Open letter to Birmingham Board of the Labour Party:

Regardless of your views on the leadership election and the movement around Jeremy Corbyn, it is clear that the Labour Party faces a huge task locally and nationally. The polls are unlikely to be that out of kilter with reality and if there was a general election tomorrow in all likelihood the Labour Party would lose, and badly.

More specifically, here in Birmingham we also face big challenges. With the Midland Metro Mayor election next year and “all-up” council elections in 2018, we will need a large, motivated and dynamic ground operation to achieve the results we want. In particular with the Metro Mayor, the Conservative candidate, Andy Street, is clearly no fool and the contest will be a very tough one. Without a significant Labour presence on the streets and in our communities, we won’t win.

The Tories have vast amounts of money and plenty of friends in the media to help put their case. The Labour Party has the overwhelming case that exists for a democratic socialist society, obviously, but more prosaically, it’s huge membership, which has more than trebled nationally in just over a year.

That membership will need to be mobilised. And in order for it to be mobilised it will need to have a say in how the party is run.

It was therefore with huge disappointment that we learned that the Birmingham Board of the Labour Party voted to exclude all members who had joined in or after July 2015 from selecting our candidates for the 2018 local elections.

Two thirds of Labour Party members have been disenfranchised at a stroke. It is also worth bearing in mind that the next local elections after 2018 will be in 2022, so selection will take place in 2021. Therefore if you joined the party in July 2015 you will face a six year wait to select a council candidate. The national Labour rule is 6 months.

This cannot be right. There needs to be a freeze date, but the one imposed by the Birmingham Board is ludicrously excessive and smacks of cynical gerrymandering.

It is also self-defeating.

How do we expect to have a motivated membership knocking doors, delivering leaflets and taking the case for Labour candidates into our communities if we won’t even let that membership select those candidates? How will we build the big, lively, well-resourced campaigns that we will need to get Sion Simon elected in 2017?

Momentum South Birmingham calls on the Birmingham Board of the Labour Party to overturn the decision and instead have the usual six month freeze date. It is in our party’s interests to do so.

In solidarity

MSB

Statement of the officers of Momentum South Birmingham on the Birmingham Board meeting 16/06/2017

The officers of MSB note and welcome the decision of the Birmingham Board of the Labour Party to narrowly reject a motion from the Birmingham Labour Group of councillors at their meeting of Friday the 16th June 2017 for the Board and the West Midlands Regional Office to impose ‘slates’ of candidates on wards for the 2018 local elections.

We understand that the vote was 11 – 10 against and while a victory is a victory, the fact that such a proposal was even on the table for discussion, let alone that the vote was so close, gives an indication of how undemocratic the Birmingham Labour Party has become.

It is beyond belief that the majority of Labour councillors in this city (with a few commendable exceptions) voted at their meeting on the 12th June in favour of taking this proposal to the Board. It is completely inappropriate, and frankly an abuse of their incumbency, to even suggest that the current crop of councillors essentially protect themselves from democratic selection procedures and deny Birmingham Labour Party members their democratic rights (i.e. the members who put the councillors there and the people who will be campaigning for them next year).

In the context of recent political history, it was also a thankfully failed attempt at an act of self-harm.

The general election showed what can happen when the members are mobilised. The West Midlands mayoral election showed what happens when they are not. We also lost several seats in the West Midlands on June 8th and the sclerotic nature of the party in this region is doubtless largely responsible.

To impose candidates and disenfranchise all of the local members would have risked a repeat of the latter two examples and we totally condemn the Labour Group majority for this undemocratic, self-serving and utterly destructive move. They should be ashamed of themselves.

We also call on the West Midlands Regional Office to respect the Board’s decision and ensure that selection meetings begin promptly. We need candidates in place as soon as possible so we can start campaigning for them, and any hint at a delay would suggest that they are trying to subvert the vote of the Birmingham Board.

Sadly, at this point we should also point out that the July 2015 ‘freeze date’ remains in place so a huge swathe of the party membership will not be able to vote in any case. The lack of movement on this issue, and the failure by the local party hierarchy to realise the crucial role that the new members played and will continue to play in ensuring that Labour representatives at all levels of government are elected in the coming years, suggests to us that the West Midlands and Birmingham Labour Parties are in need of root and branch reform.

In solidarity

MSB

Birmingham needs more women councillors!

Birmingham Momentum women’s group has launched a campaign to get more Labour women onto Birmingham City Council.

Only 40% of Labour councillors in Birmingham are women – 32 out of the 80 seats Labour currently holds. That’s way below Labour’s national target of a minimum of 50% female representation amongst Labour councillors in every local authority in the country.

