Why Boris plan to cut 10 Fire stations will kill Londoners

Hat tip SERTUC for this Fire Brigade Union video with voice over by Ross Kemp about what will happen if these fire stations are closed.

"- Ross Kemp’s campaign film “Every Second Counts” is available at http://ow.ly/oBEO5
- The film is being promoted by FBU members and supporters via social media.
- Petitions against the closures can be found on the Government’s e-petition site at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41043 and on the 38 Degrees site at http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-firestations
- The evidence that the Mayor has misled Londoners on his plans and the script for the film are available on the London FBU website at www.london.fbu.org.uk/?page_id=527"

Cornish Rebellion 1497 and the Battle of Blackheath

A few weeks ago I went on a Sunday walkfrom the Isle of Dogs, under the Greenwich tunnel and then around Greenwich. To my surprise I came across this slate memorial plaque in Blackheath.

It remembers the leaders of the Cornish Rebellion of 1497.   Michael Joseph, a blacksmith  (An Gof) and a lawyer, Thomas Flaman.

Astonishingly there was a battle near this spot between a rebel army from Cornwall and the army of King Henry V11. The rebellion was sparked off by taxes being levied in breach of traditional rights and a 10,000 strong army marched all the way from Cornwall to demand the King changes his mind.

He didn't and his 25,000 army with heavy artillery routed the rebels.

The leaders were executed Tyburn (now site of Marble Arch).

Is this a precursor to the "No taxation without Representation" of the American Revolution?

It is amazing what history you just happen to stumble across.

Lenin woz 'ere

I was rushing to a meeting in central London recently and happened to look up and see this new plaque in Tavistock Place, WC1. This is one of the great things about London that you stumble across such things.

More details about Lenin in London here and here.

Reminder: "The Future of London Government" Newham Compass & Fabians

Tuesday 9th October,  at West Ham Football Club Supporters' bar, Castle Street, at 7.30 pm.

Val Shawcross is a member of the GLA, and Susanna Rustin & Ted Flanagan were part of the team that successfully campaigned to set up the first Parish Council in London (in the City of Westminster!).

Lab12: Some pre conference thoughts?

I'm in Manchester for the 2012 Labour Party Conference which starts today at 2pm.  I'm here as a Ex-officio (Councillor) not a trade union or CLP delegate.

On the one hand the Party looks in good shape. The Tory Coalition government economic policies are failing, Labour is well ahead in the polls, its in reasonably good financial shape and still pretty united despite the 2010 defeat.

On the inevitable other hand, no one should believe polls, many voters still think that austerity is needed and I don't think we have really worked out a truly believable alternative offer.  There is still time but just being seen as a little bit less nasty than the Tories is not going to really convince anyone nor is it an answer to our economic woes.

Picture is from last nights London Regional reception.  Ed spoke to us about keeping our foot on the throats of the Tories (which went down well) and that the Olympics had showed us what individuals and government could achieve working together. He finished by promising that if elected he would lead a "radical and transforming government".  Bring it on.