Notes of Red Labour Tyne & Wear meeting

Thursday 29th May

1. Present: Diane J, Geoff W, Joan H, Lorna B, Lynda M, Michael L, Rosie C, Sheila S,

2. Apologies for absence

Caron W, David C, Ed W, Helen H, Kate I, Icarus W, Lynne C, Mark H, Matthew G, Robin C, Terry J,

3. Notes of last meeting - agreed

4. Matters arising

Political Education Officers – Geoff W is PEO for Houghton and Sunderland South, Michael L for Blyth Valley, and Daniel M is running for PEO for Newcastle Central CLP. Political Education Network North East (PENNE) blog: http://thepenismightierthantheparty.wordpress.com/

Red Labour team was 2nd last out of 5 teams in the Newcastle Labour Party Quiz...

5. Update on Red Labour nationally - new statement (attached) has been posted on RL facebook page including core values and that we do not intend to adopt a RL policy on everything.

National RL website – DJ will check with David S as to what he's offering and Geoff W also offered to explore some possible options

6. NHS meeting June 11th - DJ reported on planning progress and we discussed some practicalities for the meeting planning feedback and requests for help

7. Agenda 2015 - Reminder that the final deadline for contributing to the Labour Party's Policy Review consultation is 13th June.

8. Feedback from May Day + Green Festival and Miners Gala - Leaflets and badges were distributed at May Day and Green Fest.

9. Finance Balance £73DJ reported on donations received and there was discussion on future expenditure – Leaflets and banner.

DJ offered to finance 1000 badges which could be sold at Miners Gala and offered to other RL groups – which could be fundraising after initial outlay recouped.

10. AOB

i) Ed W had asked that the meeting support the campaign to protect Newcastle Sure Start which is threatened with cuts https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-newcastle-sure-start

ii) it was agreed that we would cover travel expenses for those otherwise unable to attend meetings

11. Date of next meeting – no date fixed

Red Labour: who are we and what is all this about? (Statement on RL Facebook Page)

Red Labour advocates a clear socialist policy orientation in the Labour Party: Labour's Socialist tradition.

Red Labour's values:

Red Labour is committed to a socialist vision based on a progressive role for the state, including public ownership and progressive taxation, and to fighting for a socialist future:

* Britain is a more unequal society than at any time since the 1930s. We need an enforceable living wage, a decent state pension, council housing, and public services that are run to meet our needs, not sold off for private profit.* We need a foreign policy which works for peace, justice and solidarity across the world.* All people are of equal value. We believe in fighting all forms of prejudice and discrimination.* With global capitalism in control of the political agenda, there is an urgent need for a major shift of wealth and power in favour of ordinary people.* The Labour Party was originally set up to fight for workers rights, civil liberties and political representation. We must rediscover that desire for political, economic and social liberty.* Given resource constraints and environmental pressures, we need a sustainable energy policy based on renewables; the development of affordable public transport, protection against flooding and freedom from fracking, and a housing policy which offers both affordable rental and ownership choices.

These are our basic, bottom line beliefs, but we don't expect Red Labour supporters to be unanimous on every issue. So there isn't a long list of specific policies that we support. And we encourage and welcome honest open debate where there are differences of opinion.

Red Labour...is a 'forum', rather than a membership organisation- supporting Labour Party members, (and former members, and those who would join the party if it adopted the values we believe in...) to:

* Get involved in local branches and constituencies - not as isolated individuals, but with strength in numbers and to argue for our CLPs to start campaigning and be relevant again!* Challenge the lack of effective democratic policy-making in the Party* Initiate and encourage political and economic education and debate in the Party.* Participate in consultation, e.g. Your Britain: Agenda 2015

We now have over 30 local Red Labour groups. If you're interested in what we have to say and want to get involved, get in touch with your local group.

Local groups: 33 of them - with links