Serious words....

On Sunday I listened to President Macron's moving and challenging speech at the Commemoration of the round-up of Jews at the Vel d'Hiv, Paris in 1942

It is available in full (and in French) at http://www.elysee.fr/declarations/article/discours-du-president-de-la-republique/

His words speak to us....

My friends, barbarism does not advance with open face. She does not wear a uniform. 

And when the Nazi boots strike the pavement of Paris, it is already too late. Barbarism is first forged in people's minds. It is the ideas and the words that gradually break the dykes of our consciences, push back civilization, which accustom us to listen, to accept words that we should not even hear.

HITLER, 
First the Third Reich? It is not 1933! 
HITLER is first and already Mein Kampf! 
None of this was born with Vichy and it was the weakness of France to allow this cancer to thrive. 

But none of this either died with Vichy. I know well that all of us, we are strong to fight against anything that could lead to the same situations. But we must open our eyes, look at reality in the face. 

In France today*, this corruption of minds, the moral and intellectual weakness of racism and anti-Semitism are still present and present. They take new forms, change faces, choose more sneaky words.

It is enough to stop there for a moment to break through the new appearances,  - old racism, the most concealed anti-Semitism. Ordinary racism...  It closes the labor market to young people who are stigmatized because of a surname or a first name. 

Conflicts of the world are being invoked in certain territories of our Republic, creating divisions that chase Jewish children from certain schools or lock up immigrant families in their communities. 

And then one day, because we You, because we did not want to see, the passage to the act intervenes. 

So what was words, which was only some hatred formulated differently and in others a form of cowardice or a complaisance not to want to see, then it becomes mowed lives and gestures that kill. 

Every synagogue, every mosque, every church, every temple, every desecrated or vandalized cemetery must alert us. The theory of the planetary plot, fantasies about world finance, insidious iconography, identity anxiety mobilizing the most toxic clichés At high speed it reaches gullible or permeable minds. 

Racism and anti-Semitism have the means to carry out their work of undermining - there are now unprecedented means of propaganda. 

Social networks are the biggest providers and we have not yet seen the extent of their influence in this regard.

* we can substitute the UK

Oh dear!

“Under EU law, there is no cap on the amount an employer found guilty of discrimination can be ordered to be pay in compensation. 

This could change after Brexit. 

The last government commissioned a report on employment law, by venture capitalist Adrian Beecham, that recommended introducing a cap on compensation payments for discrimination. 

Until now, EU rules have prevented UK government ministers from doing so.”

How Rights are Killed Off

UK laws banning discrimination on the grounds of age, religion or sexual orientation come directly from the EU’s Equal Treatment Directive. 

EU laws have also made it easier for people claiming discrimination to get justice, by placing the burden of proof in discrimination cases on the alleged perpetrator rather than the alleged victim.

To lose those rights, EU law has to be changed - that requires a long process where Members of the European Parliament (representing all strains of political opinion); Ministers from each of the EU member states and the European Commission have to agree to repeal these rights - OR a country like the UK can withdraw and the Government which controls most of the time in the House of Commons - can push through secondary legislation (not even requiring the limited parliamentary scrutiny available to Bills).

As you may know I have been writing and posting pieces on Facebook about the impact of Brexit on our rights. This morning I woke to the news that my Facebook account has been disabled - and therefore am silenced. I'm going through the procedure to have it restored. It seems that the complaint is that I'm not a real person!!!

I had prepared the following post - and if you feel able - can you post you - and by all means make it clear that it is from me - and that someone has sought (albeit temporarily) to silence the legitimate expression of political argument

All the very best

David

--------------------

Many of the funders of Brexit have a long record of complaining about the burdens forced on us by the EU. 

Most of us welcome the fact that EU law guarantees women a minimum of 14 weeks maternity leave. 

The 1992 EU Pregnant Workers Directive also gave women the right to take time off work for medical appointments relating to their pregnancy. It placed a duty on employers to look after pregnant women, including putting them on paid leave if the nature of their work was unsuitable during pregnancy – for example, if it was overly physical and potentially dangerous.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has made clear any discrimination towards a woman because of her pregnancy or maternity leave is sexism and should be treated at such. The ECJ also ruled that employers must give women on maternity leave the same contractual rights as they do to other employees, for example by continuing to pay in to pension schemes. 

Well that “burden” could be lifted when the UK leaves the EU.!

If you are serious about protecting rights - what are you doing to stop these rights being lost?

Blogging, Tweeting and Facebook

As well as my activity on my blogs - I also tweet

@jdm_progressive

and am active on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jdavidmorgan

Recently I've been taking to social media to highlight why leaving the EU is very bad news for progressives.Please feel free to to use social media to spread that message around.

Here are some recent posts

Brexit - a challenge for Progressives

I have friends in the Labour Party who genuinely believe that Brexit promises opportunities for the advancement of progressive ideas.

I however have grave doubts about their strategy and the likely consequences of Brexit.

For one -

Britain faces a number of challenges to her economic future. Already some companies are preparing for to move (back) inside the EU to enjoy the full benefits of free movement of goods, persons and capital. They want to avoid any new tariff barriers that may be erected. That's bad for jobs in the UK, and bad for tax revenues. Some ideologues of the hard-right want austerity, not so much to reduce debt (which has been a huge failure in recent years), but to cause a reduction in the role of the State. With the UK Tories still able to attract millions of votes, and win more seats at Westminster, progressives who think that Brexit will unlock the keys to a greater role for Government expenditure are likely to be sorely disappointed.

