Politics for the Many

Democracy Messaging Guide Workshop
2022-07-18 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Join us for the launch and workshop of the Democracy Messaging Guide (all welcome).
On a mission to communicate in more compelling ways and build public support, in late 2020 a dozen democracy organisations teamed up to produce a messaging guide for the sector. Based on rigorous testing and research, the guide outlines how to frame democratic reform in a way that works to shift public attitudes and behaviour. This jam packed workshop is for anyone trying to talk about changing the political system in the UK.

Panel Discussion: How can we reach equal representation of women in Parliament by 2028?
2022-07-19 11:30 - 14:00 | Portcullis House, Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, London, SW1A 2LW, United Kingdom
This panel event, hosted by Centenary Action Group, will examine how current political parties can increase the number of women MPs and what needs to change in the culture to ensure they are retained. The event includes a Q & A session, as well as networking opportunities for CAG members and parliamentarians. Speakers include Baroness Anne Jenkin, Abena Oppong-Asare, Daisy Cooper, Dr Lisa Cameron and Baroness Natalie Bennett. The panel will be chaired by Carolyn Quinn (BBC). Please RSVP to Jo Gibbons at gibbons@careinternational.org

Democracy Loves Local Power
2022-07-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
The UK is the most centralised country in Western Europe, and First Past the Post is not helping.
FPTP’s ‘winner takes all’ culture draws power further into Westminster, and incentivises those wielding that power to keep it with themselves.
‘Levelling up democracy’ is therefore increasingly becoming a part of discussions of how we address regional inequalities.

Levelling Up Democracy: The Mark Drakeford One (Save the date!)
2022-07-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Save the date, to join Mark Drakeford, in conversation, at the second of our Levelling Up Democracy series. 6:00pm, Wednesday 20 July 2022. #Labour4PR

“Now, let me make a confession: I have been a supporter of the Labour campaign for electoral reform for the whole of my political lifetime.
How anyone clings to the notion that a system which delivers, so consistently, majority Conservative governments on a minority of the votes cast is best for working people simply baffles me.”
– Mark Drakeford, giving the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Lecture

The UK has the worst regional inequality of any rich nation. Yet the current ‘levelling up’ debate ignores the deep, structural causes of this: from a system that hordes power in Westminster, to an unrepresentative House of Commons that struggles to see the big picture.
Before becoming First Minister of Wales and being elected to the Senedd in 2011, Mark Drakeford served as a South Glamorgan County Councillor and was Professor of Social Policy and Applied Social Sciences at Cardiff University. Having lead Wales through the pandemic, he will share his ideas on how democratic reform of Westminster can help save the Union, address inequality and create a healthier political culture.
How can Proportional Representation, devolution and democratic reform form a central part of Labour’s programme for rebuilding Britain? Watch to find out.

Northern Pride - union brunch and pre-march meet up
2022-07-23 11:30 - 13:00 | TUC Unite Building, John Dobson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8TW, United Kingdom
This year UK Pride is coming to Newcastle. With the festival set to be the biggest Pride the city has ever seen, we want to match it with the biggest union presence Northern Pride has ever seen.
Come and join the Northern TUC LGBT+ Forum and other members from across the union movement to get ready for Pride. There will be brunch, safe and private changing facilities, face painting and plenty of fun.
Once everyone is ready, we’ll make our way up to Newcastle Civic Centre (only five minutes walk from the office) for the start of the march.
This is the perfect opportunity to highlight the role trade unions play in achieving positive change for LGBT+ communities and show just how much support there is within the movement. We’d love to see you there!
If this is your first Pride and you’d like to have a chat about what to expect then please get in touch with Helena Hammock on hhammock@tuc.org.uk.

