In the interests of Britain, it is time for George Osborne to go

I have to admit I find myself rather shocked at the depths to which the Tories will go to win power. Even going as far to increase a risk of a run on the pound at the most delicate time for our national economy. Not only do I pity George Osborne for doing more to effectively end his future as a serious politician before it begins, but I find myself extremely angry at his thoughtlessness. He has put himself in the position of someone who has something to gain from a “run” on the pound and is probably now willing it to happen – a chance to say “I told you so”.
We all know there are risks in today’s economy. And the drop in sterling’s value hits many of us in different ways. I was just one of many who saw a trip to America planned months ago suddenly become much more expensive than expected. But I also heard many Americans saying how they might finally plan a trip to England – as it is a “good time to do so”. Sometimes a reduction in currency value can be a helpful correcting mechanism to increase investment by foreign enterprise and visitors from abroad who are also more likely to spend.
It seems to me that there is a pattern in the Tory approach to the economic crisis – to identify a fear, regardless of the probability of it happening, and stoke it up – making it more likely to be a reality. Imagine kids round a camp fire when there are smouldering embers – some trying to put them out, others fanning the sparks and hoping they’ll catch. Neither outcomes are inevitable – but they are a lot determined by the action you choose to take.
Osborne and the Tories made a clear choice – if talking Britain into a deeper recession is what it takes for them to think they can win power, then that is what they will do.
If this shows anything, it also is that Osborne has never really left behind his university debating society and operates, unfortunately for Britain, as if he just needs to get the cheers from his side in the Oxford Union and he can win the day, and no damage will really be done. Well, Britain needs more than that. And dare I say it, it needs a more mature opposition to be working in partnership with the Government. It is surely time for Osborne to go.

The Day America Changed

(This blog is posted on ProgressOnline)
It’s daybreak over San Francisco. The Golden Gate bridge stands glorious and majestic, as America wakes up to a new dawn. A new dawn in self confidence, and its standing in the world. Yesterday I spent the day with the San Francisco Democrats. The phone banks in the office just off Market Street were already packed with people – well over 100 - by 11am. With military organisation, volunteers were told to sit down with a phone and raise their hand, when a phone bank captain would come round with a script and sheet of voter ID. Blitz calls to Pennsylvania were followed by calls to Missouri (pronounced ‘Missoura’), then Iowa, then Alaska. Motivation was kept high by bells on every table “Ring the bell when you find a strong Democrat supporter!” said the sign. And round the room, which resembled a large call centre, spontaneous cheers would be constantly heard as bells were rung and callers shouted out when they found a new democrat. Raffle tickets were given out to volunteers, with occasional breaks in calling when raffles were drawn – a way to keep rewarding callers and hope people stayed longer. And to help reduce the queue for mobile phones, every now and then a “Money for Minutes” bucket would be passed round. People would donate so that a volunteer could dash across the road to buy more mobile phones.
The whole day was like a party. And as Democrat voters asked callers “How are we doing? Have you heard anything?” the same question would go round the tables as people yearned to know what was going on out there. Then the cheer as a “captain” would walk round with some exit poll results on a board – all pointing to the same thing – Obama neck and neck or just in the lead in key swing states. Still people dared not hope too much, just in case.
But Obama had to win, surely. As I talked to activists during the day, from 70 year old Jesse to 14 year old Elijah, it was clear Obama’s campaign had built together an extraordinary coalition of ordinary people from all backgrounds, all wanting, in their own way, and in their own words, change in America. These weren’t just ordinarily active Democrats –the majority of people I spoke to were active for the first time, and like 39 year old Eric from a Republican family, or 66 year old Independent Vicky, this election was a mass reaction to disappointment in what America had become.
At 8pm the long campaign day finally ended. Out of the secret back room came the local campaign director – with someone holding up a new sign saying “It’s All Over – You Did It!” An emotional speech followed, thanking everyone who had been pivotal in the local campaign – including distant friends who had gone to help in other states. Many were tearful as they realised the long hard slog was over. The 21 months for some, who had been involved with Obama from the start of his campaign. Chants of “Yes We Can! Yes We Can!” were replaced by “Yes We Did!” “Yes We Did!” And then perhaps the loudest cheer of the night – when a message went across from the secret backroom like a Chinese whisper to the campaign director giving a speech – an announcement that McCain had conceded.