My view is that we need to hold on to the rights already enjoyed - not sacrifice them to the Brexiters who want all EU regulations and rights annuled. I don't believe in giving up achievements, in order to refight battles already won. If, as some seem to believe, other EU countries want to halt socialism in its tracks - then withdrawing our role in EU decision making will strengthen "them". I'd love to know how socialism is achieved by shooting ourselves - and British workers - in the foot. For more on the rights protected by the EU (which Member States cannot unilaterally abolish) see here.

The way that hard-right Brexiters have been prepared to cynically play on progressive wishes is highlighted by the episode of the NHS bus. Deliberate lies were told to encourage progressive voters that the NHS would be strengthened by a vote to leave. Yet many of the leading Brexiters - who funded the dissemination of this lie - are no friends of a National Health Service. Their ideology dictates that privately funded, for profit provision of health services are a "better way"

There were people who backed Brexit within the Labour Party - but they were a minority in the campaign. It was driven by the hard-right - Arron Banks, Paul Sykes, Stuart Wheeler, Nigel Farage, Ian Duncan Smith, Michael Gove, Andrea Leadsom. The break up of the EU, because it represents to them a body interfering with business' right to do as it pleases - and imposing rights of workers and consumers, is also supported by the likes of Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, many of the tea-party tendency within the US Republican Party, Marine Le Pen and other right wing extremists. The Leave campaign - and today's shrill calls for a hard Brexit - have their cheerleaders in the Mail and Express groups - never friendly to progressives - but with a history of sympathy to the fascist leaders of the 1920s and 1930s.

They want Brexit - specifically a hard Brexit - to let them establish their ideological goals in one country - the UK - and then to spread their ideas by undermining the EU and the UN.

Progressives give them aid and assistance at their peril.

No Blank Cheque!

The recent General Election in the UK was fought on many issues - but looming large over it was Theresa May's vision that "Brexit means Brexit". She kept telling us that she was fighting the election to get a mandate for the negotiations which are about to start.

She lost many seats, AND her majority in the House of Commons - based on that campaign. She has NO mandate for a 'hard Brexit'.

The other truth is that the referendum of June 2016 resulted in a huge "blank cheque" - and the right wing Europhobes

[actually it's not the Europe part they hate - but that the EU insists on what they assert is the "burdening" of business by regulations (and we've had a tragic reminder this week of the results of watering down regulations) and enforceable rights for workers and consumers]

have filled in that cheque.

We should be demanding the right to say what is written in that "cheque", before it is irrevocably cashed.

Magna Carta Day

802 years ago, King John was forced to do a deal with rebel barons on the meadows of Runnymede. They had become exasperated with his abuse of executive power - and demanded a halt.

I|n doing so they forced him to concede a principle which is central to the modern British Constitution - that the Executive must operate within the bounds of its legal authority.

It was a start - and although John sought to renege on it (and provoked a civil war which ended with his death)"., the principle remains. It has been developed further.But today we can rightly celebrate what happened on those Surrey meadows over eight centuries ago.

https://www.bl.uk/magna-carta

A City Shining on a Hill?

There has been much to admire about the United States

- a revolution based on the principle of "no taxation without representation"
- a Constitution which enforces a strict separation of powers
- a Constitution, as amended, which includes rights that Citizens can enforce
- the assertion in their 'Declaration of Independence' that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"
- fantastic technical innovation - including sending men to the moon; playing a leading role in the development of and use of computers and information technology
- its' "can do" attitudes
- some excellent academic institutions and think tanks.

I have loved visiting the United States, especially Washington DC and NoVa (Northern Virginia). I'm an American Football fan; and an addict of American politics.

John Winthrop, in a speech made as the Pilgrim Fathers approached their new land, is credited with applying this phrase taken from the Bible to the role that 'America' could play in the world. Presidents, including John F Kennedy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaXt7GE0aUo  and Ronald Reagan have made stirring speeches on this subject.

Yet, I write this post in great sadness. In recent years there has been coming out of certain quarters in the USA a poison which we in the UK and Europe need to protect ourselves from. It was prompted by the news that a gunman had opened fire in an area I deeply love, the Del Ray area of Alexandria, Virginia - injuring (as far as we know as I write this) a number of people, including the Majority Whip of the House of Representatives. It is reported that between 50 and 100 shots were fired from a set-automatic rifle (The Hill : Rep Mo Brooks [quoted in a BBC Report]).

The effort to weaken gun control has been part of the poison - each time I stay in Virginia, I hear of new changes to the law of that State which make it easier for anyone to get hold of some deadly lethal weapons - I've sat in gallery of the House of Representatives as very limited measures to improve safety were opposed and thrown out. THE NRA has been on the offensive - and despite the number and frequency of mass shootings, have gained the support of some Members of Congress, and of State legislatures - not only to reject sensible restrictions, but to push away restrictions that had existed.

We've seen the rise of a rabid populism - and fake news, culminating in the election of a man wholly unfitted to be the President of the United States. Last night I was appalled at the poor performance of the Attorney Officer of the United States - as he displayed a worrying inability to remember certain things as he testified before a Senate Committee.

