WESTMINSTER WATCH

Have not been at my computer for couple of days as have been in London for several meetings, including yesterday's Welfare Reform Bill lobby led by PCS and supported by the TUC . Yesterday 's rally featured the PCS's Mark Serwotka, Tony Woodley of UNITE , MPs Katy Clark and John McDonnell plus Neal Lawson from Compass. Plus speakers from pressure groups also opposed to the new laws like Child Poverty Action group and Release.
It was a very broad selection of campaigners - all united to oppose this draconian legislation which can only be a vote-loser and further erode Labour support at a time when we re staring election defeat in the face.
Expediency aside, it beggars belief that a Labour Government is choosing to single out the most vulnerable members of our society while fat cats like Fred Goodwin walk away with vast rewards for their ineptitude, and while the banks are bailed out with billions of pounds. There are still many principled politicans and trade unionists within the Labour Party - their voices seem to go unheard for reasons I find both mystifying and distressing. Alongside the Government's dogged determination to privatise the Royal Mail, this is legislation which will cost us dearly. And for the life of me I canot understand why the Government insists on ploughing on with what seems an almost wilful determination to adhere to New Labour dogma despite the fact it has long passed its sell-by date. Many MPs must be pretty much in despair at this madness