WELCOME TO 'TRANSFORM' - A NEW POLITICAL PARTY FOR THE LEFT

 I got back from my run this morning just before lunchtime - and discovered that Transform had been launched. Alleluia!

The Judas Touch

Here's how SKWAWKBOX ran the story:

SKWAWKBOX (SW) posted: " With 'Labour' refusing to oppose Tory two-child benefit cap, labour movement and campaigning activists have issued call for new party of the left under 'Transform' banner to offer real choice - and prevent far right filling political vacuum As Kei" SKWAWKBOX Labour movement figures call for new party after Starmer benefit cap betrayal: Transform SKWAWKBOX (SW) Jul 25 With 'Labour' refusing to oppose Tory two-child benefit cap, labour movement and campaigning activists have issued call for new party of the left under 'Transform' banner to offer real choice - and prevent far right filling political vacuum As Keir Starmer continues his betrayal of ordinary people with Labour refusing to oppose the Tory two-child benefit cap, labour movement activists have responded with a call for a new

A STATE OF THE NATION REPORT BY 'OPEN BRITAIN' - PART 2 - IS THE LABOUR PARTY UNDER STARMER THE ANSWER?

 Just under a week ago, I published a blogpost that shared the insights of an Open Britain newsletter that struck me as having insights that needed sharing. 

Here is a link: https://robdonovan.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-state-of-nation-report-by-open.html

Yesterday, this week's newsletter from Open Britain had a similar feeling of importance. Phrases such as 'We're drifting into a new British dark age - and it feels like there's little individuals can do about it' and 'thirteen years of the Conservative's near-total failure to govern' seem to me spot-on. 

Thanks to EDRi20 - European Defenders of Digital Rights for this image

Most of the newsletter is taken up with an assessment of what the Labour Party under Starmer are offering - a pros and cons examination. It seems to me this study by Open Britain is helpful in highlighting a few promising ideas that Labour offered in May this year - although there is absolutely no guarantee that any will be acted on if and when Starmer is the prime-minister. It also nails the

TAX JUSTICE - THE WAY TO A FAIRER AND MORE EQUAL WORLD

 There was an item on Channel 4 News last night which examined the cost of pay settlements - the 'experts' brought in to discuss the matter talked about the part that income tax could play but neither they nor the Channel 4 presenter referenced the elephant in the room - WEALTH TAXES.

Wealth Taxes for a more just society 

Here is a the latest newsletter I received from Tax Justice.UK:

Dear Rob, In a world struggling with a cost of living crisis, recent research by Oxfam and ActionAid has shed light on a shocking reality. In 2021 and 2022 the world's 722 largest companies reaped windfall profits totaling a staggering $1 trillion annually. It couldn't be clearer that tackling the cost of living crisis requires a bold approach. This has to include higher taxes on both companies and the wealthy. The cost of living crisis affects ordinary individuals and families who struggle to make

THE STATE OF THE NATION REPORT BY OPEN BRITAIN

 I get regular updates from OPEN BRITAIN - they always have their finger on the pulse of the country. I want to share their latest newsletter because I agree with the points within it and the word needs to be spread:

Warning (2018) by Louise Donovan

Dear Rob, Whenever accountability comes knocking on his door, Rishi Sunak vanishes without a trace. Today, Byline Times Political Editor Adam Bienkov reported that the PM will be missing the debate and potential vote on the Privileges Committee's recent report – even though it suggests seven of his MPs and three Tory peers could be in contempt of Parliament.  This is not the first performance of Sunak's disappearing act. Whenever any subject related to Boris Johnson, Conservative sleaze, or Parliamentary