Anti-Racist Industrial Power Across the Globe
2022-07-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Racism in the workplace is not a new phenomenon. It is indicative of the widespread racism that people of colour across the globe face in almost every facet of public and private life. But, as trade unions, we are committed to eradicating the prejudice and discrimination and disadvantage that continue to deny many Black workers the opportunity to secure decent jobs and careers.
Internationalism is the bedrock of the British trade union movement, and the international trade union movement is largest civil society organisation in the world. Workers across the globe today face threats on all fronts – from the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of the far right, growing inequality, the climate crisis, and structural racism. Throughout history we have seen workers stand together across borders time and time again. Join us as we continue the conversation on how we campaign for the rights of workers who face oppression across the globe and support their struggles.
This webinar, presented by the TUC Anti-Racism Taskforce, will look at how anti-racism lies at the heart of industrial struggles across the globe. We will look at the challenges facing anti-racists organisers and how we organise to win major industrial and political victories around the world. Bringing together speakers from across the international trade union movement, we will hear from speakers in the UK, India, and Brazil. Portuguese/English interpretation will be available.
The event will be chaired by Frances O’Grady, TUC General Secretary. Speakers include:

Anatalina Lourenço, Anti-Racism Secretary CUT Brazil
Tarek Islam, Senior Community Engagement and Outreach Worker, Fashion-workers Advice Bureau Leicester
Dominique Muller, Policy Director, Labour Behind the Label

Further speakers to be confirmed.

Building the resistance - unity through struggle
2022-07-27 20:00 - 21:30 | Online
Hear from unions in dispute and campaigns on the central importance of their struggles and how we build on a summer of resistance.

About this event

With…
John McDonnell, Mark Serwotka (PCS General Secretary), Andrea Egan (UNISON President), RMT Speaker (tbc), Louise Regan (National Education Union), Sarah Woolley (BFAWU General Secretary), Nabeela Mowlana (Young Labour Student Rep) & Ben Selby (FBU Vice-President); Chaired by Gemma Bolton (Labour NEC & Arise Festival).
With Johnson finally on his way out, now is the time to up the struggle against the Tories and the whole ruling-class offensive. Hear from unions in dispute on the central importance of their struggles and campaigns – and how we build on a summer of resistance in the period ahead.
Supported by Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs. Join this online discussion on the Left & the labour movement’s next steps to close Arise 2022 – An Online Festival of Left Ideas.

Make Votes Matter Warrington Street Stall Stockton Heath Village
2022-07-30 12:00 - 14:00
MVM Warrington are holding a street stall :
Saturday 30 July, 11am -1pm
Location: Forge Shopping Centre, Stockton Heath, Warrington, WA4 6HW
We would love it you could come and help us engage with the public, and it’s no problem if you can’t stay for the whole time period.
For further information please contact: watsonandyj75@gmail.com

Make Votes Matter - Yorkshire Day
2022-08-01 16:00 - 19:00

PCS - Facebook live 3 August – getting ready for the national ballot
2022-08-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Online
Get your questions ready on the national ballot and national campaign for decent pay, more jobs and better services as we hold a live broadcast on our Facebook page from 7pm on 3 August.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka will be on hand to talk about the importance of using the next few weeks to get ready for the industrial action ballot on pay, pensions and jobs which runs for 6 weeks from 26 September. The event will be hosted by our national president Fran Heathcote.
Send in your questions in advance to editor@pcs.org.uk and give our Facebook page a like so you are ready for the event.

Make Votes Matter North London Update and August meeting
2022-08-04 19:00 - 20:15
Hello North London Equal Votes Campaigners.
Our next meeting is on:
Thursday, 4th August 6pm-7.15pm
It would be good to attend the call for two important reasons;

The report back from the recent Alliance meeting where the beginnings of a bit of step change or gear change in the MVM campaign is previsioned.

Since two influential Shadow Cabinet members inhabit our manor, MVM North London has been invited to play a particular role in the run up campaign to Labour’s September conference.

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.

Make Votes Matter - Stall in Worcester
2022-08-06 13:00 - 15:00
MVM Midlands are holding a stall in Worcester on:
Saturday 6th August, 12pm to 2pm
Location: Angel Place, Worcester WR1 3QS
Please note about parking: The closest parking is at Crowngate Car Park, Moreton Place, Worcester WR1 3LZ
If you can come along for any part of the above time period, and help us engage the public regarding Proportional Representation, then we would love to see you, and would really welcome your support. If you come along and take part in a group photo on the day, we would really appreciate that also.

