National Executive Committee, 17 July 2007

Continuity and change was the mood of the first full NEC for four months.  Chair Mike Griffiths welcomed new members: ministers Pat McFadden, Dawn Primarolo and Angela Eagle, formerly an MPs’ representative and now replaced by Janet Anderson; chief whip Geoff Hoon; deputy leader Harriet Harman; and Gordon Brown, warmly received on all sides.  Gordon in turn thanked everyone for their friendship and solidarity.  He reiterated the themes of his speech to the National Policy Forum, focusing on the domestic issues – health, education, pensions, housing – which matter most to voters.  He intended to bridge the gap between government and party, win back alienated ex-members, and mobilise volunteers to speak up for working people.  With membership at 182,370 last December this is urgent but achievable, given that 1,000 new members joined every week of the leadership contest.  Dennis Skinner reported success from constituencies which reached out to lapsed comrades.   

Gordon Brown promised to consider all the issues raised by members.  These included the importance of manufacturing; re-skilling redundant employees; public sector pay and funding for equal pay; protecting employees under private equity takeovers; falling take-up of school meals; progress against discrimination; the calm response to recent terrorist attacks; and ensuring that new immigration rules did not turn foreign domestic workers back into slaves.  He explained that a referendum on the revised European treaty was unnecessary because all our “red lines” had been met.  And he responded strongly to complaints about jobs for Digby Jones, who had described unions as backward-looking and irrelevant, and for Shirley Williams, who had helped to keep Labour in opposition for so long.  He argued that broadening the government to appeal to all the people showed strength, not weakness, and it was the TUC general council, not the CBI, that he invited to meet with him in the cabinet room.  

Harriet Harman planned to write to women trade union members, inviting them to join her in tackling work-life balance and domestic violence.  It was pointed out that women were almost never hit by men who were sober, and the interaction with policies on alcohol must be recognised.   

Process Issues 

The leadership campaign was judged highly successful.  I suggested that procedures for constituency supporting nominations were impracticable within the timescale, though no candidate had complained.  I also asked for full results: the Guardian published all the percentages, Tribune gave numbers for the first round, NEC members got numbers for the final round, but we should have the complete picture.  

Revised terms of reference for the NEC were tabled.  The appointed party Chair has gone and the elected deputy leader takes that role, eliminating the democratic deficit.  Members asked for papers in advance of meetings and information on decisions, as people expect us to know what is going on.  In fact notes of officers’ meetings are circulated promptly and most of my questions are answered, though I am still trying to find out what the local government committee agreed on subscriptions to the association of Labour councillors (ALC) to make sure that constituencies are not hit again.   

There were some issues around the joint policy committee (JPC).  This includes ten NEC members  (currently six trade union, two MPs, one MEP, one socialist societies, none from the constituencies).  Pete Willsman asked for two-way dialogue with the NEC, but I think Mike Griffiths said that as the JPC was the executive for Partnership in Power, the rest of the NEC had no role.  However we will in future get all the JPC papers, so we will know a bit more.  The other grey area was confidentiality.  While some matters must obviously be kept completely private, others, such as conference deadlines, should be widely advertised.  In between, how to be accountable and interesting while not giving ammunition to the enemy is a question which I take very seriously.  

Elections Past and Future 

Statistics from May showed that in Scotland Labour’s vote only fell by 2.5%, and the SNP gained because the independent vote collapsed.  In Wales the coalition with Plaid Cymru was agreed at a special conference, with 93% of affiliates and 61% of constituencies in favour.  Members stressed that AMs in Wales and MSPs in Scotland should work closely with Westminster MPs.  Poor results in the south-east were seen mainly as catching up with trends elsewhere.  Overall share of the vote depended on numbers of candidates, and local parties were urged to find a Labour candidate for every ward. 

On the eve of the by-elections there was some concern about Ealing Southall, where the NEC initially agreed an all-women shortlist, but under stringent by-election procedures the panel shortlisted two men.  I understood their decision: the priority was a candidate who could unify the local membership and whose record could stand up to all hostile criticism.  But I was most concerned that only four women applied for Ealing Southall and three for Sedgefield, against around 50 men for both.  Women will rarely win open selections when they are outnumbered ten to one. 

The NEC did, however, endorse an all-women shortlist for Walthamstow, despite the fact that an ethnic minority candidate has never been selected from an AWS.  Party officers will look again at possible legal ways to improve the odds for ethnic minorities.  AWS have also been agreed for Burton, Leeds West, Nuneaton, and Washington & Sunderland West.  Those parties still waiting for NEC decisions should ask their regional directors to send us recommendations, fast.  

For local government, positive action increased the proportion of women councillors from 24% to 32% between 2003 and 2006.  This still falls short of parity, so measures will continue.  The main change is that in all-out elections, selections will be run in two parts: the first ballot will select a candidate from among the women, and the second will select other candidates from all the rest.  It is hoped that this will prevent the resentment felt by a man losing to a woman with fewer votes.  Details will be agreed between the regional director, the local government committee and constituencies, and if procedures are not followed, selections will be re-run.  Regrettably that did not happen in one area this year.  It was stressed that in future, members would not be allowed to undermine NEC decisions; abuse of party staff and lay officers was unacceptable; and delays or late resignations could not be used to get round the policy.  The organisation committee also agreed to legitimise practices in some regions by which all sitting councillors would be reinterviewed rather than singling out individuals, and by which reports on councillors from branches would be waived if branches were not functioning. 

