this social democratic in surplus, and the value of Sterling was on the up. in the middle ter of Discontent was a sel becomes intimately welded with the iceberg model faced three important challenges. First, the It is here that we come upon the first important de- of a successful and it is felled, in all its stature, grace and hue. end of the ‘Bretton Woods’ sys- disaster for social democ- tail of the period that has been forgotten in pop- manoeuvre to tem of fixed exchange rates had So follows the tale of British post-war social de- ular memory: the ability of Labour government to avert it. racy meant that unbalanced budg- mocracy and Labour government. Vainglorious achieve this success through pragmatic govern- But what of ets and higher than average in its size and ambitions by the mid-1970s, the ment and without abandoning social democracy. the trade un- inflation threatened the social democratic state, by ‘paths coincident’, ion problem? pound like never before. To First, the pragmatism. Difficult decisions had to be hit the iceberg of a new society for which it was On the face of it, the Winter of Discontent was a add to this, economic growth made. The budget of April 1975, for example, saw not ready. disaster for social democracy, a collision with the relied increasingly on a glo- the Wilson government commit to bringing in- The strike iceberg the wreckage of which was left to the first balized economy. Therefore, flation down through cuts to public expenditure ‘the Labour governments action of Thatcher government to pick up and sort out. As pumping money into the and a policy of statutory incomes, despite rising ‘The Winter Denis Healey retrospectively observed, “all the ev- of 1974-9 could in fact see economy ceased to bring unemployment. In the following year, the govern- of Discon- idence suggested we had lost the election mainly the iceberg ahead, and the same kind of growth ment accepted a loan from the International Mon- tent’ 1978-9 because the winter had destroyed the nation’s con- as it had done before, for etary Fund on condition of further cuts and limits these mortals very nearly provides the fidence in our ability to work with the unions”. It lin- new demand was met by to government spending. None of these measures emotion- gered long in public memory: during the election avoided it.’ foreign suppliers. Finally, were recognizably socially democratic - was Labour al colour to of 1992, the Daily Mail published an article with “a the end of the post- w a r abandoning ship? this broad warning from 13 years ago” detailing the horrors of boom was followed by levels of growth historical outline. In popular memory, the No. In fact, the Callaghan government maintained that winter, echoing the sentiments of a Sun article that were too weak to sustain the simulta- course of events can seem as inevitable as the social democratic government in three important from around the same time entitled ‘Lest we forget’. loss of the Titanic in Hardy’s poem. In the words neous growth of profits and wages. ways. First, unemployment was not used to curb Without meaning to dismiss the scale of the crisis of my own father, 20 years old at the time, look- Essentially, in 1974, the policy of expanding the inflation. In a memo of 1977, Joel Barnett, Chief Sec- or its considerable political importance, however, ing back, “something had to happen”. money supply in order to maintain full employ- retary to the Treasury, wrote of how “it was incon- ceivable that the Cabinet would tolerate…a level of the winter of discontent was not an inev itability. Closer inspection of the events suggests that pop- ment was less likely to bring economic growth and unemployment as high as 1.9 million”, and by 1978 Between 1974 and 1978, Labour’s ‘Social Contract’ ular memory may have misremembered. To invert almost certain to bring higher inflation, which was the figure was only just over 1 million (for some con- with the TUC had successfully controlled wage Hardy’s phrase, various mortal eyes in the Labour now much more dangerous for the British econo- text, consider how, within four years of the Conserv- growth through the deal that, in re- governments of 1974-9 could in fact see the iceberg my. This was the bulk of the iceberg which the Brit- ative Party coming to power in 1979, the number turn for favourable ahead, and these mortals very nearly avoided it. Two ish social democratic state appeared to be heading had exceeded 3 million). Secondly, cuts focused less policies important facts must be acknowledged: . Firstly, towards. All of this was made worse in 1973 by the on the welfare state than the purchasing of land, such as the success of the Callaghan government between decision of OPEC to quadruple the price of a bar- building and materials, and brought the level the re- 1976-8 in meeting the challenges of the new soci- rel of oil. This precipitated a global crisis of high of public expenditure down from peal of ety. Secondly, how the ‘winter of discontent’ was inflation which hit Britain particularly hard – at its an unusually high the sparked by a contingent event, namely Callaghan’s peak in August 1975, the yearly rate of inflation was level (almost decision in the new year of 1978 to announce a new almost 27%. Furthermore, the consequent rise in half of GDP in system of wage restraint without the consent of the global commodity prices had wrought a huge defi- 1975/6). Third, trade unions. cit in Britain’s balance of payments. the- Between 1945 and 1979 the British state used Beyond economic policy, changes in trade union- democratic, collective methods such as redistribu- ism were another part of the problem. Between the tive taxation and expanding the money supply to mid-1960s and late-1970s, as trade unionism came achieve full employment, a basic minimum of social to incorporate the growing service sector, union membership dramatically increased. By 1974, for

7 MT20 left look ------cow. It was also the first, and so far only, chess tour chess It only, far so and first, the also was cow. on strike. went the players where nament some less willing than oth arrived, the players Once dormi bunks in an unheated hard found they ers, they meal evening their toryFor them. for waiting banquet: a thin herring-head course a two enjoyed startersoup for with fried herring as the main. tails the sub was as it were, lack of middle game, The on, went the tournament As ject of much debate. in turnwhich grievances, to led conditions poor the of the of the Participants ‘Declaration the lead to sounding a dramatic Chess Olympiad’, All-Russian for document times. dramatic declaration The requested payment, revolution; that was not how history not how was supposed that was revolution; the indus far from Russian workingThe class, go. to Marx class-conscious trial, agitators would thought and un rural generally were lead the revolution, the Bolsheviks decided they must Thus organised. working the until class the time being, for lead, must be ef there but that lead themselves, could One of such occur. could latter the forts ensure to of chess. effortsbe the spreading would It game. a was bourgeois a largely was Chess Yet the middle-class to testament of the background they had been so thinkers that initial Communist chess is a very in Furthermore, in chess. interested equations, sum zero of game a game, dividualistic another must one individual must win, and where exist seemed to there as in reality, In games, lose. model. in the Soviet contradictions at clearer the all made were contradictions These Organised chess championship. the first all-Soviet Zhenevskii, a world- Il’in- Fedorovich Aleksandr by Marxist, and a devoted the class chess master the as in 1920, Moscow in held were championships a blood in life its for fought nation Soviet young chess It and so far only, the first, was soaked civil war. conscripted. were the players where tournament network Il’in- communication the Red Army’s Using and best chess players Russia’s Zhenevskii gathered Mos of central barracks housed them in the army ------Jasper Evans, PPE at Lady Margaret Hall Margaret Lady PPE at Evans, Jasper The commissar’s gambit: commissar’s The contradictions of Soviet chess of Soviet contradictions lieved with lieved ideological that vigour was chess a game for communists. its From verybegin chess nings, influenced - , which follows the fictional , which follows model.’ Moscow, the 1960s. Beth Harmon, the young Amer Beth Harmon, the young the 1960s. Moscow, So a sturdy off against Borgov, faces ican prodigy, of our most pleasures One of the few viet soldier. program the Netflix watching was lockdown recent The Queen’s world chess orphaned child to from path Harmon’s Gambit on is placed a lot of emphasis champion. In the show, and a domina of the game, domination the Soviet tion it certainly Between 1948 and the dissolu was. chess only one non-Soviet was tion of the USSR there domination This Fischer. champion: Bobby world be politics; the Soviets simple power beyond went East, and chess is thought to have been one of the have to and chess is thought East, devel as his radicalism he held on to lifelines few But both Marx of chess as oped. thought and Lenin distraction; than a pleasant as revolution little more There put aside. was the chess board approached, were games when the proletariat no times for were rising. chess started that It to after was the revolution It a initially used as game. as a Soviet was develop deep who, the Red Army, mechanism for training learning to that insistent were in a vicious civil war, the cut castle and taking prove would en passant It ideol ting edge. instilled within Communist was transform social planners looked to ogy as Soviet communism Marx’s won. they had now the nation expected Russia, the undeveloped not have would a communist experience to of Europe, backwater Marxism. Karl Marx if not an incessant, himself was participate He would in particularly player. good, games, repeated of end on days of marathons chess the in the same player times to often losing several played Lenin single victory. of an eventual search of the Russian wastelands the barren to while exiled ‘In games, as in reality, as in reality, ‘Ingames, tradictions in the Soviet there seemed to exist con exist seemed to there - - , Hardy tells us that the us that tells , Hardy Tess of the d’Urbervilles day that British social democracy could have coped coped British democracysocial that have day could society. changing with the In “in how, was Tess to in relation Clare of Angel error what he overlooked not, was she what considering also ring true for words Hardy’s Perhaps she was”. of social democracy. in British politics, view, our own considered so long for have we Inmemory, popular during the 1970s of Labour government the flaws and given its strengths, forgotten have may we that the fall of social democ that the mistaken view into of the twain. racy inevitable convergence an was demonstrates. Furthermore, the successes of the of the the successes Furthermore, demonstrates. us to to suggest may in 1976-8 government Labour ------success of success the ‘Social Contact’ not inevita as the ble, previous wage re wage was straint but fateful, a fourth phase of of 1978-9. Callaghan’s of 1978-9. Callaghan’s decision to stick with was not the work of an Immanent Will, made inevi made Will, an Immanent of the work not was of a new so its vaingloriousness in the face table by in the winter out most profoundly ciety and played demise. However, Hardy’s poetry, compelling as it is, is, it as compelling poetry, Hardy’s However, demise. state fall of the social democratic The is not history. out any support from the TUC met its nemesis, as TUC met its nemesis, supportout any the from back are so we And drama”. inevitably as in a Greek of inevitable in 1912, and the realm Hardy with Mr. In his memoirs of 1989, Denis Healey observed that with cent per norm of five hubris a pay in fixing “Our “the bitterness of subsequent events could not be could events “the of subsequent bitterness Thatcher handing Mrs avoid in time to over patched the election on a plate”. later that the “unrealistic, impossible 5% limit” put impossible 5% limit” “unrealistic, the that later conflict damaging into “inevitably the government Shore, to According with the unions and the party”. lot to this particular, contingent event. Peter Shore, Shore, Peter event. contingent this particular, lot to writing agrees, Minister the time, at Environment fourth phase, regardless of its merits as a proposal of its merits as a proposal regardless fourth phase, rela this abandoned down, keeping inflation for a owes view, in my ensuing turmoil, The tionship. wage restraint had successfully brought down in down brought had successfully restraint wage relationship consensual a in Britainflation through The unions. and the trade government between ish social democracy in and of itself, but a failure but a failure ish social democracy in and of itself, phases of first three The of it. in the management then took on their own momentum, of course, but of course, momentum, on their own then took perhaps, is how, us now to reveal these details what Brit of not a failure was of Discontent Winter the laghan decided against calling a general election, against calling a general laghan decided the overwhelming had followed clamour of which Events in July. TUC the by rejection proposals of the negotiated with the TUC. Furthermore, in Septem TUC. Furthermore, the with negotiated Cal begin, to supposed phase was the before ber, to three phases of flat rate income rises. However, However, rises. income rate of flat phases three to began devel of 1978, Callaghan year in the new fourth a been had not that phase for oping plans 1971 Industrial Relations Act, the TUC would agree agree TUC would Industrial1971 the Act, Relations

6 look left MT20

9 MT20 left look - - - - - suf homo - - - Support Miners the fierce Labour supporter all her life and I doted supporter Labour doted I and life fierce her all She on me. a major influence on her -she was tel woman, a young she was when me that told and been invented, really hadn’t evision media When a radio. a afford people could not many election the people in the general happened, hall. town the outside and stand go would town announcing the call be a telephone There’d people won, Tories and if the election results, and weep, in the streets sit down literally would get a going to because they knew were they kicking. problems My more I had sexuality is where was I had joined when I with the Labour Party. But then active. 15, and had been quite around struggling with my and I was London to I moved glimmer find any I didn’t sexuality enormously. I of hope within the Labour Party whatsoever. a lot of were but there expected to, really hadn’t men, and gay women towards macho attitudes in sexuality becoming was the time my and at cut a long story To important creasingly me. to short: Gay Switchboard, London I had phoned noth was there me that to and they explained with being a ing wrong sexual: what I was I was what sexual: wasn’t from fering homosexuality, my from suffering I was something called Once homophobia. to explained was that being from I went me, on myself down really being just unbe to but happy, lievably bloody an also so gry because I felt been cheated I’d of those adoles I where years cent frightened felt had so And and guilty. I ended up coming ------Jade Calder, History at St Peter’s College History Peter’s St at Jade Calder, Co-Founder of Lesbians and Gays and of Lesbians Co-Founder Interview: Mike Jackson, the the system. My paternal grandmother was a was My grandmother paternal the system. hand how working class people suffer under workinghand how class people suffer skilled, poorly paid jobs, so I’ve experienced first experienced skilled, so I’ve poorly paid jobs, to send funds to them because it would be se them because it would send funds to to groups Instead, government. the by questered twinned Britain in with and abroad throughout money get their to communities mining dividual circumvent those communities, directly to sent one of those groups was ing the union. LGSM in the movie. is told the rest and well, did your how got going, the group Jade: Before for left-wing politics intersect with the fight own rights? LGBTQ+ working a deprived Mike: quite I came from a My died when I was father class background. bring me had to poor old mum so my little boy, She didn’t up on her own. older sister and my and had a series of un qualifications any have Michaelmas Term’s LGBTQ+ Caucus Representative Representative Caucus LGBTQ+ Term’s Michaelmas interviewsJade Calder Mike Jackson, the co-founder Supportand secretary and Gays of Lesbians the is immortalised group The in the 2014 film Miners. their efforts supporting in which follows the Pride, strike. miners during the 1984/5 miners’ coal Welsh and secretarythe Lesbians of were You Jade: SupportGays the Miners back in the 1980s. will know Left the about of Look readers Many who those for but Pride, film the from group can you of the history of LGSM aware aren’t it and how aims were group’s the what explain came about? the huge going back to so you’re Mike: Okay, govern Thatcher’s strike 1984/85. of miners’ trying was ment starve to strikingthe miners off cutting by work and their families back to the Union’s and sequestering benefit payments being paid. the strikers from prevent funds to Union of Mineworkers National an put out The who supported anyone call for international complete movie’s the where is this and - them a problem have don’t we odds with reality, ly at - but the Union put out a message not with that - old, was forever influenced by that Soviet presence. presence. by that Soviet influenced forever was old, we itself, showed influence that By how considering the board. truths far beyond can see and consequences highlight the failures of its co the failures highlight consequences and years of thousands of chess, game The state. ercive ------ority, but its methods ority, out all of its thinking.its Itsof all out dominance of chess through ment promotion showed So showed promotion ment full of contradictions that ran ran that full of contradictions for the foreseeable future. The The future. the foreseeable for ideology, it dug that ideology it dug that ideology, - - - govern viet superi USSR was USSR was through complete a left-wing its grave into The Soviet Union, its crimes and disasters, are a hard hard a are Union, its crimes Soviet and disasters, The as a leftist. It counter when to must be said that point value, face least at at adopted, superpower a world politics. Chess was to be both deeply political, yet yet political, deeply both be to was Chess politics. be had to but a game, apolitical; it was necessarily more. was not too political. Chess was used as a way to to way a used as was Chess political. too not was otherwise might minds that occupy drift towards oped beyond the simple game enjoyed by Marx by the simple game enjoyed oped beyond the some that by it is believed Ironically, and Lenin. it because chess precisely Union promoted Soviet crime was ‘formalism’, playing chess for its own sake, sake, own its for chess playing ‘formalism’, crimewas the impor was Such means. political for than rather devel it having Union, of chess in the Soviet tance ence the wrath of the state, with many being per being many with state, the of wrath the ence supposed Their Terror. duringthe Great secuted thorities, although not for his solidarity not for with the although thorities, of the Soviet his abandonment but rather strikers, experi to the only chess player not Union. He was a large vase he chose on the basis of its huge size on the basis of its huge size he chose vase a large and weight. the au by as a traitor denounced Alekhin later was mands, other than those for increased cheddar, cheddar, increased than those for other mands, and the tourna embarrassment, avoid met to were of Alekhin by consisted prize whose won was ment remaining cheese to the players’ -historians have have -historians the players’ to cheese remaining de The this particular understand to yet request. increased rations, and ‘the immediate issue of the issue ‘theimmediate and rations, increased

