manchesterlabourclub

Should business promote social justice?

2007-10-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in this months progress about the role of business in promoting social justice. Here is an extract:

''By far the most important force obliging it to behave well is the government or international regulation. It is one of the paradoxes of the CBI state of mind that keeps clamouring for less ‘red tape’ and ‘regulation’, yet capitalism can only work well under the thumb of firm, fair and efficient government regulation. That’s why it never thrives where governments are weak and corrupt: Africa’s poverty exists because no one will invest in countries with governments that can’t guarantee basic property rights or enforce legal contracts.

The CBI resisted the minimum wage, predicting dire consequences. In fact most big companies with large low-paid workforces welcomed it - so long as it was strictly enforced on everyone. If all had to pay the same, there was a level playing field and it would drive out seedy employers engaging in unfair competition by paying below a fair wage.

Good government can and must regulate business for its own sake as well as everyone else’s. ‘Light touch regulation’ was not a good idea for the banking sector when Northern Rock went bust. Who saved the day? Government guarantees – let no one forget it. Out of control borrowing had to be rescued by the state and the taxpayer, but don’t hold your breathe for the Institute of Directors to recognise how much businesses of every kind rely on strong government and ‘red tape’.''

Manchester University Labour Club / society

*Leader of Manchester City Council welcomes students to the

2007-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Leader of Manchester City Council welcomes students to the city

Walking up and down Oxford Road, you can see the huge increase in the number of young people thronging the pavements as the Universities start their new academic year.
Manchester has one of the largest student populations in Europe, and many youngsters are living are away from home for the first time. To help them settle in, the Council has produced a special newspaper guiding them through Manchester's public transport, recycling, libraries to help them study and not forgetting the best entertainment scene in Britain!

This year alongside information-rich fridge magnets, there is a home pack with useful telephone numbers and reminders for when their bins get collected. Not only will they settle in quicker with all that helpful information, but they'll be better neighbours and play their part in creating strong communities.

Once you've studied in Manchester, the city keeps a special place in your heart and the Alumni Association here is one of the strongest. With former students like comedian Peter Kay, Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy and Amnesty International's Irene Khan, there are stars to aspire too. And now we are attracting eminent lecturers like Martin Amis in creative writing, world-renowned political scientist Robert Putnam and scientists like Enrique Amaya and his leading work on tissue regeneration, the role of the universities in driving the city's economy is even more pronounced.

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Leaders blog

2007-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Check out a new and exciting blog by Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council. It charts the ongoing renaissance of Manchester.

As Gordon Brown said,

''If anyone is in any doubt the difference almost ten years of Labour government has made, let them come here to Manchester. And let us congratulate business, commerce and local government. From the tragedy of the bombing of the city centre Manchester's renewal has created thousands of new jobs, new businesses and new confidence. And I am proud, this is not just an achievement of Manchester this is an achievement of Labour Manchester''.

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Manchester Labour for a safer city

2007-10-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Security Lapses Uncovered On Campus

A COUNCILLOR last week slammed campus security arrangements after he managed to wander into student accommodation unchallenged.

Michael Amesbury managed to walk to the top of the Owens Park tower and into halls across university without being stopped by security.

The Labour Councillor claimed that he discovered a number of unlocked rooms – and could have walked in and stolen hundreds of pounds worth of expensive gadgets.

He went on his security-testing mission with campus Safety group campaigner Michael Joslin.
The concerned pair have written to the Vice-Chancellor Alan Gilbert requesting a review of security arrangements on campus.

They were last week in the process of putting together a petition to get security reviewed – and said over 600 people had signed it.

Councillor Michael Amesbury said he was shocked by the ease with which he could walk into halls of residence.

“My expectation was that I would be stopped by some kind of security. However some members of the student body were happily letting me in,” he said.

“We have had a number of very serious sex attacks just off the Fallowfield campus over the past couple of years.

“This is a very real threat to local students. It is very clear that the university needs to make a huge investment in security, particularly in CCTV.”

The Safety campaign was set up by Michael Joslin, a University of Manchester student.
Amesbury was positive that campus security could be improved. He highlighted the Local Action Partnership as a possible means to change the situation saying “Its up to the university to change the state of affairs.

“However, they currently chair the Local Action Partnership which encompasses the Fallowfield area and has city council representation. This partnership has the power to enhance local security.”

A spokesman from The University of Manchester said: “The complaints about security have stemmed from one individual, so the University has arranged to meet with this particular student on Friday.

“The student has been invited to meet with the Director of Sport, Trading and Residential Services, the Campus General Manager and the head of University Security to address his specific concerns. We have had no direct contact from any of the local councillors to express concern.”