Financial Update 

The NEC approved the accounts, which showed an improving financial situation.  Cross-party talks on party funding were close to agreement on local and national spending, with the main outstanding issue  the transparency of the relationship between union affiliations and individual levy-payers.  Legislation was expected in 2008.  It was suggested that union affiliation fees to constituencies might be raised, as currently just £6 gets a general committee delegate and a vote in selections and trigger ballots. 

Conference Planning 

The most eye-catching change this year is that the leader’s speech will be on Monday.  Pete Willsman asked that recipients of merit awards should again be allowed to address conference, and I asked for papers to be sent out as early as possible.  Unfortunately delegates will not get rule changes in advance, as the NEC will only agree them on 18 September after consultation closes on Gordon Brown’s proposals.  So far 25 submissions had been received, plus 32 from the website.  These asked for reassurance that issues would not disappear if contemporary motions were ended, and a majority of constituencies supported a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF document.  NEC members’ comments at the meeting largely repeated those made in previous discussions, with several stressing that we had one last chance to get this right.  However general secretary Peter Watt made clear that it was not possible to create an expensive bureaucracy to respond to every contribution, and he believed that discussion was more important than feedback.  I am not sure if members will view it that way. 

The Black Socialist Society is also seeking rule changes, including reserved seats on regional boards, with NEC support.  I enquired after twelve constituency amendments ruled out of order, and some may be reinstated.  Of the others, lowering the threshold for extra conference delegates will be covered under party renewal, as will barring ministers from the conference arrangements committee.   

Finally we should know soon if the local government conference and/or spring conference will be reinstated for 2008.  The alternative programme was popular, but very demanding of staff resources. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com. 

Ann Black, 88 Howard Street, Oxford OX4 3BE, 07956-637958, annblack@acedial.co.uk

National Executive Committee, 17 July 2007

Continuity and change was the mood of the first full NEC for four months.  Chair Mike Griffiths welcomed new members: ministers Pat McFadden, Dawn Primarolo and Angela Eagle, formerly an MPs’ representative and now replaced by Janet Anderson; chief whip Geoff Hoon; deputy leader Harriet Harman; and Gordon Brown, warmly received on all sides.  Gordon in turn thanked everyone for their friendship and solidarity.  He reiterated the themes of his speech to the National Policy Forum, focusing on the domestic issues – health, education, pensions, housing – which matter most to voters.  He intended to bridge the gap between government and party, win back alienated ex-members, and mobilise volunteers to speak up for working people.  With membership at 182,370 last December this is urgent but achievable, given that 1,000 new members joined every week of the leadership contest.  Dennis Skinner reported success from constituencies which reached out to lapsed comrades.   

Gordon Brown promised to consider all the issues raised by members.  These included the importance of manufacturing; re-skilling redundant employees; public sector pay and funding for equal pay; protecting employees under private equity takeovers; falling take-up of school meals; progress against discrimination; the calm response to recent terrorist attacks; and ensuring that new immigration rules did not turn foreign domestic workers back into slaves.  He explained that a referendum on the revised European treaty was unnecessary because all our “red lines” had been met.  And he responded strongly to complaints about jobs for Digby Jones, who had described unions as backward-looking and irrelevant, and for Shirley Williams, who had helped to keep Labour in opposition for so long.  He argued that broadening the government to appeal to all the people showed strength, not weakness, and it was the TUC general council, not the CBI, that he invited to meet with him in the cabinet room.  

Harriet Harman planned to write to women trade union members, inviting them to join her in tackling work-life balance and domestic violence.  It was pointed out that women were almost never hit by men who were sober, and the interaction with policies on alcohol must be recognised.   

Process Issues 

The leadership campaign was judged highly successful.  I suggested that procedures for constituency supporting nominations were impracticable within the timescale, though no candidate had complained.  I also asked for full results: the Guardian published all the percentages, Tribune gave numbers for the first round, NEC members got numbers for the final round, but we should have the complete picture.  

Revised terms of reference for the NEC were tabled.  The appointed party Chair has gone and the elected deputy leader takes that role, eliminating the democratic deficit.  Members asked for papers in advance of meetings and information on decisions, as people expect us to know what is going on.  In fact notes of officers’ meetings are circulated promptly and most of my questions are answered, though I am still trying to find out what the local government committee agreed on subscriptions to the association of Labour councillors (ALC) to make sure that constituencies are not hit again.   

There were some issues around the joint policy committee (JPC).  This includes ten NEC members  (currently six trade union, two MPs, one MEP, one socialist societies, none from the constituencies).  Pete Willsman asked for two-way dialogue with the NEC, but I think Mike Griffiths said that as the JPC was the executive for Partnership in Power, the rest of the NEC had no role.  However we will in future get all the JPC papers, so we will know a bit more.  The other grey area was confidentiality.  While some matters must obviously be kept completely private, others, such as conference deadlines, should be widely advertised.  In between, how to be accountable and interesting while not giving ammunition to the enemy is a question which I take very seriously.  

