tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6118824697780532072012-01-15T23:35:19.887ZCommentary and opinion on national and regional politics by Seema MalhotraSeema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-70656996975752490172012-01-15T23:31:00.002Z2012-01-15T23:35:19.893Z

I was deeply honoured to be selected in November and then elected on December 15th 2011 to be the new Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston. Over the last six weeks I have heard so much first hand from local residents about the work Alan Keen had done in the constituency for them and their local communities. I'm looking forward to continuing that work and to meeting so many across the

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-61413758843285326602011-11-20T14:00:00.001Z2011-11-20T14:01:06.638Z

As someone who has known Alan Keen for most of my political life, news of his passing earlier this week left me feeling deeply sad. Like many, my thoughts have been with his family including my former MP Ann Keen and his son David and family. When MPs pass away, many tributes relate to what they were best known for in Parliament. But sometimes the differences that MPs make are far more personal.

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-77927552320431207902011-10-16T20:11:00.001+01:002011-10-16T20:28:59.234+01:00

It was an honour to be invited to speak at the launch event of @CroydonLabour Women's Forum, at which over 40 local women, many of whom had not come to anything vaguely political before, turned up to share a sunny Saturday afternoon in a community centre with kids in tow discussing their vision and hopes for Croydon. As a London-wide Assembly candidate, I was keen to support the event which was

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-31193450085130237052011-09-21T01:32:00.000+01:002011-09-21T01:32:55.029+01:00

For more reasons than one, the world's eyes should be on the UN today. Whilst the Guardian writes that the UN vote on Palestian Statehood may be delayed, the last few months has brought into the international scene a new dynamism on the question of Palestine and Israel, and achieving a viable two state solution. At an event in July, I asked Tony Blair about the Quartet's progress in the Middle

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-47883708658865958792011-08-17T13:43:00.001+01:002011-08-18T10:15:20.508+01:00

This blog has appeared today on ProgressOnline. A few weeks ago Labour announced its team for the London Assembly elections in 2012. Fourteen constituency candidates and eleven Assembly list members will join Ken Livingstone to make up London Labour’s team for the elections in May next year. Labour should be proud of the diversity of our Party’s candidates. Our field of 25 includes 14 women,

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-6339166137223993622011-06-16T23:55:00.000+01:002011-06-16T23:55:41.337+01:00

Dear Constituency Member I have been attending Labour Party conference for 20 years since I joined the party as a teenager. I am writing to ask you to consider nominating me at your next CLP meeting as a constituency representative on the Party’s Conference Arrangements Committee. Nomination details have been sent to CLPs secretaries. CLPs can nominate up to two candidates. CLP delegates at

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-86889390083566668012011-05-05T07:52:00.002+01:002011-05-05T07:52:49.903+01:00

Over the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to talk across the country and make the case for AV. It’s understandably been an issue on which a lot of people haven’t felt that “bothered”, but that doesn’t mean the outcome is not going to make a difference. Many have felt aggrieved by the lies and innuendo paraded by the No campaign. I found the first poster of Clegg based on an Obama image

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-10289733857184548232011-04-04T13:14:00.003+01:002011-04-05T13:18:52.265+01:00

This article was published today at ProgressOnline. Pensions reform may not be the sexiest of topics in Parliament, but you can be guaranteed that if we live to retirement age it is one area that will directly affect every one of us. Today, the Fabian Women's Network is holding a public debate on the Coalition's pension reforms and their impact on women. Speakers include pensions minister Steve

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-28434559744230049752011-03-14T21:32:00.000Z2011-03-14T21:32:34.306Z

Fascinating report (well, to me anyway) in the Banker - "Islamic finance has continued to grow over the last few years despite a loss of confidence in global financial systems. The 2010 survey of financial institutions practising Islamic finance reveals that assets rose by 8.85% from $822bn in 2009 to $895bn in 2010. Islamic finance has held a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.46% from

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-41331075065454627812011-03-10T21:17:00.001Z2011-03-14T21:23:32.928Z

I spent the afternoon & evening at the TUC Women’s conference in Eastbourne today, ahead of speaking at the Electoral Reform Society’s reception tonight. I’ve not spent much time at the TUC Women’s Conference before and I came to the conclusion that it is something we should promote more widely and treasure. The debates that were had in the time I was there were quite short debates, but

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-71311850834808427182011-02-21T16:50:00.000Z2011-02-21T16:50:26.403Z

