tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220579222024-03-07T09:15:42.373+00:00Lindylooz Muze"I always read Linda’s blog with a mixture of interest and trepidation!’ - Nick Clegg
"Linda Jack, the eminense grise of so many Lib Dem party conferences is an excellent blogger. Her posts benefit from being close to the action but not too close; she lives and breathes politics and it shows" - Politics.co.ukLinda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.comBlogger675125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-84675752156548827962016-11-11T13:53:00.000+00:002016-11-11T13:55:51.717+00:00Has Fear Trumped Love?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's been a while since I've blogged (!) I got locked out for ages, but the events of this week have spurred me on to get back in........</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Still reeling from the result in the States
this week I am reminded of the work I did on behavioural economics. The fact
that people are more motivated by fear of loss than the prospect of gain. Any
campaign that plays on people's fears, that focuses on the negative rather than
the positive, whether we like it or not, will often be more effective than
the positive campaigning we all crave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For those who haven't read it I recommend Drew
Watson <a href="http://www.thepoliticalbrain.com/videos.php">"The
Political Brain"</a> - he goes into more detail about political motivation generally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For most of my adult life I have believed that
what happened in Nazi Germany couldn't happen again - and certainly not here.
In a few short months that certainty has been challenged. The outpouring of
hatred in the lead up to and post Brexit, the legitimisation of attitudes and
behaviours that people previously would have been too ashamed to share openly,
is very scary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The fact that an openly racist, xenophobic,
misogynist, sexist, sociopath could be elected to the most powerful role in the
world makes me wonder what has happened to the values which should underpin
democracy regardless of political persuasion. Decency, respect, honour,
service. I have to come back to the power of fear in motivating people who
would otherwise see themselves as decent, respectable and honourable, to
respond to a narrative that blames the other, rather than blaming the real
authors of their situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since Brexit I have been horrified at some of
the openly racist and xenophobic diatribe being vented daily, in the media, on radio phone ins and on the street. As someone who enjoys Stephen Nolan’s programme on 5 Live I
have so often listened in disbelief at such attitudes being openly expressed.
Recently I had to phone in after someone responding to our decision to take a
few unaccompanied minors from Calais, said ‘we don’t want them here, the
flotsam and jetsam of society’. When I got through they asked me not to quote
him on the radio as they didn’t want such racist sentiments repeated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So now I worry about what will happen to those
who are ‘other’ in the US. Here we have seen a huge increase in Islamophobic
and racist attacks. I also wonder how I would feel, perhaps as a Mexican,
knowing that my neighbours had voted for someone who sees me as a rapist?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I know it’s not as simple as that, I know many
people voted for Trump for other reasons that mattered more to them, such as
wanting conservatives appointed to the Supreme Court, or hating Hillary so much
Trump seemed the lesser of two evils. They may have done so holding their
noses, but still - give legitimacy to the basest of human instincts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is really no alternative to democracy,
but we must surely recognise that in order to work it must be underpinned by
values of decency, respect, honour and service to all. The alternative is the legitimised
oppression of the minority by the majority, the weak by the strong, the poor by
the rich. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">With Trump in the West and Putin in the East,
the rise of the far right (look how buoyed up Marine la Pen was by the result)
in Western and Eastern Europe, we must all continue to do what we can to
challenge a world view that has the potential to take us all back to 1939. To
recognise that there is one race, the human race, to build bridges not walls. A
friend once said ‘we must learn to live together or we will die together’, that
sentiment has never been more true. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-75280848795527801242015-02-12T12:51:00.000+00:002015-02-12T12:52:03.689+00:00Internal Democracy or Autocratic Pronouncements?<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of those of us who were elected to FPC last year were elected on the basis of their manifesto. It is not unreasonable therefore for the electorate to expect us to stick to our guns and do what we said we would do. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I said <i>"</i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The run up to the next election this is a crucial time for the party. It is essential to have
members on FPC who are prepared to challenge and to work hard to ensure our
manifesto is the best it can be. We need
strong and bold commitments, especially
those on the front of our manifesto that
could turn out to be our red lines. Our key
pledges must seek to reduce inequality,
protect the planet for our children and
resist the continuing attack on our civil
liberties and human rights. Our approach
to the economy has to demonstrate how we
balance the need to reduce the deficit with
the responsibility to care for the most
vulnerable. That is why I support the calls
within the party for a living wage and against unfair welfare cuts. That is why I
particularly welcome Nick Clegg’s commitment to parity for mental health care. That is
why I am committed to policies that protect our civil liberties and human rights, that
invest in green technologies and measures to tackle climate change. That is why I
am for a manifesto that has a commitment to our children and young people at its heart." </i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was clear on Monday night that many of us felt the same about the need to include civil liberties on the front cover, and there was a strong call to include housing. A lone voice admittedly, I called for a living wage to be included. But, let's be clear, the die was cast long before we assembled in Committee Room 17 on Monday night. Let's not look at framing a manifesto that is anchored in our values, no we must look to our private polling, to attracting the mythical voters in the centre rather than seeking to build on our core vote and attract back those who were once attracted to a party seen as to the left of Labour. And frankly, to get something out before our pesky internal democracy could interfere. Let's be clear, our internal democracy is the lifeblood of our already wounded party, to ignore it is not only rude and arrogant it is also foolish. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The battle now is to see what we can achieve on the balance between tax rises and spending cuts, to do what we can to protect the most vulnerable in our society, to do what we say we exist to do - or is that too much to ask?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-36362065778124795662014-11-20T10:05:00.001+00:002014-11-20T10:05:32.484+00:00Questions to the Presidential Candidates - Response from Daisy Cooper<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having asked all the Presidential candidates a series of questions I have had a reply from Daisy Cooper - her answers follow: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Q: "You have been putting forward some bold ideas for reform of the party, however, you have been part of the FE omnishambles - what guarantee do we have that you will be able to carry out your reforms of our internal systems and structures."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If I'm elected as President, I will have a mandate to pursue the ideas which I have set out during my campaign. It’s also clear from the manifestos of those running for election to FE that there is a real appetite for reform. I will work closely with FE sub-groups that I will establish (with co-opted members where necessary) and bring all proposals to Conference for debate and decision.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having just finished my first term on FE, I understand the challenges it faces.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The FE is hamstrung in its mandate to “direct coordinate and implement” because it has almost no levers for doing so. There is currently no “whole party strategy” against which FE can monitor progress, but there should be. FE appoints the CEO but does not have the power to manage her/his performance – it should. The CEO her or himself must have the power to take decisions for which s/he can be held accountable.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are no criteria against which FE members are elected. We could consider introducing a system in which FE candidates run for election for one or more portfolios – such as membership, campaigns or governance – in order that they can demonstrate their suitability for scrutinising these areas (currently members choose the basis upon which they want to run for FE pursuing their own interest, not necessarily what the party needs).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also think FE has learned a number of lessons including seeking expert constitutional advice where necessary; working more closely with FCC on conference procedures; and allowing more time - and being more transparent - about any up-coming decisions or motions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Q: "Which current coalition policies which have been supported by our parliamentary party but are at odds with party policy would you be prepared to challenge the leadership on?