Elections Past and Future 

Statistics from May showed that in Scotland Labour’s vote only fell by 2.5%, and the SNP gained because the independent vote collapsed.  In Wales the coalition with Plaid Cymru was agreed at a special conference, with 93% of affiliates and 61% of constituencies in favour.  Members stressed that AMs in Wales and MSPs in Scotland should work closely with Westminster MPs.  Poor results in the south-east were seen mainly as catching up with trends elsewhere.  Overall share of the vote depended on numbers of candidates, and local parties were urged to find a Labour candidate for every ward. 

On the eve of the by-elections there was some concern about Ealing Southall, where the NEC initially agreed an all-women shortlist, but under stringent by-election procedures the panel shortlisted two men.  I understood their decision: the priority was a candidate who could unify the local membership and whose record could stand up to all hostile criticism.  But I was most concerned that only four women applied for Ealing Southall and three for Sedgefield, against around 50 men for both.  Women will rarely win open selections when they are outnumbered ten to one. 

The NEC did, however, endorse an all-women shortlist for Walthamstow, despite the fact that an ethnic minority candidate has never been selected from an AWS.  Party officers will look again at possible legal ways to improve the odds for ethnic minorities.  AWS have also been agreed for Burton, Leeds West, Nuneaton, and Washington & Sunderland West.  Those parties still waiting for NEC decisions should ask their regional directors to send us recommendations, fast.  

For local government, positive action increased the proportion of women councillors from 24% to 32% between 2003 and 2006.  This still falls short of parity, so measures will continue.  The main change is that in all-out elections, selections will be run in two parts: the first ballot will select a candidate from among the women, and the second will select other candidates from all the rest.  It is hoped that this will prevent the resentment felt by a man losing to a woman with fewer votes.  Details will be agreed between the regional director, the local government committee and constituencies, and if procedures are not followed, selections will be re-run.  Regrettably that did not happen in one area this year.  It was stressed that in future, members would not be allowed to undermine NEC decisions; abuse of party staff and lay officers was unacceptable; and delays or late resignations could not be used to get round the policy.  The organisation committee also agreed to legitimise practices in some regions by which all sitting councillors would be reinterviewed rather than singling out individuals, and by which reports on councillors from branches would be waived if branches were not functioning. 

Financial Update 

The NEC approved the accounts, which showed an improving financial situation.  Cross-party talks on party funding were close to agreement on local and national spending, with the main outstanding issue  the transparency of the relationship between union affiliations and individual levy-payers.  Legislation was expected in 2008.  It was suggested that union affiliation fees to constituencies might be raised, as currently just £6 gets a general committee delegate and a vote in selections and trigger ballots. 

Conference Planning 

The most eye-catching change this year is that the leader’s speech will be on Monday.  Pete Willsman asked that recipients of merit awards should again be allowed to address conference, and I asked for papers to be sent out as early as possible.  Unfortunately delegates will not get rule changes in advance, as the NEC will only agree them on 18 September after consultation closes on Gordon Brown’s proposals.  So far 25 submissions had been received, plus 32 from the website.  These asked for reassurance that issues would not disappear if contemporary motions were ended, and a majority of constituencies supported a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF document.  NEC members’ comments at the meeting largely repeated those made in previous discussions, with several stressing that we had one last chance to get this right.  However general secretary Peter Watt made clear that it was not possible to create an expensive bureaucracy to respond to every contribution, and he believed that discussion was more important than feedback.  I am not sure if members will view it that way. 

The Black Socialist Society is also seeking rule changes, including reserved seats on regional boards, with NEC support.  I enquired after twelve constituency amendments ruled out of order, and some may be reinstated.  Of the others, lowering the threshold for extra conference delegates will be covered under party renewal, as will barring ministers from the conference arrangements committee.   

Finally we should know soon if the local government conference and/or spring conference will be reinstated for 2008.  The alternative programme was popular, but very demanding of staff resources. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com. 

Ann Black, 88 Howard Street, Oxford OX4 3BE, 07956-637958, annblack@acedial.co.uk

National Executive Committee, 17 July 2007

Continuity and change was the mood of the first full NEC for four months.  Chair Mike Griffiths welcomed new members: ministers Pat McFadden, Dawn Primarolo and Angela Eagle, formerly an MPs’ representative and now replaced by Janet Anderson; chief whip Geoff Hoon; deputy leader Harriet Harman; and Gordon Brown, warmly received on all sides.  Gordon in turn thanked everyone for their friendship and solidarity.  He reiterated the themes of his speech to the National Policy Forum, focusing on the domestic issues – health, education, pensions, housing – which matter most to voters.  He intended to bridge the gap between government and party, win back alienated ex-members, and mobilise volunteers to speak up for working people.  With membership at 182,370 last December this is urgent but achievable, given that 1,000 new members joined every week of the leadership contest.  Dennis Skinner reported success from constituencies which reached out to lapsed comrades.   