Make Votes Matter South West London Summer Street Stall
2022-08-13 11:15 - 13:30
The MVM South West London are holding a stall:

When: Saturday 13th August 10.15am– 12.30pm

Where: see below.

Please register for the Special Summer Street Stall in Windsor.

Join us on the same train to Windsor or meet us there.

Clapham Junction 9.08

Putney 9.12

Richmond 9.18

Twickenham 9.22

Windsor & Eton Riverside 9.56

Please check trains time nearer the day

Join us for a snack/drink/picnic afterwards

Join us on the same train back or whenever you have had enough.

Please sign up here so we can check on numbers.
https://actionnetwork.org/events/summer-street-stall-in-windsor
If you’d like to join the SW London group, or want further information, please contact René Bach by email at bachrene@gmail.com.
Or join our WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/La0z48Ape515mcmKRIHi3F

South Yorkshire festival
2022-08-14 12:00 - 18:00 | Wortley Hall, Sheffield, S35 7DB, United Kingdom
FREE ADMISSION to the South Yorkshire Festival Platinum Celebration
11am until 5pm
Car parking is £3 per car with proceeds going to charity
Wortley Hall would like to welcome you to its annual summer event, proving FREE fun for all the family.
The hall opens its doors to provide gift, craft and garden stalls to browse plus BBQ, outdoor bar & refreshments will all be available. There is a program of FREE entertainment for all the family including live music, dancers, donkey rides, bouncy castles, kid’s rides and much more!
ALL FREE OF CHARGE
A fantastic day out for all the family!

Peterloo March for Democracy
2022-08-14 13:30 - 18:00 | Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, M60 1HX, United Kingdom
Peterloo March for Democracy
Sunday14th August
March will start from Piccadilly Gardens at 12:30
Event starts at 1pm in St Peters Square
Followed by a Q and A on Democracy at the friends meeting house at 4pm
Confirmed speakers include:
Jeremy Corbyn
Ken Loach
Ian Hodson
Stella Moris
Plus, many more trades Unionists.

Enough is Enough - London Launch Rally
2022-08-17 20:00 - 21:30
Clapham Grand, SW11 1TT

Wednesday August 17, 7pm (Doors open 6pm)
Mick Lynch, RMT
Dave Ward, CWU
Zarah Sultana MP
Eddie Dempsey, RMT

In the coming weeks, Enough is Enough will be holding rallies across Britain.
We will be organising community groups, supporting picket lines and taking action against companies profiteering from this crisis.
Sign up to the campaign for details of events in your area, follow our social media accounts – and share our content to help turn anger into action.

Enough is Enough - March and Rally - Liverpool
2022-08-20 12:00 - 15:00
RMT Liverpool 5 Branch Invite ALL to attend the “Enough is Enough” March and Rally!

Speakers include:

Eddie Dempsey – RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary
Paul Nowak, TUC Deputy General Secretary and the next TUC General Secretary
Jane Loftus – CWU President
Martin Cavanagh – PCS President
Paul McGowan – Chairperson of LGBT+Socialists

Entertainment on the day, Families welcome! Bring your Flags, Banners and loudest voices!

Joint strike solidarity march & rally - Manchester
2022-08-20 15:30 - 18:00
While profits soar, workers are feeling the pinch, so more and more are striking to protect their livelihoods despite the Tories competing to try to strip workers of our rights. Join this march and rally to show solidarity with all the strikers.

Assemble 2:30pm, Victoria Statue, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
3pm march
Rally around 4:30pm back in Piccadilly Gardens

On the day, unless they have won by then, we expect RMT, TSSA, Unite Arriva bus and UNISON AQA members to be on strike.

Hosted by Manchester Trades Union Council
Already supported by RMT, TSSA, Unite Arriva Wythenshawe, UNISON AQA. More TBC.

