At yesterday’s briefing, the community’s secretary - Robert Jenrick encouraged people to ‘buy a newspaper’. This came across as rather arbitrary, and his reasoning I found to be ludicrous.  He is encouraging the public to support the local and national media at this time. He’s correct in stating the local media industry needs the public to show its support, however, national is questionable.

This morning’s papers (7/05/20) have both encouraged the end of the lockdown and have lied about what is to be expected too. For example, the Daily Mail’s front page reads ‘HURRAH! LOCKDOWN FREEDOM BECKONS’, with the paper also stating picnics in parks will be permitted. The Daily Star’s front page says “MAGIC MONDAY” with images of individuals holding a beer. Finally, The Sun has used the term “HAPPY MONDAY”, stating that pubs and cafes plan to open gardens. This is all false conjecture and makes me wonder why we are being encouraged to purchase these newspapers at an official government press conference.

It’s truly astonishing that rather than reporting the tragic deaths that are occurring day-to-day, they are instead making light of the situation and prioritizing going to the pub. The significance of this statement by Robert Jenrick is dubious, as it is not the central issue that should be discussed. There are many businesses, both large and small that are struggling under these circumstances – even more so than the newspaper industry. 

The Left Wing Society are strongly against easing the lockdown at this moment in time. Every day, more deaths are sadly occurring, and easing the lockdown on Monday would have catastrophic consequences. We need to put people before profits.  

Below is a guest article which was written by one of our members – Colin Oakley. If you’re interested in writing for us, do not hesitate to get in contact.
 
The ‘life support’ is being provided by Corbyn, Abbott, Burgon and others. I believe it is time to switch the ‘machine’ off. The foundations of the Party were set by the ‘Trade Unions’ for the working class, now we have a Party whose agenda is set by the Board of Deputies, is being led by a ‘backstabbing’ Zionist, who has so far only endorsed the appalling Conservatives and has ensured that he is assisted by a Tory light Shadow Cabinet.
 
The time and effort that the ‘life support’ team is putting in to save the Party are to be admired, acknowledged and questioned! Surely comrades, it is time for their efforts to be used to form a ‘TRUE LABOUR PARTY’!  Their efforts to ‘save’ the Party will cause infighting {my opinion} which is fuel for the Conservative government.
 
The evidence of the direction the Party is now taking is becoming more damning to us socialists on a daily basis. We need to unite to defeat the Tories. However, uniting behind a Stammer led Party will only result in (at best) another Blairite government, in other words very little change from what is now the current government.
 
As members of the Party subs are paid, this is the ‘life blood’ of the Party, a tradition of the working class when being exploited or being pushed in a direction that is detrimental to them is to call for ‘STRIKE’ action. By leaving the Party we can show solidarity as we are, together, on strike and can say that we will return only when true SOCIALISM is once again the ‘battle cry’.
 
Fundamentally, I think that Corbyn, Abbott, Burgon et.al. should be putting their efforts into a new party, which I know will be distasteful as their ‘heritage’ is with ‘real’ labour and they, naturally, want the Party to be as it was intended to be. It would be ideal to have the real Party back, but now I only feel it can be done under a different name. This saddens me comrades, but I fear it is the truth.
 
Time is, as always, against us. Do we put our energy into trying to take back the Party or into forming a new one? I am not sure we can get a ‘new party’ up and running in time for the next General Election (that will no doubt be rigged again) further I doubt we can change the B.O.D. Labour Party back to its ‘roots’ in time. The question is: where do we put our efforts?
 
Yes, I hear you, “conference decides policy and the N.E.C. provides direction”. Can we rely on there being no manipulation?
 
I do not expect a total agreement to my ‘argument’, a debate is good, and I acknowledge and respect those who feel different. It is decision time.
 
Feel free to comment your opinions.
 

All information in this article was obtained through the Panorama episode broadcast on the BBC on the 27th April 2020 named: ‘Have the government failed the NHS?’. The Left Wing Society would highly recommend you give this eye opening episode a watch, as it uncovers the truth about the steps the government has, or has not taken to protect the NHS.