We've seen a determined push to make it more difficult for certain parts of the American electorate to register to vote - for purely party political objectives.

We've seen the World Economy (as well as the American economy) taken to the brink by some Congressmen who threatened to let the USA default on its debts. We've seen the USA pull out of the Paris Climate Accord - and restart activities which threaten to further degrade the state of our planet.

There is a common theme. The push towards these developments has come from a particular part of the American political spectrum. A movement calling itself "conservative" has been behind a determined effort to push very radical ideas. Fifty-three years ago Barry Goldwater was their standard bearer - and he was given a beating at the Presidential Election. But the movement kept on planning, and spending, and removing Republican moderates. The election of Donald Trump was the, perhaps inevitable, result of their activities. Moderation was hunted down - some very black (political) arts were used to achieve the takeover of the Republican Party - and the country. Some of its fellow travellers were even overtaken by the monster they fed (Eric Cantor, John Boehner). - as Kennedy said in his inauguration speech - "those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."

The damage to the American system is vividly described in the books of Norman Ornstein and Thomas E Mann ("The Broken Branch" 2006, "It's Even Worse Than It Looks") and many others.

But why does it threaten the UK and Europe? The same crazy ideology is being pushed over here. So called "conservative" ideas have gained a foothold in the British Conservative Party. While the Conservative Party has given public support to the continuation of the National Health Service for over sixty years - there are some now suggesting that the market based approach of US health insurance would be better (!?!?!?). Brexit has its strong supporters - and funders - amongst the American 'conservatives'. We've seen the advocacy of similar barriers to voter registration,

As progressives - we need to look closely at the tactics they have used to push their ideas to such prominence and power in the USA. We also need to prepare our counter-offensive. Progressives in the US failed to take them seriously - we must not make the same mistake.

Toxic

We shouldn't be squeamish about the conduct of politics. Throughout history power has been distributed and used by the force of arms. Rivals have been killed, and opponents silenced. The peaceful resolution of disputes has not been the norm. We are privileged to live in a country and a time when elections and argument have replaced the brutal use of power.

Yet all is not well with our democracy. There are signs that parts of our system are turning toxic. The last year has illustrated this - but the roots go back further. In this post I'd like to highlight some of my concerns - and suggest ways that we can drain the swamp.

FALSE NEWS - It is often asserted that politicians always lie. Sometimes this is unfair - at elections claims are made about intentions, which may are genuine - though optimistic. Events can foil those intentions. Yes, politicians should be more realistic about what they can actually achieve. But this is very different from the cynical statement of a falsehood. In both the US Presidential Election and the UK's referendum on the EU we saw a significant rise in deliberate falsehoods being produced and repeated. And it's not only politicians - some parts of the media are regularly poisoning the minds of their readers. We need to call out the liars.

NO COMPROMISE - Politics is the art of the possible. It usually requires negotiation and compromise. The Trump approach is ultimately destructive. It can often end in violence.

VOTER SUPPRESSION - This is not a new phenomenon - last night I was listening to (the first part of) the audiobook of Robert Caro's "Master of the Senate". The introduction describes the 'voter suppression' rife in the South during the 1950s to stop black voters registering. But it is back today. Political consultants advise their clients how to achieve it - and we saw it in the media during the British General Election. Voters were led to believe that it was pointless voting for anyone but the Conservatives - the intention being to keep potential progressive voters at home. In both the US and UK we've seen it made more difficult for people to register. This is a worrying trend.

We have to call out, and stand against, these toxic tactics. Progressive parties and politicians have not been innocent of using such tactics - but the powerhouse has been the so-called 'conservative movement'. It has infected the Republicans in the USA - and they have been imported into the UK.

We need to restate the basic values of our democracy - the "Rule of Law"; fairness in elections; a willingness to deal fairly, negotiate and compromise.

The Future Belongs to Progressives.....

If we make it happen.

I was at the counts for the two Milton Keynes constituencies - what an atmosphere. Labour, Lib-Dems and Greens were thrilled - and the Tories were as miserable as sin. The result wasn't ideal - the two Tories got back in - but with wafer thin majorities. The writing is on the wall. All their money; their powerful allies in the media; and their scare tactics failed to dissuade people to vote for progressives.

Further analyses of the results nationwide are also encouraging. Young people came out in great numbers - and voted overwhelmingly for progressive parties. Older voters looked backwards with a rose-tinted view of the past - and backed the Tories. I'm thrilled that the next generation is standing up and taking its own future into their own hands. They are more tolerant, better educated, less affected by older prejudices.

But the task is incomplete. Those who have their privileges to protect will fight hard to keep them.

They try to scare people by warning that the better provision of education, health services and infrastructure will cripple us economically. The reverse is true - a nation that invests in health, education and infrastructure is better able to perform well economically in the future.

Their campaigns rely on fear to motivate people. It's the stock-in-trade of papers like the Mail and Express - their profits come from making people fearful - because fearful people buy the goods they profit from pushing. It's now a well known joke that the Express runs its "this is predicted to be the worst winter for decades" every year - not to inform, but to push people to buy things to prepare for the awful tempests coming; it's why they seek to promote fears about being overrun by hostile, criminal immigrants - you do need that security camera system promoted on page 5! And they try to frighten people against voting for progressive parties - not because they want to inform - but, to use the political term - they want to promote "voter suppression" - amongst supporters of their opponents (character assassination of the leaders of the parties opposing them : "X can't possibly win - so why bother" : TINA - There is no alternative : Vote for X and your taxes will soar through the roof)

Progressives offer hope - and opportunity. Education is a way to empower people - as is a Health Service. There is a great truth in the belief of the Labour Party that "by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone."