On Saturday I was lucky enough to be able to attend a moving tribute to Dr Lekh Raj Sharma, an Indian political great and father of Virendra Sharma MP. At a packed Gurdwara in Southall, politicians and community leaders lined up to pay their respects to Dr. Lekh Raj Sharma, and their condolences to his family. I had never really met Dr Sharma, whose political activism went back to the days of

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-36333419579616854612011-02-01T17:40:00.000Z2011-02-01T17:40:45.218Z

If you want to be blown away by the tenacity of a social entrepreneur, look no further than Pratima Joshi, architect and co-founder of Shelter Associates, India. Our #Dishaa group had the privilege of meeting her and understanding more about the NGO today, the challenges it has faced in working with, empowering and improving the housing of slum dwellers in Pune. The "before" and "after" shots on

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-71475441845292528752011-01-31T16:42:00.000Z2011-01-31T16:42:50.238Z

Day 1 of #dishaa began with an early morning pre-breakfast walk with a fellow participant around the grounds of the training centre. It’s a fairly common thing for Indians to go for an early morning walk – and indeed a wonderful way to start the day. It allows you to see much of what is around you with more time to absorb. Perhaps most fascinating was the beautiful trees with amazing roots (will

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-54536640961362621812011-01-30T16:29:00.001Z2011-01-30T16:30:29.732Z

The sound of crickets outside in the evening, fresh coconut water available from the street stalls and an amazing group of 40 "leaders" from UK and India coming together in Pune bodes well for a stimulating and challenging week networking with people minded to social change. It's the first round of the Dishaa and a few hours in I'm already feeling humbled by the achievements and drive of those

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-63492076640220976932010-12-19T22:12:00.000Z2010-12-19T22:12:47.607Z

Hot on the heels of the Tuition Fees fiasco, the Conservative-led Government looks set to go through with its pledge to abolish the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Many do not fully understand exactly what the EMA is, or realise that it is means-tested for students from the poorest families in Britain. Launched in 2004, the EMA scheme directly pays eligible pupils up to £30 a week,

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-51434660954123146692010-10-06T12:36:00.001+01:002010-10-06T12:41:33.198+01:00

100 years ago today, one of the most successful and well known Labour woman politicians - Barbara Castle was born. She was elected to Parliament as MP for Blackburn in 1945, a seat she held before it was taken over by Jack Straw MP, her special adviser. There's a great piece about her life by Radio 4's Anne Perkins here, but just a few thoughts of my own. Barbara Castle was the "Harriet Harman"

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-89674157546268941172010-05-14T23:48:00.000+01:002010-05-14T23:48:59.779+01:00

Someone said to me today - "But the election's over!" - to which I replied, "Nonsense, it's only just beginning!" And of course it is; the next election is what is really beginning with the leadership election kicking off this week. For a party that has "lost" an election (though I think we came second, and the Lib Dems third) we are in remarkably good spirits. Usually after a campaign the party

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-71867778430280524902010-05-14T08:56:00.000+01:002010-05-14T23:58:40.547+01:00

Great to hear Rachel Reeves MP for Leeds West (I love saying that) on Radio 4 this morning. She made two excellent points - that we mustn't lose sight of. Firstly that people no longer came to see us as the party of fairness - and the underlying issues of immigration, housing and welfare needed to be addressed. Secondly, that Labour in Parliament needed now to be a responsible opposition,

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-43517318998998307082010-05-10T09:31:00.000+01:002010-05-10T09:31:06.603+01:00

Listening to Laura Kuenssberg, Ben Wright and other BBC journalists this morning, it's pretty clear that there is still only one story in town. The Lib Dems and Conservatives are set to resume talks this morning, and there is every expectation that by the time the leaders meet their parties later today there will at least be an early deal on offer. Nick Clegg will rightly be tempted by the first

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-78177752362875384272010-05-09T12:20:00.001+01:002010-05-10T08:40:50.375+01:00

Really interesting discussion today on one of my favourite programmes The Big Questions on electoral reform. What it highlighted was the overwhelming sense of need for change, but real lack of clarity about what to change to. Richard Reeves of Demos, someone who has made a real impact in the think tank world in defining new debates on the centre-left, made a strong case for a referendum to allow

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-47143754781546105212010-05-09T10:18:00.000+01:002010-05-10T08:19:19.349+01:00

I am quite bemused by the newspaper attacks on Gordon Brown for staying in Number 10 and dealing with the business of government whilst a deal is discussed by Cameron and Clegg. Suggestions of squatting are totally disingenuous. On the one hand, the markets are reliant on politicians keeping stability at the top. On the other hand, those papers who are supporting David Cameron seem to want to put

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-20423094879061731202010-05-07T16:50:00.000+01:002010-05-07T16:50:33.726+01:00