How will America vote?

Tuesday 4th November 9am.
It’s a bright day in San Francisco. The torrential rain is holding off, and the papers are predicting record turnout in today’s general election. I’m expecting to see legions of people around town wearing the official “I’ve voted” sticker – as the nation goes to the polls.
I heard this morning some interesting views from a neutral but well informed American entrepreneur – the sort of person who embodies the American dream. He has been struck by the how close the two candidates are in the politics – more closely aligned on the middle ground than the country has seen for a long time – and surprising when you consider how divided the country has been.
Perhaps, of course, not that surprising in one way, as you consider where the real battle is likely to be – around the middle ground. However he therefore “liked them both” – though what concerned him most about Obama was whether the was really experienced enough to be President. I understand that isn’t to devalue the hugely developed political skills he does have of oratory, debate and connection. It is just to state a fact, that brings with it a risk factor that votes have to assess for themselves.
This same voter talked about how he has had cause to go to Alaska in recent years and how he has been aware of Palin for some time. Longer than the masses.
And has been impressed by her confidence and tenacity in standing up to corporate oil forces. There aren’t many who will have had a view about her before the elections. And what this clearly shows – albeit from one view of an informed and respected citizen who in his own way is an opinion former, is that the fault lines of this election, even a day before or on the day of poll, remain incredibly close to call.

It is fascinating being in America for the General Election. Not just because the results here will have profound implications for the economy and politics worldwide,but because there is always something to learn from the way America does politics. Voters in California don't just have the ballot for President. There are a host of other smaller elections and votes on measures - or "propositions" which were put on the ballot paper by the legislature or campaigners. I'm browsing the California General Election supplemental guide, which contains one additional measure which has qualified for the November ballot. Proposition 1A is for a safe, reliable high-speed passenger bond act. A YES vote for this measure means "the state could sell$9.95bn in general obligation bonds to plan and partially fund the construction of a high speedtrain system in California, and to make capital improvements to state and local rail services". The guide then goes on to provide "impartial analyses of the law and potential costs to the Taxpayer prepared by a legisative analyst", arguments in favour of and against the ballot measure prepared by proponents and opponents,text of the proposed law and other useful information."
I'm struck by the extent of information provided, and the clear focus not just on arguments but on costs, including a section on "fiscal effect". What strikes me about this system, which I have read about but not previously seen in action, is the respect it has for voters in providing such analysis, more along the lines of what you might produce for a company board, and the greater seriousness which which these votes are then taken.

Civilising Society?

The row over Ross and Brand this week has been fascinating to watch, for the reaction it has triggered and what it says about the BBC. We are remarkably inconsistent in our opinions of what is acceptable, but the growing chorus of anxious complainants suggests we are increasingly moving to a culture of public conservatism (as distinct from morality) when it comes to sex and also violence. Which in some ways may be no bad thing. Have we gone too far? Big Brother being a striking example, when what is clearly encouraged in later series (rather than the early few which were genuinely fascinating to watch) is pretty demeaning behaviour that lowers the tone and encourages vulnerable young people to pursue a life of being a tabloid babe with story after story of sex and "relationships". Two things struck me when listening to Jim Naughtie interviewing Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC trust on Radio 4 today programme yesterday. The first was the rather innocent question which said "Doesn't the BBC have a role in civilising society?". Good question. A more interesting question might be who doesnt have a role in civilising society, and are we going to start a new conversation about de-civilising society? What are the public standards we now want to adhere to? And a second thought, which made me feel incredibly fortunate to be a British citizen. The mild irony of a BBC news programme, interviewing the Chairman of the BBC Trust, holding him accountable to the public about how the BBC behaves. Fantastic listening. Well done BBC.

National Portrait Gallery celebrates Women MPs

Yesterday was a historic day. One of those small but significant events that someone in the future identifies as a day that a key political statement was made. Women's Parliamentary Radio brokered an event at The National Portrait Gallery - a breakfast press launch of a collection of photographs entitled "The Day the Carlton Club accepted Women" .