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me, tuition fees and the bedroom tax are the two big ones. On tuition fees, we should never have broken our promise. In my view, the bedroom tax was the biggest mistake we've made in government as the warning signs were there, both inside and outside the party, and for whatever reason those views were not heard or listened to. As President, I would be a lightning rod for members' views, particularly on these critical issues where the parliamentary party are considering voting against party policy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the NHS and secret courts, I believe there were others in the party with greater detailed policy knowledge to challenge our parliamentary colleagues. As such, I would have used the authority of my position as President to facilitate meetings and communication with the leadership.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Q: "Given that only around 25% of our current membership would support another coalition with the Tories - who would you prefer to be in coalition with? (and wait and see is NOT an option!)"</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I genuinely believe that giving either "Labour" or "Conservative" as the answer will damage our party and our prospects.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm one of those within the party that wants us to have a distinctive radical manifesto to promote on the doorstep - I do not want to fall into the trap of talking about what we have in common with the other two parties, when we should be saying why and how we're very different to both.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the event of coalition negotiations, we should start with the arithmetic but quickly move to our values (you'll recall that at the last general election we talked only about working first with the party that "had the most seats or votes").</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Notwithstanding, I think that the announcements at the Tory party conference in September - particularly on further cuts to welfare and further tax cuts for the rich - will make it VERY difficult for us to consider a formal coalition with them. The Labour Party has proposed very few policies and is yet to show any interest in coalition either.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Q: "And finally - I have outlined my ideas for reforming and rebuilding the party - if elected are there any of my ideas that you would be prepared to consider?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know that you've suggested a range of measures, including term limits for Federal Committees, wider electorates, and more creative use of technology. You've also suggested that our fundraising communications need to be better coordinated, and less frequent.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of them are likely to have advantages and disadvantages. I'd happily put all these ideas on the table for discussion, initially by FE sub-groups, and then for debate and decision by Conference.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like Daisy's approach to reforming FE - and if elected I hope she gets her ideas through. I also appreciate her honesty and agree with her analysis about where we went wrong, particularly on Tuition Fees and the Bedroom Tax. Where I part company with her is on her reluctance to state whether or not we should enter into another coalition with the Tories, in my view this would decimate the party. If the SNP can be honest about this why can't we? All we do by refusing to comment is reinforce a public perception that politicians are duplicitous. </span></div>
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Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-34128161279759661362014-11-03T22:09:00.000+00:002014-11-03T22:09:04.194+00:00.Responding to Jennie Rigg - and a little postscript to the Presidential contest....<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Firstly many thanks to Jennie Rigg for asking internal party committee candidates some excellent, searching questions which will help us all to decide who to vote for, if we haven't decided already! So, my answers are <a href="http://miss-s-b.dreamwidth.org/1572292.html">here</a> and you can see many other responses on Jennie's blog. </span><div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now for the postscript......</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the things I was saddest about in not being able to continue in the Presidential race was letting down those who believed in and supported me. My friend Rebecca (who I met when she used to be a producer for the Daily and Sunday Politics) made me a brilliant promo video which was filmed by my son, Ravi. Please do have a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxwisRXS2SM">look!</a> It was really humbling hearing what people had to say about me - although now feels a bit like an obituary ;-). I would recommend Rebecca and Mill Town Films for any work you may need, you can contact her via email - info@millltownfilms.com - if however it's a music video you are after - check out Ravi on Youtube at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thelimelighttv">The Limelight TV</a>. Thanks again to both of them and all my supporters for giving up so much time on my behalf. </span></div>
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Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-62520715576646773282014-11-03T20:53:00.002+00:002014-11-03T22:10:10.069+00:00My Thoughts on and Questions for, the Presidential Candidates<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now I am out of the race many of my supporters have been asking me for advice on who they should vote for. Up until now there hasn't been much differentiation coming from the questions being asked, although all credit to Rock the Boat for their <a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/presidential-candidates-respond-to-rock-the-boat-43173.html#utm_source=tweet&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitter">excellent questions</a> which resulted in some sharp differentiation between the candidates. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I honestly believe that all the candidates, as we would expect, have strengths and weaknesses. As someone said to me after the hustings in Glasgow "it would be good to have a little of all of you!" </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know Sal the best, having worked with her for many years and admiring her determination and commitment to the party. I have no doubt that as President she would be prepared to tackle many of the organisational challenges we are faced with. We probably agree on more than we disagree, but like others I worry about her independence and her ability to challenge the leadership when needed. On both FPC and FCC I can't remember her ever taking anything other than the leadership line on contentious issues. She has though defied the whip on occasions in the Lords and has been a real champion on educational issues. So my individual question for Sal is: <i>Your loyalty to the leadership is laudable, but how will you ensure you can be a voice for the membership in circumstances where the leadership and the membership disagree? For example, if you had been on the Coalition negotiation team, how would you have dealt with the tuition fees issue?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Politically I am definitely closest to Daisy and her energy and clarity about her position on various issues over this campaign has been impressive. As President I have no doubt she would be prepared to challenge and consistently be a voice for the party membership. However, my question for her is: <i>You have been putting forward some bold ideas for reform of the party, however, you have been part of the FE omnishambles - what guarantee do we have that you will be able to carry out your reforms of our internal systems and structures?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before this campaign I didn't know Liz at all. Over conference I got to know her better and she clearly brings not only political but important life experience to the role. I know she has real compassion for those who have been hit hardest by many of the welfare reforms we have been party to so I would hope she would take a stand on this particular issue. But, particularly on our Daily Politics slot, I thought she tended to fudge the answers, something we know the public hate. So my question for Liz is: <i>How will you ensure that you are a strong and independent voice for the party, prepared to challenge and also answer questions directly if asked?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And additional questions to all the candidates. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Which current coalition policies which have been supported by our parliamentary party but are at odds with party policy would you be prepared to challenge the leadership on?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Given that only around 25% of our current membership would support another coalition with the Tories - who would you prefer to be in coalition with? (and wait and see is NOT an option!)</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And finally - <i><a href="http://backjack.org.uk/en/">I have outlined my ideas for reforming and rebuilding the party </a>- if elected are there any of my ideas that you would be prepared to consider? </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-46540490676627889732014-11-03T13:13:00.001+00:002014-11-03T13:14:51.248+00:00Why I'm Standing for FPC<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">As some of you know, now I am no longer in the race for Party President I am standing for Federal Policy Committee. I have said more about the changes I would like to see to our policy making process <a href="https://www.blogger.com/As%20some%20of%20you%20know,%20now%20I%20am%20no%20longer%20in%20the%20race%20for%20Party%20President%20I%20am%20standing%20for%20Federal%20Policy%20Committee.