8 look left MT20

11 MT20 left look ------to the appeal by the district the appeal by to those collector that the touch shouldn’t caste” “untouchable of the activists tank, advocat several water Chadvaar in their speeches at resistance ed non-violent “untouchables”. of thousands of assembly an called these a girl Amongst declared: Shantabai, this social rev “allow are we that olution about to bringing do peacefully, unfold reject us, oppose not and em the Shastras After justice”. brace B. a speech from R. Ambedkar, one of the most prom of the Communist Party of India,of the Communist India All Kisan time the party by Sabha, so that after revived of poorer almost entirely 1965, it consisted poor the oppor the rural gave This peasants. tunity assert to the driving as force themselves The 1966 Bi first time. the for struggles in rural of the ru the centrality har famine emphasised the bare also lay but poor in leftistral struggles, women agricultural by faced double oppression in particular. Origins “Rural In an articlein Social Scientist, Gail Omvedt in India”, Liberation Women’s of part that many writes initially motivated of what the was the revolutionary fold towards women of not only workinginjustice long hours of man of but men, than wage lower a for labour ual their family under con for care to also having to difficult became increasingly “it ditions where cooking”. for of food the minimum even procure faced “Women uniquely, reflects that, Omvedt productionof point the at both oppressors their to had They of consumption”. the point and at supervisors and corrupt landlords in encounter merchants, workers;exploitative and field as the marketsin con as unavailability and risingprices, of the beginnings 1975). From sumers (Omvedt, have women anti-caste movements, progressive In response in 1927, notable. and present been ------Doaa Shabbir, PPE at Lady Margaret Hall Margaret Lady at PPE Doaa Shabbir, The vanguard of revolution: therevolution: of vanguard The role of women in South Asian leftism in South Asian women of role Before independence, the central conflict in central the independence, Before Indian society landless ag rural between was landlords, and semi-feudal workers ricultural allies who were and bureaucrats) (merchants post-independ limited Due to of British rule. a partial against movement land reforms, ence and some development excesses, semi-feudal landscape the technology, revolution green in A section change. of capitalist farmers began to remaining the with collaborated who emerged ruling classes within villag form to landlords face to continued workers agricultural Poor es. such as debt dependence of semi-feudal forms whilst conditions bondage and sharecropping rural divide in The increased. of landlessness with poor and landless society widened, steadily and richand peasants side, one on peasants Rich started peasants other. on the landlords front the peasants from themselves alienate to Speaking at a garment workers’ protest, the protest, Speaking a garment workers’ at fe largest Bangladesh’s of one of founder male-led declared: unions Nazma Akter trade economy The not the object are mercy. of “We with our toil”. moves subject a less familiar While in leftist narratives, history a deep and complex South has Asia of Indianof communists, lives The struggle. class only not been ignored “have notes Taneja Nalina and the historians nationalist the mainstream by variety, ‘post-colonial’ of the historians latter-day histori the major Left by but also [...] avoided certain With 2019). (Loomba, themselves” ans an can be said to the same notable exceptions, of commu lives about the extent greater even and working of rural Studies class nist women. a long history of in South reveal Asia women oppression of triplethe burden confronting the insidious intersection of cap borne through overlap This patriarchy. and colonialism, italism, a Bangladeshi the decision of is made clear by to factory his all-male workforce switch boss to “women that basis the on one majoritya female choices” fewer they have because cheaper are the legal few rights, afforded Whilst 2014). (Ross, in South of women and resilience labour, life, leftist has shaped and influenced circles Asia beyond. but not just in their home regions ------clarity The interview has been edited slightly for interview for The slightly has been edited ments, etc. And I just find that really I just find that And cynical. etc. ments, young think the lessons that do you What Jade: people and activists on the left can take LGBTQ+ the storyfrom of LGSM? and oldest story simplest The we’ve that Mike: got really: I simply the importance of solidarity. in the last few experience had one interesting be I was where came out the movie since years as journalist.And radio gay a intervieweding by “So LGSM, he said, the studio, into walked we that And Altruism?” about then? all that what’s my God. oh I thought me. floored completely do with altru nothing to it’s no, “No, I said And solidarity.” ism. It’s ades ago, it saw the strength of the pink pound, pound, of the pink the strength it saw ades ago, hijacked it’s now money), and men’s gay (mainly seen even a killjoy not I’ve I mean, but, I’m Pride. in London. on Pride BAE Systems from a banner Saudi armsArabia, to suppliers BAE Systems, appall that find I men). gay execute they (where ethical be any to seem just doesn’t There ing. on or attendance line of sponsorship bottom veryreal that I find And sad, march. the Pride I try Mind Barclays you, against it. fight and ly. of pride been a major sponsor in London have London a setting off in they were As years. for with a homemade them ago I crashed years few taken of it. and got some photographs placard, Bank “Barclays like said something placard The supporting for Apartheid we 1986. Lest 1974 to major spon they were because of course, get”, sors of the South Apartheid African regime. ‘pinkwashing’, a very of good example That’s commu has failed the BAME a company where nity try so they’ve our backs to onto jumped and communitytheir about involve credibility get that. But - there’s always a but - capitalism. It capitalism. - but a always there’s - But that. dec Many anything. out of a buck make tries to - - - - doubt about is fantastic, there’s no there’s is fantastic, we’ve achieved in the last thirty achieved years we’ve lar self-consciousness. We grew up either too up either too grew We lar self-consciousness. an act did it was or if we hold hands, to frightened everythingAll the legal protection, of defiance. this day, if I see a gay couple walking the couple down if I see a gay this day, they stirs me that it always holding hands, street particu without any do it with impunity, seem to we’ve made. And I live in Kings Cross in central in central in Kings I live Cross And made. we’ve to But area. gay a quite it’s know, You London. won rights? won it? I isn’t edged thing, a double it’s Yeah, Mike: decry would nobody mean, that advances the itive thing that people are being embraced by by being embraced people are thing that itive still Do you readily? society more mainstream be wary need to think we of hard- of the fragility think that LGBTQ+ activism has been de-politi LGBTQ+ think that a pos think it’s Or do you years? cised in recent Jade: LGSM was obviously quite a left-wing quite obviously was Jade: LGSM pa of Pride commercialisation the With group. capitalism, do you and rainbow marches rade that stuff. I know it’s not perfect we can and yet, I it’s know stuff. that gained. we’ve lose what always to fight against and to improve and to change and improve to against and fight to a lot of got through have we and thank God now Lesbians could have their children taken away taken away their children have could Lesbians That unfit mothers. deemed because they were lot had an awful We like. was the world what was whether I would be involved in LGBTQ+ stuff stuff LGBTQ+ in involved be would I whether no rights had absolutely back then we but now, being gay. be sacked for could You whatsoever. The world now isn’t perfect by any means, but perfect means, any by isn’t now world The 36 years was than it better a damn sight it’s sure not I’m community. LGBTQ+ the ago for in socialism, but in terms of priorities for a few a few of priorities terms but in in socialism, for important.sexuality more was my really, years, out. I never lost my class politics or my belief belief my or politics class my lost never I out.

10 look left MT20

13 MT20 left look ------issues including human rights, peace movements, movements, peace issues including human rights, whose a future create to and environmentalism, can all enjoy. fruits we and the Pakistani capitalist establishment in 1968- establishment capitalist the Pakistani and leftist broader within However, 2017). 69 (Parveen, has unfortunately re been a there times at circles For organisations. women’s autonomous to sistance Sri of two Lankan women when leftexample, par an autonomous form to in 1947 together ties came in rais their achievement despite group, women’s working the partiesing issues concerning women, (Jayawardena its dissolution after a year ordered bread, must have “the worker As 1989). and Kelkar, where spaces socialist too”, roses, have must she but tacklewomen issues whose impacts specifical are go further must women, for and ly compounded revolutionary in which wom frameworks provide the surviveen can not only and beyond through capital and patriarchy, of strongholds oppressive in organisation Naxalite a example, For but thrive. cam Jharkhand anti-patriarchy held a year-long with rights spearhead women’s to order in paign female for rations separate including in the party, and fortnightly during menstruation, re comrades iden both women flection and men where sessions characteristics within patriarchal tified unconscious the party and in themselves 2019). (Oberoi, must prioritise encouraging we forward, Moving ally the left that is a central feminists by recognition of class analy based on awareness social change, to against work and acknowledge to and continue sis, sectarianismthe occasional and insularity in both Dialogue should certain and leftist circles. feminist of greatest be extended are on the issues which legacyThe left of South Asian importance both. to networking the possibilities displays ist women’s on broader with other groups together of coming ------our societies are run; internal leadership and mem run; internal our societies are must encompass programmes bership education consum and community, worker, public, like topics taxation. and progressive er ownership; A 2017 article Marxist that, in Asian states review al “working have class women historythroughout point of revolution”, vanguard been the real ways women’s of proletarian examples the ing towards dictatorship Ayub’s against General resistance tion from these histories; models of communi models histories; these from tion which the world across ty-basedorganisation be de all of us can and benefit mobilise to expand it is that of organization value specific The veloped. furthermust go a small where a situation than just people activists of dedicated engage as many group whom civ leaders for develop to as possible; it has participationic importantan becomes part their of Ambedkar by rec urged to women like the identity, It the anti-caste to struggle. centrality their ognise basing by lives people’s to meaning should provide immediate addressing action values, common in Anti-price-risethe like conditions, Com material It the opportunity offer should do. aimed to mittee in soci passively existing from a transformation for you for others decide of what ety the sufferance at actor a self-actualised, driven pursuing the rad to commu your of empowerment and liberation ical order in outlined, Gilmore Wilson Ruth Like nities. work elites of capitalism, preserve the stronghold to (Gil and think very on the move about money hard neigh mobility can destroy 2018). Capital’s more, or gentrification through bourhoods and regions under dependencythe creates it disinvestment; relocate to threats with organization union mines 2010). Like the Shiv Sena pit people tried to (Miller, to continues capitalism against small shopkeepers, sub between destructive competition encourage local gov and between within populations, groups wage, low “union-free” effortsin ernments create to making gov environments- regulation tax, low low than rather ernment enemies amongst themselves organising Community good. common for tools how to alternatives radical discussing involve must ------ra ing ing ing ing be gained - - - inspi and draw from understand from ry and to learn from community-led approaches. Inry approaches. community-led learn from and to “organ out that and Billing point Alvesson general, theoryization the 1980s and up to has traditionally Siva specifically, More neglectedaspects”. gender nandan, a Sri Lankan and political thinker novelist urgencythe emphasised rethinkingof and histories the highlighting peoples, World Third of struggles he counter rewriting difficulty and of significance must be histories that He urges gemonic histories. especially politics, material everyday by informed the survival cap in an international of the poorest those so often struggle by an acute italist system- out of historywritten 2018). Addition (Seneviratne, is something very there rich to ally, narrative of the Shiv Sena, towards big capital big Shiv Sena, of the towards narrative It urban middle-class brought the state. ists and and working-class in the streets to on women of this organisation, work The demonstrations. as the participation textileas well of women strike1974 the in wives workers’ and workers of left a number by risesagainst price called for closing factories, shops, unions trade aligned the brought and markets, restaurants, railways, of particular the forefront to needs of women networks The 2019). leftist (Loomba, struggles activity by of this kind created amongst women further societal wider for for organising allowed prominent a Jayawardena, Kumari aims as well. Sri Lankan since that activist, comments feminist networking already meeting and were women the country across each other in conferences rapidly able to they were of issues, on a range participatemobilise to movement in the peace 2002). (Giles, the war of the beginning from importanceThe of reflectionis upon these histories theo organisational redress us to two-fold; it allows Bombay which had previously been erroneous been previously had which Bombay the to due shopkeepers small towards ly aimed ------of every left par ten seen ten as “fronts” ty. It redi ty. were of were rected the rected ganisations ganisations anger of peo ple in women’s or women’s pattern by which by pattern tee saw significant achievements, breaking achievements, significant saw tee the backgrounds. Despite its limitations as a wom its limitations Despite backgrounds. the Anti-price-rise Commit movement, en’s Leftist groups helped expand social conscious social expand helped groups Leftist amongst actionthe shown beyond ness already of range a from women engaging women, rural en’s lives, insisting that all the passions of ro all the insisting that lives, en’s achieving into should be channelled manticism the work.the task of changing an had been hitherto allowed to paint”. Through Through paint”. an had been hitherto to allowed dictatingart, wom she critiqued conventions Loomba describes her as “emblematic” of a new “emblematic” describes her as Loomba “whowas one kindera; the in woman socialist of than the ones wom larger a canvas to attracted language, was inspired to make the transition make the transition to inspired was language, inqui to (romanticism) shabab from in his work Rashid writer the by Ania Jahan. (revolution) lab Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a Pakistani Marxist a Pakistani poet and Faiz, Ahmed Faiz in the Urdu writers one of the most prominent cal action. South Asian women also contributed cal action. also contributed women South Asian revolutionary some of the most recognisably to Itart is reported the subcontinent. that from in dismantling the systems of oppression. Their Their of oppression. systems the in dismantling told. their stories must be heard, voices in direct politi not only told were stories These where caste oppression tangles with sexism, it with sexism, tangles oppression caste where activists central who become is (poor) female truth, the task of removing untouchability” can untouchability” of removing truth, the task men, but actualised, not by be fundamentally that emphasises This 2014). (Pawar, women by Manusmruti, there was a women’s procession. procession. women’s a was Manusmruti,there be always “must Ambedkar they them that urged the tell “to and that, in [their] meetings’’ present by the British colonial government, which holds which government, the British colonial by the lowest-ranked members of and women afterthe burning of the day A in contempt. caste tion was placed to burnManusmruti, the to an an placed was tion Hindu the law formulate text legal to used cient inent figures in anti-caste resistance, a resolu a resistance, anti-caste in figures inent