“Taken the right steps at the right time”. “Guided by scientific advice” “Protect our NHS and save lives”. I’m sure you are all too familiar with these quotes from the daily briefings. The people of the United Kingdom have put all their trust into this government, however shocking revelations have recently come to light about the extent of the danger NHS staff have found themselves in, and the efforts the government has taken to cover this up.

Almost 100 front line staff have sadly died so far from COVID-19, and those could have all been prevented. For over a decade, it has been said that that a pandemic is our ‘country’s greatest threat’, therefore a pandemic is not an unexpected event. The first question that needs to be asked, is why have we not been stockpiling for this scenario if the government has previously stated that it is our biggest threat? Instead, key workers have been put on the front line without government protection. Documents from inside the supply chain revealed that the government has been counting items that should not be counted at PPE, such as paper towels and surgical gloves. They have even gone to the degree of counting individual gloves to push the number higher. Hospitals are having to purchase gowns from third party suppliers, which should never be happening in any scenario. Libby Nolan, an NHS nurse who described what NHS staff are wearing stated that they were not provided gowns, and instead are wearing “simple aprons that you would serve food with”. Last year, advisors warned that gowns were needed, but none were purchased. Furthermore, images of homemade kit have been posted online, showing aprons made from bin bags and plastic bags being used as protective head gear. Staff are also being supplied out of date equipment that has also been attempted to be covered up. NHS staff have said they are “frightened for their lives”.

Professor John Ashton, a public health director also stated his view on this saying that there is “no excuse” and it’s “breath-taking no gowns have been stocked up”. He spoke about the consequence of the government’s failings, stating they ‘failed to appreciate the enormity of what was coming our way’. He described how when things began to escalate, they started to ‘spin the story to make out they have been following the science’. The government have stated that there has been “shortages of PPE across the world” – which simply is not the case. In a factory in Bolton who provide protected fabric for PPE equipment said that they were not approached by the government, and instead had to offer their services themselves – and did not hear a response for two weeks. Instead, in this time they were making orders for the United States who purchased the UK capacity. In the missing weeks, the factory could have provided enough for 300,000 gowns. However, the government has put the shortage down to ‘logistical problems’. One nurse described how we had the luxury of time, and how this situation should not be happening. “They keep saying unprecedented but it’s not unexpected”.

For a decade, we failed to get it right; but when COVID-19 first appeared we still had time. We should have been getting ready, and February was our month to prepare as these wear the crucial months. The government refusing to take any responsibility is a huge problem, and the attempt to cover these major issues up is problematic. The front-line staff have been ‘sent to battle without any resources to fight it’ and as one front line nurse stated: “calling us heroes just makes it okay when we die”. The government should have done more.
 
 

 In January, the World Health Organisation amongst many other establishments warned Boris Johnson and the Conservative government of the incoming Covid-19 epidemic. Additionally, at this time, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that the UK were "well prepared" to deal with an outbreak of Coronavirus (BBC 2020). However, Boris Johnson ignored these warnings; he was more concerned in a failed attempt to raise funds to make Big Ben bong to celebrate the United Kingdom “leaving” the E.U. Speaking in the House Of Commons in January – when the outbreak of Covid-19 in the UK was a beginning to become a real threat, he was quoted saying “If the public want Big Ben to bong, and the money is raised then that is great. We will make sure that whatever happens in regard to Big Ben’s bongs, 31 January is properly marked. It is a significant moment in our history.” This arises questions about what the true priorities and urgencies were of the Conservative government.

  When Coronavirus was beginning to greater impact the United Kingdom, and take its toll, the whole country was looking for answers about what action would be taken to combat this terrible disease. When speaking on national television on March 5th, one of the theories Boris Johnson set forth was too “take it on the chin”, in other words - herd immunity. This was the original plan, and if it hadn’t been for the backlash from all elements of the political spectrum, we could have seen 500,000 people die in the U.K alone.

  Boris seemed smug as he stated he “shook hands” with Covid-19 patients, and even boasted about doing so. This recklessness was more than likely the reason for him contracting the virus himself. Furthermore, in one of the early press conferences, he adopted a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude (Walker, 2020) – something which is perhaps looked back on in shame and regret.