As well as speakers from the strikes, we will have a CGT rail worker from France, People’s Assembly, and the PCS samba band.

We Demand Better - next steps - Northern TUC - Cumbria
2022-08-23 15:00 - 17:00
On the 6th of June we stood together and said loud and clear that Cumbria demands better.
We then took this message to London as part of the TUC’s national demonstration.
Now it’s time to decide what happens next.
Join us to discuss Cumbria’s priorities and how we can work together to improve the lives of working people across the region.

On the agenda so far:

Britain Needs a Pay Rise campaign
Industrial priorities
Local government reorganisation
The West Cumbria coal mine

Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, Finkle Street, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 2BD

If you don’t live in Cumbria, but know someone who does, please share this meeting with them!

CWU Young Workers Forum 2022
2022-08-25 - 2022-08-27
See event website for more details

THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS - Glasgow
2022-08-26 - 2022-08-27
One Man Magic Lantern show of the classic book THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS by Robert Tressell
Actor Neil Gore brings this humorous and absorbing book to life in his one-man magic lantern show. Based on the 1914 novel by Robert Tressell, it’s story is set in the building trades of Edwardian England where painters and decorators struggle to maintain themselves and their families, poverty and the constant fear of unemployment notwithstanding, while renovating a large townhouse for the local mayor.
With projected animation & fantastic story telling there’s something for all the family here, not least the chance to become acquainted with this timeless story of socialism and political awakening.

The Future of Wales: The Co-Operation Agreement w/ Mark Drakeford
2022-08-26 20:00 - 21:30 | HQ Urban Kitchen, 37 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5BB, United Kingdom
Join us in Swansea with Mark Drakeford as he gives us the lowdown on the co-operation agreement between Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru

About this event

The Co-Operation agreement 2021 between Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru is a landmark agreement that creates a super majority in the Senedd in favour of more devolution, constitutional changes as well as many other areas.
Join us in Swansea where First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour Mark Drakeford will be on hand to give us some insight as to how the co-operation agreement is going to shape the future of Wales and improve the lives of everyone.
We will also run a raffle at the event!
If you are experiencing any issues with ordering tickets online please contact us at swanseawestclp@gmail.com

How to stop a rogue Prime Minister
2022-08-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Online
Join Dr Hannah White and others as we discuss how democratic renewal can protect us from rogue politicians.
Register today to reserve your spot on the call.

At the beginning of September, a new Prime Minister will be moving into Number 10.
When it comes to democracy, the legacy they’ll inherit is a challenging one.
Years of rule breaking and bending have eroded the institutions, checks and balances, and trust which we’ve relied on to keep our democracy working until now.
This much is clear: We can’t let another rogue Prime Minister get their hands on our democracy. We need to renew and reform the system before it’s too late.
We’ve gathered a panel of experts in democratic reform to talk us through what needs to change, and why.
We’ll be talking proportional representation, House of Lords reform, ethics, integrity, written constitutions, and much, much more.

Enough is Enough - Liverpool Rally
2022-09-02 19:30 - 23:00
The Enough is Enough campaign has been set up by trade unions, MPs and activists to fight the cost-of-living crisis. Join us in Liverpool.

About this event

Come to our FREE Liverpool rally at St Georges Hall on Friday 2 September!
You’ll hear from some great speakers including the RMT’s Eddie Dempsey and Mick Lynch and be entertained by great musicians.
More speakers and music tbc

Burston strike school rally
2022-09-04 - 2022-09-05
108 years since the school strike
The Burston Strike School was, and remains, a living consequence of what was latterly to become known as ‘the longest strike in history’. During the spring of April 1914, the young pupils at the Burston village Council School walked out of their school building in protest at the sacking of their beloved teachers Tom and Kitty Higdon, who were being punished by the local gentry and church authorities for Tom’s trade union and Socialist views. The strike and boycott lasted for some 25 years.
Since 1984, the Burston Strike School Rally has been an annual event, with the day now being fixed to the first Sunday in September. Although the event was scaled down in both 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 crisis, the hope is to be back to business as usual in 2022. The event is completely funded by trade unions which allows it to be free of any ticketing and charging (except for those wishing to have a campaign stall). Although today the trustees are not exclusively members of Unite, as the inheritor of the ‘rural and agricultural tradition’ Unite remains the key organiser of the rally.
To find out more visit the Burston strike school Facebook page of the Burston strike school website.
“The Burston rebellion was a revolt born in the fields, and fought by those that toiled in them.”