12 look left MT20

15 MT20 left look ------stemming from that are easily seen to be un easily seen to are that from stemming we Instead, founded. we ensure need to our differentiate the from selves seeming reckless ness of spending in the last two – the manifestos country knows that do not have we money or infinite time, infinite but these last manifes two seemed tos this. forget to Both 2017 and 2019 goal of improving society, then be able to disa to able then be society, of improving goal in opposition ourselves pitting without well gree other. with each Starmer whether car as to is no question There riessim – the as Blair quoi sais je ne same the no doubt is also There ple factdoesn’t. he is that a very had was special force Corbyn what that voters first-time many genuinely energised that least he will be in this at leftists, and and young the question as also of course is There missed. me 2024 – for whether Starmer will last until to as the party does, least I hope he at do could is impor What with some stability helm. the at see the to are if we though, especially here, tant as happened in 1997, is that kind reversal of partythe for time in our leader behind unites kindThe of man against man the next election. American-style oppositional politics will not go of seeing the trend years; in the next four away presidential like they’re debates Party Leader though only 2/650 of the coun even debates, will try those leaders directly, for actually vote show need to we means that This not go away. – our support– publicly and privately Starm for other or any Tory, or a not call him a traitor er, hold to still need We in vogue. insult currently actions his recent sure – and for account him to need we deserveaforementioned, this – but as infighting lead to doesn’t this that be careful to or factionalism. say fair to I think it’s In of competence, terms the Labour Partythat is very of 2020 different which handled the financial crisisthan that in about incompetence 2008/9, so arguments ------ther, many traditional supporters traditional of the Labour many ther, of post-industrial wall’ ‘red party – the so-called Corbyn with unhappy working– were classes of the met emblematic seeing him as too too, no position was This left. bourgeois ropolitan in The try to election general a fight and on. Factionalism to stop. needs therefore, fighting, the soul of the partyis destroying and pits us is no need for and there against our comrades, on specific disagree be able to need to We it. over policy oppositional groups without forming but it – criticising leadership is often necessary, the title of this arti As a civil war. require doesn’t the party unite need to we to in order cle shows, unity as the self-branded win in 2024. Starmer, solving this, to has gone some way candidate, is go This over. far from are but our problems and beyond, in their CLPs take everybody, ing to common and our first prioritisecomradeship to that was crumbling around them, not post-war not post-war them, around crumbling was that in the 70s, fail to seemed had that Keynesianism Of of the two. version triangulated but a new know this whether in 1997 didn’t voters course, alterna than the work, better but it was would on Brown, of crisis. years more which was tive, boom abolished have to claimed takingoffice, him, be fair to to true, this was and bust – and This government. Labour New the of most for policynew economic not especially radical was Corbyn/McDonaldpack by the offered (as was something new offering instead age in 2019), had in what had its grounding nonetheless that gone before. the New Labour approach of last key facet The practicali the them their landslide was won that from another example draw To ty of their policy. unilateral of pledge manifesto a had Foot 1983, did – which, mid-coldnuclear disarmament war, On the all practical the electorate. not seem at to things that New Labour promised other hand, House of Lords like be achievable, seen to were for radical pretty still – devolution and reform majority but with a large and a public their time, in Voters modernisation, achievable. for desire as well feasible was that a manifesto 1997 saw spot of mani is the sweet and this as desirable, promising. festo to adapt these characteristics to do we How question is no there Labour party?Firstly, day’s unity In as a party. 2019, need greater we that the party Cor unquestionably divided over was members of the par prominent with many byn, Fur ty against him as a leader. being explicitly ------for 2024 for Beth Nott, PPE at Brasenose College Brasenose Beth PPE at Nott, of Labour was competent. The most importantThe competent. of Labour was dif do was New Labour needed to thing that the specifically econom itself from ferentiate of Winter the past (e.g. of Labour’s ic failures Conserva recent the and 1978-9) Discontent did They crisis of 1992). Euro the past (e.g. tive poli positioning their economic this through monetarism Thatcherite not – way’ ‘third cyas ther. unity furtherThis was the fig by strengthened idealistic leader energetic, of Blair – a young, ure only get could Things with his party behind him. person was the possibility it could that better, for a new was a modern figure He ified in Blair. of his actions many While millennium of politics. the Blair should be criticised, rightfully in office Accom away. or swept effect cannot be ignored in voters to packagein the Blair panying offered together and the two Brown, Gordon 1997 was served as Brown the top. stability from provided premier of Blair’s the full 10 years for Chancellor in the Younger the Pitt the longest since ship, packaged these two With to 18th century. late was leadership team the New Labour gether, and unified in thought and internally cohesive policy choosing Blair knew – voters they were together two the that and Brown, choosing also forward. be on the same page moving would packageThis this new version that helped show programme of reform to the party to of reform had that programme started with Kinnock but gained new and Smith an enormous Labour suffered with Blair. heights “longest suicide note in 1983, with Foot’s defeat its reshape to and sought manifesto, in history” While a wider demographic. appeal to image to the leftnaturally of the party not complete were (like some with changes, the all with board on ly on Arthur party the leaving Scargill) altogether, the whole the party under the idea united were its appeal – of modernisation and broadening all else. they knew win in 1997 above they had to unit were Labour therefore, In the public view, were Conservatives the hand, other the On ed. but also especially, Europe divided – over utterly jux This project. Thatcherite about the larger fur message Labour’s taposition strengthened ------a i t with with brought brought death of death John Smith tragic and tragic sudden in 1994 af Tony Blair’s Blair’s Tony Unite to win: lessons from 1997from lessons win: to Unite ter the ter

ascension to leader to ascension then set out what the Labour of today needs to needs to the Labour of today then set out what areas. in these four succeed do to unity. had Labour New practical policy. I will start outlining practical by policy. this essay areas, four these in succeeded Labour New how cialist party, and ought to be replicated by La by be replicated to ought and cialist party, characteristics are These win. to are bour if we and competence, leadership, of strength unity, we need to become an explicitly centrist party, party, centrist explicitly an become to need we of New Labour’s but many as New Labour was, so an explicitly by replicable characteristics are election fight in 2024. I will be clear here and say and say election be clear here in 2024. I will fight I think that mean necessarily this doesn’t that both parties), the Labour it is right for I think party caused our victory what look at to in 1997 our next general it for and learn lessons from uation in the 2020s is very different to that of to that in the 2020s is veryuation different such a major the 1990s (notably the SNP being majorities for cutting into years, in recent force wing of the party take hold and publish a rad while not the world promising ical manifesto, sit political the Though it. deliver to able being public spending that hit the neediest the hard that public spending leftthe seen have In est. we periods both too the 80s, Thatcher privatised and deregulated, deregulated, and privatised Thatcher 80s, the in the and strippedour unions of their power; huge cuts to oversaw the Conservatives 2010s, we have lost 4 consecutive electionsthe to lost 4 consecutive have we has led as then, this and now, Conservatives; In in our society. the poorest harm to great to We cannot keep losing. This is a statement as is a statement This cannot keep losing. We as then, in 1995: now, it was true in 2020 as

14 look left MT20

17 MT20 left look ------about a post-capital utility in bringing ica, and to consider its consider ica, and to cusing on trends in Amer cusing on trends galvanize, is that they be is that galvanize, deradicalized: steadily come already proven their ability to proven already de their most inoffensive thought within Marxism,thought fo these movements, which have which have these movements, mands are adopted, their fig adopted, mands are ureheads co-optedureheads their and ternative to socialist support to ternative for modern democratic socialist modern democratic for democratic socialism. The al The socialism. democratic for rhetoric defanged by the liberal the liberal rhetoric defanged by a tentative attempt at locating locating at attempt a tentative ysis, necessarily would) make way make way would) necessarily ysis, It is the aim of this article offer to establishment. which could (or, depending on your anal depending on your (or, which could acobinism’ I believe socialists in the MarxistI believe must re tradition Bernie behind Sanders and oth claim the movement pol Sanders’ where Even socialists. democratic US er with break unprecedented an represent not do icies spoke his 2016 and 2020 campaigns capitalism, both a class conflictthe language of which did not begin or end at the ballot box. It on an ac explicitly box. the ballot relied or end at defined in opposi ‘99%’ of the mass movement tive such, they represented As interests. corporate tion to a rejection not only of left but also of neoliberalism, social democracy. of post-war the class compromise the victoryThe represent would a campaign of such establishment of a ‘class struggle social democracy’ social democracy’ struggle ‘class of a establishment ist society. In doing so, it is necessary to separate the it is necessary separate In to doing so, ist society. as class to refer might which we periodof transition, of that the end goal, from struggle social democracy, a democratic socialism. a democratic ‘J‘J so of the infrastructure the Somewhatperversely, only was States in the United cialist movement re-established of Bernie Sanders and after the defeat Donald Trump’s election in 2016. In the intervening Trump’s Donald have Socialists Democratic of America (DSA) period, some 10,000 seen their membership balloon from roughly 85,000 to the first campaign Sanders’ before ------a class struggle social democracy social struggle a class Alex Beard, History Beard, Alex and German College University at How socialist is Sanders? The case for case The Sanders? is socialist How to speed with the ‘social market economies’ of market economies’ ‘social speed with the to ‘so let alone the liberal such as Germany, countries of Northern Europe. cial democracies’ then, does an American politician seeking Why, election the right of the de on a set of policies to left-liberals call tar himself mands of most European answer with the brush of socialism? A compelling politics rests of Sanders’ the colour be that would would social changes that less on the Rooseveltian on presidency), and more a four-year from result be brought these changes would way the radical Debs. Eugene in line with his political hero: about, Liberal commentators never really decided what what decided really never commentators Liberal a exactly he was Sometimes, Bernie Sanders was. render would nomination whose radical dangerous Partythe Democratic unelectable. In other instanc he might when it appeared es (and most notably a clothing: in wolf’s a sheep simply was win), he the perverse who chose New Deal liberal label of campaign’s his of some Even socialist’. ‘democratic as an unneces supporters they saw what lamented sary concept distractingand that with association which the majority of Ameri – socialism – towards hostile. considered cans were for on the surface, grounds reasonable are, There socialism. claim to controversial rejecting Sanders’ and provision healthcare of universal promises The tackle to climate expenditure state greater of establishment although derided by change, Ameri brought have barely would Democrats, ca up - - - that that to en to need a will get a policy aims. aims. ests of have this have Labour Labour not properly not properly - - - - Practical socialism is Practical inter the in is that but we all workers, Labour partyfeasible act that changes the did not We us there. in 2019, but I hope with the rec ommen dations outlined in this article can we a have party of govern in ment 2024. We can dream big – like House of Lords reform reform Lords of House – like big dream can We claim feasibly cannot big – but we or devolution next in the every the world in solve problem to all our manifesto centre we Perhaps 5 years. – 2030 by zero net of goal single the on pledges our just afterfinishes – through 2024 term the IndustrialGreen Revolution? In the Labour Partyunder conclusion, to needs have we but that task ahead, of the stand the size than situations harsher in before succeeded the next four again. For can succeed this and we infighting, the stop our task is threefold: years, and bonds of unity and solidarity, strong form countrythe that believe can manifesto a create guidance, for 1997 can look to we Though in. and that they did worked what that recognising a par become need not we it, can replicate we ty facing us – climate as the issues of centrism, crisisparticularin are – moderate a by solved party with moderate plicitly justified and costed, to ensure that we that ensure to costed, and justified plicitly party. practical as a seen and competent are ------ex need to be need to pledges pledges clearly and is that our is that The lesson The spent on it. on it. spent needs to be needs to ty billions that be such a priori text for why it needs why text for - t o definitely have been very been year as this popular have definitely enough provide didn’t has panned out!), but we con attempt to be seen as responsible and compe be seen as responsible to attempt everybody free give the plan to Similarly, tent. is a policy (and would broadband polls well that should be planted by 2050 to reach net zero, is net zero, reach 2050 to by should be planted hurts prospect, and thus simply an absurd our our pledge to plant 2 billion trees by 2040, while 2040, by 2 billion trees plant our pledge to than) the extreme in line with (although more trees 1.5bn that estimate Commission’s Forestry popular, taken together as a package taken together it is clear popular, see them as the country our loss that by didn’t examples, take two To implementable. jointly desirable, and 2019 only succeeded on the lat only succeeded and 2019 desirable, each of true that probably it’s I think While ter. individually pledges was our 2019 manifesto opposition immediately after. after. opposition immediately as as well be feasible needs to Our manifesto term plan, not simply one that wants to get to wants simply one that plan, not term into back everything and crash done in 5 years contracts run out, giving us both a cheaper and cheaper a both us giving out, run contracts also contrib would This longer run alternative. as a party us being seen to ute who has a long of committing to renationalising key industrieskey renationalising to committing of commit could we us dear, costing immediately, private current the when renationalisation to have put a major strain on the country’s financ country’s on the strain put a major have be needs to our 2024 manifesto Therefore es. instead example, for – moderate fiscally more though we claimed they were costed, there there costed, were they claimed we though would implementation their that doubt no is were incredibly expensive manifestos, and and manifestos, expensive incredibly were

