Building Blocs : A day of ideas to dismantle the Blue Wall - Lewes, Sussex.
2022-11-19 10:00 - 17:30 (Europe/London)
The ‘blue wall’, previously safe Tory seats where despite losing in 2019 Labour, and the Liberal Democrats, did proportionately better than elsewhere. Heavily concentrated in the South East these will be a key battleground towards ensuring Rishi Sunak leads his party to defeat at the next General Election
This will be a day of big ideas towards dismantling the Blue Wall. Featuring key figures in the fields of voting behaviour, progressive patriotism, the competing attractions of the radical and the moderate, co-operation between opposition parties. Four big questions, some answers, prepare to be informed, intrigued and inspired.
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Opening session
How blue is the Blue Wall in 2022?
Tim Bale co-author The British General Election of 2019 . Tim is a frequent contributor to a range of publications including The Observer and Financial Times .
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Discussion
Carry on England, or can the progressive and the patriotic ever be reconciled?
Introduced by John Denham Labour MP Southampton Itchen 1992-2015, a former Labour Minister and currently Director The Centre for English Identity and Politics.
Panellists
Gerry Hassan one of Scotland’s leading political commentators, a regular contributor to The National and Scottish Review Gerry’s latest book is Scotland Rising : The Case for Independence.
Kojo Koram writes on issues of race and empire for a range of publications including the Guardian and Tribune, Kojo is the author Uncommon Wealth : Britain and the Aftermath of Empire.
Vron Ware in her book Return of a Native : Learning from the Land Vron combines writing on race, colonialism and feminism with insights stretching from the parish to the distant horizon and topics ranging from Brexit to eco-politics.
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An exchange
Sweet Moderation or Bitter Disappointment?
In conversation
Adrienne Buller and Mathew Lawrence Adrienne is Director of Research and Mathew Founder and Director ofThe Commonwealth, a thinktank that designs ownership models for a democratic and sustainable economy, Adrienne and Mathrew are the co-authors Owning the Future : Power and Property in an Age of Crisis.
Jonathan Freedland columnist the Guardian and presenter Radio 4’s The Long View.. `In 2022 Jonathan’s play Jews.In Their Own Words took the stage at The Royal Court and his latest book The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Tell the World was published..
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Closing Roundtable
How to Builid a Bloc to Dismantle the Blue Wall
Introduced by Clive Lewis Labour MP for Norwich South since 2015 and a candidate in the 2020 Labour Leadership election. Clive is a key figure in the Compass campaign Win as One for electoral co-operation berween the opposition parties.
Discussants
Beccy Cooper Labour leader Worthing Borough Council , Labour PPC Worthing West 2017, 2019 General Elections
Kate Chappell Chair Lewes Labour Campaigns committee, Labour PPC Lewes 2019 General Election
Nancy Platts Co-ordnator Politics for the Many the trade union campaign for proportional representation, Brighton and Hove Labour city councillor, Labour PPC Brighton Kemptown 2015 General Election
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In between, lunch, tea, coffee and cake at our very own Keir Hardie Café visit our pop-up Ideas Market featuring an extensively stocked bookshop including book signings with all our author-speakers. And then join us for afters at the historic Lewes Arms.
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All welcome
Tickets If you can please purchase a solidarity rate ticket, the extra helps us offer the low-price standard tickets.
Our events invariably sell out, we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment.
Presented by Lewes Constituency Labour Party in association with ASLEF and Unite the Union South East Region

Democracy and the Future of Britain
2022-11-19 11:00 - 12:30
We’ll be talking to journalist and former presenter of Newsnight Gavin Esler about democracy and the future of Britain.
Gavin Esler has travelled around the country documenting the rise of nationalism in all four nations, and considering the consequences for the United Kingdom as a whole.
Our hyper-centralised Westminster government is no longer working for so many people – but what is the alternative?
Join us on 19th November at 11am in conversation with Gavin about how democratic renewal might be the answer to to Britain’s problems.
This is a hybrid event and you can join online or in person in Central London.