But progressives have often been outmanoeuvred by the forces of conservatism. We need to think - and act - in a way that foils their efforts. I am not proposing that the Green, Lib-Dems & Labour parties should merge to form a super-party. There are different traditions and priorities. But each of those parties (as is the Conservative Party) - is a coalition of like-minded people. Monolithic parties are not the answer - the strains are too great, and progressives are - commendably - not prepared to remain silent when there are disagreements. But we need to be more open to co-operation for common ends.

Let's focus on what we agree on - and fight for those priorities. Sometimes that will mean tactical voting - sometimes we need to save resources by not pitting progressive against (slightly different) progressive. Most of all we need to acknowledge publicly that politics is not a constant battle between rival institutions (the parties) - but the art of the possible - negotiating and compromising in order to achieve a result that most would be happy with.


     

An inspiring speech - from 1976

Back in 1976, a Congresswoman called Barbara Jordan made an inspiring speech at the Democratic Convention. I listened to it last night - and though it is 41 years old, and made across the Atlantic - it is a speech that every progressive should listen to. It is really relevant to the UK General Election currently in progress.

The transcript is available here

What's a progressive?

I've slightly amended a definition given in "Winning Your Election the Wellstone Way"

Those who hold Values such as a belief in economic justice and equality of opportunity, the primacy of educating our children and supporting families, and making sure we progress as a country to the point where good physical and mental health care is not just a privilege for some.

We believe homes should be safe places for women and children and should be free of violence....We believe that we move our country forward in this new global economy by focusing as a country on the goals of a good education, good health care, and good jobs for all"

Why this Election Matters

I’ve alway thought it a good principle to try and leave the world a better place than it was when one was born.

What kind of legacy do we want to leave? That is what this election is about.

I was born into a Britain proud of its NHS - and I, and my parents and my children have benefited from it when we needed it most. Now it is being (not so) slowly starved of the resources needed to do its job. Private healthcare firms are looking on and salivating at the killing they will soon be making.

I was the first in my family to enjoy the opportunity of going to university straight after school - and getting the chance for better work and prospects. [Both my parents who were denied the opportunity as teenagers got their degrees later in life thanks to Labour’s initiative - the Open University]. This opportunity for me came without tuition fees - and with a grant! Now students are forced to take on debts averaging £44,000.

Because I left University debt free, and graduates had real opportunities for careers - like many of my contemporaries, I was able to buy my first house whilst still in my twenties - which today fewer and fewer young people are able to do.

There weren’t beggars and the homeless living in the streets, - or the need for food banks - when I was young. Now that’s a part of everyday life.

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS - we can choose the legacy we leave- 

Debt for our children, and a return to the days when we there was NO effective NHS NOR the opportunities for ALL children to have a good education and be able to afford to go to university?

Or can we renew the promises that were made to us about a better future?

My vote doesn't make a difference???

The following infographic illustrates some important points

1 Non voters exceed the number of voters for any one party - we progressives should treat very carefully the conventional wisdom that parties should target their resources and efforts on getting out those who only occasionally vote, or who will vote for different parties at different elections. We need to make efforts to engage those who feel dis-engaged from politics too - and there are an awful lot of them!

2 The Conservatives benefitted in 2015 from a split amongst progressives (who are mostly Labour; Liberal Democrat or Green) - and in fact that split has been key to Conservative domination of British politics for the last century.

§

Progressives Need to Act to achieve our common aims

For fellow progressives in the Milton Keynes area - or from elsewhere who are able to get across to our fine city.

Please come and help progressives to oust Mark Lancaster and Iain Stewart.

jdm_progressive during the General Election

Perhaps you thought I'd gone quiet over the last few days. Far from it - my four passions are UK, US, French & UK politics (I believe in internationalism!). As you know the french elections are reaching their climax - and we have a sudden General Election thrust upon us in the UK.

I continue to write and post - but I'm currently finding - in these circumstances - that Facebook and Twitter allow for quicker responses - and a wider discussion than this blog. I will continue to post pieces on this blog up to 8th June, as and when I am able - but now is the time for progressives to leap into action - on the doorsteps, in public places, on social media....

So I apologise that I won't be posting as frequently here - but you are welcome to follow me on:

 FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/jdavidmorgan

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Jdm_progressive

Unlike the 2001 and 2005 General Elections, or the 2009 European Parliament Elections - and various local government elections - I will not be standing as a candidate myself.

I will however be encouraging all progressives to back pro-EU candidates standing in parliamentary constituencies where they have the best chance of defeating the Conservative hard or passive Brexit supporters (which I think is everyone but Kenneth Clarke).

A guide to voting effectively can be found here - https://www.tactical2017.com - the spreadsheet is based on is available here.

The benefits of EU Membership

At a loss for explaining the benefits of Britain's membership of the EU? Want the facts about the costs of a hard-Brexit (or any Brexit, for that matter)?

Then use this list that I have compiled of useful websites.