Manchester University Labour Club / society

North West Labour MEPs European forum 2007

2007-08-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

From protecting your rights at work, to tackling climate change, to protecting civil liberties, as socialists and social democrats it is clear that Europe does matter, which is why you might be interested in . . . . .

NORTH WEST LABOUR MEPs EUROPEAN FORUM 2007

Saturday 15th September 10am-2:30pm, Transport House, Salford, Lunch provided

''Migrant Workers in Europe: the New Underclass?''

Guest speaker: Jolente Szymanek-Deresz MP, Democratic Left Alliance, Poland

Chaired By Dave McCall, UNITE the Union

Workshops chaired by Gary Titley MEP, Arlene McCarthy MEP, Brian Simpson MEP

If you want to go email, arlene.mccarthy@easynet.co.uk

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Manchester Labour club, winning back Withington, winning for Labour

2007-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Campaign days to win back Withington on the afternoon of the 29th July and 25th August (followed by BBQ) for hungry labour club people.

For details of our excellent PPC, check out Lucy 4 Withington

Drop Adele an email on shestheone31@hotmail.com to find out more about details of the days or more about the campaign

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Events with Manchester Fabians

2007-07-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Labour club are proud to work in conjuction with Greater Manchester Fabians. Their values of tolerance and democratic socialism are our values. So here are their latest events that a number of our exec should be at. Join the facebook group or email manchesterfabians@googlemail.com for more info

PUB NIGHT

Thursday 9th August, there will be a pub night 8:30pm-11:30pm at the Slug and Lettuce in Albert Square. A chance to debate labour politics, fabianism and have a good time as well!

TOUR OF PARLIAMENT

October 15th, there will be a tour of parliament very kindly organised by Neil Turner MP. Leave us a comment or drop an email if you are interestedin going.

Thanks, Adele, Chair Manchester Labour Students

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Labour club alumni

2007-07-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just thought it would be fun to chart the careers of some now quite prominent ex labour club members.

Nick Brown MP

Nick Brown is now the MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East and is the Deputy Chief Whip as well as Minister for the North East. He is also well known for being a supporter of the British Humanist association.

Derek Draper

Derek Draper is a former lobbyist and one of the key brains behind the development of New Labour. He also set up and became director of the think tank Progress.

Liam Byrne MP

Liam Byrne is MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill after winning the 2004 by election. He was formerly the communications officer for Manchester Students Union. He is now a minister of state at the Home Office as well as minister for the West Midlands.

John Mann MP

John Mann is the MP for Bassetlaw and PPS to Tessa Jowell. He was previously a councillor in Lambeth and Chair of Labour Students from 1983-4, as well as a research officer for the AEEU. He also chaired the all parliamentary group against anti semitism.

Phil Woolas MP

Phil Woolas is the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth as well as a minister of state at the Department of Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs. He was previously President of Manchester University Students Union as well as a Labour Student President of NUS.

Cllr Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has been a Councillor for Old Moat since 1997 and was previously the executive member for education on Manchester City Council. He was also the last ents officer for Manchester University Students Union.

Manchester University Labour Club / society

Thanks!

2007-07-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Title says it all really. A massive thanks to the labour club who went out and campaigned making the difference in the 2 recent by elections.

Labour wins in Ealing Southall . . . .

Matt and Alex from the club exec are on the back row at the left out campaigning with the candidate Virendra Sharma and were joined by Kenny Young and Richard Angell, the chairs of labour students and Young Labour.

Labour wins in Sedgefield . . . . .

Adele is on the left, with other members of the NW region and Young Labour outside possibly the countries most famous labour club!!

Manchester University Labour Club / society

By election related fun

2007-07-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ealing Southall
Tom Watson is running this so its sure to be a slick, organised and fun filled campaign! Join the campaign group on facebook. Campaigning will be taking place every day. Please get in touch with the Campaign Office if you would like to come along and they will let you know details of where to meet and how to get there.It would be really useful if we could get a big group young activists to come along and campaign over the next two weekends 7th/8th & 14th/15th. This is the best place to go if you are based in the south.

Sedgefield
This is a traditional labour seat that we must retain. Once again if you are based in the North there will be continuous campaigning for the next 3 weeks. However, the biggie will be the North West trip up there on 7th/8th July. Accomodation, transport e.t.c will be provided by regional office. And I'm sure their will be the chance for a few beers with the locals!

Email manchesterlabourclub@googlemail.com if you can help out with either by election. I will be on the Sedgefield trip!

Thanks Adele, Chair Manchester Labour Students

Manchester University Labour Club / society