Make Votes Matter - Knaresborough - street stall
2022-11-19 11:00 - 15:30
We are holding a stall in Knaresborough at the Yorkshire & Humber Lib Dem regional conference on:
Saturday 19 November, 11am to 3.30pm
Location: Aspin Park Academy, Wetherby Road, Knaresborough HG5 8LQ
For further information you can contact:
mvmnorthyorks@gmail.com

Workers Can Win – Oxford book launch
2022-11-19 15:00 - 17:00
Cowley Workers Social Club Between Towns Road, Oxford

Come and discuss this new guide to the techniques and politics of organising at work from Pluto Press with the author and other activists at the Oxford book launch.

Wales TUC Greener Workplaces Network: Wales’ energy future and the workplace
2022-11-22 10:30 - 12:00
Overview

**Participants can choose either joining in person or online, please register for confirming your attendance.
This event:
Green energy must be adopted various industries in order to achieve net zero targets by 2050. The transition will have an enormous influence on different workplaces and no worker should be left behind. From a trade union point of view, green energy has other benefits besides the obvious environmental ones: it can create more jobs on site or in the UK renewable energy industry, and the investment a company makes is a good indication of its greater commitment to the future of the company.
How will energy be generated and used in the future and how might it affect union members’ jobs?
Prof Calvin Jones from Cardiff University offers some radical visions of a sustainable future economy to spark debate on how this might affect workplaces and workers.
Mary Williams from Unite Wales will share with us about union’s views on matters relating to powering heavy industry and manufacturing and the views of workers in the energy industry.
Other speakers from a practical union case study to be confirmed.
Who is this event for?
This event will be of particular interest to green/environmental reps and health and safety reps, but will also be relevant for full time officers, branch officials, shop stewards, other reps and all those trade unionists interested in the future of work and the future of the planet. Please share widely with Trade Union colleagues.
About the Greener Workplaces Network
The group will meet every other month. Each meeting will feature guest speakers to explore different topics, provide an opportunity for reps to network and share good practice and include updates from the Wales TUC and our union family.
This is your network, so join us for this event and let us know your thoughts on how to shape our future, please email swaihongho@tuc.org.uk Stanley Ho from the Wales TUC with your suggestions for future discussion.
If you’d like more ideas and information about what unions are doing to create greener workplaces, download our Greener Workplaces for a Just Transition toolkit here and visit our campaign page where you’ll find campaign videos and more information.

TUC Yorkshire & the Humber Winter Patrol & Organising Training
2022-11-23 - 2022-11-26
The TUC Yorkshire & the Humber’s winter patrol for young workers is back. This November (23rd – 26th) we will take to the streets of Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford to speak to young workers about trade unions – and we need you to help!
Sign up for summer patrol to take part in our organising training programme, workplace canvassing, and social events.
Participants may also have the opportunity to take part in the Norwegian TUC’s summer patrol programme in Norway next summer – as part of our exchange partnership.
If you need any more information or have any queries please contact our Policy and Campaigns Support Officer, Joe Wheatley.

The Great Northern Conference
2022-11-23 09:30 - 17:00
Now in its fourth year, The Northern Powerhouse Partnership and National World are joining forces once again to host The Great Northern Conference which will continue the debate on how best to grow the economy and build a greener, fairer, equal future for the North.
Bringing together key politicians, business leaders, media and thought provoking influencers, The Great Northern Conference, will be a must attend event for those that want to be part of the discussion and influence the direction that the region takes as it rebuilds in a post Covid-19 landscape.
This year we continue the conversation with a live event from Manchester.
More details to be announced soon…

Workers Can Win! - Huddersfield book launch
2022-11-24 19:00 - 21:00
Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield

Huddersfield book launch for Workers Can Win! A Guide to Organising At Work from Pluto Press.

TUC LESE briefing for trade union health and safety reps
2022-11-25
Trade union health and safety reps did an epic job during the pandemic, literally saving lives through their expertise, actions and commitment. But it was a really tough time for them.
And now, in addition to all the pre-existing workplace hazards, there are additional issues related to long Covid, to hybrid working, and an explosion of workplace stress.

Trade union health and safety reps need and deserve up to date information, and examples of good practice to seek to emulate. They will benefit from networking with other H&S reps. And we need more activists to volunteer to be TU H&S reps.
Put 25 November in your diary, contact us to register your interest at lese@tuc.org.uk and reserve a space at this briefing, putting ‘H&S reps 25 November’ in the subject box.
If you are not signed up for the TUC’s RISKS bulletin, then sign-up today.