  Over the past few weeks we have seen so many failings from this government it would be almost impossible to fit them in to a single article, and the fact that Boris Johnson has said it’s been a success should make everyone shake to their core in anger. They have failed us all.
 
 But hey, shoplifting is down.

BBC News. 2020. 'Increased Likelihood' Of China Virus Reaching UK. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51221915>

Walker, P., 2020. Boris Johnson's Big Ben Brexit Bong Plan Falls Flat. [online] the Guardian. Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/14/boris-johnsons-big-ben-brexit-bong-plan-falls-flat>

Walker, P., 2020. Tom Peck: Yes, People Will Die, Says Boris – Just Keep Calm And Carry On. [online] The Independent. Available at: <https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/boris-johnson-coronavirus-delay-outbreak-china-schools-football-matches-a9398651.html>

In these unprecedented times we are all currently experiencing, it is important to be thankful and understand the importance of the people who are helping this country survive – The National health service. Currently, these key workers are risking their lives to help save yours, and putting themselves on the front line at a time where I’m sure they would rather be tucked away at home -safe and away from the current danger which is presently burdening our country.

Times like these have finally helped the population understand who the key workers are, and who helps the country keep going on a daily basis. Teachers, carers, supermarket employees, dustbin men, public safety workers, postal workers and the nurses and doctors on the front line of the NHS. The list could go on. It’s not the millionaire bankers or a billionaire football chairman that keep this country ticking over – it’s us. The hardworking people who go to work day in day out, and have for years felt underappreciated – until now. However, this rapid rise of appreciation is 3 years too late.

Back in 2017, Conservative and DUP MPs voted against an attempt by labour to “reverse the long-standing freeze on public sector pay” (Mann, 2017). This vote ended in a majority of 14 -with 323 to 309 voting against Labours proposal. At the time of the result, the Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell was quoted calling this an “utter disgrace” – and quite frankly he had every right to make that statement. Back then, this vote demonstrated a lack of appreciation for the workers who are key to this country, which is exactly why this is relevant today. The very same people who voted for the conservative government in the latest general election are clapping for the NHS. This is the very same government who denied these key workers the pay rise which they deserved. This isn’t a post requesting conservative members to stop clapping for the NHS, but more for them to realise exactly what they voted for – and to some degree how this can cause a look of dissimulation. We just hope now, this appreciation can continue for years to come, and in future the key workers of this country will get they pay rise in which they deserve.
 
You can view the full list of MPs who voted against this proposal by visiting this link:
https://metro.co.uk/2017/06/29/full-list-of-mps-who-voted-for-cap-on-public-sector-workers-pay-6744086/

Mann, T., 2017. Full List Of Mps Who Voted For Cap On Public Sector Workers' Pay | Metro News. [online] Metro.co.uk. Available at: <https://metro.co.uk/2017/06/29/full-list-of-mps-who-voted-for-cap-on-public-sector-workers-pay-6744086/>

The Left Wing Society has made it clear - suspend all involved in abuse, racism, misuse of funds and sabotage immediately - pending an investigation. Unfortunately, we are yet to see a response from the new Labour leader. Starmer seems to be burying his head in the sand and hoping for this to go away. Let us assure you - we are not going to let that happen. 

In 2017 thousands of Labour members did their all to see Labour take power. All the time and effort from members and supporters alike, the monthly membership payments, the campaigning day in day out to ensure we were victorious. Despite all of this,  we narrowly missed out, but we sure came close.

The Labour leaks have since shown us that not everyone in the Labour party shared the same views. Simultaneously sabotaging their own party whilst hoping the Conservatives would remain in power rather than a Corbyn lead Labour government. Its traitorous, everyone involved should hang their heads in shame. We could have helped transform the lives of millions around the United Kingdom, instead the Conservatives continue with their ruthless policies without any consideration for the most vulnerable in our society.

Due to the current Covid-19 epidemic, we are limited in what action we can take, but rest assured we will push all the way for the suspension of all involved pending an investigation. The Labour party has alienated its entire left wing membership, but wasn't that their plan anyway? 

The findings in the leaked documents should never be forgiven. We will never forgive them and you shouldn't either. 

You can help by emailing your local MP, we need to make our voices heard. We wont be silenced until justice is served.