We welcome feedback, especially (thoughtful) vitriolic replies and sycophantic praise. However -- due to demand -- letters over 300 words will not be considered and those via email (or PC disk) are particularly welcome. To send a letter please use the write to LLB page.
Geoff Martin's column in last month's LLB made humbling reading (Leading with the left). Here is a man who can get pissed, watch his team win a major European football competition in Sweden, and still be up bright and early the next morning to rough up a Vulcan and a Blairite on national radio. Geoff mentions his new daughter Katie. So, is he superman, or just another crap dad with socialist principles and a heroically supportive partner?
Bill Dixon, Acton
While it was refreshing to read LLB's positive review of your arch enemy Paul Richard's book How to be your own spindoctor (June LLB The god-like genius of Paul Richards) it was pretty juvenile (nee reactionary) for Eddie Tucker to make fun of what Paul Richards looks like.
At least Paul conducts himself in a sober and dignified manner -- something which Grant Mitchell clone Martin has never done.
Catherine Goss, Basingstoke
I find it amazing that the response to Blair's makeover of the Labour Party has been so muted. The Party is now representative of Labour in name only and has more in common with a conservative party than one of the centre left.
My observations are based on the record of the Party since May 1997: continuation of Tory privatisation policies, a sustained attack on the welfare state with the aim of replacing it with US-style workfare, lukewarm union reforms (the 40% ballot threshold represents a victory for business), privatisation in education through the introduction of Education Action Zones, continuation of Tory policies towards the elderly and lone parents and the introduction of student fees.
Those of us who profess to be socialist and remain within the Party are looking for a clear lead from the left MPs that they have not jettisoned all their principles.
Cllr. Keith Mallinson, Hammersmith
Despite the parliamentary votes on the Higher Education Funding Bill on 8th June, the campaign on student fees is only just beginning.
New impetus for this campaign, which has floundered on occasion due to the indifference of NUS, was sparked off by the lobby of Parliament on 13th May. Never before has the student left looked so united, although they were united against Labour Students in NUS, and President Elect Andrew Pakes was barracked. The new start must broaden the argument and recognise that this fight is the same as the pensioners' or any other campaign against public spending limits.
Some student unions are also planning "can't pay, won't pay" schemes against fees and future large-scale activities will be used to attract media attention to our arguments.
If Messrs Blunkett, Byers, Wilson, Howells et al are sitting comfortably, then we'll begin...
Duncan Hall, Skipton
I am very pleased to see LLB promoting a united left slate for the NEC, but I am rather shocked that the policy demands of the slate are so weak. Where are the demands to repeal all anti- trade union legislation? An alliance for democracy is inadequate in the circumstances. What's happened to LLB's socialist conscience and why couldn't Michael Cashman be included on your slate -- he seems pretty good to me.
Pete Fulwell, Maida Vale
previous article · July '98 index of LLB · write to LLB · LLB home page · next article