Gordon Brown promised to consider all the issues raised by members.  These included the importance of manufacturing; re-skilling redundant employees; public sector pay and funding for equal pay; protecting employees under private equity takeovers; falling take-up of school meals; progress against discrimination; the calm response to recent terrorist attacks; and ensuring that new immigration rules did not turn foreign domestic workers back into slaves.  He explained that a referendum on the revised European treaty was unnecessary because all our “red lines” had been met.  And he responded strongly to complaints about jobs for Digby Jones, who had described unions as backward-looking and irrelevant, and for Shirley Williams, who had helped to keep Labour in opposition for so long.  He argued that broadening the government to appeal to all the people showed strength, not weakness, and it was the TUC general council, not the CBI, that he invited to meet with him in the cabinet room.  

Harriet Harman planned to write to women trade union members, inviting them to join her in tackling work-life balance and domestic violence.  It was pointed out that women were almost never hit by men who were sober, and the interaction with policies on alcohol must be recognised.   

Process Issues 

The leadership campaign was judged highly successful.  I suggested that procedures for constituency supporting nominations were impracticable within the timescale, though no candidate had complained.  I also asked for full results: the Guardian published all the percentages, Tribune gave numbers for the first round, NEC members got numbers for the final round, but we should have the complete picture.  

Revised terms of reference for the NEC were tabled.  The appointed party Chair has gone and the elected deputy leader takes that role, eliminating the democratic deficit.  Members asked for papers in advance of meetings and information on decisions, as people expect us to know what is going on.  In fact notes of officers’ meetings are circulated promptly and most of my questions are answered, though I am still trying to find out what the local government committee agreed on subscriptions to the association of Labour councillors (ALC) to make sure that constituencies are not hit again.   

There were some issues around the joint policy committee (JPC).  This includes ten NEC members  (currently six trade union, two MPs, one MEP, one socialist societies, none from the constituencies).  Pete Willsman asked for two-way dialogue with the NEC, but I think Mike Griffiths said that as the JPC was the executive for Partnership in Power, the rest of the NEC had no role.  However we will in future get all the JPC papers, so we will know a bit more.  The other grey area was confidentiality.  While some matters must obviously be kept completely private, others, such as conference deadlines, should be widely advertised.  In between, how to be accountable and interesting while not giving ammunition to the enemy is a question which I take very seriously.  

Elections Past and Future 

Statistics from May showed that in Scotland Labour’s vote only fell by 2.5%, and the SNP gained because the independent vote collapsed.  In Wales the coalition with Plaid Cymru was agreed at a special conference, with 93% of affiliates and 61% of constituencies in favour.  Members stressed that AMs in Wales and MSPs in Scotland should work closely with Westminster MPs.  Poor results in the south-east were seen mainly as catching up with trends elsewhere.  Overall share of the vote depended on numbers of candidates, and local parties were urged to find a Labour candidate for every ward. 

On the eve of the by-elections there was some concern about Ealing Southall, where the NEC initially agreed an all-women shortlist, but under stringent by-election procedures the panel shortlisted two men.  I understood their decision: the priority was a candidate who could unify the local membership and whose record could stand up to all hostile criticism.  But I was most concerned that only four women applied for Ealing Southall and three for Sedgefield, against around 50 men for both.  Women will rarely win open selections when they are outnumbered ten to one. 

The NEC did, however, endorse an all-women shortlist for Walthamstow, despite the fact that an ethnic minority candidate has never been selected from an AWS.  Party officers will look again at possible legal ways to improve the odds for ethnic minorities.  AWS have also been agreed for Burton, Leeds West, Nuneaton, and Washington & Sunderland West.  Those parties still waiting for NEC decisions should ask their regional directors to send us recommendations, fast.  

For local government, positive action increased the proportion of women councillors from 24% to 32% between 2003 and 2006.  This still falls short of parity, so measures will continue.  The main change is that in all-out elections, selections will be run in two parts: the first ballot will select a candidate from among the women, and the second will select other candidates from all the rest.  It is hoped that this will prevent the resentment felt by a man losing to a woman with fewer votes.  Details will be agreed between the regional director, the local government committee and constituencies, and if procedures are not followed, selections will be re-run.  Regrettably that did not happen in one area this year.  It was stressed that in future, members would not be allowed to undermine NEC decisions; abuse of party staff and lay officers was unacceptable; and delays or late resignations could not be used to get round the policy.  The organisation committee also agreed to legitimise practices in some regions by which all sitting councillors would be reinterviewed rather than singling out individuals, and by which reports on councillors from branches would be waived if branches were not functioning. 

Financial Update 

The NEC approved the accounts, which showed an improving financial situation.  Cross-party talks on party funding were close to agreement on local and national spending, with the main outstanding issue  the transparency of the relationship between union affiliations and individual levy-payers.  Legislation was expected in 2008.  It was suggested that union affiliation fees to constituencies might be raised, as currently just £6 gets a general committee delegate and a vote in selections and trigger ballots. 

Conference Planning 

The most eye-catching change this year is that the leader’s speech will be on Monday.  Pete Willsman asked that recipients of merit awards should again be allowed to address conference, and I asked for papers to be sent out as early as possible.  Unfortunately delegates will not get rule changes in advance, as the NEC will only agree them on 18 September after consultation closes on Gordon Brown’s proposals.  So far 25 submissions had been received, plus 32 from the website.  These asked for reassurance that issues would not disappear if contemporary motions were ended, and a majority of constituencies supported a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF document.  NEC members’ comments at the meeting largely repeated those made in previous discussions, with several stressing that we had one last chance to get this right.  However general secretary Peter Watt made clear that it was not possible to create an expensive bureaucracy to respond to every contribution, and he believed that discussion was more important than feedback.  I am not sure if members will view it that way. 

