Labour leader Ed Miliband committed to “put co-operative values at the heart of Labour’s platform for government” on Friday (6 February), saying that if Labour wins the general election workers will have the right to buy out the firm they work for when it comes up for sale or is threatened with closure. Writing in...
The Case for Democratic Devolution
In recent decades our society has become seriously and, indeed, dangerously unbalanced in a series of crucial, yet interlinked, ways. BARRY WINTER argues that regional devolution could play an important part in re-democratising and re-balancing society. Unbalanced Britain is being subjected to growing poverty and widening social inequalities generally; to increasing and irresponsible financial and...
Beware New Threat to the Co-op Party
After a turbulent 18 months, the recent changes to the Co-op Group’s rules were no great shock. But, says JACK STREET, the new structure could lead to funding problems for the Co-op Party in years to come....
Village Socialism in Theory and Practice
PAUL SALVESON argues that today’s open garden schemes put into practice some early ILPers’ theories of village socialism....
Co-op Resource Centre Opens in Sheffield
A new information hub, library and resource centre for the Yorkshire co-operative movement opened its doors in Sheffield last month....
Labour MP Calls for Greater Role for Co-ops
Labour and Co-op Party MP Jim Dobbin this week called for community co-ops to be given a greater role on local enterprise partnerships and better understanding and support the business community....
Mutualise the private sector, not England’s NHS
As the government pushes the ‘mutualisation’ of the NHS, Professor DEXTER WHITFIELD argues that all such transfers are privatisation....
Stick With Co-op, Urges New Campaign
A new campaign is urging existing Co-op Bank customers not to move their accounts from the Co-op in an effort to ensure that the bank sticks to its ethical principles....
Community Rail Book to Launch in York
Paul Salveson’s new book calling for local communities to have a greater say in their railways and for Britain’s transport system to be remodelled on a not-for-profit basis will be launched in York on 29 October....
Balls to Call for a Co-operative Economy
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls will outline his vision of an economy based on co-operative values when he speaks at the Co-operative Party conference next weekend....
End of the Party?
PAUL SALVESON ponders the future of party politics and sees instead a future dominated by regionalist movements and single-issue campaigns....
ILP@120: Past Lessons for Future Progress
“Fellowship was the foundation of their politics,” said Barry Winter, recalling the culture of the early ILP at the organisation’s 120th anniversary Weekend School in Scarborough on 4/5 May. ...