Four photographic portraits of women MPs in Westminster , party by party, were unveiled for the first time at the NPG roof-top restaurant on Wednesday, 29th October at 8.30 am.
The collection of photographs were taken by photographer Kieran Doherty for www.wpradio.co.uk to mark 90 years since women were first given the vote. I was honoured to be involved in the taking of the photos, a cross-party event, entertaining the Women MPs with readings as they were brought together for the historic photo.

A simple but significant gesture, to recognise and make visible for the nation the women in our national parliament, and the struggle it has taken to get them there.

Obama victory - a gift for all nations?

A work colleague found out I was going to America next week. Quote "I’ll have an Obama baseball cap, please, if you’re bringing back presents for everyone!". I told him he should consider it done, and that I already had the "Change you can believe in" T-shirt. Though of course the best present I could bring back would be an Obama victory. Here's to a world-changing week ahead.

Last night walking through central London after work I was attracted by music coming from Trafalgar Square. It was the Canada Day celebrations - and as I went to Canada last year I considered it quite legitimate to go along! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the event - not least because it felt like a bit of a bonding with this Commonwealth sibling but because it was carefree, relaxed, inspiring and fun. I was surrounded by people of all backgrounds and ages, tourists and Londoners, spending a hot summer evening listening to musicians and celebrities from Canada talk about what they love about "back home" and sharing their spirits with a global collection of citizens in the heart of London. This really is what London does best - when it can find ways to do it. Open, inclusive, fun, talented, global and spirited. So much so I spent much of the evening texting friends across the world to tell them what they were missing.

Agape Choir and the forgotten victims of Aids

On Thursday I went to a showing of Rise Film's award winning film "We are Together" about Agape, an orphanage in South Africa for children who have lost their parents to Aids. It is a story of a home for those without any other home, and how the children have become famous for their singing. They sing with the most amazing voices that both heal and give hope. It was the second time I had seen it, and for the second time I and many others found it hard to keep back the tears.
It was not just because of the amazingly moving story of the courage and determination of the children, but because the story of their lives continues. The documentary was made almost by accident - an idea of two film students who were on VSO in South Africa who used their skills to capture the story of this most remarkable small community. And they have now set up a campaign, run through the Rise Foundation, to raise £500,000 to help pay for the education of the children through to university.
It is perhaps the most compelling call for giving that I have seen in a long time - because the money you donate goes not just to the orphanage you see but to the very children in the film who you feel you get to know so well.
The Agape choir were asked by Nelson Mandela to sing at his birthday concert in London. Fourteen of them came over and sang their theme song "We are together" with Annie Lennox to millons across the world. The children will now go back to South Africa, and face the daily struggle of trying to make up for lost years when their parents were ill or they missed school, and along side do all they can through the power of their singing to make life better for themselves and others like them. It is incumbant on us to find ways to remember them and their fates and others like them once the TV cameras stop rolling.
One line in the film really stood out for me this time. It was a comment by the older sister of one of the orphans at Agape, who soon after they also lost their brother to Aids, said "I feel our future is bright, because we spend so much time together as a family". In the modern fast world we live in, such a simple truth rings out as a stark reminder of why families and communities are so important.

Are we wasting the talents of professional women?

I went to some excellent drinks organised by the Women of Warwick network for female Warwick Business School students past and present. What still strikes me as both inspiring and exciting is the variety of ways in which women, particularly mid-careerists are living their lives today. Many of my friends are going through a mid career change - but often with a common theme underlying it of how to balance work and life. This might mean reduced hours, or change of workplace to reduce the pressure to keep up with the incessant demands of the workplace at all hours. Yet what is also a theme is how to keep the same professional status both in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. One shared an interesting story. She works four days a week in her mid thirties having changed career from private to public sector for lifestyle reasons. She suggested to her partner that he might work four days and she work five - both were in senior positions. What was his response? "I can't do that! I won't be taken seriously at work!" A great instinctive response. Welcome to the world of women professionals who are hitting the ceiling of senior management and making the choice to "trade in" time and progression to help keep society going. How seriously are they really taken in the workplace and why does it still vary so much? And how are we creatively changing employment practice so as not to waste the productive talents of women who will have had 10+ years of work experience and investment?