The Black Socialist Society is also seeking rule changes, including reserved seats on regional boards, with NEC support.  I enquired after twelve constituency amendments ruled out of order, and some may be reinstated.  Of the others, lowering the threshold for extra conference delegates will be covered under party renewal, as will barring ministers from the conference arrangements committee.   

Finally we should know soon if the local government conference and/or spring conference will be reinstated for 2008.  The alternative programme was popular, but very demanding of staff resources. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com. 

Ann Black, 88 Howard Street, Oxford OX4 3BE, 07956-637958, annblack@acedial.co.uk

National Policy Forum, Heathrow, 14/15 July 2007

Gordon Brown launched proceedings with an impressive speech, listing his priorities as prime minister.  Two-thirds of students would now receive grants, with more flexible loan repayments, and the educational maintenance allowance for low-income families would be extended to the age of 21.  Children would get individual tuition as soon as difficulties were identified, to prevent them falling further behind.  Better youth services would mean fewer young people hanging around on the streets because there was nothing else for them to do.  Employers were signing up to help the economically-inactive into work, and to match people to vacancies.  GPs should open at convenient times, and high technical standards in hospitals must be equalled by cleanliness, personal attention and aftercare.  Above all he recognised the need for more housing, with a greater role for councils, but warned that we must win the argument for development at local level, where most decisions are made. 

The media then left, and Gordon Brown answered questions with assurance.  He hoped for progress in Europe on agency workers’ rights under the socialist Portuguese presidency, and intended to enforce the minimum wage more rigorously.  He had established a forum with union leaders, and believed the next few months would show that Labour truly valued health service staff.  I praised the review of super-casinos, widely seen as a change of moral tone, and he promised alternative regeneration projects for both Manchester and Blackpool.  Iraq was still a sensitive issue.  Troop numbers were down from 44,000 to 5,500 and would fall further as control was handed to local police and security forces.  It was essential to give Iraqis jobs and a stake in their future, to persuade factions to work together, and to solve the Palestine situation.  However, Britain was acting under a UN mandate and an immediate pull-out would only lead to more carnage, a statement which brought murmurs of assent.  

Deputy leader Harriet Harman then outlined her commitment to work-life balance, enabling people to care for elderly and disabled relatives as well as children; tackling domestic violence, human trafficking and unnecessary imprisonment; and empowering women in ethnic minority communities.   

Renewal Revisited 

The new leader also expanded on his plans for party reform.  He explained that the fourteen manifesto groups, chaired by MPs, were intended to feed the expertise of the parliamentary party into the NPF, not to bypass it.  The most urgent needs were to rebuild membership and activism, and to link in with community and campaigning groups, everything from mothers-and-toddlers to Make Poverty History.  Harriet Harman stressed that the current consultation was genuine, and nothing was set in stone.  The NPF was a success to its inner circle, but most members had no idea of its achievements, and their experience at conference was a mix of enthusiasm and frustration.  There must be better ways to handle controversial issues, for instance nuclear power, than stand-up rows over Yes/No resolutions, or deals behind closed doors, or the artificial hurdles of “contemporary” motions. 

The NPF then split into groups to discuss the proposals further.  The main points from mine (all made by other people, as I was chairing the session) were: 

-      ordinary members have become disillusioned through lack of feedback.  Simply engaging in discussion of government policy was considered pointless if no-one in power was listening;   

-      NPF representatives try very hard, but get no help with contacting members and no information on what is happening outside their own policy commission, if indeed they are on a commission; 

-      extra NPF members could help to share the work, but there were doubts about creating a separate category with different terms of office.  Some felt the current two-year terms were too short to get to grips with the process, but recognised the need to balance longer tenure with accountability; 

-      constituencies and areas vary widely.  Not everyone has Labour MPs or councillors to lead discussion, and the process has to work effectively both in power and in opposition; 

-      policy areas are very broad, and more clarity is needed on where specific topics are covered; 

-      it was suggested that conference could be connected with the NPF by including the movers and seconders of resolutions as NPF members for the following year; 

-      the problem is not so much with the process as with ignoring the outcomes.  Avoiding public fights was desirable, but differences should not just be consigned to the NPF black hole.  Was it possible to accept more divergence at early stages of the process?  Could sections of documents be referred back, rather than take-it-or-leave-it votes on the whole thing? 

-      joint policy committee meetings usually only last for half an hour, and this would need to change if it was to take a more significant role. 

There was general agreement on the need for more resources, particularly at regional level.  No-one favoured a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF documents because of cost, and because of the political risks of low turnout and an underwhelming Yes vote, especially if single-issue groups mobilised against them on the basis of one contentious statement.  Suggested alternatives included endorsement by constituency parties, and signing up supporters on-line.  Longer-serving members noted that many of the problems with Partnership in Power were raised in the 2004/2005 review, and we were going over the same ground again because those recommendations were not followed up. 

