A rather unconventional approach to David Miliband’s Guardian commentary would be to discuss the argument which he actually makes. I have a longish commentary on Open Democracy which tries to assess what sort of 'change' Miliband is advocating that Labour needs to make, whether his 'progressive fusion' argument for bringing together social democracy and liberalism means, and why I think its a mistake to label Miliband as a 'Blairite'.

Labour infantilises itself if it believes that another change of leader would answer its problems. Brown has made mistakes, but this has been a collective failure too. Nobody else has set out a distinctive and popular Labour argument which could reunite a winning electoral coalition.

Ministers are discussing proposals to curb outside earnings in Parliament. 66 per cent of Tory MPs, 37 per cent of Liberal Democrats and 19 per cent of Labour MPs have other jobs, reports The Independent.

"Reading David Cameron’s Glasgow speech, I was struck not by how much the Tories have changed, but by how little. He delivered Tebbit’s “Get on your bike” speech, refined by PR experts. Chingford meets Notting Hill", says Health Secretary in a Fabian speech.

David Lammy MP gave a Fabian speech last night 'Lessons from America' arguing that both the Obama and McCain campaigns have important lessons for Labour. I think it is one of the most candid political speeches given by a government minister in the last year.

Do we need to change the culture of our party and politics? And how would we do that in practice?

We need some radical new policies. And I think looking to the oldest, and in my opinion best British think-tank, the Fabian Society would be a good place to start.

Sunder Katwala recently suggested that we should abolish prescription charges.

Some interesting health reforms were suggested in their most recent review.

I think we need a set of radical proposals, and will outline several that I think we should introduce: what radical policies would you propose?

An interesting and potentially constructive and enlightening debate is developing between Phil Collins (former Blair speechwriter) and Sunder Katwala (Fabian Society General Secretary). Phil Collins is of the view that the Fabian tradition stifles choice and liberty and that we must accept that politicians cannot micro-manage society and the era of big government is over.

Though I think Phil Collins makes some sensible and timely observations I tend to side with Sunder and the Fabians. What Collins fails to accept is that history shows that centre-left governments invariably have to do more than just manage, they have to be more than competent. Labour governments need to persuade people that there is a task for government, that collective endeavour really is a strength as well as being a virtue - that collaboration can go hand in hand with competition. A new, more liberal Labour party (of the type Collins is espousing) needs not only to legislate to help rid our nation of some its ugly realities such as child poverty, endemic inequalities in both health and education, it also needs to clearly articulate why these areas warrant state action.

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?

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".

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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

Apologies but this event has been postponed until further notice.

Date: Friday 6th July

Start/End point: Westminster Pier

Time: 7.00-11.30pm

Date: 25th April

Time: 7.15pm

Venue: Thatcher Room, Portcullis House, Westminster