Tag: Fabian Society

After May 1st: what needs to change?

sunderkatwala Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:35:33 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

At least Labour has got the first thing right – not trying to talk up the result. And these results should persuade MPs that they can not afford the indulgence of a headless chicken tailspin.

Everybody knows there will be no change of leadership. Nobody serious wants to reopen the question, and the party’s big hitters will make that clear. The political challenge which Labour faces arises from the accumulated grievances of having been in power for eleven years, exacerbated by an economic downturn. None of that would change with a different personality in charge.

So what needs to change?



Brown: There will be an Iraq inquiry

sunderkatwala Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:00:21 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

The Prime Minister is committed to an inquiry " to learn all possible lessons from the military action in Iraq and its aftermath". The commitment came in a reply to my letter, to him, arguing that the 5th anniversary of the war would be the appropriate time to announce an inquiry, Gordon Brown wrote that "there will come a time when it is appropriate to hold an inquiry" however he also states his view "that time is not now".



Young Fabian New Members' Reception

alexhilton Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 02:18:29 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

6.30pm, Thursday 13th March Players' Bar, Under The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NL Come along to the New Members’ reception to meet other Young Fabians, enjoy some free drink and canapés and hopefully get to listen to some live music. To register for this event, please email Tom Miller at tmiller@youngfabians.org.uk.



The fight back - Is this how Gordon Brown can get back on top?

sunderkatwala Sun Dec 23, 2007 at 06:54:19 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

This is my editorial in the new year issue of the Fabian Review, which The Observer reports this morning, on how Gordon Brown should fight back in 2008. Fabian Review is published 3rd January 2008 and is a 'World After Bush' special issue. Join the Fabians to get a copy.



The Vision Thing: Why Labour can't win without a progressive manifesto

sunderkatwala Fri Nov 02, 2007 at 12:39:27 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

A new Fabian paper 'The Vision Thing' by Sunder Katwala argues that Labour will need a different campaign next time from those that have won the last three elections - and sets 'five tests' for a progressive manifesto - setting out policy proposals on inequality, democracy, the environment, civil liberties and foreign policy. What do you think should be the key issues for a progressive Labour manifesto and campaign?



Should Labour rewrite Clause Four again?

sunderkatwala Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 09:16:12 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Cabinet rising star Andy Burnham tells the Fabian fringe that Labour should revisit its statement of aims and values, so that an inspiring mission underpins Labour's agenda for the next decade. Should Labour have a new Clause four debate? What would you put in a new Clause Four, or should we stick with the one we've got?



Making Labour's case for the South

malcolmclark Fri May 25, 2007 at 11:46:42 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

John Denham's Fabian Society lecture on 'Southern Discomfort Revisited' provides some great material for debate within Labour - especially in southern England. Full transcript is here.  John argued that Labour cannot comfortably govern the UK as a whole without a significant southern presence.  I have listed some of the key points he made, including (bottom paragraph) why electoral reform is essential.  On my own blog, I have also added comments made by Tony Travers, about how the changed political circumstances / culture mean the electoral pendulum may no longer swing back once a party has lost its base in a particular area - whether that be the Tories in certain northern cities or Labour in parts of the south / south-west.




Darfur: Will History Forgive Us? - 25th June

YF Sun May 20, 2007 at 09:07:41 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook



A joint event between the Young Fabians and the Teachers for Darfur Coalition, covering the political and humanitarian perspectives on the crisis, with information on how you can help.



Fabian leadership hustings: Read the full transcript

sunderkatwala Mon May 14, 2007 at 01:03:18 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

The full transcript of last night’s Fabian hustings event, with Gordon Brown, John McDonnell and Michael Meacher, can now be read on the Fabian website.

Whether you attended last night, saw or heard the debate on the TV or radio,  or have read the transcript, let us know what you thought?



Young Fabians and partners Deputy Leadership Hustings - Thursday May 17th

YF Mon May 07, 2007 at 06:02:56 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Time: 7:00 PM

Venue: London Irish Cenre, 50 - 52 Camden Square, London, NW1 9XB. Disabled access.

Hosts: The Labour Party Irish Society, Africans for Labour, Labour Friends of Turkey, Jewish Labour Movement, Chinese for Labour, Disabled Members Group, Labour Party LGBT Group, Young Fabians, Young Labour and Labour Students.

All welcome to what should be a lively hustings!  Contact Conor McGinn for further information cmcginn@youngfabians.org.uk




The Future of Europe - Wednesday 30th May

YF Mon May 07, 2007 at 05:54:15 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Apologies but this event has been postponed until further notice.



Young Fabian Boat Party 6 July 2007

YF Mon Apr 30, 2007 at 09:05:11 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Date: Friday 6th July

Start/End point: Westminster Pier

Time: 7.00-11.30pm




Lecture by Rt Hon Peter Hain MP, Secretary of State for Wales and Northern Ireland - 25 April 2007

YF Sun Apr 01, 2007 at 07:03:56 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Date: 25th April

Time: 7.15pm

Venue: Thatcher Room, Portcullis House, Westminster




'Security and the Environment' - Lecture by Rt Hon John Reid MP - 18 April 2007

YF Sun Apr 01, 2007 at 06:48:55 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Date: Wednesday 18th April

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14 5JJ




Neil Kinnock opposes Trident renewal

sunderkatwala Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 09:26:22 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Neil Kinnock was on excellent form in his conversation with Michael White for the Fabian Society last night, ranging across Labour history and his life in politics, as well as the leadership, health, education and the House of Lords. But his comments on Trident are generating most interest.



Young Fabians: New members event

Redflag85 Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 12:05:19 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Researchers and staff may be particularly interested in this:



Neil Kinnock in conversation with Michael White, Monday 12th March

sunderkatwala Wed Feb 21, 2007 at 02:49:23 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Come and see Neil Kinnock reflect on Labour politics, past, present and future in conversation with The Guardian's Michael White, at a special Fabian Society event on Monday 12th March.



My left - a reply to Nick Cohen

sunderkatwala Wed Feb 07, 2007 at 07:47:58 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

What's Left asks Nick Cohen in what is already one of the most discussed political books of the year. Beyond his defence of the Iraq war is a broader claim that nobody really knows what it means to be on 'the left' today. We need to be able to answer this challenge.



The (not-so) national society

DenDen Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 06:35:41 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

The Fabian Society is a UK think tank - it says so on its website. But, whilst happy to have members from the provinces it remains as it started, a London centred organisation.



Young Fabian Boat Party

PremaG Tue Jul 11, 2006 at 12:55:54 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

The ever-popular annual boat party is back. Tix at £13/8...



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