Steve Richards

Politics | 26 July 2008

Steve Richards reviews the week in politics

issue 26 July 2008

The political year ends with a sequel. Labour leaders, trade unionists and party members gather at Warwick university for what is billed as Warwick Two. The original version took place at the same location shortly before the last election. Like many sequels the outlines of the narrative for Warwick Two are precisely the same as the original.

In essence here is the familiar story being played out for a second time. Desperate for cash, the Labour leadership needs the unions’ money. In return for their cash, the unions want policies that benefit their members. Thank you and good night.

Of course the actual story is far more complex and multi-layered. Some important and worthwhile reforms were implemented as a result of the first gathering in Warwick. The unions have a right to put the case for more changes now. After all, business leaders do not need the equivalent of a Warwick gathering to get a hearing.

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