FULLFACT - fact-checking site: https://fullfact.org/europe/

INFACTS - https://infacts.org

JOHN McCORMICK’S BENEFITS OF THE EU - http://johnmccormick.eu/benefits-of-the-european-union/

What has the EU Ever Done for Me?

Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ben-brown/what-has-the-eu-ever-done_b_9262756.html

Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-what-has-european-union-done-for-us-david-cameron-brexit-a6850626.html

New Statesman: http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/03/eu-explainer-easily-bored-what-has-europe-ever-done-me

EPLP: http://www.eurolabour.org.uk/eu-benefits

Patrick Stewart Sketch (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2016/apr/25/patrick-stewart-sketch-what-has-the-echr-ever-done-for-us-video

The New European website is another excellent resource.

Runnymede

As a lecturer in Constitutional Law, with a keen interest in British and US politics, the Magna Carta has a special place in my heart - and the meadows at Runnymede, on the banks of the Thames close to Windsor, are the place where the historic agreement was agreed.

Why are the events of June 1215 so important? and why should we regard what was achieved there as central to modern democratic states.

Magna Carta did not initiate 'democracy'. The idea is much older - and its achievement comes, if indeed it has fully arrived yet, only in the last century. Universal suffrage in the U.K., - with the same minimum age came only in 1929.

The significance of Magna Carta, is that an over-mighty Executive believed that there were no constraints upon his actions. The Magna Carta established the principle that the exercise of executive power was subject to the law. The Rule of Law is supreme. It also constrained the power of the State to require that it's citizens pay for the activities of the State. Later this was developed into the principle that the House of Commons must approve any taxation.

These principles remain important today. Many fear that there is a growing arrogance among the Executives of democratic states - the ones that have traditionally celebrated the achievements in Runnymede - evidenced by the attitudes and actions of Donald Trump - and in the UK over Brexit. Despite the Supreme Court asserting the sovereignty of Parliament - the Government, with the passive support of its supporters in both Hoses of Parliament - demanded and got a blank cheque over the triggering of Article 50 and the process of Brexit. Rights of citizens and other taxpayers (yes we have people who live in this country, and who contribute to our society both by their work and their taxes, who were denied a vote in the referendum) - are being sacrificed for a hard-Brexit that only a tiny minority voted for.

It is time to remind ourselves of our great heritage - and to ensure it continues.

How do our institutions work?

If more people knew about how the institutions of government worked, those in power would be able to get away with less. As the saying goes - "Knowledge IS power"

Which is why it is concerning that many citizens do not understand how the British Constitutional system - and its institutions - work - and what can be achieved through them. Successful lobbyists know - insiders know - but many citizens are at a loss about how to effect change, or how to get answers from those that make the key decisions.

The sister blog of jdm_progressive - Washminster - has sought to spread information. I've used it for my students in UK Constitutional Law; EU Law; and Political Science to aid them gain an understanding of how the British (and also other systems - especially the US, EU & French systems) - work.

I was really pleased to see that Parliament is continuing its outreach efforts.

So if you want to become better equipped - then take a look at the "Parliament Explained" podcast series. You can see what podcasts have been, and will be released - and sign up for the series - at

http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentexplained

What's in a name?

We've had the "Good Parliament" (1376); the "Bad Parliament" (1377); the "Merciless Parliament (1388); the "Unlearned Parliament" - sometimes referred to as "the Parliament of Dunces" (Coventry, 1404) [see p54 of Chris Bryant's Parliament: The Biography. Vol 1 pbk]; and the "Parliament of Bats"(Leicester, 1426).

Nowadays we using rather boring numbers - the current parliament is popularly known as the "2015 Parliament" or more correctly "the 56th Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"

But perhaps it needs its own name - for it will go down in history. I suggest -
"The Parliament of Lemmings"

It was this Parliament which passed the European Union Referendum Act 2015 - which set in motion a referendum, which had none of the safeguards that most countries regard as normal - such as thresholds for participation and margins of victory. {Even in Britain we've done that in the past - for example, the Scotland Act 1978 which required that the approval at the referendum be by 40% of Scotland's total registered electorate, rather than by a simple majority.}

When the ancient doctrine of "Parliamentary Sovereignty" was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union - Parliament just rolled over and gave the Prime Minister a blank cheque to trigger Article 50, and all attempts to amend the European Union (Notice of Withdrawal) Bill - (now Act) to secure some scrutiny were rejected.
{I guess a modern variation of the 'self-denying ordinance'}

During the debates a theme was frequently repeated - leaving the EU is going to be bad for the UK, but we are obliged to support this bill. Edmund Burke is well and truly buried! Our "representatives" have taken neither his nor Churchill's views on the duties that MPs owe to their constituents.

Now we have a White Paper on the "Great Repeal Bill". It recognises that there is a mountain of legislation needed to give effect to withdrawal from the EU - and because of the pressures of time, delegated legislated - with limited parliamentary scrutiny - will be used. The Executive has been struggling to get get sufficient expertise to assist it with withdrawal - but it has tried to arm itself - at great expense to taxpayers - by seeking to recruit the needed experts and civil servants. Yet do we hear anything about Parliament being properly equipped for the task ahead?

As the Opposition have pointed out the proposed bill gives sweeping powers to the executive to change regulations. "Sweeping, because it proposes a power to use a delegated legislation to correct and thus change primary legislation, and also devolved legislation," Keir Starmer told MPs. “Sweeping because of the sheer scale of the exercise.” Starmer added: “In those circumstances one might expect some pretty rigorous safeguards to the use of these sweeping powers, but none are found in the white paper.”

