June 9, 2023

Keir Starmer’s GMB Speech: A Strong Commitment to Working People, but What About Electoral Reform?

Keir Starmer
Credit: Rwendland, Wikimedia - taken in 2020

In his recent speech at the GMB conference, Keir Starmer mentioned the words “working people” 22 times – pledging to put the fight for working people as Labour’s “driving purpose”. He highlighted Labour’s commitment to serving the interests of working people and expressed his desire to make the Labour Party the natural home for them. However, one crucial aspect that …

Continue reading
May 9, 2023

How would proportional representation protect trade union rights?

NEU UCU PCS RMT ASLEF protest in Norwich
Credit: Roger Blackwell, Flickr

The trade union movement has always led demands for greater democracy, empowering working people and communities, and offering a different vision of society. Today, that demand for greater democracy is vital and urgent.  The powerful levers of the state are being used to undo rights and freedoms, give jobs and contracts to cronies, and attack minorities. We need to rewire the …

Continue reading
April 26, 2023

USDAW vote to back proportional representation

Phil Crooks USDAW motion LCER
Credit: Phil Crooks , L4ND

This week, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) joined the growing list of trade unions that back proportional representation. USDAW voted in favour of a motion committing it to support a change in the electoral system at its 76th Annual Delegate Meeting (ADM) on the 25th April. The motion was moved by Phil Crooks from the Home …

Continue reading
April 18, 2023

Proportional representation can help save the planet

Wind turbine factory
Credit: Green Energy Futures, Flickr

Last month saw the publication of the latest IPCC report. The message coming from scientists is clear: We need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions to prevent climate breakdown, and action needs to be taken now. We know that the Tories can’t be trusted to do what’s needed. During their thirteen years in government, they have failed to meaningfully advance climate objectives. …

Continue reading
March 3, 2023

Why Trade Unionists Should Support Proportional Representation

Trade Union Banner March through Norwich
Credit: Roger Blackwell, Flickr

Trade unions are essential for advancing social and economic justice and defending the rights of workers. However, the voices and experiences of trade union members are not adequately represented by the current Westminster system. The prevalence of “safe seats” in Parliament means that MPs may retain their seats for decades, which discourages public participation and reduces the diversity of candidates …

Continue reading