THE GHOST OF TONY BLAIR......

When Tony Blair resigned as Labour Leader two years ago many hoped it would be a fresh start. Yet the dead hand of Blairism continues to wreak havoc at the heart of Government - and Labour's chances of getting re-elected.
Today, the Observer alleges it was Blair who advised Brown to hold the inquiry into the Iraq war in private - against the advice of many in the Cabinet and to the chagrin of many MPs who now face a backlash of opposition and accusations of yet another whitewash.
The news comes following the horrific deaths of two more British hostages and at a time when people are demanding open and transparent Government at all levels. Why don't they get it?
At yesterday's Morning Star Conference, speaker after speaker expressed their anger at the Government's dogged refusal to change direction - and stop the Tories getting in at the next election.
It's a sign of the current anger that UNISON's Dave Prentis has called for a halt to funding for Labour and clearly if the Government doesn't listen then more trade union dissent - and disaffiliations - will be the consequence.
At the Conference, the LRC held a well-attended workshop on the Welfare Reform Bill and the consequences of effectively punishing the most vulnerable at a time of rising unemployment - while billions are lost in tax avoidance by the rich and bankers continue to give themselves big bonuses and carry on unregulated despite partial nationalisation
Yvette Cooper, who has taken over from James Purnell at the DWP, says she will not be revising any of its draconian measures. She should think again. If you're not convinced, read the following statistics supplied by LEAP - the Left Economics Advisory Panel

Tax havens cost the UK Exchequer at least £18 billion per year.

Over the last 15 years, executive pay has risen at 7 times the rate of the average worker.

The poorest 20% of the population pay nearly 40% of their total income in direct and indirect taxes, compared to 34.8% for the richest 20%.

In March 2009, the government announced £2bn to bailout failing PFI schemes.

If unemployment benefit had kept pace with earnings since 1980, JSA would be worth over £100 per week today. Instead it is £64.30 or £50.95 for under-25s. If an earnings link had been introduced in ‘97 it would be £75.

In 1980, the basic state pension was worth 23% of average male earnings, now it is worth 14%.

At 17% of average earnings, the UK state pension is the lowest in Europe (the EU average is 57%!!!!)

13.2 million people live in poverty, including 2.1 pensioners and 3.9 million children.

Over 20% are officially income poor, in 1979 it was 13%. However, 58% of British Asian and 40% of Black British people are income poor.

The gender pay gap is 17% for full-time work and 38% for part-time work.