16 look left MT20

19 MT20 left look - - - Towards a democratic socialism a democratic Towards importanceClass is still of undeniable in in societies in which the many which inequality has risen sharply, for and livelihoods with lives pay to been forced have and in which an unharmed few, by a crisis produced tem in global increases calamitous effortsto prevent inter corporate been undermined by have peratures factor a galvanizing in the But it can also provide ests. The triumph of those who live world. for a better fight rep would wealth off work against those who live off triumphthe libertyof It. resent would democracy. and victorya ultimate socialism a democratic of represent article as this make to whose seeds, has attempted in contemporary politics. be found to are clear, - - - - - Beyond BernieBeyond be, provided the movement was still active and could still active and could was movement the provided be, of a concerted rebalancing gains made, any defend with a socialist socie and capital, of labour the forces that history proves Yet tyoutcome. logical the being an inevitability. this is far from the must not become reforms radical for fight The social de defined post-war that class compromise unions was trade strong which through mocracy, and a strong high wages relatively guarantee able to down. broke inevitably which yet and state, welfare the transition longer the period of compromised The in of, of capital have the forces the chances greater an experience “boycotting of Poulantzas, the words interveningbrutally of and socialism to democratic of History and it cannot is not teleological, cut it short.” (whose masses popular the that assumed be simply side with the will necessarily diverse) are experiences cause. radical Even though both of Sanders’ campaigns have failed, failed, have campaigns of Sanders’ though both Even a not contributed they have that does not mean that best con are They socialist cause. the to amount vast of a mod the first stage in the development sidered ern a necessary class politics which was consequence inequality and yawning stagnation, wage of years of collapse. impending climate supported that on. Sanders will live movement The must also be preservedBut what is his class rhetoric. the for whose appeal was Warren, Unlike Elizabeth the good of tax for via a wealth in’ ‘chip to wealthy in making not interested Sanders was all Americans, fea a Inequalityhim ultra-rich.. the for for was space the disempowered which system of a not a bug, ture, for Hence, elites. corporate of workingfavour in class of mandatory the promise representation example, boards. on company not and If power, to someone like Sanders comes mantra , then the neoliberal States just in the United magic its market leftbe must work to ‘free’ the that would There with. broken been decisively will have ------sult in an do not re transition transition such efforts immediate immediate to post-capto italism. now, even if even now, also. With With dead also. – but practical ones reducing lines for tion of democracyof tion essary mobilise to emissions fast ap proaching, it is nec proaching, teeing the preservateeing ideological grounds – it grounds ideological the reproducing avoids socialist change has Soviet model by guaran model by Soviet Support of this form for then such an actively mobilised mass movement is then such an actively mass movement mobilised ‘revolutionary’ is so what is precisely This required. period social of class struggle about the transition democracy. Luxemburgist. It argues that the popular movement Itmovement the popular that argues Luxemburgist. con of the betterment the immediate should seek the workingditions of social reform, classes through goal: eco of the long-term not lose sight but it must In the pro power. extension political, and by nomic, the gains made un for and defending of fighting cess an anti-capitalistder capitalism, class consciousness in delivering is instrumental which is thus developed socialism. of whether or the problem this overcomes Usefully, Bernienot Ocasio-Cortez Sanders Alexandria or are articulate they socialists in the sense that ‘true’ really is matters really What capitalism. to a clear alternative of working-class their politics in terms they frame that taking and count picking they on where fights power, antago which heightens in a way power corporate nisms whilst also making possible the achievement is importantWhat in the pur of short-term reforms. and short-termsuit of electoral successes goals is that to “go words, use Luxemburg’s to the masses do not, and defend be consolidated to If gains are sleep.” democracy and if economic be established, is to ed, Social reform or revolution or Social reform electoral of is effectively struggle reading above The ------by Jac by

- - true socialism, - tological sense tological - Bigger than Bernie - - -

economic democracy. economic socialist government, into into socialist government, up a democratically-elected boldened popular movement boldened popular movement directuses action prop to democracy’, in which an em democracy’, period of ‘class struggle social ‘class period of stead describes the transi stead a revolutionary tion through democracy. The book in The democracy. ism and post-war social ism and post-war above’ in the forms both in the forms above’ of Bolshevik vanguard they reject ‘socialism from from ‘socialism rejectthey a democratic path to socialism: to path a democratic cialism is democratic or it is not cialism is democratic also endorse But its writers all”. at words of Nicos Poulantzas, “so of Nicos Poulantzas, words herently democratic. In the democratic. herently democracy into is in sphere, the economic being an extension of of the phrase: that that of the phrase: The socialism endorsed in the book is explicitly demo is explicitly socialism endorsed in the book The is the tau First cratic. socialism. ful starting point for considering modern democratic ful starting modern considering democratic for point left tradition. Despite relying far too heavily on a cari heavily far too left relying Despite tradition. it is a use of class, interpretation workerist caturised, in which they have been involved, within a broader within a broader been involved, in which they have left, and specifically the and DSA campaigns Sanders obin writers Megan Day and Micahand Megan writers good obin a is Day Uetricht, anchor the modern to of an attempt example recent obin subscribe. The book The obin subscribe. the ‘democratic socialism’ to which the writers at Jac at which the writers to socialism’ ‘democratic the social democrat Olof Palme with those of the Bolshe Olof Palme social democrat inform seems, it Both1917. in these, of Revolution vik bines defences of Swedish Prime Minister and radical Prime of Swedish bines defences Pravda of America’s radical left. The publication com publication The left. radical of America’s Pravda concept have come from writers at the magazine the at writers from come have concept the considered be affectionately which may Jacobin, Some of the most notable attempts to define the define the to Some most notable attempts of the ideological coherence which it does not always have. have. which it does not always coherence ideological socialists,, it remains contested and ill-defined, and and contested it remains socialists,, left the American radical with the air of an provides But despite so many self-describing so many But despite as democratic resentatives as Joe Biden assumes the Presidency in the Presidency Biden assumes as Joe resentatives January of next year. meanwhile, will take their seats in the House of Repthe in seats their will take meanwhile, both elected in 2018. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, Bush, both elected and Cori Jamaal Bowman in 2018. bers of Congress: AOC (who needs no introduction) introduction) no needs (who AOC Congress: of bers were Tlaib Squad-member Rashida fellow and her who now pay their dues. Among its number are mem are its number Among dues. their pay now who 18 look left MT20

21 MT20 left look ------to managed decline. Un managed decline. to der those circumstances, ity be extract can that campaign one from ed injectedand moment or again, Then another. into of law change is the iron would Corbyn politics. the 1994 won have never leadership election and Blair an unreconstructed be looks unlikely to ite elected as Labour leader time soon. any often who thing is, The change and represents is whether they will win out of the control entirely of most of the political ac Scottish in involved. tors much looks dependence a as if you attractive more coun your that feel voter try has been condemned there is no tangible qual is no tangible there the SNP is the only party offering hope. Likewise, the SNP is the only party Likewise, hope. offering had little probably the factors caused Brexit that Camer Had David Brexiteers. do with many to Thatcher on not cut servicesor had so viciously industryand Major replace not failed to in this pre not have 2% of us would maybe country, quo. the status the dark to into a leap ferred said Cameron what back to In it comes the end, leader: the future what Tory when he became No one person looks like changes all the time. just as no one political movement hope, owns hazy the As be, does. as the politics of hope may one certainty wins elections. when is this: hope of escaping the wilder our chances it, Without low. all too ness of opposition are Probably the highest profile and most embar most and profile the highest Probably a recapture to attempt of this example rassing aimed which event, Labour Live 2018’s vibe was appearance spirit the of Corbyn’s recapture to in been Having Glastonburyat before. the year tickets were adults, for £30/head at itially priced branches through away given slashed and then for 20,000 The capacity was and union affiliates. including those sold, tickets were but only 3,000 Kim Il Sung, Trotsky, of Leon taken in the names of HMP Belmarsh). Clearly (care Blair Tony and ------Wilson after a long thir Wilson rule or Tory of years teen the simple pledges and feel-good inevitability be claim to Labour could of the 1997 landslide, the party In have 2017 they could of the future. and very again claimed this mantle once nearly insurgent a slightly policies, Transformative did. and a leader who most people still campaign, How that. knewto contributed all about little As of 2017 flopped. rerun the attempted ever, campaign: said of Labour’s pollster a prominent even when Clearly, rise twice. the souffle doesn’t necessar doesn’t still it ‘right’ everythingdo you appeared when Corbyn ily work. Labour did well policies The in person? Double his appearances! Doublepopular? launch and number their were manifestos! 15 separate Perhaps the man to look to if we wish to under to wish if we to look to the man Perhaps his it made literally one who is the hope stand Undoubtedly, Obama. slogan: Barack campaign to me personally figure relatable more he is a Johnson’s in Labour. I suspect, anyone to and, and eluded me and charmappeal always has hoodie-hugging Boden-wearing, Cameron’s Oba But watching plain strange. persona was ma speak, of his adminis the disappointments and his pen the meeknesstration, of his policy, It to easy is strikes away. fall all drone for chant believe to be taken in, easy is ob in him. Personality viously important be to is credibility ing credible, important translating for If your policy votes. into fill even can’t local council area, in potholes in your trust them you would why carryto pub out major Hope can only lic works? some by be delivered one both personable and credible. Labour can run a good, upbeat They campaign. elections win not might would all oftenas we as but when they have, like, it is because they inspired better a for vote to people was that Whether future. of Harold face the fresh ------it is the ideological char ideological the is it acter of right and left that rule some iron determine the leftwhere must advo change and hope in cate actually to win. After order aren’t the Conservatives all, If nothing. for called that quo, a status defend you politics represent if you not small-c you are as it is, definition? conservative by sad real The maybe. Well, when governing alone in alone when governing the early introduced 2000s Hartz neoliberal the re IV to managed PASOK forms. trying themselves destroy cuts and EU implement to Socialistthe Party France in a derisorywon 6.4% of in the vote the first-round election. 2017 presidential that It say be easy to would The politics of hope politics The can claim some part in the country’s success. In success. can claim some part in the country’s something is there believe to want we bad, the it and no who says no matter come, to better politics The do this. to they promise how matter be never as hope could of something so vague the detail of policy. by constrained ity is that the language of hope can be, and has and ity the language of hope can be, is that is no one ar There been, co-opted the right. by chetype politician who steals of a right-leaning tell Cameron David From the clothes of hope. in 2005, to once” “he the future was ing Blair of a post-Brexit Boris Johnson and his promises land of milk and honey in 2016, they take many for people will vote In the good times, forms. who anyone or really technocrats, incumbents, in government to leverage in their favour are are in their favour leverage to in government gov been in have that Those in short supply. decade - a time when the past ernment over little have - the world across austerity rife was Three their record. or boast of in celebrate to Merkel in Germany administrations of the four which even SPD, the up by been propped have ------Danny Leach, PPE at Pembroke College Pembroke PPE at Leach, Danny - - - - and weakness across most of the West, social West, most of the and weaknessacross seriousa with record democrats social and ists cial democrat whom you might trust to look af trust to might whom you cial democrat grandma’s your and schools children’s your ter But as the left languish in opposition healthcare. ernments in the UK. Mark Drakeford in Wales is Wales in ernments in the UK. Mark Drakeford an almost perfect of the calm so embodiment business as usual; there is a good reason why why is a good reason business as usual; there incumbency is so powerful politics. in in one of the gov Labour is in power Of course, circumstances must be entirely exceptional to to exceptional entirely be must circumstances of on a platform win as an opposition candidate was, Biden winning was also really a demonstra also really winning was Biden was, to in the electorate of many tion of the desire the However, make politics boring and normal. an upbeat campaign with campaign an upbeat and she still hung on, if an ambitious platform defeat Trump’s as Donald gratifying As narrowly. could reasonably accuse accuse reasonably could of running May Theresa and grey politics. This prin This politics. and grey itself time ciple has proven and time again: nobody and feel-good music by and feel-good music by Elections often D:ream. are pairs of hands safe by won elections are not always elections not always are on a tide of sunshine won becomes more important more becomes than ever. It that should be noted depressing, the question the question depressing, claim hope of who gets to went to those who prom who those to went But ised something better. seems so when the world son’s “boosterism” in 2019, “boosterism” son’s someone is always there victory claim that willing to campaign, the EU referen the EU campaign, Boris John dum, or even out someone in the commentariat claiming that that claiming commentariat the in someone out Whether of hope. the mantle the victors seized presidential 2008 talking Obama’s about we’re politics. It politics. perfectlya is because term political it is perfectly whomever by malleable -wielded an election with It that is won is rare is worthy. Hope is one of the single vaguest concepts in concepts vaguest single the of one is Hope

20 look left MT20

23 MT20 left look - - - - - long way to go, but 2020 has shown us that us that but 2020 has shown go, to long way while cutting our carbon can still work we some conferences, moving by footprint 9. The EU has met its 2020 targets for climate climate for EU has met its 2020 targets The 9. in leaders EU by decided were that change includes a 20% cut in greenhouse This 2007. usage least 20% of energy gas emission, at and a resources renewable from comes a There’s in efficiency. 20% improvement meetings online. The temporary changes temporaryThe changes meetings online. fered hope that it will be outlawed shortly. shortly. it will be outlawed hope that fered UK - the changing consensus in 2020 has of has 2020 in consensus changing the - UK we have made this year contributed to a 4% to contributed made this year have we cleric Desmond Tutu. In July, Boris prom Johnson In July, Tutu. clericDesmond in the will be banned therapy conversion ised that 8. On a more serious note, widespread condemna widespread serious note, a more 8. On con gay harm of the by caused and awareness tion governments on put pressure have therapy version the following ban the practice, to the world around it earli which banned Victoria of state Australian religious 370 than more included This year. this er activist Southand African LGBT including leaders, emissions. in CO2 decrease Surviving the shit- this year. made it through We 10. in itself and is 2020 is an achievement that show nearly the at We’re be thankful for. something to our teeth gritting everyone for end; congratulations can. it and doing the best we through - -