Some sad losses of the night include Rob Marris, Wolverhampton South West, Sue Hayman in Halesowen & Rowley Regis and Lynda Waltho in Stourbridge. It was the night the Black Country went blue in Dudley, though Labour managed to hold on to Dudley North. It was a well deserved win for Ian Austin, now with a reduced but decisive 600 majority which was confirmed on a recount this afternoon. I've had

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-12809426860735560372010-05-07T14:56:00.000+01:002010-05-07T14:56:35.142+01:00

I'm sure this will get some coverage in the unravelling that follows the election results, but just for the record, this election is another historic first for Labour. On Labour results I've managed to check so far, we've seen four Asian women elected - Rushanara Ali in Bethnal Green and Bow with an astounding 11,500 majority, Shabana Mahmood, who has been a fearless candidate and who has won

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-88201237483464039502010-05-07T14:01:00.000+01:002010-05-07T14:01:37.762+01:00

I guess I'm not the only one still gripped by the election this morning. Sitting in my kitchen waiting for final results to come through and listening to Radio 5 live, I just heard Gordon Brown speak from Downing Street. Seems to me that Nick Clegg has got himself into a very awkward position, with his leverage quite damaged by seeing an overall loss of Liberal Democrat seats, including some of

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-32072509970891043622010-05-07T06:59:00.000+01:002010-05-07T06:59:26.285+01:00

What an amazing night. Just home from Birmingham count where I witnessed some real twists and turns through the evening. Liam Byrne – almost doubling his majority in Hodge Hill. When he told me I really was nearly in tears - it was overwhelming. His winning speech was one of the best of the night. Shabana Mahmood in Ladywood left Lib Dem candidate Ayub Khan standing at the starting line – his

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-21296084153300523232010-05-03T23:20:00.001+01:002010-05-03T23:30:10.443+01:00

Labour List Blog: Last Friday Labour launched final week election posters in Birmingham, at an event attended by the national media. Part way through the event, the drivers of a passing refuse collection lorry began shouting at the gathering, where Gordon Brown was standing with around ten of the Cabinet. Whilst distracted the refuse collection lorry apparently clipped a car, which then went into

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-60588158415658436162010-04-17T20:34:00.001+01:002010-04-24T20:37:39.166+01:00

Had a great day in Stoke today - where the newly selected Labour candidate Tristram Hunt was clearly well into his stride, campaigning hard for the mandate to be Stoke-on-Trent Central's Member of Parliament. We met at the campaign HQ for Rob Flello, and then headed off for the #labourdoorstep. I was surprised at how open towards Labour people were - in an area that was supposed to have a high

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-42044498992847278842010-04-13T22:42:00.000+01:002010-04-24T20:11:35.299+01:00

I joined Rushanara Ali at her launch event, which was held in a packed community centre in East London. It wasn't the first time I've been out with Rushanara - an old friend and someone who continues to hugely inspire me. She's standing in Bethnal Green and Bow, Labour's target seat no 32. It's currently got a notional Respect majority and is one of the most deprived constituencies in the country

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-23825032812850713182010-04-13T21:58:00.000+01:002010-04-24T16:00:20.472+01:00

Had a fantastic evening out on the #labourdoorstep in St George's Ward with excellent young candidates Alex Smith and Jessica Asato. I'm amazed at the energy of both of them, and also hugely proud of their contributions to the Labour party and campaign through running LabourList and Progress. Islington watch out. You have very impressive talent that will keep pushing and challenging for a better

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-91244631299987587302010-04-13T11:02:00.003+01:002010-04-24T15:32:26.194+01:00

Haircuts, not Tory Cuts! Great visit by Hilary Benn to visit an excellent Labour Candidate Rachel Harris  in Dudley South on the general election campaign trail. See below for the new campaign poster designed by a Black Country hairdresser.

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-8721618352789272522010-04-12T19:02:00.001+01:002010-04-12T20:39:46.896+01:00

Had an amazing day today helping with the launch of Labour's manifesto. Almost 600 people came to the event, and I heard that even at short notice spaces for the event went in a matter of days. It was a rich and diverse audinece - young (very young - a two month old baby!) to those who are in their seventies and eighties. My favourite quote from Gordon today - 'The future can be Progressive or

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-46507778604591825152010-04-03T11:52:00.002+01:002010-04-03T12:11:20.885+01:00

It's been a fascinating roller-coaster week on the economy debate, beginning with the #askthechancellors (for all you Twitter fans out there) Channel 4 debate, which had over 12,000 tweets during the hour. What is reassuring for us all is the extent of consensus with politicians of all parties about the need to cut the deficit, and incentivise growth. Ostensibly the debate between the parties