The ward boundary changes and all-out local government elections in 2018 are unlikely to see any improvement. Based on the 2016 council election results, the number of Labour-held seats is likely to drop from 80 to approximately 68. So hitting the 50% target would require 34 women to become Labour councillors.

At the moment there are 30 women councillors on the Local Government Panel (the list of people whose nominations have been approved). But of the 35 non councillors on the panel only four are women! So to achieve the target of 50% in 2018, 34 women would need to be shortlisted, selected and elected i.e. all of the 30 women councillors currently nominating and all four of the new nominees. That’s rather unrealistic given some wards are becoming two-seat wards, and that not all panel members want to represent any area in the city.

We’re encouraging women to apply for the Local Government Panel for 2018. To be shortlisted as a candidate you need to be on the panel – it’s as simple as that.
At the time of writing we are unsure when councillor selections will start – probably from early July. Panel applications will still be considered and may be approved even after the selection process has begun.

We know it’s a big step so Birmingham Women’s Momentum will be supporting women who apply, by sharing information and our experience as we go through the process.
We are also looking at what training is available for applicants, and other platforms that provide development opportunities. Watch this space in late summer/early Autumn.

Finally, being on the panel doesn’t mean you have to accept a nomination to stand for selection in any particular ward – just that by being on the panel you would be considered.

Application forms are available by logging in at: http://www.birmingham-labour.com/splash?splash=1 and clicking on ‘City Council Election 2018’.

If you have any queries or just want to chat contact momentumbhamsouth@hotmail.com and we’ll point you in the direction of your local Momentum contact on the issue!

MSB Newsletter 26/06/2017

Welcome to the latest Momentum South Birmingham newsletter – your unmissable weekly digest of all the interesting things going on politically in our area and beyond.

I’ll keep the preamble fairly to a minimum this week as there is a lot of stuff to read through. There are a couple of useful articles about the situation with Birmingham councillors (always another election to think about!) and a very interesting all-Birmingham Momentum gathering planned next Sunday with the fantastic Chris Williamson MP as our guest speaker! It promises to be a really interesting discussion and we are focussing on giving our members and supporters time to debate the big issues and listen to the views of one of the best MPs Labour has.  

For all of you Birmingham Labour Party democracy watchers this statement from the officers of MSB may be of interest regarding recent shenanigans on the Birmingham Board. Clearly some people have learnt nothing from the general election, sadly…… Feel free to circulate to anyone who you think might be interested.

Anyway, enjoy this week’s edition – there is plenty going on so you won’t be bored…….

James

 

Chris Williamson in Birmingham next Sunday!

On Sunday 2^nd July Momentum activists in Birmingham are coming together to discuss the positive election results and what we need to do to ensure that a Corbyn-led Labour Party is elected next time out, which could be very soon!

We’ll be meeting at the The Lamp Tavern 157 Barford St, Birmingham B5 6AH at 2:30pm and will be joined by the fantastic Chris Williamson, newly re-elected MP for Derby North, who will be leading off a discussion of how we continue the great work we’ve started.

Please join us if you’re a member of Momentum or a Labour member or supporter who supports our leader. The usual rule applies, if you’re a member of another political party you won’t be able to attend – sorry!

Birmingham needs more women councillors!

Women in Momentum’s three Birmingham branches are now meeting regularly and the dates of their next two meetings are further down this newsletter. They have also produced an excellent article on improving the gender balance on Birmingham City Council. There have been some worrying rumours about attempts being made to water it down in some of the new wards – the way that we can challenge this is oppose any dilution in our Labour Parties but also for women to stand as councillors. The piece can be read here – please share far and wide.

Birmingham Humanists Meeting, Tuesday 27^th June

Birmingham Humanists have organised a discussion meeting on Tuesday, 27 June – Jeremy Rodell speaking: ‘The changing landscape of religion and belief in the UK: a Humanist response’, 7.30–9.30pm @ Moseley Exchange, 149–153 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8JP. Here is a flyer and their upcoming programme of events:Birmingham Humanists DiaryJun2017

Birmingham Against The Cuts meeting, Wednesday 28^th June: ‘Come Together To Campaign Against The Cuts in Birmingham’

BATC are bringing together 4 campaigns opposing austerity and privatization on the 28^th for an evening of speakers and debate. 7pm at the Council House. Speakers include John Lister from Health Campaigns Together. Here is (another) flyer – just think of all the paper we are saving! 

Moseley Festival: 1^st July

This weekend is going to be a busy one. There is supposed to be a national Labour day of action around the theme of austerity – if we hear of any activities we will let you know on social media. If not please join us at the Moseley Festival – there’ll be loads to do including coming along to our stall; where you will be able to buy one of our fantastic new bespoke Momentum Birmingham T-Shirts! Also, if you fancy volunteering to staff our table please let us know – any help would be much appreciated!