%20I%20have%20said%20more%20about%20the%20changes%20I%20would%20like%20to%20see%20to%20our%20policy%20making%20process%20here%20http://www.markpack.org.uk/69588/linda-jack-four-ways-to-improve-lib-dem-policy-making/.%20But%20I%20also%20believe%20it%20is%20essential%20that%20FPC%20includes%20members%20who%20are%20prepared%20to%20challenge%20and%20is%20not%20just%20made%20up%20of%20lawyers%20and%20academics!%20I%20have%20a%20lifetime%20of%20working%20in%20diverse%20communities,%20of%20experience%20on%20the%20ground%20of%20the%20impact%20of%20government%20policy%20and%20a%20life%20long%20commitment%20to%20the%20values%20we%20espouse%20in%20the%20preamble%20to%20our%20constitution.%20As%20we%20go%20into%20the%20next%20election%20it%20is%20essential%20we%20have%20a%20bold%20and%20radical%20manifesto.%20I%20am%20delighted%20that%20Nick%20Clegg%20has%20committed%20to%20ensuring%20parity%20for%20mental%20health%20is%20on%20the%20front%20of%20our%20manifesto%20-%20and%20trust%20FPC%20and%20conference%20will%20support%20that.%20But%20we%20need%20something%20much%20bolder%20than%20just%20raising%20the%20income%20tax%20threshold%20(a%20measure%20which%20only%20actually%20helps%2015%%20of%20the%20poorest%20in%20our%20society).">here</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> But I also believe it is essential that FPC includes members who are prepared to challenge and is not just made up of lawyers and academics! I have a lifetime of working in diverse commu</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">nities, of experience on the ground of the impact of government policy and a life long commitment to the values we espouse in the preamble to our constitution. As we go into the next election it is essential we have a bold and radical manifesto. I am delighted that <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=785125143" href="https://www.facebook.com/clegg.nick" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Nick Clegg</a> has committed to ensuring that parity for mental health is on the front of our manifesto - and trust FPC and conference will support that. But we need something much bolder than just raising the income tax threshold (a measure which only actually helps 15% of the poorest in our society).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">We knew that the decision to go into coalition with the Tories would cost us support - but some of the mistakes we made have compounded that. Recently I have spoken on a variety of external platforms and the question that always arises is tuition fees. Even among those who are not students it is symbolic of what the electorate see as complete betrayal. We promised to vote against - with few honourable exceptions, we broke that promise, we have a mountain to climb in terms of regaining the trust of the public. Although we say we have no red lines in terms of the basis for a potential future coalition, the reality on the ground is that what was on the front of our manifesto became the basis for red lines. So one of the biggest mistakes we made last time was not having tuition fees on the front of the manifesto. Then, FPC should have had a say (which it will now) in terms of the coalition negotiations, that would have ensured more consideration of policy issues and more thought about what the consequences were likely to be if we supported policies that were in direct contradiction of both our stated policies and our values. In particular, remember that line in the coalition agreement that said 'we will protect the most vulnerable'?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">So, the temptation for the party will be to have a fairly vacuous front page to which the reaction from other parties will have to be 'what's not to like?' </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">My view is, that given the reality of our situation, we must take risks. We must have a manifesto that is radical and progressive, that reflects our aim for a free, fair and open society, that seeks to redress the dreadful inequality that blights our country. So my front page would keep Mental Health parity and would include commitments to a minimum wage, massive investment in housing and a reform of national insurance that would mean those on low pay and those employing paid less (which could help close the gap between the minimum and living wage) and those most able to pay, paid more. And while I totally support subsidised travel for young people, there is far more we could do, particularly to improve the life chances of our most vulnerable young people. So I will also be looking to improve our offer to young people, to retain the Independent Living Fund, to scrap the Bedroom Tax and to do what we can to reverse the other changes to welfare that have impacted hardest on the most vulnerable. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I hope you will give me your first, or a high preference. You can rely on me to ask the difficult questions, to put my head above the parapet when necessary and to fight for the socially liberal policies we all believe will make life better for everyone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-25070370295871097392014-08-21T18:48:00.000+01:002014-08-21T18:48:38.348+01:00Post? Rennard<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday I blogged on <a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/opinion-post-rennard-what-should-the-party-do-42119.html">Lib Dem Voice</a> my response to Lord Rennard's readmittance to the party. I've been interested in some of the responses I elicited......hence the - Post? since I have been rightly challenged about the notion that we are anywhere near 'post' the affair.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are those who argue he has not been found guilty of anything - that we have had due process - that we should all just accept the outcome and welcome him back into the fold. But the fact remains for all too many, in particular the complainants, it is not resolved. And one has to ask, if he has been truly exonerated, why has the leadership made it clear he will take no leading role in the upcoming general election campaign? This is a completely unsatisfactory outcome for everyone, including Lord Rennard. Although, I have to say, if I had been accused of something I vehemently denied I would have asked for a hearing in order to be able to confront my accusers. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We can't change what has happened, but we all have the power to change the future. Yes, the rules were ridiculous and completely out of step with modern workplace practices, but the genesis of this was people not being prepared to listen or act when concerns were raised. So, let's start listening to people even when we may consider their perceived grievance as trivial. Let's recognise that the worst of all worlds is to try to brush anything under the carpet. Yes deal with it quietly or in confidence, but <b>deal</b> with it - and never ever tolerate pressure being put on people to keep quiet out of a misplaced sense of loyalty.</span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-1113929826859411752014-07-17T15:09:00.000+01:002014-07-17T16:07:08.032+01:00Introducing Linda Jack on...............<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For some time I have been writing a blog for youth sector magazine <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/blog/linda-jack-on-blog">Children and Young People Now</a>, Linda Jack on........... which is one of the reasons I have neglected this blog. As many of you will know I am passionate about young people and have always done what I can to ensure that we have policies in the party and the country that properly take account of their needs, hopes, fears and aspirations. For that reason I was proud to chair the party working group that came up with our youth policy <a href="http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/libdems/pages/2004/attachments/original/1390834612/96_-_Free_to_be_Young_(small_file).pdf?1390834612">"Free to be Young"</a> (which it should be said, includes pics of my children - see if you can spot them!). </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I've been reflecting on the <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1145468/reflecting-reshuffle">cabinet reshuffle</a> as it relates to the youth sector. But I have used the blog to reflect on a range of youth issues both as part of the sector and as a Lib Dem, including the need for <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1074174/gove-homework-takes-teacher">qualified teachers</a>, <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1143667/grown-about-age-criminal-responsibility">raising the age of criminal responsibility</a>, <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1145047/people-benefit-cuts">benefits and young people</a>, <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1077464/tackling-race-inequality-education-employment-lib-dem-perspective">tackling race inequality in education and employment</a> and many other issues that impact on young people and those who work with them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of our most urgent priorities as a party, I believe, is to re-engage with the young people for whom we have been and always should be, their natural champions. We can do that by reflecting our understanding, expressed in our policies, of the issues that often impact on them unfairly. This is particularly for instance if they have a disability, are from BAME communities, are looked after, are in the criminal justice system, are homeless or living in poverty, are dealing with bullying, particularly with homophobic or islamophobic bullying. I trust this blog, while sometimes challenging our party, goes some way to continuing to demonstrate that we do still have a commitment to our young people and will, I trust, produce a manifesto that demonstrates that. </span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-19959179378406723062014-01-29T13:26:00.000+00:002014-01-29T13:26:05.684+00:00Can You Help?