Policy Round-Up 

Groups also discussed each of the six second-year policy documents, and after revision they will be published for party consultation through to February 2008.  Just a few of many comments: 

Britain in the World – good that fighting world poverty and disease is upfront.  Should give greater weight to European alliances.  Don’t forget Cyprus when considering Turkey as a candidate for Europe.  Iraq and Afghanistan are bracketed together – how much do they have in common? 

Creating Sustainable Communities – tackle excess packaging as well as increase recycling.  Sort out confusion over free bus travel for over-60s, a bonus for pensioners.  More rail passengers but no more trains brings overcrowding and complaints.  The Lyons review concluded that “council tax is not broken” – is this true?  Stress that the LibDems’ local income tax would penalise poorer households.  

Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities – should the emphasis be on more prison places, or on effective and credible alternatives for those who are not a danger?  Public attitudes on asylum and immigration are polarised – how to deal with this, without playing into the hands of the far right?  Is it OK to deny all healthcare to illegal immigrants?  How will ID cards be used to distinguish them? 

Education and Skills – discuss more openly differing views on academies, faith and specialist schools, and continuing selection by ability.  Much useful information on new arrangements for student support.  And what will be in the national 21^st Century Songbook, to be rolled out shortly?   

Health – need proper debate on the problems of unlimited demand but finite resources, with NICE recommendations on new drugs such as herceptin and lucentis overturned by the courts and the media.  Explain the role of choice in improving standards, and recognise that choice implies over-capacity.  Ask people why they make particular choices.  Take account of demographic change.  Interest in Ara Darzi’s plans for London, but must recognise differences between cities, small towns and rural areas. 

Prosperity and Work – welcome support for carers and flexible working.  Need to improve take-up of pension credit and administration of tax credits.  Is personal debt a genuine problem?  Include more news from the Women at Work commission.  And should “choice” extend to allowing parents to care for their own young children, as well as more childcare for those working outside the home? 

And Finally . . . 

Before dinner on Saturday the NPF travelled en masse to Ealing Southall, to help Virendra Sharma to victory.  And Ian McCartney, a much-loved mainstay of the Forum since its formation in 1997, stepped down as Chair to a standing ovation.  Pat McFadden MP was nominated as his successor. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members – and supporters - as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com.

National Policy Forum, Heathrow, 14/15 July 2007

Gordon Brown launched proceedings with an impressive speech, listing his priorities as prime minister.  Two-thirds of students would now receive grants, with more flexible loan repayments, and the educational maintenance allowance for low-income families would be extended to the age of 21.  Children would get individual tuition as soon as difficulties were identified, to prevent them falling further behind.  Better youth services would mean fewer young people hanging around on the streets because there was nothing else for them to do.  Employers were signing up to help the economically-inactive into work, and to match people to vacancies.  GPs should open at convenient times, and high technical standards in hospitals must be equalled by cleanliness, personal attention and aftercare.  Above all he recognised the need for more housing, with a greater role for councils, but warned that we must win the argument for development at local level, where most decisions are made. 

The media then left, and Gordon Brown answered questions with assurance.  He hoped for progress in Europe on agency workers’ rights under the socialist Portuguese presidency, and intended to enforce the minimum wage more rigorously.  He had established a forum with union leaders, and believed the next few months would show that Labour truly valued health service staff.  I praised the review of super-casinos, widely seen as a change of moral tone, and he promised alternative regeneration projects for both Manchester and Blackpool.  Iraq was still a sensitive issue.  Troop numbers were down from 44,000 to 5,500 and would fall further as control was handed to local police and security forces.  It was essential to give Iraqis jobs and a stake in their future, to persuade factions to work together, and to solve the Palestine situation.  However, Britain was acting under a UN mandate and an immediate pull-out would only lead to more carnage, a statement which brought murmurs of assent.  

Deputy leader Harriet Harman then outlined her commitment to work-life balance, enabling people to care for elderly and disabled relatives as well as children; tackling domestic violence, human trafficking and unnecessary imprisonment; and empowering women in ethnic minority communities.   

Renewal Revisited 

The new leader also expanded on his plans for party reform.  He explained that the fourteen manifesto groups, chaired by MPs, were intended to feed the expertise of the parliamentary party into the NPF, not to bypass it.  The most urgent needs were to rebuild membership and activism, and to link in with community and campaigning groups, everything from mothers-and-toddlers to Make Poverty History.  Harriet Harman stressed that the current consultation was genuine, and nothing was set in stone.  The NPF was a success to its inner circle, but most members had no idea of its achievements, and their experience at conference was a mix of enthusiasm and frustration.  There must be better ways to handle controversial issues, for instance nuclear power, than stand-up rows over Yes/No resolutions, or deals behind closed doors, or the artificial hurdles of “contemporary” motions. 