- - of Britain’s colonial past as well as the challeng past as well colonial of Britain’s the In June, today. Black Britons by es faced Colston Edward merchant of colonial statue and here in Bristol protestors by toppled was was campaign the Rhodes Must Fall in Oxford in making body of successful the governing be removed. to the statue for vote Oriel College but small go yet, to a long way is There a win this were of change signifiers year. for a win Crown: The 7. Netflix’s the left virtue through of its bingeability caus and by among the ing outrage poshest of Conserva exposing by tives (alleged) secrets of our royals. 6. Although the Black Lives Matter movement movement Matter the Black Lives 6. Although improvements for widespread is still fighting equalityin racial of the mass and the abolition that no doubt there’s system, incarceration raised world the ripplesthe around caused it aims and forced the movement’s for awareness in structur their role consider to people many has already movement The inequality. al racial many funding in police in reducing succeeded in the US including Minneapolis places and here in the UK it has made us question the privilege ------whose president, Alberto Fernandez, has com Alberto Fernandez, whose president, furthering to mitted as gender equality as well com LGBTQ+ the for representation political munity in government. 4. A huge win for the left this year was the Bid the left was this year 4. A huge win for en-HarrisElection win in the US in November. to President tenth the became only Trump serve to be and the first office in just one term elec the 1990s in the largest out since voted tion turn-out seen. It that ever the US has shows a cult of personali and creating fear-mongering paired when keep in power not enough to ty are be to lovely It’s incompetence. with absolute as an upcoming Trump talk of President able to of the past. face the fourth will become country5. Argentina in South for legalise abortion America to (except after cases or cases of rape) in life-threatening house of gov the lower a bill passed through also pass to Predicted ernment in December. lives many this bill will save the Senate, through well as set a precedent as suffering and prevent is This world. the around countries other to the country win in equal rights for only a recent tion, when we campaign effectively and have the and have effectively campaign we tion, when support of the public. 3. In series a global of policy restric changes, donating men from gay tions which prevented the AIDS from leftover prejudice blood due to been recom or have relaxed pandemic were in the US, UK, be eased New mended to Brazil, Denmark, Australia, France Uruguay, Zealand, of these countries many Although and Hungary. period rath their deferral only reduced have that a sign it’s it all together, er than scrapped men donat gay the homophobia surrounding in the near that and hope ing blood is waning restrictions remove be able to may we future completely. Toni Ledda, PPE at University College University PPE at Ledda, Toni ------10 wins for the left the in 2020 for wins 10 campaign to contin to campaign ue free school meals ue free ford, who headed the who headed ford, hero, Marcus Rash Marcus hero, not forget the people’s the people’s not forget Anneliese Dodds. Let’s Let’s Dodds. Anneliese in the holidays, a life in the holidays, line for many in a time many line for the Shadow Chancellor Chancellor the Shadow when food bank use bank food when change, even in opposi even change, has increased by around around by has increased encouraged 40 times by 40 times by encouraged 300,000. These 300,000. These changes are a reminder that it’s still it’s that a reminder are possible to influence policy influence possible to lough scheme, as was heavily heavily as was lough scheme, - they also backtracked with the extensionof the they also backtracked fur based on the past performancebased on the past school, of their However, restored. grades had their predicted the country. One of the major instances was the the was One of the major instances the country. who had been de students where fiasco A-Level took even they never failed exams have to clared the general public forced the government to to government the forced public general the been incred have U-turn would on policies that people all over lower-income to ibly damaging 2. In the UK, pressure from the left the as 2. In from as well the UK, pressure has been achieved since the country since adopted has been achieved in 1996. system a proportional representation child poverty, tackling social and change climate poverty, child majorityinequality win an absolute led her to of electionthe 2020 in seats first time this - the Zealand and an example of what female lead female what of example an and Zealand in addi strategy Her Covid ership can look like. reducing on the housing crisis, her focus tion to approach to the pandemic, the socially progres the socially the pandemic, to approach change in New for leader became a beacon sive 1. Jacinda Ardern is one of the bigger success one of the bigger success is 1. Jacinda Ardern no-nonsense her for Praised this year. stories events this year for the Left to celebrate. Here Here celebrate. to the Left for this year events 10 of them: are 2020 has been a horrible year. While disaster disaster While been a horrible2020 has year. and world the natural up tore after disaster a few were there on society, havoc wreaked It ought to be pretty uncontroversial to say that that say to It uncontroversial pretty be to ought

22 look left MT20

25 MT20 left look ------es and workplaces. treatment across health servic across treatment pandemic, Labour must be pro pandemic, better for campaigning active, continue to lose out due to the lose out due to to continue ic. To ensure that women do not do women that ensure To ic. women throughout the pandem throughout women unpaid work, and security many of which has led to gaps in the earnings, gaps in the earnings, which has led to the impact of women and minorities, the impact and minorities, of women Much Covid policy consider Much has failed to Covid a clear lack of gender sensitive policies. policies. a clear lack of gender sensitive 700% increase in calls. The Domestic bill Abuse The calls. in increase 700% this sadly in 2021, however law become is set to had have who women many for late too comes lockdown. through struggle to campaign and writer feminist panel, the Since when made headlines, Criado-Perez er Caroline miscarriagea with dealing about up opened she the start At during the pandemic. of the Covid-19 and hospitals began prevent NHS trusts crisis, ing partners scans and appoint attending from is often tiring and trauma Pregnancy ments. UK pregnancies in four one that tising - given seems cruel to this measure end in miscarriage, of restrictions the easing Despite the least. say not NHS trusts have many the year, throughout voic pregnant eased these restrictions - clearly, in the pandemic. not being heard es are a pos has led to Coronavirus where One area is abortion. legislation in change itive In one of the government the earlier U-turns year, of this abortion, rules for abor home allowing relaxed after Boris present doctors no are tions where previous The this move. Johnson initially barred abor of a time when most a remnant was law and following proceedures, surgical tions were Minister James Covid rule, lockdown the relaxed planned are Bethness consultations said that on making of abortive home use pills perma early abortions. for Labour must hold the nent that and ensure this promise, to government does not of Covid made in the face progress crisis. out of the move as we dissipate has been the pandemic there Throughout ------of women as we begin on the long path on the long path begin as we of women take should we and pandemic, the of out seriously if recommendations these do so. to are we impacts on wom The of lockdown no means restricted by en were panel Our third the workplace. to Kingston-upon-Hulllist, MP Diana about Johnson, has been vocal tackling some domestic abuse for are but her contributions time, particularly important since Help is inevi lockdown. come to tably harder have and many by, been left alone with On a their abusers. in lockdown, single day the charity a Refuge saw are struggling financially, this productivity gap financially, struggling are retaining a between the difference make could being made redundant. job and dif things were how asked panel was our When lockdown, first and second the between ferent back kids that was were answer resounding the es is provision of childcare lack The school. at working class mothers, for pecially concerning less are They workers. key of whom are many un so are home, from work be able to likely to look after kids to during day the who available Mary otherwiseschool. at been would Ann have Budget Women’s of the director Stephenson, group’s the panellists; our of another was Group a between costs childcare that shows research For key salaries. fifth and a quarterwomen’s of jobs, in low-paying of whom are many workers, only set And things are is significant. this cost low demand and lack with difficult, get more to support six in one government of threatening childcare Going forward, providers. childcare expensive. likely more and get, to will be harder made a substan Budget Group Women’s The National Party’s the Labour tial submission to would that policies out set which Forum, Policy faced have women that the burden redistribute reverting back avoid to - a vital step this year Included uni was gender roles. traditional to ‘two-tier’return a avoid to childcare free versal lack of restricted by are women (where work to on work to so cannot return provision, childcare with men). It Labour equal footing is vital that the working lives improving to committed are ------companies companies when many when many tively. In time a tively. less produc They mean They able to work work to able inconvenience. inconvenience. less are women more than an more working day are workingare day focused, and focused, Covid-19 terruptions in the terruptions lockdown than men. lockdown working day interrupted working interrupted day - them to work. Given that the high infection rate the high infection rate that work.them to Given having children many within schools has led to that this is not a problem frequently, isolate to September. since has disappeared by securityjob threatened also was Women’s working home earlier this to from the move unequal distribution of unpaid work The year. and lockdown in the home is well-documented, less with phenomenon, this heightened only less for workplace allowing physical the in time women burden domestic the escape to time found Studies Fiscal Institute for The face. may spending more were women on average that and less and childcare, time doing housework wom that same study found The time working. higher proportionen had a significantly (57%) of their during In which aims to combat discrimination against discrimination combat which aims to in the workplace women mothers and pregnant four club about how, the Joeli told and beyond. she was her employer after she informed days led This job. her sacked from she was pregnant, which pro Screwed, Then starther to Pregnant employ trains vides legal support mothers, for and pro better, working parents treat ers to of lives the improve to change legislative poses women. mothers and pregnant the charity conducted a landmark study In July, the im of working displayed mothers which working 46% portance women. for of childcare pandemic in the of mothers made redundant a factor, was provision the lack of childcare say and 51% lack the necessary enable to childcare ------Then Then Screwed, Pregnant Pregnant ed charity ley, found ley, Joeli Brear of our panellists, of our panellists, most danger. will always be in will always tection, women’s tection, women’s Without explicit explicit Without job losses and fur ent, are protected protected are ent, ing mothers, expecting ing mothers, Martha Storey, Maths and Philosophy at University College University at Mathsand Philosophy Martha Storey, - - The great unequaliser: women in the time of in the unequaliser: women great The - the the One lough. lough. pro jobs ward, work or exist from men’s; for working mothers, this statistic is likely this statistic working mothers, for men’s; It is important going for that, be much higher. to women are often the first to lose their jobs or lose their to oftenfirst the are women Mckinseybe furloughed. wom that calculated than vulnerable 1.8 times more jobs are en’s It is unfortunately unsurprising in a time that, of hefty uncertainty, and economic job losses more likely to be furloughed, a statistic that fits that a statistic be furloughed, likely to more and mothers treating employers of trend the co-workers. to their differently women pregnant lands, women were more likely to be furloughed likely to more were women lands, pronounced more was than men, and this trend 14% Mothers were age groups. younger for out its limitations, especially regarding gender especially regarding out its limitations, Mid West the In except every region equality. The furlough lauded as a suc scheme has been The undoubtedly has and government, the for cess it is not with However many. for been a lifeline emerge from the pandemic with the same op same the with pandemic the from emerge enjoyed. portunities previously we that different ways. The panel made it clear that their their panel made it clear that The ways. different robust more women need is not sufficient; work to are supportif we of legislation in the form the economic, social, and domestic implications implications and domestic social, the economic, speakers who have club invited The women. for in of women the lives been working improve to than ever that Covid-19 is anything but an equal is anything Covid-19 that than ever panel about how held a OULC term, This iser. lookingat affected, been adversely have women As the pandemic rages on, it becomes clearer clearer on, it becomes rages the pandemic As

24 look left MT20

27 MT20 left look ------ed mayor in 2014 and creating ‘metro mayors’ in mayors’ ‘metro creating and 2014 in mayor ed did little year, the following other urban areas be facing off with an enraged they think they’d support Burnham, for Andy demanding greater Norththe pandemic. global a of middle the in unthinkawas in ourselves find we situation The ago when the let alone six years ago, ble a year electedfirst local leaders was idea of stronger that situation unprecedented The developed. these lo finds itself in has allowed the world own, their into come really to holders cal office The spending discrepancies reported 2019 in discrepancies spending The the and ineffective useless just how highlight ‘Northern Powerhouse’ transportarm of the been. Ratherdoctrine spending on than have headline-grabbing project it national a flashy, effec and sensible more far been have would provi the existing build on and develop to tive sys green sions in the North, in new, investing of transportation. tems promises Conservative overlooked a Northern create to Powerhouse would what to wedded staying this idea; though, best slogans; after them with the all, provide the number “increase or out Northern“sort Rail” does line” Huddersfield the on running trains of up “power it as the same ring to have not quite the North”. Con and of Coalition years Over the past ten Norththe servativegovernment, actually faced in transport, spending with a loss of investment West 16% in the North by per head dropping 10% in 2018-19 and approximately between Instead2017-2018. Humber, the and Yorkshire the North of England has up’, ‘powered of being auster Coalition been disproportionately hit by veryThe antithesis itycuts. Conservative and has do to promised the Conservatives what to been achieved. suc one of the few arguably months, In recent has come of the Northerncesses Powerhouse the Con When politics. of national the fore to an elect Manchester giving servatives proposed ------improved transport the North for infrastructure improved likelihood that The further the agenda. down To the Northern of any the that English cities up’ ‘connecting as themselves ries envisaged one big Northerninto network will actually see is soon anytime agenda HS3 the of benefits any an threatening HS2 with Indeed, unlikely. highly and likely habitats and natural woodlands cient £90 billion, it seems incurringof around a cost will either be com the region that feasible more any long before or will suffer overlooked pletely emerge. positives other than once again highlighting Tory igno Tory highlighting again once than other Northern across of areas England. rance powered-up a strong, vision of this Key to transport was and the ‘North’, post-industrial of pro state the dire address to need urgent areas throughout vision and infrastructure spending Transport Northernacross England. the North in population per head of the al was as of 2019, in London, it was of what most a third To the deficiencies despite severe highlighting them. High address they would claims that ries’s Speed Rail-link 3 (HS3) or Northern Powerhouse which is in the HS2 project, Rail, to tacked on Northern cities ‘core’ link up so-called to tended amongst and Newcastle, Leeds like Manchester, others. Osborne the Man George at by announced First and Industry Science chester Museum, back in the idea of initially floated 2014, the coalition new and via connecting Leeds Manchester to incorporat before infrastructure, rail existing high national overarching their grand, ing it into phase of the HS2 second The project. speed rail via Birmingham, link up London, project aims to idea articulatThe and Leeds. with Manchester known ago has become Osborne six years ed by priorityits highlighting HS3, as more a behind up London link project, which seeks to general expensive, proved has HS2 cities. other with communities destructive and to controversial pushing HS3 and thus far, and environments ------ties and constituencies, and to further and to ties and constituencies, alienate the region. from Westminster 2010-2015 Conservative-LiberalThe Democrat in voters to appeal to attempts saw coalition Northern up in the slogan of England dressed the pet-project As ‘The Northern Powerhouse’. it pur Osborne, George Chancellor, of former and the imbalance ported redress seek to to the English polity in fa skewed inequalities that planned project covered The of the south. vour transport, devolution from to of areas a range and developed be invested all of which would “power Northern to across in order England, with being christened Despite up the North”. publicity position and successive a ministerial what discern to difficult remains it campaigns, project actually ac ‘The Northern Powerhouse’ hieved, The Tories’ repeated failure of ‘the North’ seems ‘the North’ of failure repeated Tories’ The truly under to with a failure here: begun have to and people in Northernstand the communities the millions Grouping constituencies. England Northernof people in into together England can be repeat that phrase a simple catch-all “North (the ed time and time again in slogans in the up “level to promises ern powerhouse”; the for trend has been the Conservative North”) is a and administration, of their years ten past perpetuation of the use of The in itself. problem one-size- simple, promotes ‘theNorth’ the term partvarieddiverse to a and fits-all approaches of the British polity serves and sustain only to about Northernignorance English communi ------Ciara Garcha, History Garcha, Ciara Hertford College at years of broken promises from the from promises of broken years How the Tories failed the North: the failed 10 Tories the How ‘northern powerhouse’ to ‘levelling up’ ‘levelling to ‘northern powerhouse’ and media have to do better to understand the to do better to and media have bubble. Westminster outside the political world take it into account. Lazily using ‘the North’ is ‘the North’ Lazily using account. take it into establishment political the enough; good not diverse, varied and dynamic. Any discussion of Any varied and dynamic. diverse, the politics of Northern England and Northern must fully acknowledgeconstituencies this and north (its exact boundaries as one, of Stoke simple self-con be widely debated) to continue is not a monolith; it’s ‘The North’ tained group. by London-based journalists rep and politicians London-based by in itself: a problem cast those to resents a desire working in Whitehall and Westminster, it evokes it evokes Westminster, and Whitehall working in images of smoky skylines, or struggling post-in ‘the North’ of framing Continued dustrial towns. It the seems important flawed establish how to many For is in a political context. ‘the North’ term ten-year-long record in office shows successive successive shows in office record ten-year-long the North. of in terms failures memory. The Tories won new and unprecedent won Tories The memory. supported their yet partthis in country, the of lous promises of “levelling up”, 2019 saw many many 2019 saw up”, “levelling of lous promises Northern vote and constituencies communities living in first time the for the Conservatives for their decades-long allegiance with the Labour with allegiance their decades-long Brex by Tempted blue. Tory of Party in favour the leadership of Borisit, Johnson and nebu ‘red wall’ of support of in Northern From England. wall’ ‘red Northern several shed seats Leigh, Redcar to The Conservative Party’s thundering victory Party’s at Conservative The electionthe 2019 general has been partially at so-called of Labour’s crumbling the to tributed

