Labour at Lutterworth Feast Day

The Branch enjoyed running our annual stall at the Feast Day. On this occasion, we did a picture quiz and a plant sale. The money we raised was donated to the Lord Mayors Appeal, as we do each year, and Mrs M Smith won the prize of a box of chocolates. Having struggled with hurricane-style winds and torrential rain in previous years to man our stall, it was a pleasant surprise to have good weather, and everyone enjoyed the day!

NHS is one of the most efficient health systems

Our NHS is one of the most cost effective health systems in the developed world, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
It shows the NHS saved more lives pound for pound than any other developed country over the past 25 years, with the exception of Ireland. Our NHS is both cheaper, and saves more lives. Of the 17 countries considered, the USA had one of the least effective health systems.
So why do we need costly changes to the NHS? It is working very well now. The Governments "reasoning" for the changes are the "inefficiency" of the NHS, but these results prove him wrong. Choice and competition, as recommended by the Tories, causes dismal results, if the USA is anything to go by.
As a worker of over 30 years in the NHS, it is good to see a positive piece of news on the subject. What a pity Mr Lansley doesnt act on the facts.

Government plan badger cull against scientific evidence

The fact that both cattle and badgers carry TB is well-known. Everyone is concerned about the loss of cattle that TB causes, and the effects this has on the farming community, and if anything could be done to reduce this awful disease, we would all be pleased. But before an action like badger culling takes place, there needs to be proper scientific evidence that it would be effective. The Randomised Controlled Badger Cull cost £50m, took 10 years and killed 11000 animals; it concluded that culling may reduce TB in cattle by 15%. So 85% of the problem would remain, and huge numbers of badgers killed. The scientists who did the trial conclude that a cull would be a mistake. Surely we should abide by the scientific evidence? Culling could even make the situation worse, as animals that are shot at and escape are likely to move to other areas, thereby spreading the disease further. Farmers randomly shooting at free-running badgers is clearly less organised and methodical than the scientifically controlled cull, making results likely to be even more poor.
Why is the government going against scientific advice? How will the Government ensure the safety of the public and their animals taking an evening stroll? Why has the results of the Government Poll of the public not been published?
We need to look at more effective and scientific methods of controlling TB such as vaccination of both cattle and badgers.

Branch Speakers and Discussions

The Branch has had a number of excellent speakers at our monthly meetings so far this year.

In February we had a discussion on the merits and de-merits of AV voting, led by Branch member Roger Wood; in March, a lively talk entitled "The Watergate Babies" on American politics was given by David Morgan of Milton Keynes. In April, a sombre discussion on the recent Tory cuts was led by Willy Bach. In June there was a thought provoking session on Climate Change, introduced by David Gair.

Branch members also attended a Constituency meeting in June to discuss the document "Refounding Labour" and send our Branch and Constituency views to the National Executive of the Party.

The Branch has further speakers lined up for Autumn meetings, on aspects of Housing and Education.

Party in the rain!

Members of Lutterworth Branch Labour party defied the downpour on Sunday17th July, to enjoy their annual fund-raising and social, "Tea and cakes", in a member`s garden. Along with lovely herbacious borders, the group enjoyed delicious home made cakes, quizes and music; and over £250 was raised. On a more serious note, the event was addressed by the Leicester South MP, and Lord Willy Bach, who discussed aspects of the economy and the recent successes for Labour in Leicester with the new Mayor and the by-election in Leicester South.

Lutterworth Branch will once again be having a stall at Lutterworth Feast day on August 20th. At this event, we will be raising money for the Mayors Appeal, as is our usual policy.