<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you work with young people or know others who do? If so, do you have ideas for activities to help young people manage their money more effectively? If yes, please visit my latest <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1141859/people-money-help">Children and Young People Now blog</a> and get in touch if you can help. Thanks!</span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-33043369263392562862014-01-19T12:20:00.003+00:002014-01-19T15:58:01.695+00:00DAY 204 IN THE BIG BROTHER HOUSE... The Rennard Saga continues<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Someone on Facebook just commented in relation to the ongoing Rennard story “Day 204 in the Big Brother House” – never a truer word spoken in jest. An issue that could have been resolved years ago, quietly and behind closed doors, has turned into a soap opera/reality TV debacle. The Liberal Democrat stone has been turned and revealed to be more of a Pandora’s Box.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />So now we have the slightly surreal spectacle of our undemocratically selected peers appealing to their democratic right to determine a matter which has serious implications for the whole party. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />I welcome the statement from <a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/internal-investigation-into-lord-chris-rennard-new-statement-released-by-alistair-webster-qc-37891.html">Alistair Webster</a><u> </u></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clarifying his position, but he too has been inadvertently drawn into a situation which should never have arisen, had our procedures been more robust and more in line with current employment and voluntary sector practice.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Radio 4 Today <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03q4mls">yesterday</a> I argued that Lord Rennard had 3 choices, to apologise, to call for a hearing, or to leave the party he loves and has devoted his life to, in a parlous state. I think the opportunity to apologise is rapidly diminishing – it will need someone with the wisdom of Solomon to come up with a form of words acceptable to both sides. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In spite of everything I cannot believe that the man who has done so much to build our party would want to contribute to its demolition. Which frankly leaves only one realistic option, one, which if it were me and I genuinely believed I did not have a case to answer, I would relish. Appoint someone to chair the hearing who has the confidence of both sides and go through a formal process so that both sides can ultimately gain closure. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is now the spectacle of each side upping the anti, today we hear that Lord Rennard will take legal action if the whip isn’t restored, members of FPC are arguing that his position on that committee is now untenable, the women concerned are talking about taking civil action. What is disappointing is that we are losing sight of the values we all claim to share, a belief in creating a <i>fair, free and open society in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community</i>. We all believe that the Liberal Democrats are the only party who can deliver that, let’s live our values and get back to fighting for what is fundamentally important for this country and the people we seek to represent. </span></span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-47723197945419926962014-01-15T22:39:00.005+00:002014-01-16T00:21:42.372+00:00Rennard and the 51% problem.....<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It takes a lot these days to rouse me from my blogging slumber, but this evening was one such time. I was on my way to<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22057922#editor/target=post;postID=1064715366527598438;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=postname"> Eastleigh</a> last year when a friend called to alert me to the fact that the Rennard story was about to break. She had called me because while I hadn't directly witnessed what happened to her, I witnessed the impact it had had on her the following morning. I had given what advice I could, most importantly that she should report what had happened, but she was clearly shaken and upset.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the story broke I was interviewed by the police and was surprised when they decided that they didn't have enough evidence to bring a case. But, I thought, now it appears naively, at least we have an internal investigation that will determine what happened. I had, mistakenly it now seems, assumed that the investigation would be carried out along the lines normally pursued in a workplace investigation. An independent investigator examines the evidence, interviews key witnesses and determines whether or not there may be a case to answer. Ultimately a panel or a senior manager will make a decision on the balance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt - that decision will be for them to make - not the investigating officer. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But as Lib Dems we go further even than the CPS, who require a "reasonable prospect of conviction" in criminal convictions, in advising that the investigating officer should ask themselves:</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Does the evidence tend to </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">show that any the grounds contained in the constitution (including those cited by the complainant) </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">are satisfied? When assessing that, a useful question to ask yourself is whether there is a realistic </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">prospect (i.e. a 51% chance) that any of those grounds are made out. If so, you should then </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">consider whether the case is potentially serious enough to warrant any of the sanctions contained </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in the Membership Rules being imposed.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Hmmm -51% rings a bell - percentage of women in the country - and we wonder why we are so under represented? )</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many years ago my ex husband was involved in an unfair dismissal case on the grounds of race. The union solicitors wouldn't take it because there was a less than 50% chance of success, but we were fortunate in having a regional union official who was prepared to take on the case himself. As a result he was able to confront his employers, they were cross examined and demonstrated, as observed by the chair of the tribunal, that they were not only guilty of indirect but also direct discrimination. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a Branch Secretary for Unison I represented many members in disciplinary and grievance procedures. One case (that funnily enough I came across when filing yesterday!) was an investigation into alleged bullying where the investigating officer determined that due to the fact than less than half the team had been bullied there was no case to answer (!!!) I immediately insisted on a fresh investigation, the result of which was a hearing which found against that manager and dismissed her. At no stage was there a "threshold" of evidence. The investigating officer needed to determine whether or not there may be a case to answer, not whether or not the case was proven. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To be honest, when two, or three, or ten people tell similar stories, one has to conclude that there may be a case. We would not have the cases in the courts at the moment against Dave Lee Travis et al, if it was not that a number of women had come forward telling similar stories. He, of course, like Lord Rennard, deserves the opportunity to defend himself. The unsatisfactory conclusion of today's findings is that Lord Rennard has had no opportunity to confront his accusers and defend himself, nor have the accusers had the opportunity to confront him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a completely unsatisfactory conclusion - we are already witnessing the sexist divide on Twitter, women who are outraged and men who question what all the fuss is about. And lest any "holier than thou" activists and politicians from other parties should forget - this is not just a Lib Dem issue, it is one that confronts women in all parties and in all professions. What is so depressing is that of all parties, we should have got it right. We didn't. We must. I for one will be raising it at the Diversity Engagement Group on Thursday, I trust others will raise it at every opportunity in the party, locally, regionally and nationally. If not, I fear that many more women will be voting with their feet, not just in the party, but also in the country. </span><br />
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Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-64488105249472046802013-07-31T17:50:00.000+01:002013-07-31T17:50:55.008+01:00Proud? I Wish!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">Like most of you I guess an email
headed “Proud” just popped into my inbox from Simon Hughes. I plucked up the
courage to read said email and found myself closer and closer to the verge of vomiting.
Sorry, but I’ve got to be honest and I wish I didn’t feel this way, if anyone
can suggest a way to help me not to please email me asap. But somewhere along
the line we have surely lost total touch with our declared values and aims?
Yes, we have taken people out of tax, but no, they weren’t the poorest, the
poorest weren’t paying tax in the first place and those who have had the
additional cash will find it nowhere near compensates for the drop in living
standards. Yes, the pupil premium is certainly a Lib Dem win, but frankly, if
on the one hand we give the school (who may or may not choose to use the money
to support disadvantaged children) money while on the other kicking the child’s
family out of their home – what contributes most to their educational success?