#STOP RWANDA DETENTION POLICY - PROTEST
2022-09-05 - 2022-09-06
Monday 5 September day of protest as policy of offshore detention to Rwanda is back in court
#StopRwanda protest at Royal Courts of Justice, London
Britain-wide day of protest in localities, workplaces & online
Monday 5 September is a crucial date in the ongoing #StopRwanda campaign.
There’s now less than three weeks until the major #StopRwanda day of protest on Monday 5 September, organised by TUC, Care4Calais and Stand Up To Racism, and supported by 13 trade unions including the PCS who are leading in the legal challenge to the government’s policy for offshore detention in Rwanda.
The major protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London is really taking shape for Monday 5 September.
WHAT YOU CAN DO (all links for resources and materials below)
👉🏿 Circulate the call to support the day of protest and encourage your friends, family, colleagues and networks to attend, share and bring banners. Please encourage everyone you know in London to join and mobilise for the London protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice, and for all outside London to join and mobilise for their nearest protest. We ask all supporters to take part in the workplace action and Twitterstorm during the day and share pictures online with #StopRwanda.
👉🏿 Monday 5 September isalso a Britain-wide Day of protest, with local protests in towns and cities across the country and it will also be a workplace and online day of action, wherethe #StopRwanda selfie poster can be used with pictures shared on the hashtag on social media platforms. We ask you kindly to circulate the call to support the day of protest to all your friends, family and networks across Britain, and the list of emerging local protests HERE so they can find their nearest and support
👉🏿 In the build up to the 5 September day of protest, you will be aware that there are a series of Tory Party hustings taking place in towns and cities across Britain. From the ongoing disputes to anti austerity campaigns amidst the cost of living crisis, climate justice campaigners and so on, we are conscious there may be many wanting to protest outside these hustings. With the candidates pledging their commitment to the heinous Rwanda deportation and detention policy, we are determined to be there with the #StopRwanda message to join others protesting. We have a series of 4m square #StopRwanda banners on tour that we will be organising to bring along. We would like to call on everyone to support these:

#Labour4PR Countdown to conference
2022-09-07 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Save the date for this pre-conference event for all #Labour4PR supporters.

Workers Can Win - Book Launch - Crewe
2022-09-08 20:15 - 21:00
Ian Allinson, the author of Workers Can Win! will be speaking about it at the Crewe & District trades council’s delegates meeting.

THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS - Gloucestershire
2022-09-10 20:30 - 22:00
One Man Magic Lantern show of the classic book THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS by Robert Tressell
Actor Neil Gore brings this humorous and absorbing book to life in his one-man magic lantern show. Based on the 1914 novel by Robert Tressell, it’s story is set in the building trades of Edwardian England where painters and decorators struggle to maintain themselves and their families, poverty and the constant fear of unemployment notwithstanding, while renovating a large townhouse for the local mayor.
With projected animation & fantastic story telling there’s something for all the family here, not least the chance to become acquainted with this timeless story of socialism and political awakening.

SEP 10 – 730PM – TETBURY BOOK FESTIVAL
YELLOW-LIGHTED BOOKSHOP (OFFICE) 21 CHURCH ST, TETBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL8 8JG
TICKETS

Workers Can Win - book launch - TUC Congress fringe, Brighton
2022-09-12 19:00 - 20:30
We will be holding a book launch in Brighton during the TUC Congress. You don’t have to be a delegate to attend.
Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF
