Keir Starmer's time is up

[Lord Camomile]

they would regardless of how they voted. Fuck, Corbyn could have hacked up Bin Laden with a rusty trowel and used his dismembered corpse as an allotment scarecrow and he'd still be painted as terrorist sympather.

"Corbyn gives 9/11 mastermind a job"

 

[belboid]

Yeah, this is as much about unites membership losses as a specifically anti-Starmer thing. Interesting that (leadership contender) Howard Beckett was leading the charge for a bigger cut. And that the payment to the scabs on that panorama programme

 

[Pickman's model]

"Corbyn gives 9/11 mastermind a job"

Corbyn hides bin laden

 

[chilango]

...and didn't even have the respect to wear a tie!

 

[ska invita]

Great to see Sir Starmer finally digging in on a Covid issue, namely why are pubs closing at 10, especially so on the day Scotland is closing theirs

 

[vanya]

Keir Starmer's Trade Union Dramarama

At a stroke, Labour is set to lose £700k worth of funding next year. This follows Unite's decision to cut its donation to the party after ...

averypublicsociologist.blogspot.com

At a stroke, Labour is set to lose £700k worth of funding next year. This follows Unite's decision to cut its donation to the party after the large "shut up and go away" payments made to the so-called Panorama whistleblowers. Seen as a shot across Keir Starmer's boughs, Len McCluskey warned the party must stick with leftwing policies or receive less monies. Fair enough, you might say. And why not, unions are the self-defence of organised workers. They're not a piggybank.

Truth be tol, Keir's success in eschewing the left has proved successful so far - if you judge success by the metrics of the Tory press playing nice, good personal ratings, and the slow collapse of the Tories' polling position. As discussed here many, many times, an opposition ostentatiously going out its way to not be too oppositional and saying nothing policy-wise is quite deliberate. And by the yardstick the leadership have set themselves, it's working. Though of late there has been a frecon of a change, less a nod and more a wink to the left. Last week, on the occasion of Black History Month, Keir said this should be on the school curriculum. Later, he reiterated his commitment to the Corbyn-lite pledges that sealed his leadership deal, including higher taxes for the well off.

None of this is enough. Weighing the politics of Starmerism, the balance is visibly, undeniably tilted toward the status quo. Even banging on about Tory incompetence instead of challenging the politics of Covid-19 isn't the cleverest. This blunts the Labourist critique of what the Tories are doing, and disarms the party when Johnson is replaced by dishy Rishi or another horror off the Tory benches. But for the pointy heads on the Labour right, this is totally fine. The numbers speak for themselves and moving left threatens to undo the work already done. In fact, some will be very happy with Len's criticisms of Labour. They despise trade union leaders who insist on speaking out when affiliation fees are misused, so their ears are closed on that score, but seeing Len is a bogeyman of the Tory press, having him criticise Keir sends a message to those soft Tories who like the cut of the Labour leader's jib but find Len and the strawmen confections of trade unionism off-putting. It hammers home the fact of Labour's "new management".

As this blog has argued before, you don't need to go back to Tony Blair to understand Keir's strategy. It's a rinse and repeat of what Ed Miliband did a decade ago. Having won the leadership on a weak but nevertheless recognisable social democratic offering, Ed immediately pivoted to the right, accepted Tory commonsense on the deficit, debt, and the "need" for some cuts, and kept tightlipped about policy for the next couple of years. Remember how opposition to the introduction of the bedroom tax was slowly and painfully extracted from him? The danger is that, in many ways, Labour's position now isn't as advantageous as it was then. The Liberal Democrats were in government, eliminating a mercurial third party alternative to the Tories, and the debacle of Labour's leadership of the Better Together campaign in Scotland hadn't yet manifested. In the early 2020s the party is hobbled by this disaster, and the LibDems are back as competitors in swathes of seats - though the possibility of a deal with their new leader can't be discounted.

Under these circumstances, Labour needs its left. Awkward trade union leaders and #StarmerOut trolls all. Present triangulation has, as a by-product, contributed to the decomposition of Labour's left. As people are put off, they leave. But this carries with it a negative multiplier. In 2017, the size of the party became an electoral factor in and of itself thanks to the scale of the activism it directed at the election, and the fact Labour was so large practically everyone knew someone who was a party member who'd be making the face-to-face and immediately familiar case for putting Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10. This feat was not repeated in 2019 for a variety of reasons, but the more people the party sheds its weight diminishes faster than even a Johnson crash diet can achieve. It reverts back to the pre-2015 type, a free-floating party with little to nothing anchoring its policy propositions.

This matters, because it makes Labour's job of winning much more difficult. With huge votes piled up in the big cities, some Labour people might be tempted to think this doesn't count. The party can afford to lose tens of thousands of left wing and radical votes in the urban centres if it means getting back socially conservative former Labour voters and liberal centrist voters in the marginals. I know this is what their attitude, I've heard it with my own ears. This perspective is utterly self-defeating. The people they sneer at and think don't count aren't just present in the big cities, they're spread across the country. Not evenly, but enough in enough places to make a difference between whether a seat stays or becomes Labour, or doesn't. The precarious workers, the immaterial labourers of our changing working class are everywhere, and cannot be taken for granted. Not voting is an ever-present threat to Labour.

Perhaps, following the Ed strategy, we'll see a pivot back to soft left policy in the future. But this will likely be diluted just as his pitch was by compromises with Tory positioning and clever, clever efforts at triangulation. It didn't work then, and it's unlikely to do so while the underlying political economy of voter polarisation persists. This means making choices: acknowledging colourless managerialism is almost at the end of the road, and start making political criticisms of the Tories to contest the ground now on which the election will be fought later, or carry on alienating significant swathes of the base, making it much harder to win them back when the party really needs them. This is what needs to be done and, unfortunately, I have very litte confidence Keir Starmer and his inner circle of wonks, nerds, and evil bastards understand the dynamics of Labour's support, let alone the need to switch it up.

 

[Streathamite]

tbf, his musical taste doesn't appear to be awful - http://camdennewjournal.com/article...9xkd6TnZt_8B-Akdf_Qt1rt_yNfBOTYoW__7wVGfYDbfA

poor old Edwyn Collins doesn't look to well in that photo

 

[andysays]

poor old Edwyn Collins doesn't look to well in that photo

He had a stroke a few years back.

 

[stethoscope]

Starmer still urging Labour MPs to not vote against the spycops bill and instead abstain...

Quite why anyone still holds out hope for Labour fuck only knows.

This twitter post take on it rather sums up some of my feelings...

 

[MrSki]

Dan Carden (who I had not heard of till yesterday) resigns from the shadow front bench over the CHIS bill. An MP to watch.

 

[teqniq]

i had a reply from one Peter Bradbury, who I surmise is an assistant to my MP Kevin Brennan when I mailed him asking him to vote against the CHIS bill replied with this:

Spoiler: reply from my MP

BRADBURY, Peter	12:20 (41 minutes ago)
to

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for writing to me regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill.

This Bill is about “covert human intelligence sources” – undercover agents – who are working to disrupt some of the vilest crimes imaginable, including terrorism, violent drug gangs, serious and organised crime and child sexual exploitation.

It’s vital that our security services are able to disrupt this activity, prevent further crime and bring people to justice. Since March 2017, MI5 and Counter Terror Police have together thwarted 27 terror attacks.

It cannot be right, though, that this has been happening in the shadows and without being subject to a clear legal framework or robust accountability. I believe this activity should be in law, with strong safeguards.

The CHIS Bill is not perfect, but it is an improvement on the status quo. Without it, undercover sources would either not be able to operate – therefore removing a vital tool for the security services to prevent very serious crimes – or would continue to operate in the shadows, away from the legal oversight.

Crucial to these safeguards is the fact that the Human Rights Act is on the face of the Bill. This means that no criminal authorisation can go beyond its limits, in effect this prohibits murder, torture and sexual violence. As the Bill continues to progress through Parliament, next in the House of Lords, Labour will also argue for even stronger protections.

As this Bill does not have retrospective power, it does not impact upon the search for justice for the wrongs of the past. The Bill does not impact on the legitimate work of trade unions. The 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, contains significant safeguards that prevents interference with legitimate trade union activity: the Labour Party secured changes to the Bill including Section 20, which is a clear protection for Trade Unions.

The last Labour Government banned the practice of blacklisting and a future Labour Government will build upon that and stand beside those campaigning for justice. The next Labour Government will ensure the release of papers for both Shrewsbury 24 and the Cammell Laird shipyard workers. The next Labour Government will also order a full public inquiry into the events at Orgreave in 1984 and its aftermath. We stand with the victims of the terrible, disgraceful ‘spy cops’ scandal. Labour is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Mitting Inquiry.

We will continue to press the Government on vital safeguards, we will put the public’s safety first as part of our commitment to Labour’s role in keeping individuals, families and our country safe.

Way to go for not answering the question. i have said as much in my reply asking for a definitive answer

 

[SpookyFrank]

i had a reply from one Peter Bradbury, who I surmise is an assistant to my MP Kevin Brennan when I mailed him asking him to vote against the CHIS bill:



Way to go for not answering the question. i have said as much in my reply asking for a definitive answer

I dunno, I somehow quite like the sheer level of mental contortion needed to argue that a carte blanche to commit crimes represents oversight.

 

[Pickman's model]

I dunno, I somehow quite like the sheer level of mental contortion needed to argue that a carte blanche to commit crimes represents oversight.

the oversight is the lack of oversight

 

[Pickman's model]

i had a reply from one Peter Bradbury, who I surmise is an assistant to my MP Kevin Brennan when I mailed him asking him to vote against the CHIS bill replied with this:

Spoiler: reply from my MP

BRADBURY, Peter	12:20 (41 minutes ago)
to

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for writing to me regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill.

This Bill is about “covert human intelligence sources” – undercover agents – who are working to disrupt some of the vilest crimes imaginable, including terrorism, violent drug gangs, serious and organised crime and child sexual exploitation.

It’s vital that our security services are able to disrupt this activity, prevent further crime and bring people to justice. Since March 2017, MI5 and Counter Terror Police have together thwarted 27 terror attacks.

It cannot be right, though, that this has been happening in the shadows and without being subject to a clear legal framework or robust accountability. I believe this activity should be in law, with strong safeguards.

The CHIS Bill is not perfect, but it is an improvement on the status quo. Without it, undercover sources would either not be able to operate – therefore removing a vital tool for the security services to prevent very serious crimes – or would continue to operate in the shadows, away from the legal oversight.

Crucial to these safeguards is the fact that the Human Rights Act is on the face of the Bill. This means that no criminal authorisation can go beyond its limits, in effect this prohibits murder, torture and sexual violence. As the Bill continues to progress through Parliament, next in the House of Lords, Labour will also argue for even stronger protections.

As this Bill does not have retrospective power, it does not impact upon the search for justice for the wrongs of the past. The Bill does not impact on the legitimate work of trade unions. The 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, contains significant safeguards that prevents interference with legitimate trade union activity: the Labour Party secured changes to the Bill including Section 20, which is a clear protection for Trade Unions.

The last Labour Government banned the practice of blacklisting and a future Labour Government will build upon that and stand beside those campaigning for justice. The next Labour Government will ensure the release of papers for both Shrewsbury 24 and the Cammell Laird shipyard workers. The next Labour Government will also order a full public inquiry into the events at Orgreave in 1984 and its aftermath. We stand with the victims of the terrible, disgraceful ‘spy cops’ scandal. Labour is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Mitting Inquiry.

We will continue to press the Government on vital safeguards, we will put the public’s safety first as part of our commitment to Labour’s role in keeping individuals, families and our country safe.

Way to go for not answering the question. i have said as much in my reply asking for a definitive answer

i don't understand the significance of march 2017

is it because there was one there which they signally failed to disrupt?

 

[SpookyFrank]

the oversight is the lack of oversight

Yeah this is why you have to add a few extra steps to pad out the argument.

 

[Kevbad the Bad]

I dunno, I somehow quite like the sheer level of mental contortion needed to argue that a carte blanche to commit crimes represents oversight.

It struck me that it was lack of mental contortion more than anything.

 

[Pickman's model]

Yeah this is why you have to add a few extra steps to pad out the argument.

just stick some bubblewrap in there

 

[two sheds]

They always do that, stressing the disgusting/violent nature of the crimes they'll be preventing while glossing over the perfectly legal and correct actions that they'll be targeting too because it's so broadly worded.

 

[Jeff Robinson]

Unite should cut to 100% until Labour ditches the revisionist Starmer clique and develops a suitable revenge policy to enact against all the scabs and scum who participated in the anti-socialist uprising of December 2019 (i.e. tory voters). All those traitors who let the Tory nationalist scum breach the Red Wall must be made to the pay the price for their treason. Fucking vermin.

 

[ska invita]

If the bill is so good then vote for it, dont abstain

 

[SpookyFrank]

Unite should cut to 100% until Labour ditches the revisionist Starmer clique and develops a suitable revenge policy to enact against all the scabs and scum who participated in the anti-socialist uprising of December 2019 (i.e. tory voters). All those traitors who let the Tory nationalist scum breach the Red Wall must be made to the pay the price for their treason. Fucking vermin.

I'd say tell Starmer he gets fuck all until he kicks out the racists, fifth columnists and saboteurs who (checks notes) helped him get his job.

 

[co-op]

Unite should cut to 100% until Labour ditches the revisionist Starmer clique and develops a suitable revenge policy to enact against all the scabs and scum who participated in the anti-socialist uprising of December 2019 (i.e. tory voters). All those traitors who let the Tory nationalist scum breach the Red Wall must be made to the pay the price for their treason. Fucking vermin.

I'll start drafting the NEC motion. Should get nodded through.

 

[Pickman's model]

 

[rasputin]

Unite should cut to 100% until Labour ditches the revisionist Starmer clique and develops a suitable revenge policy to enact against all the scabs and scum who participated in the anti-socialist uprising of December 2019 (i.e. tory voters). All those traitors who let the Tory nationalist scum breach the Red Wall must be made to the pay the price for their treason. Fucking vermin.

Alternatively, find a way to persuade them to vote Labour in future? Which probably does mean developing a credible Socialist alternative to the Tories; but probably doesn't involve calling them scabs, scum and vermin.

 

[Jeff Robinson]

Alternatively, find a way to persuade them to vote Labour in future? Which probably does mean developing a credible Socialist alternative to the Tories; but probably doesn't involve calling them scabs, scum and vermin.

The scabs had a credible socialist alternative in 2019, but they chose Boris and Mogg instead. Hence they must be sanctioned.

 

[rasputin]

The scabs had a credible socialist alternative in 2019, but they chose Boris and Mogg instead. Hence they must be sanctioned.

It's not me, nor probably anyone on here, you you need to convince.

 

[Streathamite]

The scabs had a credible socialist alternative in 2019, but they chose Boris and Mogg instead. Hence they must be sanctioned.

Unfortunately, that probably won't win the red wall voters back, or win over any others, anywhere else. You are going into the 'Philosophical' dead end there (see the Brexit thread).

 

[MrSki]

Dan Carden (who I had not heard of till yesterday) resigns from the shadow front bench over the CHIS bill. An MP to watch.

 

[rasputin]

Pub renamed in Wirrall...

 

[Smokeandsteam]

Unite should cut to 100% until Labour ditches the revisionist Starmer clique and develops a suitable revenge policy to enact against all the scabs and scum who participated in the anti-socialist uprising of December 2019 (i.e. tory voters). All those traitors who let the Tory nationalist scum breach the Red Wall must be made to the pay the price for their treason. Fucking vermin.

How likely are Unite to follow this advised course of action Jeff? Also, what price is it we want the ‘vermin’ to pay?