The NPF then split into groups to discuss the proposals further.  The main points from mine (all made by other people, as I was chairing the session) were: 

-      ordinary members have become disillusioned through lack of feedback.  Simply engaging in discussion of government policy was considered pointless if no-one in power was listening;   

-      NPF representatives try very hard, but get no help with contacting members and no information on what is happening outside their own policy commission, if indeed they are on a commission; 

-      extra NPF members could help to share the work, but there were doubts about creating a separate category with different terms of office.  Some felt the current two-year terms were too short to get to grips with the process, but recognised the need to balance longer tenure with accountability; 

-      constituencies and areas vary widely.  Not everyone has Labour MPs or councillors to lead discussion, and the process has to work effectively both in power and in opposition; 

-      policy areas are very broad, and more clarity is needed on where specific topics are covered; 

-      it was suggested that conference could be connected with the NPF by including the movers and seconders of resolutions as NPF members for the following year; 

-      the problem is not so much with the process as with ignoring the outcomes.  Avoiding public fights was desirable, but differences should not just be consigned to the NPF black hole.  Was it possible to accept more divergence at early stages of the process?  Could sections of documents be referred back, rather than take-it-or-leave-it votes on the whole thing? 

-      joint policy committee meetings usually only last for half an hour, and this would need to change if it was to take a more significant role. 

There was general agreement on the need for more resources, particularly at regional level.  No-one favoured a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF documents because of cost, and because of the political risks of low turnout and an underwhelming Yes vote, especially if single-issue groups mobilised against them on the basis of one contentious statement.  Suggested alternatives included endorsement by constituency parties, and signing up supporters on-line.  Longer-serving members noted that many of the problems with Partnership in Power were raised in the 2004/2005 review, and we were going over the same ground again because those recommendations were not followed up. 

Policy Round-Up 

Groups also discussed each of the six second-year policy documents, and after revision they will be published for party consultation through to February 2008.  Just a few of many comments: 

Britain in the World – good that fighting world poverty and disease is upfront.  Should give greater weight to European alliances.  Don’t forget Cyprus when considering Turkey as a candidate for Europe.  Iraq and Afghanistan are bracketed together – how much do they have in common? 

Creating Sustainable Communities – tackle excess packaging as well as increase recycling.  Sort out confusion over free bus travel for over-60s, a bonus for pensioners.  More rail passengers but no more trains brings overcrowding and complaints.  The Lyons review concluded that “council tax is not broken” – is this true?  Stress that the LibDems’ local income tax would penalise poorer households.  

Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities – should the emphasis be on more prison places, or on effective and credible alternatives for those who are not a danger?  Public attitudes on asylum and immigration are polarised – how to deal with this, without playing into the hands of the far right?  Is it OK to deny all healthcare to illegal immigrants?  How will ID cards be used to distinguish them? 

Education and Skills – discuss more openly differing views on academies, faith and specialist schools, and continuing selection by ability.  Much useful information on new arrangements for student support.  And what will be in the national 21^st Century Songbook, to be rolled out shortly?   

Health – need proper debate on the problems of unlimited demand but finite resources, with NICE recommendations on new drugs such as herceptin and lucentis overturned by the courts and the media.  Explain the role of choice in improving standards, and recognise that choice implies over-capacity.  Ask people why they make particular choices.  Take account of demographic change.  Interest in Ara Darzi’s plans for London, but must recognise differences between cities, small towns and rural areas. 

Prosperity and Work – welcome support for carers and flexible working.  Need to improve take-up of pension credit and administration of tax credits.  Is personal debt a genuine problem?  Include more news from the Women at Work commission.  And should “choice” extend to allowing parents to care for their own young children, as well as more childcare for those working outside the home? 

And Finally . . . 

Before dinner on Saturday the NPF travelled en masse to Ealing Southall, to help Virendra Sharma to victory.  And Ian McCartney, a much-loved mainstay of the Forum since its formation in 1997, stepped down as Chair to a standing ovation.  Pat McFadden MP was nominated as his successor. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members – and supporters - as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com.

National Policy Forum, Heathrow, 14/15 July 2007

Gordon Brown launched proceedings with an impressive speech, listing his priorities as prime minister.  Two-thirds of students would now receive grants, with more flexible loan repayments, and the educational maintenance allowance for low-income families would be extended to the age of 21.  Children would get individual tuition as soon as difficulties were identified, to prevent them falling further behind.  Better youth services would mean fewer young people hanging around on the streets because there was nothing else for them to do.  Employers were signing up to help the economically-inactive into work, and to match people to vacancies.  GPs should open at convenient times, and high technical standards in hospitals must be equalled by cleanliness, personal attention and aftercare.  Above all he recognised the need for more housing, with a greater role for councils, but warned that we must win the argument for development at local level, where most decisions are made. 

The media then left, and Gordon Brown answered questions with assurance.  He hoped for progress in Europe on agency workers’ rights under the socialist Portuguese presidency, and intended to enforce the minimum wage more rigorously.  He had established a forum with union leaders, and believed the next few months would show that Labour truly valued health service staff.  I praised the review of super-casinos, widely seen as a change of moral tone, and he promised alternative regeneration projects for both Manchester and Blackpool.  Iraq was still a sensitive issue.  Troop numbers were down from 44,000 to 5,500 and would fall further as control was handed to local police and security forces.  It was essential to give Iraqis jobs and a stake in their future, to persuade factions to work together, and to solve the Palestine situation.  However, Britain was acting under a UN mandate and an immediate pull-out would only lead to more carnage, a statement which brought murmurs of assent.  