26 look left MT20

29 MT20 left look ------when compared when compared - shone a spotlight on the deep-rooted regional in regional deep-rooted the on spotlight a shone promising power to came Tories the that equalities NorthernThe Science Health address. they would within the Northern that found Alliance Power of 100,000 people per 57.7 excess an house area, whilst July, and March died between the population per 100,000 with Covid-19 people died 12.4 more the Prime Minister in October, warning him Minister in October, the Prime deep struc “exposed…the the pandemic had that com our by faced disadvantage and systemic tural the to promises Tory sheer futilityThe of munities”. Northwho man the by perhapsis highlighted best speaking for up for responsible years three for was the North and empowering the Prime pleading with verythe the that inequalities recognise Ministerto during address they would promised Conservatives Election the General at and reiterated the Coalition ago. less than a year It Andy that issue worththe also is to back coming Burnham engaged in his stand-off was with Down the issue of extra financial funding over: ing Street and support businesses those who were for for or a loss of income with unemployment threatened situation, This 3 restrictions. Tier the increased due to to other areas of the country. Northern country. the of is England areas other to and eth Black Asian several also home to of course widely acknowlnic minority who are communities been disproportionately affected have edged to the Bradford Back in October, Covid-19. by its that of Mosques announced Council Cov 100th member had died from 2,000 id-19, whilst in Oldham over been reported amongst cases have to compared population, the Asian commu 3,000 amongst the white 77% of the nity who make up over population. town’s about statistics Headlines and dire the struggles the North has faced the pandemic were throughout Conservative 56 motivate enough to Northern former including Pow MPs, to write to Jake Berry, erhouse minister ------in this policy soon came to light, spelling out more in this policy spelling out more light, soon came to North for promises broken and more disadvantage By January- afterern England. the of weeks a matter reporting a reallocation were Guardian The election- the Conservatives, planned by funding, of council North from divertwould millions of pounds away Tory now seats, wall red with former ern England, Work being particularly hit. blue on the map, hard ‘Work home of the infamous example, for ington, the £5 million hit by be severely would Man’, ington Guardian The Council. Cumbia from diverted away be in would MPs Tory 37 of the 50 new claimed that up”, “levelling A far cry from suffer. would that seats from away scales the tilted have Conservatives the the North further. even “lev the prospect of pandemic, the COVIS-19 With has Covid-19 unlikely. more seems even elling up” is, as has subsequently become apparent, definitely definitely apparent, become as has subsequently is, the oven. go in to ready not motivating Brexit just not undoubtedly was it But and their prom Tories Northern choose the to voters Northern austerity, of years ten After ises. is other regions, a number of like England, poverty deprivation, struggling with and The services. cuts in public unrelenting Labour’s steal managed to Conservatives being the partyclothes when, despite prom had imposed these cuts they that the forefront be at they would ised that would which in the region, of investment the North with the up” “level ultimately Undoing their south. Or so they claimed. Northern in plunging work own England further is no small struggle and disadvantage into be summed it could Yet, the Conservatives. task for so it up”, “levelling slogan, catchy up in another nice of their election and campaign the forefront formed the party the illusion that about the created cared underfunded it had chronically almost regions for a decade. in the 11 times appeared up” “level to promise The one of the and was electionConservative manifesto ahead with after pressed Tories the that concepts inherent the contradictions Yet victory. to storming ------more feasible compared to Jeremy Corbyn’s nation Corbyn’s Jeremy to compared feasible more shortly the found, before YouGov agenda? alisation of the top at remained General Election, Brexit that agenda, with 68% ranking it as one of most voters’ most important It three the top issues. is therefore the across voters why understand perhapsto easier not just in the North, to be attracted would country, which deal”, Brexit ready “oven a party an promising comfortably so. Liverpool Walton supported the Walton Liverpool comfortably so. 75% of with just under there Labour candidate also supported West whilst Bradford the vote, Out of the 30 60% of the vote. Labour with over La held by 20 were in the country, seats safest in North- nine of which were bour candidates Once particularlyern England, West. the North a political as ‘the North’ of again, the framing supported universally monolith that the Con first time in living memory the servatives for is NorthernAcross of the some England, flawed. Labour supportstrongest in the country can be the think that be a mistake to and it would found crumbled in its entirety; its foundations wall’ ‘red upon. be rebuilt to still there are the factDespite the North that actually hosts La bour heartlands urban principally in metropolitan within constituencies fact the so many that areas, did supportthe region cannot the Conservatives did Or Brexit? of promises purely it Was ignored. be seem up levelling and prospectthe investment of the party of Thatcher, the party had inflicted that so Thatcher, the party of Some the most of on their communities. much pain the party for of the country areas voted deprived of heartless, the helm at has been that brutal cuts in with Labour disillusionment The a decade. for of a number of Conserv and the appeal these areas had been so that area The clear. was promises ative no longer thus. so long was dependable for re we in the way be careful to have again we Yet, when thinking about the 2019 ‘the North’ to fer the North General Election. not vote No, did electoral map reveals any at a quick glance Tory, Northern across seats of red Eng a smattering can but one that smattering, land - a depleted (on both sides of many Whilst not be ignored. talkingthe political spectrum) the of how were North them Labour and betrayed abandoned the North across areas remained many selves, Labour heartlandsone of the few outside of Man and Greater Merseyside Across London. and many returned, were Labour MPs chester, supporters watched in horror as red seat after red after seat red as red supporters in horror watched supported towns mining Former turned blue. seat ------since 1935. Journalists, commentators and Labour commentators 1935. Journalists, since Brexit-supporting areas. Brexit-supporting areas. contributed that It wall the crumbling of the red was performance worst election at Labour’s to massively last smash this red wall, particularly wall, winning last smash this red by and strongly towns in post-industrial voters over North inequalities - promis and end regional and of those the Coalition es eerily reminiscent at hoped to Osborne made - the Conservatives long Labour voter, but a Brexit supporter too. supporter but a Brexit too. long Labour voter, push Brexit to the commitment Bycombining in the invest to and empty promises through dent of the Cumbria coastal town by the same by town coastal of the Cumbria dent a life of education, with a low-level name: white, so-called ‘Workington Man’, the latest iteration iteration the latest ‘Workington Man’, so-called on the part prejudices of think tanks of regional resi the average and party He was strategists. would be enough for them to win support them to be enough for across would of wall’ ‘red Northern solid in the once England, the targeted Tories The Labour constituencies. a commitment to “get Brexit done” and “build and done” Brexit “get to commitment a this thought hacks Conservative better”, back One of Boris Johnson’s favoured sound bites bites sound favoured of BorisOne Johnson’s the 2019 General Electionat the promise was with Coupled Northernin up “level England”. to port so publically and dramatically illustrates this port illustrates dramatically so publically and perfectly. truly lies. The government has not empowered the empowered has not government The truly lies. North; of the North legacies positive one of the few sup for them project to pleading ernPowerhouse off with the government ended with Greater Man ended with Greater off with the government 3 without sufficient Tier into being forced chester additional support, the power underlining where contrast between the devolved administrations in administrations devolved the between contrast govern Westminster Northern England and the face- Burnham’s away. miles hundred a over ment chester, blasting the “flawed and unfair” proposals proposals and unfair” “flawed the blasting chester, in his punctuated Northern the - it exuded accent Manchester would get if it moved into Tier 3 of the 3 of the Tier into get if it moved would Manchester Burnhamnationally staged restrictions. lockdown in the heart of Man conferences press broadcasted to deliver. The dispute between Downing Street Street Downing between dispute The deliver. to the issue over boiling point and Burnham reached extramuch supportand funding how of Greater with stricter lockdown measures is only testament is only testament with stricter measures lockdown failed has Northernthe much how to Powerhouse the Tories. the Tories. for fair fund fight the very Burnham to need for Yet threatened was as it Manchester Greater ing for text. This initiative, originating with the Northern the with originating initiative, This text. haunt back to has come concept Powerhouse speaking up for their areas in a national con in a national speakingtheir areas for up

28 look left MT20

31 MT20 left look ------dica an in necessarily necessarily It is not even both ways both siveness. siveness. cator of diligence or impres of diligence cator Oxford is not, however, an however, is not, Oxford - indi Timea Lliffe, PPE at New College New at PPE Lliffe, Timea Getting into Getting into you’re special for having deserved having that. special for you’re And I can say this with almost complete confi this with almost complete I can say And it will rain I can say that in the same way dence spe educated in the next Being month. privately of entry, cifically almost sextuplesyour chances changes as school fees that how mention not to however, of Oxford, culture entire The increase. this fact, the from can ignore you is set up so that practice the entire to formalities boarding-school and deserve be here, to You gowns. of scholar’s spot at Oxford, almost everyone agrees. There There almost everyone agrees. Oxford, spot at about the idea that however, is less noise made, the middle-class occupy boy privately-educated spots limited are Indeed, if there not. ing it might corollary it is a logical of like Oxford, a place at state-educated more that saying pupils deserve pupils do. than privately-educated places coy be to easy quite It’s is visibility. this of Part know to happen about the fact two-doz you that of day first your from colleges other en people at happened to tutor your week, or that Freshers educated were you or that old school, your go to of Oxford of it is also the nature Part London”. “in you encourages which is an institution that itself, from success own your of myth the believe to college’s your through foot step you the moment that reminded constantly and are are, You gates. re “the brightest”, best and the one of are, you world-classa presum which, ceiving education a gruelling through yourself earnt for you ably, they that someone tell To admissions process. not actuallymight deserve so position that the one their identities to central often becomes of probable than a statement is more achieved fact. It people that a personal attack can become instinctively resist. got not have I also would school. private to I went school. private gone to if I hadn’t Oxford into ten ------Honesty privilegeabout cuts - sive deservessive her This reflects the direction conversations about conversations reflects direction the This it is the (ac Normally, usually go. entitlement idea of the underprivileged not being curate) domi that their full potential reach able to about institutions such as conversations nates the on the idea that time is spent Less Oxford. their exceeding privilegedare already opportunities and occupying potential had in the have they shouldn’t that teenager The bright first place. the struggling comprehen at In of of 2020, when thousands the summer down results A level their people found young algorithm, Oxford government the by graded such as Some, respond. to scrambled colleges for ei offer-holders all accepted Worcester, or the next, while oth year ther this academic cases or extended clemency ers reviewed to or from circumstances” “mitigating those with gov the before backgrounds” “disadvantaged ernment U-Turn. will all offer-holders accept decision to The colleges, Oxford’s for effects far-reaching have accom to resources on the strain increasing dif the and intensifying new students modate cohort in gaining a place ficulty of nextyear’s partially in a year filled with their deferred however, colleges, all Almost predecessors. the unfair for account the need to recognised pertainedas it system to of the grading ness back state-school from those low-income or likely to far more were grades where grounds, In and patch the sea of confusion be lowered. and weeks in the next few followed ing-up that left noticeably was out of one group months, almost entirely: the (mostly) the conversation had pupils whose grades educated privately virtueby merely back their of inflated been ground.

- - just in getting the seats needed to pass a Brexit pass a Brexit to needed just in getting the seats of years Ten Britain. in of life in all areas but Bill, regardless that has showed the Conservatives the about care not do they say, they what of does. that deserve a government We North. ern England faces. And yet, they keep doing it. At At it. they keep doing yet, And ern faces. England General Election,the 2015 of the North, in terms it after five “Northern Powerhouse”, the all about was across right austerityareas of hit that cuts and years the 2019 the country At and the North in particular. after four up”, “levelling election, was key phrase the on apathy and disinvestment of continued years Westminster. the part of the starklyhas pandemic Covid-19 revealed The It has true impact promises. broken of these Northern clear that made it painfully England it, about truly cares that needs a government as a monolith, region the vast sees not one that or sound slogan adopts a shallow or one that and thinks they’ve everybite solved problem. Northern will that England needs a government Northern what appreciate England actuallyis; in its is unwavering that it needs a government region end all kinds to commitment of systemic, it needs a government al and social inequalities; sees the true importance not that of the region- same partysame actively these promises in who engage North struggles and the inequalities such worsen ------very but the broken, broken, North been ting the seats ting the seats a for needed veloping the veloping large, pliable large, majority. gans and get campaign slo campaign equality and de years of Conservayears the to promises tive Reflectingten on North, a clear pattern emerges. Not only has emerges. almost every promise about ending regional about ending regional ling up”. It was about catchy It about catchy was ling up”. el - lies. It with Northernlies. never was It England. never was about “lev regional inequalities in the system. Rotheram was was Rotheram inequalities in the system. regional the pandemic has shown that out point correct to true concern Johnson and the Conservative’s where who would re-invest in and revive these communi in and revive re-invest who would finally end the embedded the man who would ties, believes the North is worth less than the South”. This This the Northbelieves is worth less than the South”. presenting ago was the man who a year is of course, of the North, saviour the man himself as the great of the Northern Powerhouse devolution initiative) initiative) devolution of the Northern Powerhouse of saying hypocrisy, out the government’s pointed “the of this country primeminister Boris Johnson, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. Liverpool Liverpool Yorkshire. Manchester and South Greater another product (of course Rotheram Steve mayor, it would cover 80% of wages of those affected by of those affected 80% of wages cover it would to contrast in stands This restrictionsclosures. and Northernto like Merseyside, areas offered 67% the when it essentially went into its own lockdown. Dur lockdown. own its into went when it essentially which started lockdown, national ing the four-week that announced the government in early November, support for the vast area. However, when a national national when a However, support area. vast the for a was there country, imposed on the was lockdown to in the supportManchester, stark contrast offered ter being forced into Tier 3 with no agreement be agreement with no 3 Tier into forced being ter extra no and Burnham tween Conservatives the and as previously discussed, ended in Greater Manches Greater in ended discussed, previously as