Yes, we are doing our best to help unemployed young people, but at the same
time we are slashing the services that in the past helped them, Youth Service,
Connexions – I don’t know about where you live but they are practically wiped
out round here. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander
have virtually admitted that the Youth Contract isn’t working (see my CYP Now
blog <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1077923/youth-contract-time-change">here</a>)
so we claim credit for getting 100,000 into <s>work</s> er no, work experience.
Work experience?! Of course that may be an important step on the road to a job, but surely what we want is 1 million young people in work?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">Having been involved with our
last Manifesto process and as a candidate in the 2010 campaign, I was happy to
campaign on our priorities. They were costed. They didn’t rely on taking money
from the most vulnerable in order to deliver. They were <i>“as well as”</i> not <i>“instead of”.</i>
Any Liberal Democrat would have been proud of that. But what we have now is as
a result of massive cuts elsewhere. If we have the choice between Pupil Premium
and homeless children - which would we choose? Raising the tax threshold - or
cutting benefits to the most vulnerable? </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">Of course there are some great initiatives;
increased support for child care is wonderful. But I have to say my daughter has
given up claiming it because it means equivalent cuts to her housing benefit.
When I suggested we should resolve that anomaly in our party policy I was told
it would be too expensive. So, yet again, the poorest in our communities miss
out. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">I must applaud the increased
investment in mental health talking therapies. Having lost my sister last year
I am sure she would have benefited if those therapies had been around earlier.
But…..you knew there was a but (!)…….the link between mental health and
financial worries is well documented. We know that nearly half of unemployed
young people have mental health conditions. More and more people are being
pushed into debt, especially into the arms of unscrupulous lenders and loan
sharks. Oh, and if you need support to get justice…..forget it, we just cut
legal aid. So yet again, no evidence of joined up thinking, let’s try and stop
people getting ill in the first place.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">And of course, there are stand
alone achievements that the party is rightly proud of, such as equal marriage
and blocking some of the worst excesses of the Tories. But it reminds me of the
ethics debates we used to have as students – at what point does what you get in
return make <span> </span>it OK to sell your soul to
the devil?!</span></span></span></div>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-75333159277827897092013-07-19T09:33:00.000+01:002013-07-19T09:33:11.007+01:00Youth Policy moves to the Cabinet Office - Opportunity or Threat?<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My latest Children and Young People Now Blog is <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1077776/youth-policy-moving-cabinet-office-opportunity-threat">here</a></span></span></span> Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-91828030222435096142013-07-18T10:55:00.003+01:002013-07-18T10:55:29.361+01:00Letter to Vince Cable<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">For those of us in Manchester for SLF Conference one of the highlights was Vince Cable's speech, which it has to be said raised as many questions as answers. As a result Liberal Left supporter John Cole was moved to write <a href="http://liberalleft.org.uk/site/letter-to-vince-cable/">t</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://liberalleft.org.uk/site/letter-to-vince-cable/">his</a> letter. </span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-2599688877857296802013-06-27T14:34:00.000+01:002013-06-27T14:34:17.531+01:00Spending Review - A Case of Balancing the Books on the Backs of the Poor<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday's spending review demonstrated like nothing else just how our party leadership have betrayed the values we erstwhile all held dear. I have no doubt that many of our ministers in government worked hard behind the scenes to make it all "Less Bad" - but the ultimate impact, and their complicity in policies which seemed predicated on a belief that while someone is down they should get a kicking - is hugely disappointing. We have just issued a <a href="http://liberalleft.org.uk/site/liberal-left-statement-on-the-spending-review-a-clear-case-of-balancing-the-books-on-the-backs-of-the-poor/">statement here</a> on Liberal Left. But that doesn't express my own personal disappointment, that the wider parliamentary party appears to have nothing to say about Osborne's statement yesterday, other than to roll over and have their tummies tickled. </span></span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-39192249286402837062013-06-11T19:59:00.001+01:002013-06-11T19:59:19.479+01:00"An Educated Party, but not actually expanding that Education"<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">A quote from Ruwan </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> Uduwerage-Perera during a session at the EMLD/SLF Race Equality conference last week. I have been reflecting on that, particularly given the news today that Michael Gove is approaching education with the typical reforming zeal of a blinkered idealog - I wait with interest to hear what the party response to this will be. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">For anyone lucky enough to attend the conference to launch the Taskforce report on Race Equality, it was a truly brilliant day - all credit to EMLD and SLF - and I personally thought it was important to get the message out to those working with children and young people that tackling discrimination is still a priority for Liberal Democrats. For that reason I used my <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/cyp/linda-jack-on-blog/1077464/tackling-race-inequality-education-employment-lib-dem-perspective">Children and Young People Now Blog </a>to draw attention to what is an excellent report - now the pressure is on all of us to make its recommendations a reality. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-48917036411352608002013-05-22T13:48:00.000+01:002013-05-22T13:48:46.303+01:00A Rose by any other Name.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent Monday at home and yesterday in parliament,
listening to the Same Sex Marriage debate. It was at times infuriating, moving
and challenging. There is no doubt that this is an issue that divides opinion,
often, but not always, along religious lines. To be honest it highlights, maybe
like no other issue, the need to disestablish the church.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My view is that the most sensible way to have resolved the
differences of opinion would have been to accept the amendments proposed by
Greg Mulholland and Simon Hughes making the distinction between religious and
civil marriage clear. It would have then been far easier to have made the case
to faith groups that what they choose to do with regard to recognising same sex
marriage, or second marriages or whatever else, is <i>their</i> business and what the state does is the <i>state’s</i> business. To quote my dear pal Colin Ross (who was also quoted
by Greg in his speech):</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“I
am a gay man and not religious. If I wanted to spend my life in a loving
relationship recognised by the state I want to be able to do that – without any
religion having their opinion on it – but what is more I want to have the same
rights as everyone else. The current Marriage (same sex couples) Bill does not
offer equality, the legislation is flawed it still doesn’t provide equality
especially in respect of pension rights when one partner dies and issues
affecting the Trans community, likewise the Civil Partnership legislation was
not about equality – as it neither gave equality to marriage and also did not
allow opposite-sex partners to have Civil Partnership as well. Mr Mulholland’s
proposals would for the first time deliver equality for everyone who wanted to
spend their life in a loving relationship recognised by the state and enjoy the
rights that come with that.”</span></i></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As someone who was christened a Catholic, baptised in a
Pentecostal church, and at times a member of the Church of England, Baptists
and Free churches – I spent much of my life in the same bubble that many
Christians find themselves in now. The teaching on marriage was clear and until
recently remained unchallenged. Through having the privilege of having many gay
friends some with a strong faith, some without, I have been on my own journey
in squaring the circle of church orthodoxy and my own experience. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the
biggest influences on my thinking has been Desmond Tutu whose position is
beautifully summed up <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/desmond-tutu/religion-homosexuality_b_874804.html">here</a>.