Deputy leader Harriet Harman then outlined her commitment to work-life balance, enabling people to care for elderly and disabled relatives as well as children; tackling domestic violence, human trafficking and unnecessary imprisonment; and empowering women in ethnic minority communities.   

Renewal Revisited 

The new leader also expanded on his plans for party reform.  He explained that the fourteen manifesto groups, chaired by MPs, were intended to feed the expertise of the parliamentary party into the NPF, not to bypass it.  The most urgent needs were to rebuild membership and activism, and to link in with community and campaigning groups, everything from mothers-and-toddlers to Make Poverty History.  Harriet Harman stressed that the current consultation was genuine, and nothing was set in stone.  The NPF was a success to its inner circle, but most members had no idea of its achievements, and their experience at conference was a mix of enthusiasm and frustration.  There must be better ways to handle controversial issues, for instance nuclear power, than stand-up rows over Yes/No resolutions, or deals behind closed doors, or the artificial hurdles of “contemporary” motions. 

The NPF then split into groups to discuss the proposals further.  The main points from mine (all made by other people, as I was chairing the session) were: 

-      ordinary members have become disillusioned through lack of feedback.  Simply engaging in discussion of government policy was considered pointless if no-one in power was listening;   

-      NPF representatives try very hard, but get no help with contacting members and no information on what is happening outside their own policy commission, if indeed they are on a commission; 

-      extra NPF members could help to share the work, but there were doubts about creating a separate category with different terms of office.  Some felt the current two-year terms were too short to get to grips with the process, but recognised the need to balance longer tenure with accountability; 

-      constituencies and areas vary widely.  Not everyone has Labour MPs or councillors to lead discussion, and the process has to work effectively both in power and in opposition; 

-      policy areas are very broad, and more clarity is needed on where specific topics are covered; 

-      it was suggested that conference could be connected with the NPF by including the movers and seconders of resolutions as NPF members for the following year; 

-      the problem is not so much with the process as with ignoring the outcomes.  Avoiding public fights was desirable, but differences should not just be consigned to the NPF black hole.  Was it possible to accept more divergence at early stages of the process?  Could sections of documents be referred back, rather than take-it-or-leave-it votes on the whole thing? 

-      joint policy committee meetings usually only last for half an hour, and this would need to change if it was to take a more significant role. 

There was general agreement on the need for more resources, particularly at regional level.  No-one favoured a one-member-one-vote ballot on the final NPF documents because of cost, and because of the political risks of low turnout and an underwhelming Yes vote, especially if single-issue groups mobilised against them on the basis of one contentious statement.  Suggested alternatives included endorsement by constituency parties, and signing up supporters on-line.  Longer-serving members noted that many of the problems with Partnership in Power were raised in the 2004/2005 review, and we were going over the same ground again because those recommendations were not followed up. 

Policy Round-Up 

Groups also discussed each of the six second-year policy documents, and after revision they will be published for party consultation through to February 2008.  Just a few of many comments: 

Britain in the World – good that fighting world poverty and disease is upfront.  Should give greater weight to European alliances.  Don’t forget Cyprus when considering Turkey as a candidate for Europe.  Iraq and Afghanistan are bracketed together – how much do they have in common? 

Creating Sustainable Communities – tackle excess packaging as well as increase recycling.  Sort out confusion over free bus travel for over-60s, a bonus for pensioners.  More rail passengers but no more trains brings overcrowding and complaints.  The Lyons review concluded that “council tax is not broken” – is this true?  Stress that the LibDems’ local income tax would penalise poorer households.  

Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities – should the emphasis be on more prison places, or on effective and credible alternatives for those who are not a danger?  Public attitudes on asylum and immigration are polarised – how to deal with this, without playing into the hands of the far right?  Is it OK to deny all healthcare to illegal immigrants?  How will ID cards be used to distinguish them? 

Education and Skills – discuss more openly differing views on academies, faith and specialist schools, and continuing selection by ability.  Much useful information on new arrangements for student support.  And what will be in the national 21^st Century Songbook, to be rolled out shortly?   

Health – need proper debate on the problems of unlimited demand but finite resources, with NICE recommendations on new drugs such as herceptin and lucentis overturned by the courts and the media.  Explain the role of choice in improving standards, and recognise that choice implies over-capacity.  Ask people why they make particular choices.  Take account of demographic change.  Interest in Ara Darzi’s plans for London, but must recognise differences between cities, small towns and rural areas. 

Prosperity and Work – welcome support for carers and flexible working.  Need to improve take-up of pension credit and administration of tax credits.  Is personal debt a genuine problem?  Include more news from the Women at Work commission.  And should “choice” extend to allowing parents to care for their own young children, as well as more childcare for those working outside the home? 

And Finally . . . 

Before dinner on Saturday the NPF travelled en masse to Ealing Southall, to help Virendra Sharma to victory.  And Ian McCartney, a much-loved mainstay of the Forum since its formation in 1997, stepped down as Chair to a standing ovation.  Pat McFadden MP was nominated as his successor. 

Questions and comments are welcome, and I am happy for this to be circulated to members – and supporters - as a personal account, not an official record.  Past reports are at www.annblack.com.