Truly, this Parliament deserves the name "The Parliament of Lemmings" - Most know that quitting the EU will do irreparable harm to the UK, its' interests and its people - yet headlong they charge towards the cliff.

Grey Wednesday

Today Mrs May will trigger Article 50, to start the negotiations for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union . I think we may well look back and regard today, perhaps not as "Black Wednesday" (No one has died) - but "Grey Wednesday" - a day on which our country took a wrong turning which brings years of gloom - as we turn our backs on the opportunities that we are now to deny ourselves. We may lose the United Kingdom itself; many jobs; many futures - and impoverish ourselves.

The omens are not good. This was a decision based on assertions of false facts; of promises cynically made - when the makers knew they would never deliver them. It was pushed and funded by the adherents of an ideology which runs counter to the best of British values.

I'm sure that I will not convince anyone to change their mind today. But I would urge all people who care about our future to start thinking seriously about how we restore our fortunes if any of the fears are realised.

If you think we are going down the wrong road - GET INVOLVED. Be part of the decision making processes in our democracy. You don't need to aim to be Theresa May's successor! We need thinking parish councillors; district councillors; county councillors; school governors; leaflet deliverers; social media activists; people who will help their neighbours deal with poor decisions - at whatever level taken - as well as MPs. We need adults who can and will tell children how democracy is supposed to function.

Learn about how our institutions work - and how decisions are made. Visit Parliament; attend a committee meeting or Full Council of your local council. Teach your children and your neighbours about the privileges and duties of citizenship.

[Ten years ago I started my first blog. It was about the workings of the institutions of democracy - and I have used it to assist my students of Constitutional Law; EU Law; British, American & European Politics. Please feel free to visit it - and use the search engine if you want to find out about some aspect or practice of politics and government - It can be found at http://washminster.blogspot.co.uk]

What divides us?

A lot of people hate politics because it seems to be about arguments, bickering and conflict. I have to admit, I can no longer stomach watching PMQs (Prime Minister's Questions - every sitting Wednesday at noon) - and like so many friends, I'm watching LESS news these days - it is so depressing.

But discussion is at the heart of democracy. We exchange ideas, put forward our views and argue for own own interests (and those of our family, communities...)That's better that having decisions imposed upon us. Sometimes we can go too far, but that is better than living without freedom.

We often stress the "winner takes all" nature of British politics. Win a majority in the House of Commons, or on the local council - and you can do what you want. In practice most decisions involve consultation, negotiation and compromise. When these break down we can be justifiably angry.

Let's stop criticising negotiating and compromise. Let's not forget that we are 65 million people - each with our own needs, views and interests. As Churchill once said...

Watch this...

An excellent video - it is well worth watching and sharing.

Why I will be marching today

There are some 'professional' demonstrators - they're out on the streets at the drop of a hat - opposing anything and everything. I've never been one of them. So why will I be giving up a Saturday to go on today's March for Europe - along with a lot of people who have never demonstrated before?

Britain took a momentous decision at last June's referendum. The question was "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?". Out of an electorate of 46,500,001 [The current population is 65.1 million] - a majority of 1.2 million backed leave.

Many factors caused that result - but fake "facts" and claims that £350 million a week would be available to fund the NHS made a significant contribution.

Nine months on - the Prime Minister is about to trigger Article 50, which begins the process of that withdrawal. But not just withdrawal from the European Union, but Euratom, the single market, and the free trade area. So called "Hard Brexit". This would cause tremendous damage to my country.

Senior Conservative MP, and Chair of the Education Select Committee, Neil Carmichael has said a "harsh Brexit" must be avoided at all costs suggesting it could "damage our economy, damage our capacity as a nation to perform capably in the future and actually damage Europe.”

Kathleen Brooks, director of research at City Index, said a ‘hard Brexit’, is likely to come “at the cost” of a period of economic disruption, which is “likely to be negative for the pound". 
Experts warn that London’s position as a financial hub will be dealt a severe blow if the UK left the single market.

Even Leave voters want to retain some benefits! This table comes from the Economist.

I'm marching because 

• leaving the EU would be disastrous for the UK: 
• EU membership is key to Britain's future prosperity (which is why, despite initial          reluctance to join the ECSC & EEC - we decided it was the only viable option - we found that EFTA which we founded, didn't deliver; that a North American Free Trade Area was a non-starter):
• there is no mandate for a hard Brexit:
• The government have refused to secure the rights of EU citizens who have lived, paid taxes, brought up families here:
• The Leave campaign was dominated and financed by followers of a fundamentalist ideology who denies that the State has any role in protecting the rights of citizens, consumers and workers from "vulture" capitalism. (Which is why Trump & Bannon are such fans):
• Co-operation between people is to be preferred to creating divisions:
• a hard Brexit threatens the continued existence of a United Kingdom
• Leaving would have repercussions that would limit opportunities for people who will long outlive the minority in our country who voted to leave.

.... I could go on. I grew up in a country that was considered to be declining in wealth and influence - the sick man of Europe. Since we joined in 1973 - that has ceased to be true. I don't want to return to the 1960s - I want a future for my children and my country. 

Perhaps I'll see YOU on the march today?