Make Votes Matter - Wakefield - street stall
2022-11-26 11:00 - 14:00
MVM street stall in Wakefield
Saturday 26 November, 11am to 2pm
Venue: Wakefield Cathedral precinct by Boots Opticians
We do hope you can come along and join the stall to send a pro-PR message out to the world that a minority government is no longer tolerable.
Please feel free to share with anyone you think maybe interested in finding out more.
All are most welcome.
For further information contact: local@makevotesmatter.org.uk

Reclaim the Night 2022 - Newcastle Upon Tyne
2022-11-26 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for Newcastle’s annual Reclaim the Night march. Let’s take to the streets, raise our voices and demand an end to violence against women and girls!
– Meet at the Bigg Market (just outside TJ Hughes) 6pm – March to Baltic Square 6.15pm
– Speeches from 7pm.
March with us to…
Raise awareness of the level of violence against women and girls still taking place across the world, the UK and our local area, and make sure people keep talking about it.
Demand that local leaders, politicians and decision makers take action to make our homes, streets and institutions safe for all women and girls.
Remember all those lost to gender based violence and show solidarity to all those fighting to end it.
Bring your voices, placards, whistles and friends and join us to make some noise in Newcastle!
If you can’t make it along on 26 November, you can still get involved by sharing the event with your family, friends and colleagues.
Saturday 26 November 2022 | 6pm | The Bigg Market, Newcastle Upon Tyne
– Share on Facebook
– Share on Twitter

Let us know you’re coming and keep up to date with the plans!

Workers Can Win! Cardiff book launch
2022-11-27 16:30 - 19:00
Come and discuss this new guide to the techniques and politics of organising at work from Pluto Press with the author and other activists.
Book your free ticket via https://wcwcardiff.eventbrite.co.uk
Hosted by Cardiff People’s Assembly. If your union branch or organisation would like to sponsor this event, please get in touch.
For more information about the book, including the contents, Chapter 1 – the introduction, and how to pre-order copies, explore this website.
Download a leaflet. Promote the book launch using the Facebook event.

Bold Solutions: The economic, climate and energy crises and how we fix them - London
2022-11-28 08:00 - 17:00
A TUC conference on solutions to the energy, climate and economic crises
Both our economy and our planet are in crisis.
Bills and sea levels are rising at an unprecedented rate. Nationally, the cost-of-living scandal is driving absolute poverty and forcing millions into increasingly desperate conditions. Globally, climate change is threatening the lives and livelihoods of billions of workers. These crises are parallel and inter-linked.
We urgently need a politics that builds a safe climate for future generations, a rapid and just transition with quality jobs, and an economy that rewards work, not wealth. The TUC is convening a conference: two events, one in person and one online, that will coincide with COP 27 and bring trade union and climate activists together to gather solutions.
How do we combine our struggles for an equitable cost of living, workers’ rights and a just transition to climate safety?

Fighting back against the far right: misogyny and LGBT+ hate
2022-11-29 15:00 - 17:00
Far right movements around the world are using hatred of women and LGBT+ people to further their agendas. But how can trade unions and working people fight back against this hate?
Join us to hear from a panel of international speakers who will share how they are fighting back against the far right in their contexts.
We will share best practice on anti-far right campaigning and organising, and continue to build on our movement’s anti-fascism work.
Line-up of international speakers to be announced.

TUC Yorkshire & the Humber public meeting: Women, Trades Unions and Culture
2022-11-29 18:00 - 19:30
Women make up at least half of cultural industries workers, yet far too often are under-represented across a range of cultural organisations. With an excellent panel of speakers this hybrid meeting will discuss what we can do to change this.
The meeting will explore the role of women in trade unions and cultural organisations and how women’s participation is integral to building an inclusive and representative movement.
Join us to consider how our organisations and unions can ensure they are inclusive environments for women workers and what changes we need to make so that women can participate fully.
Women and supportive men welcome, we look forward to seeing you there.
When? Tuesday November 29, 6pm-7.30pm
Where? Hybrid – in person at City Room, Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill, LS2 7UP; to attend online, please register here
Who? Speakers include: Louise McMullan, Deputy for the General Secretary, Equity; Naomi Pohl, General Secretary, Musicians Union; Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu sector of Prospect. Chair: Harriet Eisner, chair of TUC YH Equalities Forum
For more information contact either Ellie Drake , Equity organiser/assistant or Pete Keal, Equity representative, TUC Y&H CLIC.