30 look left MT20

33 MT20 left look ------that is to be expected when is to that closer attention in smaller closer attention the possess and classrooms, comes that capital’ ‘cultural But with their schooling. Their grades are usually pref are grades Their received they have erable, university. From a cynical per From university. sense that it makes spective, disproportionthe university edu privately favours ately when carrying students cated out the admissions process. £100k is dropped on your ed on your £100k is dropped academic reputation of the of reputation academic valuable when protecting the when protecting valuable Lucas’, the 93% club is apolitical the 93% Lucas’, school representation school ucation. We cannot then rely on the assumption on cannot then rely We ucation. be phased out schools will eventually private that admissions. of the university’s the that conclude to It also be foolish would students educated of privately over-representation in admissions alone is the key factor behind state experidiminished a receiving students educated the major a while now, For life. of university ence educated. been state have students ity of Oxford’s confident more they are this imply that Shouldn’t A quick ob Not necessarily. in their surroundings? more the that reveal would servationlife student of the the Union to from societies, student dominant privately by dominated are various publications, same can be The throughout. students educated prelims, at of the sports Even many teams. said for will do before most students that the only exams change. The logic that increasing state-school increasing that ad logic The change. of nature change the to help will each year missions privately Fewer is legitimate. image the university’s the private less of will lead to students educated the Oxford who reinforce individuals ly educated a wholly not this is is that concern The stereotype. the ex transform actual university to way sufficient of state-schoolperience Oxford. at students continues be a surprise if Oxford it would Firstly, leaps in state-school make such large to to intake admissions reflect nationwide the where a point educated and independently state split between too just are students educated Privately students. ------Beyond the statistics of state statistics the Beyond - - - Lucas Davison, PPE at Lady Margaret Hall. All opinions here are are here opinions All Hall. Lady Margaret PPE at Davison, Lucas students can easily be put off can easily be put off students thinking this, this is the that by something of the university, culture prevailing to compared unpleasant rather and different quite is also the academ There school. at their experience institution, academic elite an is aspect.ic Oxford is This rankingsranking university of world (3). top of, should be proud the university something that but it should not act edu as a barrierstate against at they arrive once find that Many students. cated can make syndrome imposter a persistent Oxford, stu difficult than more their learning experience system. the private through who went dents shift the perspective, in school- the university’s From aim they are that signal type admissions is a strong Other projectsperception. this change such to ing both Oxford, as Opportunity and Foundation Oxford shaking at attempts off the elitist shad substantive real show to the university by moves strong are ow Oxford’s efforts to bridge the divide between state effortsto bridge state the divide between Oxford’s universi the and admission to school attendance years. few past the over firmly accelerated tyhave studies their commencing Ofundergraduates the educat a state from 68% were this academic year, previous 62% in the to compared ed background, (1). In 2015 (2). is up 13% since year fact, this figure signal this is a refreshing the egalitarian mind, To opportunity your that the by should not be stunted have you or the environment family, of your wealth as a these figures I welcome Whilst in. been raised they that in the right direction, believe I do not step the full storytell state-schoolers behind the experi in some instanc and may ence gone es harm those who have system. the state through rea obvious for university, The still carries a reputation sons, and ostentation of arrogance in the media, pol among many and the countryitics, large. at image can be institution’s An especially redefine, to difficult that like Oxford universities for scrutiny constant under are scandals occur when student school State so). (and rightly

- - an idea of talent and hard work that is far more the is far more that work and hard of talent an idea ability to privilegethan it is one’s of one’s result perform a skill actually that deserves valued. be to of a higher People psychology. into it feeds And views “essentialist” have likely to more are class rank class and or the idea that about identity and status, traits. individual-level inherent, privilege arise from the of Oxford, then, the myth sense, In a broader of myth is the broader of privilege, wilful ignorance and and talented if you idea that capitalism – the that fairly for you society will reward hard, work will be justly yours. work, those rewards and that engage in self-ab is not to of this conclusion The this where guilt” “class or sorbed hand-wringing the structural injus address to do anything doesn’t it should What these attitudes. perpetuate that tices conversation a new dimension in the do is prompt that in which people recognise one about privilege, a all, if at be primarily, to likely gains are their own deservingnessof their result God-given or talents. special. just not be that might You has shown us, far less to the world than the work the work than world the to far less us, shown has by justified are and delivery of waitresses drivers, ------as the pandemic sions that contribute, contribute, sions that The six-figure salaries for profes for salaries six-figure The nance where so many graduates tend to find them find to tend graduates so many where nance selves. isn’t something specific to Oxford. Where it main it Where Oxford. to specific something isn’t beyond, tains itself most clearly workforce is in the particularly and fi in the pipeline of banking, law Oxford students’ eyes away from the fact from that away eyes students’ Oxford important be that not they might after all. privileges own with one’s inability reckon The to why its students were ever held in any regard at at regard held in any ever were its students why the least by at are, they But held in regard all. servesonly that and media, draw to mainstream tified at looking tified certain alumni of at the Oxford mind – and wondering to – PPE comes degrees that necessarily adds the value to society to that the value adds necessarily that gradu in which Oxford justify the esteem would In so often fact, be jus held. are one would ates gence in a particular in a of gence a small group to setting academic careers their spent who have people particularin this It institution. is not something one’s ability to gain and publicly display certainability display publicly and gain to one’s characteristicsdefined metrics and of intelli tor of intelligence. What it is is an indicator of indicator is is an it What intelligence. of tor

32 look left MT20

35 MT20 left look ------vironmentalism has always been around, been around, has always vironmentalism of reportedbeen Many on. hasn’t just it the activities as important praised life condescending. Firstly, working-class en Firstly, condescending. style changes, for example around reusing reusing around example for style changes, environment is not only unjustified but environment Still, extrapolating from the classism of the of classism the extrapolating from Still, that belief the to movement environmental working-class people don’t care about the care working-class people don’t old things or cutting down on fast fashion, are on fast fashion, are old things or cutting down not really lifestyle changes at all for much of all for changes at lifestyle not really tal activism as a result. tal activism as a result. flights. However, the moralising tone of their com of their tone the moralising However, flights. - when and subjectmunication of their disapproval total carbon of released one third 20 firms have a strict on individual actionemissions, seems focus no and it’s wrong, completely unjustified - is often environmen from alienated feel surprise many that climate change is an issue requires giving up the up giving issue requires change is an climate market and ad free growing ideal of an eternally deep structuralmitting that change is needed. reaction is the consider to interesting is more What of the future those who believe Tories; wall’ ‘red of their party Labour vot lies in attractingtraditional means attract This ers in the North and Midlands. Tory the and much of – workinging voters class sim party those voters that be believe to seems If you about the environment. care really ply don’t talk about need to you attract their votes, to want hard – concrete, cutting immigration tax cuts, jobs, lives. a direct effect on people’s have changes that is seen caringenvironment the about Meanwhile, comfortablethe of pursuit the as classes middle of about the realities care to who no longer have the job market. middle-classThis is an endur environmentalism not completely and it’s politics, in ing stereotype accessi only are lifestyles waste Zero unwarranted. certainliving in those ble to with high and places often of speak campaigners yet enough incomes, The try. just they if everyone if as them it, do can in some cir of going flight-free on the burden focus citizens when 1% of English cles is also misplaced, not that It’s year. each flights take 20% of overseas wrong necessarily are campaigners environmental and excess on waste should be cutting down – we Emily Passmore PPE at Balliol College PPE at Passmore Emily - - - - for whom ad for tionary wings a surprise from a surprise from the least. This is This the least. party been have from within the from Classism and the climate: environ climate: the and Classism the Build Back Better the Build Back Better mental policymental reality and stereotyping - Though Covid-19 seems to have turned the world turned the world have seems to Covid-19 Though upside-down, is it is not the only crisis the world com to crisis threatens climate The facing. currently we the way lives, our live we way change the pletely of the lives and threatens structure our economy, the world. across the most vulnerable action has not denied that on UK government The com have they Indeed, change is needed. climate keep to Agreement Climate the UN Paris to mitted 2C, least below at to the rise in global temperatures the review summit to hosting this year’s and are latest The this goal. global action taken towards Build Back Better, strategy, campaign Conservative by net zero “reaching to includes a commitment solutions”. clean energy in 2050 with investment policy, in green clearly HQ believes Tory Though off stave not be enough to 2050 may by net zero of the crisis -countriesthe worst such as Norway in a 2030 target. to committed have stead reactions to The campaign Conservative say to mixed perhaps not reac the more of the party, mitting ------resentative student population, then they cannot population, student resentative this is a university that in showing be complacent been admitted. they have they belong once where a deeply unsettled this will lead to achieve to Failing re will only that of students group and vulnerable of the connotations historical the negative inforce reputation. university’s to be on the Oxford committee this year, and it is and this year, committee Oxford be on the to with grown has our outreach how see to fantastic broad eager to companies from events successful dis general more and other recruitment, en their pan The students. school state former cussions for difficult, more this made undoubtedly has demic the end of it, reach we once that but I am confident a known the universi the club will be name across achieving the goal of It towards is just one step ty. an academic insti between a smooth congruence tution with a shaky social mobility history towards in have we school potential state and the untapped necessarya it is that do believe I but country, this one. in the right heading It are we does then seem that an up on are school admissions direction.State efforts significant being are and there trend, ward environ tolerant and an inclusive create made to reach really to students educated state for ment in this is contained warning But my their potential. If other. the without one have cannot You prospect. rep a more creating to is committed the university forts towards crushing the imposter syndrome that that syndrome the imposter crushing forts towards I am fortunate enough cause. gap can the education ------independent schools independent true that those from those from true that in almost all subjects weight to the claim. It to is weight across the board. This, I This, the board. across the distinctionthe grades part is in large believe, first public examinations, examinations, first public lieve there is significant is significant there lieve due to the substantial substantial the to due dents claim a majorityclaim a dents of counterparts, but I do be noticeably levels out at out at levels noticeably characteristic taught by a characteristic by taught finals, private school stu school private finals, pass their state-educated are given at an almost level an almost level at given are students offer skills sur offer that students private education that I have I have that education private not mentioned: confidence. confidence. not mentioned: Now this may be puzzling be may this Now so clearly set when I have out why privately educated educated privately out why its way to Oxford this year is one of the strongest ef is one of the strongest this year Oxford to its way volved in the student voice for creating change creating for voice student in the volved a society 93% Club, The students. school state for in 2016, and making University Bristol at founded way that privately educated students do, then their do, students educated privately that way difficult. more can become experience in be to proud I am why are implications These these criteria. If, as I have laid out, state school stu state laid out, as I have these criteria. If, same the in attributes these possess not do dents are offered before they even take their final exams. exams. take their final they even before offered are you confirmation that It and the takes confidence in be successful studying to are you belong where is not only judged by their degree class, but also by but also by class, their degree is not only judged by sports the in in societies, their experience teams, they the jobs that they do and ultimately ternships tion would be a simplistic reading of the situation. of the situation. be a simplistic reading tion would university at success a student’s In and age, this day relax, as the divide evens out in the end. It out in the end. would as the divide evens relax, con to did not have if we certainly be appreciated such a solu that would argue but I tinue this fight, proved feeling of belonging that is achieved after achieved is that belonging of feeling proved the university. of being at some years can we that suggest It to then be tempting may beforehand? I firmly contend that much of this re much of this that contend I firmly beforehand? an im by can be explained scores in exam balance lage, whether you went to an independent school an independent to went whether you lage, this wholly that be believed to but is it really or not, received in education the discrepancies balances finals, where firsts where finals, do with the fact has much to obviously This (4). rate same tute years of the taken after 3+ finals are that during the this however do better do better

34 look left MT20

37 MT20 left look ------low quality housing, qualitylow housing, public transport can those who for work get to be the only option to a pollut from away a car and moving afford can’t someone with a is often not an option for ed area in no way policies are So green income. precarious in fact, a robust voters; Wall Red turn away bound to is likely among sustainable future a just, vision for attract them. to the best ways The very opposite is true: I have illustrated the illustrated veryThe I have is true: opposite structural environmen reactions behind issues to thousands are there but based on class, tal policies a particular will influence that of issues individual’s this leads Ignoring economics. pure politics beyond some that class groups of stereotypes the crude to not only contributing subscribe to, Tories Wall Red view a regressive but to view of class, a regressive to poli of environmental cy whole. as a the contradic is This Wall tion of the Red the working Tory; to elevated class are be the most impor political actor, tant of voice the moral and yet the nation, an often to reduced cartoonishly brutish caring stereotype, only about immi The and jobs. grants working-class care just as much about pol environmental icy other as any – in fact, they group to reason often have can Parks more. care be the only green accessible spaces those living in to ------spent on the Covid-19 pandemic already, and bor pandemic already, on the Covid-19 spent this is an achievable low, a record at costs rowing the lives change completely could prospect that envi that Saying the country. of families across DealNew would Green the like policies ronmental is thus a misunderstanding seats Wall bomb in Red Environ policy. of environmental of the substance make a green to is not aiming solely mentalism make a just one. it is also aiming to world; care class can’t middle the that say to not is This the working or that of the economy, about the state the morality of a certain value policy. class can’t other concerns rather than as a broader guiding guiding a broader than as rather other concerns principle. be observed same can The looking when the at the by as promised economy, prospect of a green economy green A campaign. Build Back Better a dirty superior to sounds morally the mid one to them to for be enough well may and that dle class, the working class, for However, pursue it. to want be would economy a green much that not so it’s stable be a more would it but that good, morally econ An jobs. more create could which economy on dirty reliant of on the price omy fuels is reliant con the as shocks to open increasingly thus and oil, venient-to-extract intensive oil is used up and more backdrop all against the must be used, techniques as the physical states between unrest of increasing more and more change become effects of climate New Deal plan, 1.2 Green UK’s Under the noticeable. million sustainable jobs in UK industries can be cre invests if the government in the next years ated two with £190bn the correctin infrastructure; £68bn interest in more specific issues that coincide with with coincide that issues specific in more interest ------ment, it’s that their care is expressed through an through is expressed their care that it’s ment, environmental issues and pursuing change. It’s not It’s issues and pursuing change. environmental the environ about care the workingthat class don’t green policies are a moral good for the well off, they off, well the for good moral a are policies green lead the poor, for and death of life can be a matter of perceiving ways different fundamentally ing to 9,400 premature deaths caused every year by poor caused every deaths by year 9,400 premature behind the is the reality perhaps, This, air quality. middle-class whilst stereotype; environmentalist an environmental issue – but more pressingly, it is pressingly, issue – but more an environmental with an estimated concern, a deep public health around solely the environmental benefits of the benefits of the solely the environmental around air quality Improving in the most change. proposed is certainly example, for of London, areas polluted that can expose their activities and force them to them to their activities can expose that and force change. this activism will not usually be centred However, where to dump their waste, they go to the backyard the backyard to they go dump their waste, to where activismpolitical is it and – poor the poor of the by cy have also often centred around the activism around of also oftency centred have particularlythe working class, ethnic who are those polluting industries need some When minorities. their less sustainable alternatives aren’t even an op even aren’t alternatives their less sustainable tion. poli environmental towards movements Political sustainable behaviour doesn’t need to be pretty. be pretty. to need doesn’t behaviour sustainable in homes fanfare made without are choices Green some, the country and for across on a daily basis, and charity sold as quirky clothes are shop vintage the fact erases that online, huge mark-up at a finds the working class. The aestheticization of environ aestheticization The workingthe class. for plastic packaging where foregone is mentalism, perfectly containers co-ordinated colour reusable