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-6155130972253112142010-04-03T10:42:00.001+01:002010-04-03T10:44:48.698+01:00

Heard a really interesting discussion on the Radio yesterday about whether constituencies benefit from having local candidates represent them, or you can come to a constituency from outside and be a great representative. Ann Widdecombe conjured up an intriguing image when she talked about the benefits of the "detached eye" - the person from outside the constituency who on going there can learn

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-12020891055159822010-03-27T14:59:00.006Z2010-04-24T20:42:47.741+01:00

Alongside the national launch of Labour's pledges in Nottingham today, the Stengthen Fairness in Communities Pledge was launched in Birmingham with party members from across the West Midlands joining in a day of discussion with Alan Johnson and David Miliband. Nice to see politicians looking relaxed and happy - a really upbeat mood. Only downside - pledges are better when they are tighter and

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-22508268613300627302010-03-26T12:52:00.003Z2010-09-10T11:14:01.129+01:00

Yesterday I was asked to join a cross-party roundtable discussion facilitated by the Fawcett Society on Women in Parliament – Implementing the Speaker’s Conference recommendations. The Speaker’s Conference reported recently after a year-long inquiry into how we increase diversity in Parliament. It was a fascinating debate reviewing recommendations the Speaker’s conference has made around what

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-35823955561997698782010-03-24T16:53:00.001Z2010-03-26T13:06:35.047Z

Against my own expectations, I actually found myself quite excited and optimistic following Alastair Darling's budget today. It was a Labour budget - and a budget for Britain. I was particularly listening out for what Labour will do to support small businesses and entrepreneurship. Not least because SMEs are the real backbone of our economy, and have continued to suffer through the recession

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-67406060650362245222010-03-23T23:07:00.002Z2010-03-24T17:43:30.778Z

Another impressive young Bengali talent makes a political debut today. I was delighted to join Nawas Ali from Birmingham as he kicked off a campaign to win back South Yardley ward for Labour. Meeting with community leaders from the Bangladeshi community as part of the campaign kick off, he and Lynnette spoke passionately and inspiringly about aspirations of new communities, the desire of families

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-74949660762034588592010-03-23T22:07:00.000Z2010-03-23T22:07:05.707Z

A friend from university days has just been selected to fight the safe seat of Ashfield - vacated by Geoff Hoon. Probably the best thing Geoff has done for the Labour Party in the last week is hand over his seat to a woman who I've no doubt will be a fantastic MP. She's done a fabulous job of being a reporter of independent mind, whilst knowing where her roots are and what she believes in. She

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-190376497225461982010-02-08T11:20:00.003Z2010-03-23T21:51:19.710Z

I had the honour on Friday evening of visiting the Birmingham Fabians at the Birmingham & Midlands Institute to lead a discussion on women in politics and changing our politics to engage more with men and women. It was a fascinating debate, with almost thirty people present from across the West Midlands; from Hereford to Selly Oak to Edgbaston and beyond. It was a testament to the local Fabian

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-66495098404021046622009-10-27T08:56:00.001Z2010-03-23T16:08:34.023Z

The following interesting piece is from a press release from an academic at Warwick University. Food for thought. In a democracy and in a society with a social conscience we have choices to make, and where those choices contribute to particular outcomes we need to take that share of the responsibility. For me the most useful thing that came out of the BNP broadcast on Question Time was the clear

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-42436296778018120062009-09-14T23:58:00.001+01:002009-09-15T00:09:00.694+01:00

A comment today that I heard in a panel discussion this evening with a FTSE 100 Chairman led me to wonder whether we all mean the same thing when we talk about leadership. In his view, the leadership he was talking about - the leadership that is real in his world - is running a FTSE 100 company. In discussion with a group of emerging women leaders, he went on to ask who really wants to be a

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-23766828125156947672009-09-14T23:49:00.000+01:002009-09-14T23:58:00.365+01:00

At a packed room in SOAS tonight, Young Fabians and Fabian women came together to talk about Revisioning our democracy. It was a fascinating debate, with discussion around women in politics, hard and soft power and lessons from Abroad. Brazil has a fascinating experience of democratic spaces that operate outside of formal political structures; spaces in which citizens come together to make or

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-86141102613109700652009-07-25T15:28:00.000+01:002009-07-25T15:50:08.660+01:00

I was on my way back today from a Unite meeting when I was thinking about possibilities - the need to get new people into unions and political life - and whether we should be defeatist or keep going with the fight back after a disastrous Norwich North result. In some ways I've been in discussions like this every year since 1997; discussions with people who think Labour has lost its soul;

