Tag: benn

Labour YouTube Hustings

Lorin Thu Jun 21, 2007 at 04:29:17 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

What was your verdict?
Did you get your question answered?



5 Labour Deputy Leader candidates pledge support!

CDUH Tue Jun 19, 2007 at 01:30:26 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Already five of the six deputy leadership candidates have signed up in support of the Campaign for a Democratic Upper House.



Mirror, mirror on the wall

NeilF Thu Jun 07, 2007 at 12:21:45 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

The Mirror newspaper put together a panel of six members of the public to interrogate the six candidates for the Deputy Leader's post. They all made good account of themselves, but one candidate stood out more than the others.  The panel was made up of Silla Carron (Pride of Britain Neighbour of the Year), Mohamed Lodhi (pensioner), Lesley Ward (school teacher), Emma Chapman (nurse) and Katan Alder (student).  


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=19257969%26siteid=89520-name_page. html



A view (not by me) on Benn, Harman and Cruddas at West Ham

grayee Sun May 27, 2007 at 01:11:42 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Comrade Richard B has written this report on the debate which folk might find interesting.

Last Wednesday West Ham CLP organised the first of two deputy leader debates. In Stratford we had Hilary Benn, Jon Cruddas and Harriet Harman. We have the others this week (Tuesday).

Congratulations to West Ham activists, Lyn Brown MP and her team for the organisation and UNISON-Labour Link for stumping up some cash. I think West Ham is one of the few CLPs that has organised events with all the candidates. Shows what you can do with everyone working together!



Odds shorten on Benn victory

Mike Ion Wed May 23, 2007 at 04:07:39 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Earlier today William Hill slashed the odds for a Benn victory - he is now 2-1 joint-favourite to become John Prescott's successor. Hilary's campaign chairman, Ian McCartney, said a successful start to the campaign and a good performance at the three deputy leadership hustings held so far was responsible for the turnaround.



Benn: Humility is the key to leadership

Mike Ion Fri May 18, 2007 at 04:11:26 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Hilary Benn officially launched his campaign today pledging to act with humility and courage if he becomes Labour's next deputy leader. Launching his bid, Hilary stated that "Real leadership means having the humility to listen as well as the courage to act." He told his packed audience of supporters and campaign team workers (which included his father Tony) : "Let the debate begin. Let us discuss ideas. Let us talk straightforwardly about the future we want. Let us set out the practical steps we can take together to make Britain a better, fairer country. No politician can create this society alone, as real leadership means having the humility to listen as well as the courage to act."


Appealing to Labour's 200,000 members, Mr Benn said it was now time for them to have their say: "Because this election must not and will not be decided in the corridors of power." With Gordon Brown now confirmed as the next prime minister, Mr Benn said the deputy leader should offer "frank advice" to his boss.



Benn: Green politics can renew Labour

Mike Ion Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 05:01:02 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

In a recent speech to SERA Hilary Benn has argued that the Labour party must put the environment at the heart of its renewal.



Benn: China's actions will harm development in Africa

Mike Ion Thu Feb 08, 2007 at 07:39:29 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

In total Africa is likely to get something in the region of $5bn (£2.6bn) in 'soft loans' and grants from Chinese government over the next few years. On the face of it this sounds a fantastic deal for the continent but the reality is that such loans may end up doing more harm than good. Massive loans like these could well plunge some African countries back into debt and undermine the West's efforts to promote good governance on the continent.

This is why Hilary Benn is right when he argues that China's offer of cheap loans to African governments will risk driving back into debt countries that have only just benefited from debt relief. Both Christian Aid and the Financial Times agree with Benn's stance. The FT argues that:

"China's policy in Africa is not an alternative to neo-liberalism. Beijing is intent on securing raw materials and commodities to fuel its own booming economy, and on finding new markets for Chinese exports. That sounds very like the past strategy of western colonial powers."

The sad consequence is that if the Chinese continue to offer no-questions-asked loans, many US and European banks will inevitably think again about linking loans to good governance and other conditions. Who benefits then?