TUC Yorkshire & the Humber CLIC public meeting: Women, Trades Unions and Culture |Tuesday 29 November | 6pm – 7.30pm | City Room, Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UP and online

Why isn't our politics working and how can we fix it? - London
2022-11-30 17:00 - 19:00
The UK has experienced a period of profound disruption. Having last month welcomed our third Prime Minister this year, including the shortest serving Prime Minister in British history, there is widespread feeling that the current political system isn’t working. We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, with a harsh winter ahead, and public services stretched to breaking point. Many people feel that politics isn’t delivering better lives for them and that their voice isn’t heard. This event will discuss what problems our current political system is facing, and what can be done to increase trust in politics, recapture lost voters and reinforce the foundations of democracy.
Speakers include:

Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Dr Hannah White OBE, Director, Institute for Government
Tom Brake, Director, Unlock Democracy
Carys Roberts, Executive Director, IPPR

This event will be recorded and subsequently uploaded to our website.
This event is being hosted by IPPR and Unlock Democracy, and is being kindly supported by the Electoral Reform Society.

Make Votes Matter - Democracy Awards
2022-11-30 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the Democracy Awards, the annual celebration of those who have dedicated their time and energy to the cause of Proportional Representation.
Details to be confirmed soon…

World Aids Day - Rock the Ribbon
2022-12-01
Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people living with HIV. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Many people still don’t know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for people living with the condition.
People living with HIV are also more likely to experience poverty, hardship and inequalities.
Marking World AIDS Day shows a genuine commitment to equality and diversity and shows your customers/clients, and employees, that you are an inclusive business that strives to be supportive of people living with HIV.
This World AIDS Day, use red ribbons and our ready-made events materials to help raise awareness in your workplace and raise vital funds for National AIDS Trust, so that together we can stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

Make Votes Matter - North London Zoom
2022-12-01 18:00 - 19:15
All are welcome.
If you have any questions or want to join the MVM North London group, please email David Brown at davidvital@talktalk.net.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89173156931?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 891 7315 6931
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Conference win >>> Manifesto
2022-12-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
lus the (very early) #Labour4PR Christmas Party!
Now that conference policy is clear, how do we get Proportional Representation in the next Labour manifesto?
Come along to this briefing to find out:

how is the manifesto written?
how can Labour members and affiliates can have influence
our plan for 2023

On the journey to a Labour conference win, Labour’s electoral reform movement has built up incredible support across the whole party. Now we all need to focus this energy on our next objective: a commitment in the next Labour manifesto.
This 45 minute briefing will be followed by an informal online Christmas Party… bring a mulled wine, mince pie, or whatever gets you in a festive mood!

UNISON Young Members Self-Organised Group Conference
2022-12-02 - 2022-12-04
UNISON’s Young Member Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a Young Members Self-Organised Group Conference on Friday 2nd December to Sunday 4th December 2022.
Please note the deadline to submit motions on OCS is 12.00 noon on Friday 5th August 2022.
If you have any queries, please contact the Conference Office at conferences@unison.co.uk

Electoral Reform Society 2022 Conference and AGM
2022-12-03 | Cardiff, CF10 2FL
Save the date for the ERS’ annual conference and AGM. This year we are planning a hybrid event, with an in-person AGM in Cardiff and online access from your home.
More details to be confirmed.

Warm This Winter - Day of Action on Fuel Poverty across the UK
2022-12-03
We’re working with groups and communities to put on events and actions in villages, towns and cities up and down the country. We’re planning a huge display of people power to show we have the solutions to the energy crisis and they need to be implemented now.

Here’s how to take part
Events and activities will be distributed around the country showing the breadth of demand for change. Actions and events can look like anything you would like them to.
They can range from a small gathering of friends and family to discuss the issues we’re facing, a stall in your town centre or an event in a local community hall or park. You could share leaflets and information about the campaign and how people can stay warm this winter, it could be a visual stunt making the most of your creative talents, or a demonstration or town hall event where folk can come and hear people speak. You decide what will work for you and your community. Whatever it is, however big or small, it will help spread the word and make it clear that we demand change.