36 look left MT20

39 MT20 left look - - - https://www.face or email oxfordun https://www.amnesty.org.uk/get-involved https://www.amnesty.org.uk/get-involved For more information on Oxford University Am University Oxford on information more For see nesty Society, International book.com/oxforduniamnesty a member of become To [email protected] Amnesty UK, International make a donation, to or see ------right to life in supposedly leading and in life right to the ever, than more Now dustrialisednations? in vital, Amnestyof proves International work and its abolishment for advocating both its work such as death, to of those sentenced protection inmate row death Yemini Ibrahim, twice a Hafez ju representing as a lawyer works who now verythose in languish who veniles same barbarityThe penalty of the death cells. and pres be accepted, should never stake all to applied be needs to sure political action raw Naturally, holders. is vital, such as MP correspondence with when referenced and strengthened work, but grassroots Amnesty International’s see social attitudes we As is also vital. discourse conservative modes of thinking, shift towards in the will, conversations difficult dinner table dividends. pay end, instation of the death penalty death of the instation ref UK in in the who Patel, Priti of appointment his to erence supportedfamously penalty the death in an epi Boris Ian Hislop, opposite question time sode of capital to a return rule out to refused Johnson UK. the in punishment Corbyn’s to In response is the appointment his first “Given question Home Secretary– the first Home Secretary in a support to generation penalty the death – can that the House now Minister assure the Prime bring back cap has no plans to his government Johnson, de this country?”, to ital punishment no made minutes, seven for responding spite Such obfus the question. address to attempt polling of grassroot by can be explained cation a clear backing the showing Conservatives for serious crim penaltydeath for as punishment made even are attitudes Such inal offenses. worrying rumours from more unconfirmed by requested has Patel inside the Home Office that of the death a policy paper on the restoration the UK can deference and the lack of penalty, on Hu Convention European The hold to now theorists such Political man Rights post-Brexit. to continued, this that posit Smith A. James as life’ of ‘cheapening vocabulary, his from borrow in the other human rights violations legitimises deportations mass UK such as the indefensible forced the even and citizens Commonwealth of of British-bornexpatriation criminals who hap hold a dual citizenship. pen to leftist is the best response pol what So, to the threats growing to itics can offer ------Death Penalty Death Amnesty Society International tually represent a a greater respect for the rule the rule respect for a a greater tually represent leaders than Democratic of human rights law a damning indict surely, is, This and presidents. of leftistment social attitudes. on the issue can also Such unclear messaging When UK administration. be seen in the current a possible re over questioned in the Commons faire attitudes to this essential, fundamental fundamental essential, this to attitudes faire the eliminate to pledged Biden Although right. unwa penaltyhis death campaign, 2020 his in support vering prior to punishment capital for purportedhis does cast election bid epiphany doubt upon the true legitimacy of his supposed change of heart. the in 1994 Biden was Indeed, 60 creating in involved most intimately figure Death Federal writing the new capital offenses, can serve Such confusion Act. as a par Penalty remove to states 2016 wish for Clinton’s allel to be to this removal but not for capital legislation long and Obama’s level, a federal at continued penalty death the for, to commitment standing a startling Hence, crimes. ‘heinous’ like Clinton, within American politics. is present paradox the Death Pen About Concerned Conservatives a network of conservative Republicansand alty, of system LibertariansAmerica’s oppose who per example, for due to, capital punishment and government’ ‘small infringements on ceived ac as a deterrent, ineffectiveness its complete rium on the use of the death penalty—oftenriumuse of the death on the a US fed within law— full abolition to precursor af executions resumed authorities have eral of both the grain Against hiatus. a 17-year ter abo towards trends and international national ra of public consciousness lition and growing Matter of the Black Lives wake cial biases in the has used administration Trump the movement, human international to violate its final breaths execu to people five sentencing by rights law bias, racial by plagued tion, in cases which are disabilities and arbitrariness. mental significant a in 2020 are 74-plus million votes Trump’s left yet shocking indictment life, of the right to such laissez from ist politics is not immune ------Amnesty International on the Beau Waycott, writing on behalf of Oxford University University writingOxford behalf of on Waycott, Beau overwhelming majority supporting of states the and a draft morato halt executions call to UN’s A similar picture is painted in the US. Despite an in the US. Despite A similar picture is painted with their families informed only retrospectively. only retrospectively. with their families informed to sentenced was Shiraishi Takahiro 30-year-old 2020. ago in December just weeks death is within a system where inmates usually spend usually inmates where system a within is of their be informed only to row on death years advance, in hours few a just hanging by death Kamikawa as Justice Minister, despite her hav despite KamikawaMinister, as Justice This penalty death the times. 16 approved ing the legacy of the Abe administration’s multi the legacy administration’s of the Abe Prime newly appointed ple-yearly executions, Yōko Harvard-educatedMinister Suga retained opposition to capital punishment due to con due to capital punishment opposition to this, Despite miscarriages of justice. over cerns of takinginstead the opportunity with break to 2016, Japan’s Federation of Bar Associations of Bar Associations Federation 2016, Japan’s has been declaring its and its 37,000 lawyers abolish capital punishment in non-G7 countries. in non-G7abolish capital punishment countries. Since domestically. Opposition is also growing Moreover, the continuation of capital punish the continuation Moreover, a also engenders in G7 member states ment to reluctance of mentalité international wider or inhumane punishment (as ratified in the UN’s in the UN’s (as ratified or inhumane punishment Rights). of Human Declaration 1948 Universal alty in all circumstances, their conviction stem their conviction alty in all circumstances, support the for unwavering totally ming from torture from free live to right the and life to right Naturally, innumerous human rights groups in groups rights human innumerous Naturally, such cluding Amnesty condemn International pen oppose the death and treatment immoral and industrialised G7 nations. eral responses to geo-political issues, refusal to to geo-political refusal to issues, responses eral the EU and the UN from pressure to respond servesthe action in no place leading these of the reinstatement of capital punishment is qui punishment of capital the reinstatement designed of a group members As etly growing. multilat considered for serve to platform a as tions, Japan and the US, both members of the Japan and the tions, In prisoners. the UK, at execute to G7, continue support level, for formal and grassroots a both Despite global trends moving away from execu from away moving global trends Despite

38 look left MT20

41 MT20 left look ------leave leave - - - Each new region region new Each have not would devo the same but deal, lution such asymmetry be is inevitable, na UK’s the cause tions and regions in terms diverse are of their economies and demography. a about scepticism The rung of governance’ ‘new that given is understandable of politicians crop the current richer economy. richer economy. reli a state that Rousseau believed Jean Jacques required were system education and a state gion a new that I believe bind a citizenryto together. this and can achieve settlement constitutional does it mean ‘what the question of help answer Being be Britishcentury?’ in the twentyto first of a constitu British should mean being proud of the Union. the diversity celebrates tion that left devo of suspicious been The historically has lution, but Labour has a history build on. It to established the that a Labour government was along with the Parliaments, Welsh Scottish and ItNorthern a Labour gov was Irish Assembly. assembly established the London ernment that It a of London. was and the position of Mayor Regional established that government Labour re for and campaigned Agencies Development is unfinished. Our work assemblies. gional much to be desired, but this is about more than than but this is about more be desired, much to decision mak is about bringing This individuals. is This its impacts felt. where are ing closer to their shape local people to about empowering for a Union fit is about creating This destiny. flexible agile, where century, twenty-first the solutions. enables bottom-up governance as treated been have and regions Our nations be must now They servile London. to satellites cultures their distinct histories, for celebrated will not survive Union The if we and interests. is That history. build it solely upon our shared important, preserve the Union Labour but to reflects our shared that a narrative must offer have We and aspirations. values experiences, of institutions such as the experiences shared share We armedand the the BBC NHS, forces. We equalityto solidarity. and commitment a society and the vision of building a fairer share ------month the PM would meet with First Ministers, Ministers, meet with First would the PM month dialogue constant a encourage would which by followed be must This leaders. the between Wales and to Scotland, fiscal devolution greater Northern auton full fiscal but granting Ireland, recklessa be re likely the gamble; could omy The IFS budget deficits. be increased sult would been autonomy fiscal had full that calculated 2015-16, the year in Scotland for in operation been £7.6 billion. would have the budget deficit established be also should assemblies Regional each electedan with England for leader across there where like the model in Germany, region, A Coun each state. for is a Minister President should also be established, cil of the Regions meet with the PM leaders would regional where individuals should not only pos These monthly. skills, transport over and housing, sess powers too. powers tax raising but they should have stark and its human effects grim.stark living A child effects its human and in poverty likely in Hackney more times is three in Hartleif they lived than university go to to expectancy life healthy in difference The pool. part the richestbetween and poorest UK of the of the government instead Yet years. is nineteen so they Mayors, Metro to power distributing real of problems the solutions to can devise tailored skills housing, transport,and is quo status the all the talk of the Northern Power For upheld. seen is a have we what up,’ ‘levelling house and 2010 Since local government. out of hollowing a £280 has experienced City Council Newcastle fund government million reduction in central as unequal as remains spending ing.Transport In 2018/19 transport in spending per head ever. the East Midlands this for £903, yet was London was a paltry figure £286 per head. It is not only has exposed of the pandemic which the tragedy but settlement, devolution new a for need the which inequalities also the deepening regional our society and poisons our through permeate pop of fuelling a bonfire political discourse, an this becomes ulism. Labour must act before us all. engulfs that inferno it is because federalism, Labour must embrace of the break-up to alternative the only realistic Kingdom.Ministerialthe United A Joint Commit Minister and other the Prime where exists, tee sup are administrations devolved of the heads Yet policy. coordinate meet to posed to Mr only had one meeting since John they have should be committee This No.10. son entered each of Britain, where a Council into reformed ------Dan Harrison, History at Worcester Dan Harrison, History at the deepening regional inequalities. Successive Successive inequalities. the deepening regional rising re solve to attempted have governments the solutions from inequalities through gional fail of in a litany this has resulted Yet centre. Act 1934; the Distribu the Special Areas ures: tion of Industry and Zones Act 1945; Enterprise the plethora Despite Fund. Growth the Regional inequalities remain regional of policy initiatives, Prime Minister that have been tossed aside, left aside, been tossed Minister have that Prime a man who is not only this from All unanswered. the Union. but also the Minister for the PM, the perils pandemic has exposed of central The capacity Existing local testing has been isation. run and inacces and new privately ignored White up in been drawn have sites sible test knows Whitehall Because the man in Why? hall. federalised have that nations Yet Always. best. have such as Germany, public health systems, performed during the pan effectively more the has also demonstrated Coronavirus demic. importance of govern all levels of politicians at put co-operating to ment and compromising is difficult collaboration Yet public health first. in a unitary the centre achieve where to state in Germany In contrast, power. jealously guards Angela the Chancellor, meet premiers state the solu negotiation and through Merkel, regularly devised. tions are It the has exposed is not only the pandemic that also but system, political our in structuralflaws per head in public spending than England. La than England. in public spending per head constitutional A way. a new offer bour must not power shares must be built that settlement Kingdom, of the United nations only with the The urgent. is situation The regions. its also but on Scottish independ public poll most recent ahead. points eleven campaign Yes has the ence sup with Wales, looms in disaffection also Yet You recent A portgrowing. independence for been a 10% in had there that poll found Gov over independence Welsh in supportcrease for with showdown Burnham’s Andy the past year. the burning highlights also the government about the lack of feel Mayors Metro frustration during pan this Westminster from engagement had little more have Most Mayors Metro demic. Minister the Prime than a single phone call with the the pandemic began. Marksince Drakeford, the to letters sent has even Minister, First Welsh ------Labour must save the Union the save must Labour it receives it receives £1900 more la, in which ence, which ence, spell would independ ca economic Barnett formu the SNP offer the SNP offer tastrophe for for tastrophe mean losing the text.’ Meanwhile, Meanwhile, text.’ ing the UK would would UK the ing benefits of the Scotland. Leav Scotland. constitutional con constitutional ceivable in the current in the current ceivable

said, ‘government by a Scot is just not con not just is Scot a by ‘government said, be trusted to deliver meaningful constitutional meaningful constitutional deliver to be trusted a man who once led by they are when reform Conservative MPs, Boris called Scottish Johnson MPs, Conservative His policy devolve, is to ‘disaster’. a devolution can’t Conservatives The dismiss. and distrust cal debate on constitutional issues and Labour issues and on constitutional cal debate an intellectual duty provide has a moral to in a meeting with Recently, policy. ly coherent It matters because the citizens of this nation are are of this nation It because the citizens matters being poorly served quality the by of the politi tlement based on ‘federalism,’ but he is yet to to but he is yet ‘federalism,’ based on tlement first principles. beyond move anyway? of this matter does any Why bank. What about the redistribution of power? of power? about the redistribution What bank. Inelection the Labour leadership Sir Keir Starm set er articulated a constitutional his vision for on the redistribution of income and wealth and wealth of income on the redistribution investment a national of the creation through table’ when it came to devolution. Yet the 2019 Yet devolution. to when it came table’ Labour’s renewed electiongeneral manifesto focused state centralised a to commitment governance.’ So who would power be devolved devolved be power So would who governance.’ clarity breathtaking provided Corbyn Jeremy to? on the was ‘everything that when he explained those on the extremes. Ed Miliband Ed to pledged those on the extremes. devolution and argued centralisation ‘reverse’ of rung ‘new a opposed but idea,’ ‘good a was absence from the devolution debate has ena has debate the devolution from absence by hijacked be to discourse political the bled Labour must craft a radical devolution settle must craftdevolution Labour a radical the party’s 2010, Since the Union. save to ment

40 look left MT20