Organisations that will be represented at the March include

Open Britain
Labour  Movement for Europe
New Europeans

The cross-party, multi-organisation Unite for Europe has coordinated plans - and many, many Facebook Groups exist - such as 'The 48%", "Join Hands for Europe", "Labour Against Brexit".  

Westminster

"Westminster" is a place we British love to hate. It's often portrayed as a place of intrigue, quarrels and sleaze. I won't repeat some of the comments I've heard whilst campaigning on peoples' doorsteps!

Yesterday it was attacked again. There have been bombings, murders and assaults many times within the Palace of Westminster. 

We were reminded of what goes on each day in this small area of London. Children were in the gallery watching the House of Commons at work. There had been tours for citizens and visitors explaining the history of the buildings and the institution which is Parliament. MPs and Peers, assisted by an army of assistants, were scrutinising; helping solve the problems faced by constituents; legislating and negotiating. Outside there were tourists who had come to see and photograph an iconic building - and who were killed or injured.

Parliament matters. Yes, it is imperfect. It can fail to do its job properly. The temptation to enjoy its pleasures and privileges - to be self-indulgent, can, and does affect people working there. But it is a place where citizens can participate in the making of the laws that govern us. A place where important decisions can be scrutinised, and decision makers held to account.

Parliament matters - and as citizens we need to support efforts to enable more of our fellow citizens to understand how our democracy works - and how they navigate its institutions.

Our Progressive Heritage

The Tories (from an Irish word for outlaw, robber, brigand) always harp on about making our children learn about BRITISH history. I actually agree with them - but not the very selective version that they choose to believe - of Kings and benevolent nobles - of a happy Empire, with our role in the slave trade airbrushed out.

Our history is full of radicals and rebels. Our parliamentary democracy was not gifted by generous rulers - it was hard fought for, and fiercely resisisted by the forces of 'conservatism'. The idea of absolute monarchy was challenged from the start. William the Conqueror found his claims to ownership of England met resistance and this continued until his death. Henry II had to submit to humiliation after the murder of Thomas Becket. King John was forced to accept the Magna Carta - and when he reneged the French were invited to step in to help. The principle that the King could not raise taxes without the agreement of Parliament (and the House of Commons in particular) can be traced, at least, to the reign of Henry III (1260s). The Peasants staged their famous revolt in 1381 - and many Kings found they were challenged by uprisings of the 'lower orders'. When Charles I claimed a 'divine right of Kings' and declared war on his own people - he lost his head. When his son James II started to get similar ideas he was run out of town. Radical ideas thrived in the era of the civil war (the Putney debates are worth reading) - and Thomas Paine shared his revolutionary ideas with both the Americans and the French. Party Conferences in the 21st Century are held on the site of "Peterloo" and the Tolpuddle Martyrs are still commemorated every year. The Suffragettes won their battle with the establishment - and resistance in Ireland led finally to the establishment of the Irish Free State. Colonialism was ended both by resistance in the countries themselves and through activism within Britain.

The Brits don't take things lying down! - and long may that tradition continue.

I have two excellent books at home, which are inspirational -






But you can't beat the works of Thomas Paine. I was inspired (as countless others have been since he influenced the American and French Revolutions) by his writings over 40 years ago - and it is good to revisit him. [And when we visited the 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy last week - it was a thrill to see the central position he is given in that centre]


Britain has a progressive heritage it can justly be proud of.

My apologies...

I'm afraid that jdm_progressive (the blog) has not been as active as it should in the last few days - nor will be in the next.

The reason is that I'm very busy at the moment. If you've been following me on Facebook or twitter - you'll understand why!

We now know that on a week on Wednesday, Theresa May will trigger Article 50 - which marks the start of the process for the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union. 29th March will be a joyful day for the 'regressives' who have plotted and planned for so long to achieve this. Divide and Rule has always been a tool of the ultra-right, and they hate that the European Union has brought peoples together in a project to improve our continent.

Most of all they object, on ideological grounds, to "governmental interference". They hate that the EU has a competition policy which acts against "abuse of a dominant position", and prohibits agreements between "undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which may affect trade between Member States and which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the internal market".

They object to "social Europe" which seeks to give rights to consumers and workers. They object to any interference in the rights of "vultures" to prey on others.

It is no coincidence that links between the ultra-Republicans in the USA and the Brexiteers have started to come to light.

But for progressives in Britain, March 29th will be a sad day. It will be the official repudiation of the values we hold dear - and which I believe are central to what is great about Britain.

However, let's not wallow in self-pity. Theresa May can trigger Article 50 - and she seems unlikely to get much scrutiny from Parliament. But "we, the people" can - and should, continue to demand answers. We should make it clear that we are NOT prepared to be sold down the river. When the enormity of what Brexit means becomes clearer - more people will become angry.  It's the future of our people that is being destroyed in order to pander to the ideology of the ultra-regressives.

I hope that you will be joining me in London (and thousands of others) on March 25th.

I hope that you will be pressing YOUR MP to get answers about the direction this country is being taken.

Those things we hold dear are under attack. Now is the time to get involved to stop that. Our liberties, our parliamentary democracy, the achievements of our ancestors are at stake. None of us can afford to sit back and let it happen.

There are a number of organisations you can choose to get involved in - (for a fuller list follow me on Facebook). The two I particularly recommend are -

Open Britain
The European Movement

Why do we let them get away with it?