Usdaw North West Regional Conference - Blackpool
2022-12-03 - 2022-12-04 | The Grand Hotel, Blackpool, FY1 2JQ, Blackpool, FY1 2JQ, United Kingdom
For further information contact your local Usdaw office.

Make Votes Matter - Newark
2022-12-03 08:30 - 12:30
Please join us at Southwell market in Nottinghamshire.

Future of the Arts conference - TUC London East & South East
2022-12-03 10:00 - 16:00
This event will focus both on how the sector can weather the current economic storms, but more importantly, how a long-term and sustainable future for the arts can be secured to the benefit of society as a whole. TUC LESE Culture and Leisure Industries Committee has published an action plan called ‘Making Culture Ours’, which is a progressive manifesto for the future. It will be the centre-piece of the event.
To register for the event and for updates please email lese@tuc.org.uk, putting ‘Making Culture Ours 3rd December’ in the subject box. General Council Chamber, TUC Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

Campaign For Trade Union Freedom & Institute Of Employment Rights
2022-12-03 10:00 - 16:00
From Pentonville to P&O: Union Rights & Tory Wrongs Campaigning For Free Trade Unions
The conference will focus on the need to mobilise and support a major trade union campaign to fight against attacks on workers’ and union rights and the need to ensure a full implementation by Labour of the New Deal for Working People as agreed at the Labour Party Conference.
The conference will take place at:
National Education Union, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9BD
11:00 am to 1:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Speakers include senior trade unionists, lay union reps in dispute, MPs, lawyers, campaign groups and the left media.
Speakers
Tony Burke, Co-Chair CTUF, Unite, Confederation Of Shipbuilding & Engineering Unions President
Sarah Woolley, Co-Chair CTUF General Secretary of the Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union
Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, TUC
Mick Whelan, Chair Labour Unions (TULO) & General Secretary ASLEF
Mick Lynch, General Secretary RMT
Dave Ward, General Secretary Communication Workers Union
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary National Education Union
Dr. Jo Grady, General Secretary, UCU
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary PCS
Professor Keith Ewing, CTUF/IER
Lord John Hendy KC, CTUF/IER
Barry Gardiner MP
John McDonnell MP
Andy Green, National Secretary CTUF, Unite Executive Council Member, Convenor Tilbury Docks
Nabeela Mowlana, Chair, Young Labour
Ben Chacko, Editor, Morning Star
Laura Pidcock, National Secretary Peoples Assembly
Matt Foot, Lawyer & writers on public order law
More speakers to be announced including union reps in dispute.
Eventbrite: Book your FREE place by clicking here

Make Votes Matter - Richmond, Yorks - street stall
2022-12-03 14:00 - 17:00
Details to follow soon…
For further information you can contact:
mvmnorthyorks@gmail.com

Young & unrepresented - an LCER Youth event
2022-12-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
All young people welcome for this LCER Youth event as we explore how Proportional Representation can help us achieve the policies we need for our futures.
First Past the Post consistently gives older, home-owning voters in marginal seats disproportionate power over British politics – while young people’s voices are ignored.
To make sure young people’s voices are heard – and to bring about a progressive, more equal future for the whole UK – we need a fair, proportional democracy. Join the discussion about why we need Labour to commit to PR and how we can make it happen.
Featuring:

Ben McGowan – National Chair, Labour Students
Kira Lewis – Labour & Co-op Councillor
Lara Parizotto – Labour Councillor & Migrant Democracy Project Co-founder
Ralph Ali – Young Labour’s Under 18’s Rep

Unison - Champions Day
2022-12-07
UNISON will be holding our first-ever Champions Day, designed to raise the profile of local government workers and highlight how much we appreciate them and the work they do. All year, local authority staff play their part in holding our communities together, supporting us through every stage of our lives – this is the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contributions.
Workplaces are encouraged to hold their own celebrations to highlight how much local government workers matter – and why we appreciate them. There are lots of ideas and resources available on the campaign webpage.
Find out more at https://www.unison.org.uk/champions-day/