The Great Get Together – until the 2nd July

Here is a programme of events promoted by our friends at Hope not Hate as part of the “The Great Get Together” – a collaborative project involving organisations in Birmingham, the Black Country and Dudley. 

MSB stalls committee meeting: 3^rd July, 10am

Our stalls co-ordinator Chris has organised the next meeting of the stalls committee on Monday the 3^rd July, 10am, at Loco Lounge, Kings Heath High Street. Chris is always on the lookout for people to join the committee. Stalls and campaigning have been crucial to the development of the group. You might even get your picture taken with John McDonnell! Email Chriskuriata@live.co.uk for more info.

KONP Birmingham meeting, 5^th July

KONPB do a huge amount of brilliant work but are always in need of more help. For those who are interested in supporting and/or joining KONP and contributing to campaigns their contact details are btuchcc@hotmail.com.

Meetings are 1st Wednesday of every month (except August), so people can drop in any time at The Wellington, 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5SN. The next meeting is this Wednesday, the 5^th July, at 19:30pm. Currently KONPB have campaigns on the STPs in Brum/Solihull and Black Country. the Midland Metropolitan Hospital (PFI/2) and they are looking to do some more work on the mental health arrangements for young people 0-25 years in Birmingham – currently ‘red risk’.

Please get involved in and support KONPB in any way you can.

Save the date – MSB Summer Party on the 4^th August!

Just a date for your diaries – our Summer Party will be on Friday the 4^th August. You’ll have all weekend to recover if it’s a large one 😊. More details to follow soon!

Birmingham Momentum Women’s Group –

Future meetings (next one 14^th August)

Women Momentum members across Birmingham are now meeting regularly to discuss women’s position in the Labour Party and how to gain gender equality. It’s a safe space for Momentum and Labour women to come together to support each other, explore issues and plan campaigns.

The next meetings are:

• Monday 14th August, at Loco Lounge (32/34 High Street Kings Heath, B14 7JT) at 7:30pm.
• Monday 11th September – City centre location, TBC

Northfield constituency dates for your diary

• King’s Norton ward meeting will take place on Weds 28th June at 7.30pm at the Queen’s Room, St Nicholas Place, The Green, King’s Norton
• Northfield CLP election celebration party will take place on Friday 30 June at 7.00pm at the Shenley Lane Community and Sports Centre, 472 Shenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4JD. There is a bar in the centre. All Momentum supporters who helped out in Richard Burden’s re-election campaign are invited to attend.

Edgbaston constituency dates for your diary

• Edgbaston CLP AGM 22^nd July – more details to follow!

Hall Green constituency dates for your diary

• Moseley Festival: Saturday 1^st July, details above.
• July 13^th Moseley and Kings Heath ward meeting: With the election campaign over, normal meetings resume and they will be having their regular meeting on Thursday 13^th July at the Moseley Exchange.

Selly Oak constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing this week unfortunately but we’ll let you know if we hear anything for future editions.

New to the Labour Party?

Many of us are fairly new to the Labour Party and it can be quite an intimidating environment with labyrinthine rules and procedures that are at times baffling – with all the different abbreviations and structures it can be like learning a new language! Momentum Sheffield (who look almost as amazing as MSB…..) have produced a very helpful guide for newcomers that explains the structures, rules, terms and puts things in day-to-day language. It’s worth a read even if you are an experienced old hand! A link to the document is here.

 

Burton Unite members in dispute with Argos –

let’s support them!

While of course the eyes of Momentum South Birmingham were mostly fixed on the general election and ensuring our city’s constituencies returned Labour MPs, we should not forget that there are industrial disputes going on that can and should be supported. One of those is just down the road in Burton where Argos workers organised by the Unite union are on strike.

There is much more information here: please offer any help you can at this very busy time for all of us.  We are also aiming to bring you more information about the refuse workers strike in Birmingham in future editions and on social media – keep your eyes peeled.

 

Fundraising survey

Our fundraising co-ordinator, Nicky, has drawn up a quick survey for members and supporters to fill in to canvass our views on what we want. If you have a spare couple of minutes please fill it in here.

MSB statement on the July 2015 ‘freeze date’ decision

The Birmingham Board of the Labour Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to retain the July 2015 freeze date for members to participate in the selection of candidates for the 2018 local election elections. We have published a statement that you can read here and rest assured it will not be the end of the matter. Momentum seeks to get Labour members elected to public office. Labour will only succeed in doing that if it engages with its new members and gives them a say. The decision is a monumental act of folly.