I was deeply disturbed by the argument put forward in a BBC documentary about the rise to power of the Nazis. (Nazis: A warning from history) Conventional wisdom suggests that ordinary people became involved in some of the atrocities because the Nazi State forced them into it. The same view is taken of the oppression by Communist states. The programme sought to show that rather than reluctant obedience to the directives of the authorities, many people were quite innovative in coming up with ideas and actions which went well beyond what was "required" of them.

The awful truth that the programme sought to expose is that people can be so eager to please the authorities, that they will do things which went far beyond what an oppressive regime could imagine.

Timothy Snyder, in his recent book, "On Tyranny", makes this his first lesson. He uses examples from history and research, especially the experiments by Milgram, which show how easily people will do terrible things if suggested to them by an apparently authoritative person.

Worth reflecting upon.

Perhaps it is this wish to conform and please which explains the behaviour of MPs. & Peers during the European Union (Notice of Withdrawal) Bill. The tendency to conform is built within us all. But Snyder argues that it is a tendency which serves us ill when the winds of authoritarianism are beginning to blow. Don't make it easy for those who would curtail our freedom

Thoughts for the day...

I recently picked up Timothy Snyder's recent book "On Tyranny". The subtitle tells its purpose " Twenty lessons from the twentieth century". The front piece states, "Today, we are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to totalitarianism in the 20th century. But when the political order seems imperilled, our advantage is that we can learn from their experience to resist the advance of tyranny."

It is clearly aimed at an American audience (concerned at the rise of Trump and the ultra-radical Right who now hold power in the Republican Party). But its arguments are relevant to us in Europe, and in Brexit-Britain. I'll be commenting on specific chapters in the coming days, and giving my view of the applicability both sides of the Atlantic.

It's easy to read, but very thought provoking. More than ever we need to look at the warnings and lessons from the past - as we seek to avoid from suffering the repeats of history.

Don't Get Mad - Get Even

How should we respond to the failure of Parliament to act in the best interests of our country and the people who live within the boundaries of the United Kingdom? Walking away is not a real option. Thankfully we still live in a democracy. Our representatives are accountable to the citizens they were elected to serve.

Some will be tempted to retreat from engagement. But that would leave the authors of our troubles to escape the consequences. Instead we need to step up and carry out the duties of good citizens. We need to hold the decisions made in our names up to scrutiny.

Keep asking questions. Challenge the assertions and actions of your elected representatives. If you are not happy with the way your MP or councillor voted or spoke - then say so. Demand answers. Challenge them through the columns of your local newspapers, on the phone-ins of your local radio stations, on the doorsteps when the canvassers come round, at the local party offices. Keep writing & emailing. If they are unresponsive consider standing as a candidate yourself. Join a political party.

The minority maintain power because they know that few will challenge them. Political strategists calculate that the anger of most people will subside. They rely on people tiring of challenging them. It is when citizens arm themselves with a knowledge of how Parliament, Government & councils works; when they become vocal within their community; when they insist on demanding answers that this minority becomes threatened. Chanting at a demonstration with fellow minded friends can be fun - but what Representatives and their party organisations fear most is people watching their local council or Parliament - and asking pertinent questions. Dealing with someone who has reflected on the issues - and asks calmly why a decision has been made is much more difficult than facing organised protests.

Many of us have looked at the shallowness (and sometimes, unpleasantness) of particular representatives. We've been angered by their dismissive responses to our emails and letters and phone-calls. If you've ever thought to yourself, "I could do a better job than them" - then perhaps it's time to do something about it.

I'd value your thoughts on what I have suggested.

The Challenge Today

One of my most treasured books as a youngster concerned Great parliamentary events. Days in which the House of Commons rose to a great challenge and demonstrated the best in wisdom and courage. There have been other occasions on which it has failed miserably and committed mistakes which had woeful consequences.

Today may be a momentous day inBritish history. The Commons may require The Executive to submit to proper scrutiny, or it may fold to the bullying of that same Executive. It has done both in the past. I am hoping that it will rise to the challenge, NOT abdicate its responsibilities.

We shall see.

Brexit is one of the least properly thought out decisions we have faced in generations. The Referendum was fought more on emotion, than reason and there was a woeful regard for facts. Ideologues pushed for a Leave result with little care for, or consideration of the consequences. A very narrow interpretation of the result has been adopted and no opposition has been tolerated. It has all the makings of a terrible error that we & our children will pay heavily for.

Let's hope that today Parliament is at its best, and serves us well.

Sheep and Wolves

This week will be an important week for British politics and history. The European Union (Notice of Withdrawal) Bill will see its final stages - followed by the triggering of Article 50.

Individual MPs matter - they will be the ones to decide if the amendments stand. - and what happens next.

Many of us have already contacted MPs - and seen their responses. This week we will see their actions. We will be able to identify those who are"sheep" - who cave in to the Government's demands that Theresa May be given a complete blank cheque to trigger Art 50 & negotiate without any meaningful parliamentary scrutiny. They will the ones bowing to the power of whips and the europhobic press.Then there are the "wolves" the passionate Brexiters, some who have plotted for years to force this exit from the EU which will do so much harm, all to satisfy their twisted ideology.

Let us all keep a close watch on who does what - and which category they are. Let's encourage those who will stand up up for the Sovereignty of Parliament and the interests of Britain.