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-30047186053325228882009-07-15T07:46:00.000+01:002009-07-15T07:51:34.753+01:00

The Fabian Women's Network runs its own events, but also raises the profile of outside campaigns. One example is he VDay campaign. This is a campaign to stop violence against women, and in particular sexual violence against women as a tool of war, as is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 1100 women a month are being raped, some again and again, by different armies, as a way also of

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-60810578119902063162009-07-15T07:26:00.000+01:002009-07-15T07:46:50.968+01:00

Something that I myself really came to appreciate last night was the power of networks and communications to bring about change. When we founded the Fabian Women's Network four years ago, we wanted to create a unique space in which women can engage in debate, discussion and networking. But that isn't an end in itself. It's also a means to achieving more. A real benefit that came home to me last

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-90013346730752778482009-07-15T00:41:00.000+01:002009-07-15T00:53:18.627+01:00

Well over 200 women turned out for the Fabian Women's Network in Westminster this evening, to mingle, chat, hear a few politicans and plot how they can change the world. In large and small ways. What was remarkable was not just that women turned out en masse for such an event, but the small details that became apparent. People turning up for their first Fabian/FWN event. Some people standing for

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-19661313814742596572009-05-17T12:42:00.001+01:002009-05-17T12:43:30.270+01:00

There is no doubt that the expenses issue is a constitutional crisis, the likes of which I do not think we have seen in our time, not may see for another generation. In 100 years time, what we are going through will be the a key topic I am sure in many a GCSE student's history and politics class. It is hugely serious, and enormously sad. I for one feel enormously let down by politicians across

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-82452581544636181632009-05-02T18:29:00.000+01:002009-05-02T19:14:54.436+01:00

Some time ago I was aware of the YouGov/Fabian poll result that showed levels of public approval for a 50% tax rate for the rich. Earlier Fabian research has also shown support for higher tax rates particulary where hypothecated for public services. This is not a new conversation, but it was a huge and significant leap for (New) Labour as it finally opens the door to attacks that the Labour of

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-43535306567257535682009-05-02T14:41:00.000+01:002009-05-02T14:56:05.782+01:00

When you look at the people who have made real changes to our world, our expectations or our way of thinking, there are often common characteristics you associate with them. We call them inspiring, inspired perhaps, determined, passionate, committed to their cause.But what is also a powerful force behind the movers and shakers of our world is the power of the dream. An account of Walt Disney as

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-61154400096947045352009-03-13T18:48:00.001Z2009-03-13T18:49:16.559Z

(This blog was also posted on LabourList today)The attacks on Harriet Harman at Business Questions were the most vicious and sexist I have heard for a long time. She was right to not dignify their questions with an answer.It is beyond me why valuable time in Parliament, at a time of recession and a need for hope and confidence in our country, that the Tory frontbench finds it is more productive

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-82880432729061571642009-03-13T18:45:00.000Z2009-03-13T18:49:56.015Z

(This post was also posted on LabourList this week)A shocking news story this morning about the murder of Katie Summers, stabbed to death last year in a frenzied attack by her ex-partner is a stark reminder of the risk to their lives that many women, often unsuspecting, come to face in their own homes. The IPCC are launching an investigation into the police handling of Katie’s murder. Just 24

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-80247166480661814772008-11-17T15:19:00.000Z2008-11-17T15:20:33.142Z

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

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-4239152606846011472008-11-05T17:39:00.000Z2008-11-05T17:40:44.232Z

(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

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-48237616949271991292008-11-05T17:38:00.000Z2008-11-05T17:39:34.885Z

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 –

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-81314660335353598662008-11-03T20:30:00.001Z2008-11-03T20:46:17.924Z

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"

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-40768778299317091822008-11-01T08:44:00.001Z2008-11-01T09:00:35.045Z

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

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-19344931322258712042008-10-30T10:23:00.000Z2008-10-30T10:28:35.500Z

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

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-84609673171183432782008-10-30T10:20:00.001Z2008-10-30T10:22:25.391Z

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.

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-8721269102876750292008-07-02T15:58:00.000+01:002008-07-02T16:05:34.726+01:00

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,

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-10200874490456241992008-06-28T22:06:00.001+01:002008-06-28T22:25:23.983+01:00

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,

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611882469778053207.post-21856377202970736732008-06-21T13:35:00.000+01:002008-06-21T13:45:47.479+01:00

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

Seema Malhotrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02184587029962994416noreply@blogger.com