The Political Physicist

Timings for this meeting and minutes from last meeting passed without comment. There was one piece of urgent business, with a city councillor reminding us about the Oxford Living Wage Campaign and asking us all to show up to the launch.

Parliamentary Report

Anneliese thanks us for our help in the election and for continued campaigning. She mentioned that she thinks the Tories have dug in for awhile, so we’ll have to stick with the campaigning. Also congratulated the council election result in Didcot.

Brexit

Felt government’s position hasn’t improved over summer and continues to alienate partners. Reminded us Labour’s position is to have an interim agreement so that the UK won’t fall off a cliff. In the meantime, Labour is pressing the Tories for details and votes in the house of commons. Not accepting the government rewriting labour/environmental laws without discussion. Criticised government for saying Electric Mini production in the UK is vote of confident in EU negotiations—it’s a testament to the quality of the workforce. For long-term sustainability need a sensible trade relationship.

Tax Issues

Called out the government for continuing to tax redundancy payment while giving further concessions for non-doms. On the first there will be a vote but without any debate. Feels government is weak on this, with only 2 MPs willing to defend finance bill in the commons. Thinks Labour can push them on this.

Housing

Knows this is important to local activists. Post-Grenfall we were told would be an open debate on social housing, but it hasn’t happened. The government still hasn’t changed its views on regulations. Is afraid Tories will push ahead forcing housing associations to sell properties. Notes developers in Oxford salivating. Affordability is still defined too narrowly. Roll-out of Universal Credit is shambolic and could mean people will lose access to housing benefit.

Questions

Government trying to manipulate committees so they have a majority and also timing of committees. Seems to be an attempt to avoid scrutiny. When asked if anything we can do she only referred to work of MPs.

Anneleise confirmed reduction in seats in parliament doesn’t seem to be happening. This would have particularly hurt Labour. Not sure why government stepped away from this. (Ann heard DUP won’t have it because would give Sinn Fein extra seats.) Will still be a boundary review. Will be some changes about parties registering which will make things more difficult for Labour.

On questions of unity in PLP, she said she always seems to get on with everyone. Wasn’t there when things were tense, so that might help. Says atmosphere remains good and hopes it will continue. In particular, hopes it will continue through Conference. If focus can stay on policies while Tories tear themselves apart then that will put Labour in a good position.

Reiterated that doesn’t see the government falling soon. Majorities typically around 14, which will be hard to break. Was asked about detailed policy work says trying to strike a balance between developing detailed policies and keeping focus on broad goals (i.e. keeping in election footing). Felt good progress being made in some parts of the party and reported that shadow Treasury team continues to engage with all relevant stakeholders.

I asked how members can get more involved with policy, mentioning that NPF reports are vague and have no content. She didn’t respond to my question, instead focusing on other questions asked in my tranche (see next paragraph).

Expressed concern about international situation (refugees, etc.). Felt hasn’t been sufficient response in Britain. Reports Labour has been doing some work on specific issues (such as persecution of Muslims in Burma). Highlighted insufficient support given to refugees. Wants to be sure it doesn’t get lost in debate. Agreed with a member that it’s important for party to stand up against hate crime. Called out Sarah Champion and worried it’s distracting from real issues of child abuse, etc. Expressed worry about Islamophobia which has gotten worse since referendum. Is glad community in Oxford has tended to stand against any attempt to stir racism etc. up here.

Expressed concern over academics making homophobic comments. Doesn’t know what was said but feels if students were upset enough to complain then comments would have to be unacceptable. Equivocated a bit over vice-chancellor’s high pay. Seemed to be saying she’s concerned with this being used as a way to claim universities awash with money when aren’t.

Confirmed will continue her work around tax transparency and tackling tax avoidance. Will bring this up with finance bill next week. Wants to tighten rules for non-doms and to tackle money laundering, which Britain is becoming something of a centre for.

Worker brought up BMW’s recent settlement of a pension dispute by essentially changing a contract. Asked if anything she could do to help from parliament, particularly if Labour forms government. She felt would be difficult to resolve situation under current legislation—will need to be changed. Could potentially become relevant in context of Brexit. Reminded us this will take a fight.