More recently the brave decision of Steve Chalke, a leading evangelical, to <a href="http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk/sexuality/stevechalke.aspx">speak
up in favour of same sex marriage</a> has pushed the debate on in the church.
But as the past couple of days demonstrate, and contrast Gerald Howarth’s
outrageous “aggressive homosexuals” comment with the moving speech by Katherine
McKinnell on Monday, it is clear that no uniform Christian understanding of the
nature of marriage exists any longer. <span> </span>Let’s
be clear, marriage is an institution that predates the church, the mosque and
the temple. And clearly is defined differently in countries where polygamy is
permitted. So the idea that there is one, universally agreed definition, is
ridiculous. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, having said that, I would expect my fellow Liberal
Democrats to have more appreciation of just how difficult it is for those who
have grown up with the church’s understanding of marriage to square their own
circles. Simon Hughes is a good friend of mine and I know just how much he has
wrestled with this. My advice to him throughout has been that he had to do what
he believed was right, and because he couldn’t please both sides he had to
make his priority hanging on to his own integrity. However hard many fellow Lib
Dems may have found his decision yesterday, I would hope we could respect that,
for him and others, their faith came first. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Much has been made of the fact that we have party policy on
equal marriage. Yes we do, we also have lots of party policy that has been
ignored while we have been in coalition. Yesterday was a free vote because it
was seen that this was a conscience issue. To be honest I actually think issues
like the bedroom tax, attacks on welfare benefits and legal aid are conscience
issues too (!), but there was not the same furore about the fact that our MPs
were whipped against party policy in those and other cases. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So as the dust settles, credit must go to Adrian Trett and
Lynne Featherstone for all they have done to get us to this point. This is a
reason to celebrate. But we must also respect the reality that for some people
of faith balancing their religious and political values is often an
excruciatingly painful process.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-64392618525907493342013-05-05T19:33:00.001+01:002013-05-05T19:33:04.271+01:00Leaving the Coalition - If not now - when?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“The creatures outside
looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but
already it was impossible to say which was which.”</i> <i><span style="line-height: 115%;">George Orwell, Animal
Farm</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've just blogged <span style="font-size: large;">about this at Liberal Left <a href="http://liberalleft.org.uk/site/leaving-the-coalition-if-not-now-when/">here</a></span></span></span></span></div>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-69686671195867736672013-03-19T20:45:00.002+00:002013-03-19T20:48:03.045+00:00Shock and Awe - Confessions of an Anti-War Campaigner<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's hard to imagine it is 10 years since that fateful day we found ourselves dragged into an immoral, illegal, unjust war. Last night I was in the Palace of Westminster for a Defence Working Group meeting - reflecting on that day, 10 years earlier, when myself and three friends had sat through the debate which sealed the fate of thousands.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yas, Avais, Sharon and I had got tickets through our local MP Patrick Hall and found ourselves on the front row in the gallery, directly above the Lib Dem benches. I had been distraught at what was happening and had been agonising about what I could possibly do to protest. I'd looked into the possibility of absailing into the chamber to make my point - but had been persuaded that wasn't the safest thing to do. Instead, Yas suggested we took red paint in to make our point. Both being somewhat 'well-endowed' we concealed bags of red powder paint in our bras and nervously awaited an opportunity to make our point. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyone who listened to that debate will agree there were some magnificent speeches, not least by John McDonnell. So magnificent was his indeed that Sharon couldn't help but respond by standing up, holding onto the railings and shouting down into the chamber "I absolutely agree with everything that gentleman has said. The British people don't believe your lies......' As many in the public gallery and then chamber broke into spontaneous applause the men in white tights rushed over and carried her away. The men in white tights then came and surrounded Yas, Avais and myself - warning us that if we continued applauding we too would be removed. It was at that point Yas whispered to me "I'm chickening out. I've got 14 unpaid parking tickets and I don't want to get arrested!" I thought long and hard about what to do - this was shortly after the anthrax incidents and I </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">confess, the sensible side of my nature got the better of me - not least because I was </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sitting directly above Simon Hughes' and it wasn't him I was angry with! But however ill advised such a demonstration may have been, it merely showed just how utterly powerless most of us felt in the face of such blatant lies and deceit.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me the most disturbing memory of that evening was seeing Blair and Straw laughing and patting each other on the back at the end of the debate. Even if they genuinely believed they were right, the fact that they had just condemned so many Iraqi and British sons and daughters to certain death I felt called for a rather more solemn response. My <a href="http://lindyloosmuze.blogspot.co.uk/2008/06/john-reidnext-labour-leader.html">later encounter</a> with John Reid rather reinforced my view that parliament had been well and truly hoodwinked.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we sat up waiting for operation 'Shock and Awe' I exchanged emails with my pal who was defence correspondent for the Telegraph at the time. 'If he's got them (WMD) why isn't he using them?' I asked. 'He's waiting til they get to Bhagdad' was his reply.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As soon as news broke that the attack had begun Sharon and I met in the middle of </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bedford with the black crepe ribbons we had prepared to tie round the lamp posts as a mark </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">of our horror at what had happened. As a councillor at the time I managed to get a </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">debate - but sadly couldn't persuade the Mayor to agree to fly the flags at half mast. We had an active STWC group in Bedford so were able to arrange a number of demonstrations and meetings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before the war started I found myself in a spot of bother at work (I was a Youth Service Manager at the time)</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> since I had passed on an email about student action to Richard Angell (now of Progress) who was the regional officer for the Youth Parliament at the time. He had passed it on to the local MYPs one of whom had shown his head teacher. The fact that my name was on it (I was Weerasirie at the time so immediately identifiable) lead to the local press being involved and my boss threatening me with a disciplinary - not helped when my then 16 year old daughter lead <a href="http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/pupils-face-high-jump-after-anti-war-demo-1-1092358">her whole school</a> out in protest - er.....with a name like Weerasirie it was rather obvious we were related! But I was immensely proud of her when the following week, along with her pal Amber, she spoke at the <a href="http://www.cwu.org/stop-the-war-the-people-s-assembly.html">People's Assembly </a>- thus began an interest in challenging injustice that has lasted to this day. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ten years on I am surprised at how little attention this anniversary has attracted. Yesterday on Today we heard from one of our ex servicemen who is still suffering from PTSD and is homeless. We haven't even been able to properly care for our own let alone the countless thousands still suffering in Iraq because of a war conducted on a false prospectus. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-75179700991547483762013-03-06T16:42:00.001+00:002013-03-06T16:42:59.273+00:00What the Lib Dem's Stand For. My response to Alex Wilcock's Meme<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Never knowingly one to shirk a challenge I was delighted to
get an email from <a href="http://loveandliberty.blogspot.co.uk/">Alex Wilcock </a>inviting me to join his Meme restating what we as a
party stand for. I am someone who constantly quotes the preamble to our
constitution – and have only just returned from speaking at an International
Women’s Week event, where I quoted it to explain why I am a member and to
underline the importance of matching political allegiance with personal values. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I didn’t have a lot to argue with about what Alex has
already said. The challenge though it seems to me, is saying something which
doesn’t turn out to be a truism. Trying to incorporate the Ryan Cotzee
shorthand of “Stronger Economy, Fairer Society” is slightly problematic for me,
to use that old test, would anyone sign up to the opposite – “Weaker Economy,
Less Fair Society”? Fair can be a bit of a weasel word in so many ways which is
why I appreciate the preamble because it actually explains what we have in
mind. After all, many Tories think fairness is about getting rid of inheritance
tax and cutting benefits to the most vulnerable. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like Alex I love the line “no-one should be enslaved by
poverty, ignorance or conformity” which underpins everything I believe, along
with our commitment to equality. This brings me to the issue many of us are
struggling with at the moment – it is no good having a statement of beliefs if
it isn’t reflected in our values, and no good claiming to hold core values if
they aren’t reflected in our actions. That is what should define us, that is
what should determine our priorities. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So if I were to try and encapsulate the essence of who we
are and what we stand for it would be this. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We believe that
everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and make their most of their
lives, free <b>to</b> do as they choose so
long as it doesn’t harm others, free <b>from</b>
those obstacles that prevent them from enjoying their lives such as poor
health, discrimination, injustice, living in poverty or fear. We believe that
the state’s role in this is three-fold. Firstly to be a safety net, protecting
us by providing public services such as the health, fire and police services, the
welfare state, adequate regulation to protect us as consumers, employees and
employers, access to justice whoever you are. Secondly to provide a ladder –
through education and other opportunities to develop our full potential. Thirdly
by ensuring the right infra-structure is in place, through for example road and
transport networks, housing, or the right environment for business to develop.
That is why as Liberal Democrats we are committed to policies that achieve
those ends, that ensure those with the most contribute more, recognising that a
fairer, more equal society is good for all of us. </i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now I’d like to hand over the baton to the following:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://libdemchild.blogspot.co.uk/">Maelo Manning</a></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://gyronny.com/">Michael Carchrie Campbell</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.nickbarlow.com/blog/">Nick Barlow</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cllrlesterholloway.wordpress.com/">Lester
Holloway</a></span></span></span></div>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-10647153665275984382013-02-24T17:49:00.000+00:002013-02-24T17:49:22.901+00:00Responding to Rennard<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having spent most of the last week in Eastleigh I only
caught snippets of the Rennard story, but it appears to be another case of what
is a universal human failing, the belief that anything brushed under the carpet
will not eventually come back and bite you in the bottom.<span> </span>And having witnessed the hundreds of
volunteers who have, at their own expense, piled into Eastleigh – and the
hundreds more working tirelessly on the phone banks – what really angers me is
the thought that those in positions of power in the party appear to care little
for the “poor bloody infantry”. When Chris Huhne lied it wasn’t just himself
and his family he betrayed, it was the thousands of activists who worked and
continue to work tirelessly to get him and his colleagues elected, because they
believe in the values of this party. When any politician, of any party, betrays
his or her party values they betray every one of us. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, this is a complex case and Lord Rennard is
protesting his innocence, however, we would not be in this position in the
middle of a vital by election, had the party taken the allegations seriously in
the first place. Having a robust complaints procedure is not only important for
complainants it is also important for those against whom allegations are made. When
so many women from across the party tell a similar story, it is impossible to
explain why no formal investigation was instigated.<span> </span>If Rennard is innocent he has also been
denied justice by never having had an opportunity to put his case.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The claim has been made that no-one wanted to make a formal
complaint. I understand that, but that doesn’t preclude a management
investigation, someone may not want to put their head above the parapet and
initiate a formal complaint, but they may be more comfortable to be a witness
as part of a wider investigation. <span> </span>I was
a union activist for long enough to know how hard it is for anyone to complain
about the behaviour of their bosses, having been involved in more than one case
where the member taking out a grievance led to a counter disciplinary by their
boss and the end of her career. As activists the consequences may not be losing
one’s job, but potentially one’s opportunity to progress. To be honest I know
enough people in the party who have admitted to not speaking out about all
sorts of things for fear it would harm their prospects within the party (not
least because of the number who have asked me to do it instead). When you see
people getting side-lined or vilified for being honest or raising concerns, is
it any wonder we have a culture in the party that prevents people speaking up?
One of the anonymous complainants is a good friend of mine, I know full well
why she feels unable to speak out publicly and since I was at the same event as
her and since she spoke to me about the incident immediately after it happened,
I know how upset she was at the time.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I must say I fully support<a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/chris-rennard-allegations-where-were-at-33372.html"> Stephen Tall’s </a>call for an
independent investigation. As a branch secretary I was involved in a serious
case of bullying – the first internal investigation found the perpetrator not
guilty because only half of her team had complained! We had to insist on an
external investigation, which then led to a disciplinary which found her
guilty. We can’t change what has or hasn’t happened up until now, but we can as
a party show some remorse and accept that we haven’t handled things well.<span> </span>Let’s hold our hands up, bring in external
investigators and ultimately I hope, ensure we have enough people adequately
trained to ensure our grievance and disciplinary procedures are robustly
applied.<span> </span>If not, we risk not only losing
further support in the country, but also another tranche of exasperated
members.</span></span></span></div>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-38624301763380013542012-11-14T11:01:00.004+00:002012-11-14T11:01:49.303+00:00Information about Linda Jack 4 PCC<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This morning a voter in Bedfordshire has kindly informed me that t<span style="font-size: small;">he BBC has been directing those wanting to learn about their PCC candidates to this page. <span style="font-size: small;">This is my personal blog and h<span style="font-size: small;">as nothing to do wi<span style="font-size: small;">th my cand<span style="font-size: small;">idacy for PCC - apologies to anyone who has en<span style="font-size: small;">ded up here in error. <span style="font-size: small;">I have informed the BBC of the mistake, in the mean time you can visit my PPC w<span style="font-size: small;">ebsit<span style="font-size: small;">e <a href="http://lindajack4pcc.org.uk/en/">here</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-25801095619564860792012-11-06T21:57:00.001+00:002012-11-06T22:19:41.022+00:00I'm a Celebrity - So my Constituents can go Hang for a few Weeks....<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The news that my infamous MP had hotfooted it to the<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2228512/Im-Celebrity-2012-line-Tory-MP-Nadine-Dorries-heads-jungle.html"> jungle</a> hit me between the bleary eyes at some point during the Today programme this morning. A few minutes later I had ITV Daybreak on the phone, asking if I could come on the programme to talk about it tomorrow - swiftly followed by the BBC and Sky. Unfortunately I had to tell them I am currently the <a href="http://lindajack4pcc.org.uk/en/">PCC candidate</a> for Bedfordshire, which meant they all dropped me like a hot potato. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, I am forced to resort to my blog. Of course the last time <a href="http://lindyloosmuze.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/bring-back-national-serviceand-birchand.html">I resorted to my blog </a>to take on Ms Dorries she contacted a dear friend and told him she was going to sue me. I confess my response was, bring it on. The fact is that she apparently lives under the misapprehension that she is "Teflon Woman" that nothing she says or does will have any consequence. She got away with lying to her constituents (admitting she pretended she was in the constituency when she was apparently in her "First Home" in the Cotswolds), and allegedly fiddling her expenses (apparently despite a police investigation the <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article3009862.ece">CPS didn't want to prosecute</a> - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20189599">Denis McShane</a> come to mind?) oh and of course, Derek Conway may have paid the ultimate price for employing his children while they were students, but apparently that is <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/9339875/Nadine-Dorries-denies-wrongdoing-over-student-daughter-who-works-in-her-office.html">OK </a>for Ms Dorries. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But maybe this latest escapade will turn out to be that step too far. She has upset her constituency party once again (I understand they weren't best pleased when she spoke about "killing" Cameron) and at last has forced the hand of the parliamentary party who have now withdrawn the whip. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, what would happen to you or me if we just decided, on a whim, to up and leave work for a week and let's say....swan off to Australia? Well, when I was in the army that would certainly have been considered going AWOL (Absent Without Leave) or desertion (once a capital offence). As an employe<span style="font-size: large;">e</span> I would certainly have been on a disciplinary, and more than likely dismissed. But of course, when you are employed by 70,000 odd constituents.....it's not quite so easy to get dismissed - and even if you upset them all, you generally get a breathing space until the next election. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ms Dorries claims that she is doing this because she can reach millions of people with her message about 20 weeks.........I don't want to rain on your parade Nadine, but I suspect it was more to do with the alleged £40,000 fee? But, you could prove me wrong and donate it to a local charity. Maybe a foodbank? They are after all the fastest growing charity sector at the moment. And maybe I'm a bit old fashioned, but I thought the job of the MP was to reach out to their constituents - not half the known universe?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">However, as a pal pointed out earlier this evening, you could see it as that she is only following in the footsteps of our erstwhile transported ancestors, but in this case, self sentencing herself!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not usually too keen on 'I'm a Celebrity' but if the threatened Lib Dem phone bank comes off......we may be in for a treat in the Bushtucker Trials :-)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-59870865387501763052012-08-28T22:15:00.000+01:002012-08-28T22:15:39.070+01:00Of Mice and Men......and Cam er on<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The juxtaposition of the Number 10 cat, a dead mouse and Mr Yeo calling his boss out with reference to said rodent, has led to the odd comment on Twitter. Most recent from <a href="https://twitter.com/IsabelHardman">Isabel Hardman</a> of the Spectator who said<i> "I never met a mouse I liked. One ran up a boy's trousers leg when I was at school." </i>And that in response to the inimitable <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterMannionMP">Peter Mannion</a> who had let us in to the astonishing revelation that <i>"yes there was a tipexed outline marking spot of dead mouse found on Indie press office floor."</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All of which reminded me of what was one of the highlights of my wonderful couple of months in the States. Sitting at the kitchen table with my beautiful Aunt June (I hope I look that good at 86!), hilarious Uncle Steve (or Reg as he now prefers to be known) and wonderful cousin June (Steve's daughter), in Branson Missouri; June and Steve were reminising about their childhood during the war. They had a couple of mice which they kept in the dolls house. Said mice multiplied until there were 150 of them. Having been told by their mother that they had to get rid of them, they decided they may be able to sell them to the pet shop in Hightown, Luton. They borrowed their mother's suitcase, although she refused to let them punch holes in it given it was in the middle of the war she was unlikely to be able to get another one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cousin June, Aunt June and Uncle <strike>Steve </strike>Reg</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They got on the bus to Hightown, balancing the suitcase full of mice on their laps. Steve (aged 9 at the time) kept begging June (12) to be allowed to open the suitcase a fraction as he was worried the mice would suffocate. Eventually she relented and said yes, he could open it, but just a fraction...................</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately he opened the lid - a fraction - just as the bus jolted to a halt. Yes, the lid flew up and all the mice escaped, all over the double decker bus, up stairs and down! They managed to catch around 25 before they were unceremoniously ejected from the bus (this wasn't the only time, they had also been ejected with the family goat - but that's another story!), so they walked down the hill into Hightown to the pet shop. Unfortunately the pet shop owner had a similar problem with mice breeding like<strike> rabbits</strike> mice so their idea about making their fortune was dashed. Unable to get back on the bus they walked home up the hill, apparently releasing a couple of mice every time they came to a house with a basement :-)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So where was I? Allegations that Mr C may be a mouse rather than a man? Well, it may not be immediately apparent, but I'm not Mr C's greatest fan - however, I do find Tim Yeo's goading a tad childish. Coalition (however much I personally hate it) means THE TORIES AREN'T IN CHARGE!!!! Mr Yeo? You been asleep? Not only did your esteemed party make a manifesto commitment to oppose a third runway at Heathrow - it was also in the Coalition Agreement. IMHO, mouse like behaviour would be if Mr C rolled over and let you tickle his tummy! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And on that point, I am reminded that my daughter spotted a field mouse climbing into our outside ventilation hole.......sweet dreams.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22057922.post-15148524626654798702012-08-23T22:40:00.000+01:002012-08-23T22:53:09.267+01:00Light the Blue Touch Paper and..........<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">OK, it looks like I have been a wee bit inactive for the last few months. That would be true! Having spent a great couple of months in the States I came back and threw myself into the thankless task of job hunting. But that doesn't mean I haven't been completely silent elsewhere. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today I followed up my February CiF piece with one raising the question about whether <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/aug/23/nick-clegg-liberal-democrat-party">Nick Clegg should stand down as leader</a>........if the LDV poll is to be believed that should annoy and please members in equal measure! To be honest, when I got the call from the Guardian this morning I knew it wasn't going to be easy to write and I hope even those who disagree with me will appreciate my attempt to be balanced. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have always been very fond of Nick and as my CiF piece explains, supported him because of his unquestionable liberal values. But those issues which used to be the hairline fractures in our theoretical discussions and policy disagreements, have, over the past two years become chasms. The leader who promised to double our presence in parliament over two parliaments now faces the possibility of achieving the opposite. He is a good man who I know believes he is doing the right thing, that it is a price worth paying for the country and the party. But I am afraid I disagree profoundly with him. Our erstwhile supporters feel betrayed that the party who promised a new kind of politics has slipped itself into the mire. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elsewhere I have contributed to <a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2012/03/liberal-democrats-wing-party">The New Statesman</a>, <a href="http://shiftinggrounds.org/2012/03/a-budget-for-the-millions/">Shifting Grounds</a>, <a href="http://www.libdemvoice.org/">Lib Dem Voice</a> and have my own <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/blog/linda-jack-on-blog">Children and Young People Now Blog </a>commenting on youth issues. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today I have also submitted my application to be the Lib Dem PCC candidate in Bedfordshire - gives a whole new meaning to lighting the blue touch paper.....</span></span>Linda Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.com0