Expressed concern about government position on immigration. Doesn’t like how Tories have made this a big issue. Said Britain has low unemployment and needs immigrants to fill a wide range of jobs of varying levels of skills. Feels like immigration system for non-EU citizens isn’t working for immigrants, businesses, public services, etc.

Was asked about housing development with very expensive flats. As not in local government she could only make general comments. Said she understands it is difficult for local authorities to force developers to include affordable housing under current law. Hopes new infrastructure commission for Oxford-Cambridge corridor will allow new investment in housing, transport, public services in the area.

Also see provided handout from Anneliese.

Annual Conference

Women’s Confernce Arrangement Committee

Delegates for Women’s Conference not present. Branch delegates chose who they want our conference delegates to vote for on the committee. Chair expressed extreme displreasure that that women’s delegates absent. Was some protest from the floor that there were extenuating circumstances.

Resolutions

Can send two resolutions (one from each constituency). First debate motions and vote on whether we support them. Then, if all three pass, choose which ones to prioritise.

Ending UK support for Saudi Arabia

John Tanner spoke on importance of ending attack on Yemen and increase pressure on Suadi’s. Reminded us that motions must be contemporary and feels recent UN report means this one is. Resolution also refers to arms conversion to protect jobs in the UK arms industry. Unite has put out report on past proposals and successful conversions. No one spoke against, vote unanimous except for one abstention.

A publicly owned banking system

Calls for nationalising and democratically controlling large banks. Said was good thing that Labour bailed out banks, but wasn’t enough control and bad how resulted in austerity. Points out bad behaviour of Loyd’s and RBS while large stakes held by state. Similar motion being raised in Leeds. Feels this will continue developing manifesto. Contemporary because final shares in Loyd’s just recent sold off. One person spoke against saying it’s not a priority (costs lots of money). Also said looks like there might be another crash and better wipe-out private equity than public (plus would make cheaper if then want to nationalise). Felt connection between ownership and control insufficiently dealt with in motion. Another person spoke about it being an obvious policy. Someone else pointed out we’d be better off trying to stop another crash (via nationalisation) and that the public is on the hook anyway when private equity is lost. Ann Black thought incoming Labour government will have too much to do without running banking system. Politicians are not bankers. Not a priority.

28 for, 15 against, 26 abstentions by my count. Committee agreed it was carried but not by majority.

NHS and Accountable Care System

Liz said described how new Accountable Care System (ACS) bundles all health commissioners etc. in an area and takes it away from public scrutiny. These are equivalent to HMOs in United States and will make things ripe for privatisation. Also current move to sell off NHS properties which must be opposed. We need these properties to provide for increased care needs. Highlighted this is needed for next 20 years, not next 2. Motion based on one forwarded by Socialist Health Association. Seconder reminded of need for more money and for all Labour officials to oppose any cuts. One person felt there could be good debate for centralising certain services (based on medical issues rather than saving money) and worried this motion goes too far in blanket opposition. Another person said will abstain because arguments not based on studies of outcomes. Overwelmingly carried with only a few abstentions.

Then we could each cast two votes for which resolutions to submit. I voted for bank nationalisation and the NHS motion. Was clear NHS and Suadi Arabia ones were far more popular—-only a few people voted for bank nationalisation.

Someone spoke for continued membership of the Single Market. Hoped delegates would raise it at conference. Another speaker said she thinks Kier Starmer’s stated position more realistic.

National Constitutional Committee election

This was up to branch delegates.

Constitutional Amendments

Lots to go through so Ann said we could just leave it to delegate’s judgement. Ann’s recommendations in her report were available. The floor thanked Ann for her work. One person wanted us to take a position on the McDonnell Amendment. May not come to a vote and instead be pushed towards other reforms. This was defeated by small margin. Ann a bit irritated that a lot of people voting to leave things to the delegates last time wanted all of the debated (hence prompting her to go to the effort of putting together a large document).

Motion on Hate Crimes

Increase in hate crimes over last year, especially towards Muslims. Women afraid to go out. Oxford East motion to bring back Commission of Racial Equality with authority to investigate hate crimes. Passed with overwhelming support and no extensions.

Minutes of Executive Committee

Have minutes of July executive committee.

Future Meetings

Next meeting October 13 with delegates reporting back from conference.