‘Regional’ Momentum co-ordination

Cecile Wright, one of our elected NGC reps for the large ‘region’ that Birmingham and the West Midlands sits in, would like to keep in touch about how she can best open communication with us to better represent us on the Momentum Council. She wants people to feel free to get in touch with her and her email is c.wright230@ntlworld.com. As things develop further post-conference we’ll keep you informed.

School cuts

The NUT have set up a school cuts website providing information on what is going on and the likely effects. You can email your MP through the website, it only takes a minute. Please click here. Since the New Year a number of parents groups have sprung up across the country to fight for more funding for our schools. It is an important development that parents have started to organise because Governments cross parents at their peril. Please visit their website.

South Birmingham Momentum T-Shirts

Not before time in our view, wear it with pride: MSB t-shirts are going to be ordered: £10 red with South Birmingham Momentum on it. If you would like one email

nicky151289@gmail.com

 

MSB social media classes and blog pitches

Nicky Brennan, one of our social media managers, has started running classes if you are uninitiated in Facebook and Twitter etc. and want to learn more about how to make best use of them – they are crucial part of modern political campaigning and you are never too old to learn something new! If you’re interested get in touch with Nicky: nicky151289@gmail.com

We are also looking to get more original content on our blog – it is a somewhat underused resource for discussing ideas and giving our members a platform to write about the issues of concern to them. Drop Nicky a line if you have any ideas – particularly if they are about local issues and our campaigning – or things you think we should be doing more on and want to draw attention to.

Ward and CLP meetings

If you want the group to publicise upcoming local Labour Party activities and branch and CLP meetings to encourage attendance, please let us know either by emailing me direct or the group account below; our wonderful social media managers Kate, Lucy, Nicky and Sam will do the rest!

https://www.facebook.com/momentumbirminghamsouth/

https://momentumsbham.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/@MomentumSBham/

MomentumbhamSouth@hotmail.com

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/momentum-south-birmingham

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/wall-of-fame

MSB Newsletter 19/06/2017

Welcome to the latest Momentum South Birmingham newsletter – your unmissable weekly digest of all the interesting things going on politically in our area and beyond.

In the city of Birmingham at least it has been a comparatively calm week politically. Although there is plenty going on it isn’t happening at the manic pace of the last couple of months….. for now.

But of course, in London we had the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire where the death toll continues to mount. There have been arguments that the left are politicising the event but when the disaster is the fault of political decisions made by politicians at local and national level over the course of a generation it is hard for any response not to be…….. political. We are witnessing the human consequences of what happens when an ideology that treats working class people as a nuisance at best, and at worst cattle, comes to dominate. Hopefully the Corbyn surge is the beginning of a process where that ideology is challenged and then consigned to the dustbin by a socialist Labour government.

We also heard the terrible news this morning of events outside Finsbury Park mosque – which brings the counter-demo against a mobilisation by Britain First next Saturday into sharper relief. More details below.   

James

 

New to the Labour Party?

Many of us are fairly new to the Labour Party and it can be quite an intimidating environment with labyrinthine rules and procedures that are at times baffling – with all the different abbreviations and structures it can be like learning a new language! Momentum Sheffield (who look almost as amazing as MSB…..) have produced a very helpful guide for newcomers that explains the structures, rules, terms and puts things in day-to-day language. It’s worth a read even if you are an experienced old hand! A pdf is attached and a link to the document is here.

Screening of ‘Dispossession’ and Q+A, 22^nd June

For some people, a housing crisis means not getting planning permission for a loft conversion. For others it means, quite simply, losing their home. Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle is a feature documentary directed by Paul Sng (Sleaford Mods – Invisible Britain) and narrated by Maxine Peake, exploring the catastrophic failures that have led to a chronic shortage of social housing in Britain.

The film focuses on the neglect, demolition and regeneration of council estates across the UK and investigates how the state works with the private sector to demolish council estates to build on the land they stand on, making properties that are unaffordable to the majority of people.

Dispossession is the story of people fighting for their communities, of people who know the difference between a house and a home, and who believe that housing is a human right, not an expensive luxury.

Following the screening there will be a Q&A discussion featuring Paul Sng (Director), Dr Lisa McKenzie (London School of Economics), Robert Clayton (author and photographer of Estate), Tim Morton (housing consultant) and host Tom Murtha (Social Housing Under Threat). It starts promptly at 8pm and there are more details here.

UAF counter-protest against Britain First, Saturday 24^th June

Unite Against Fascism Birmingham have called a counter-demo against a planned Britain First mobilisation this Saturday in town. It starts at 12 noon. More details to be confirmed – check the facebook group for updates and a link to a flyer to print out or share online is here: UAF Brum Britain First A5

Corporate immigration briefing,

Saturday 24^th June, 1pm

If you fancy something slightly more sedate than the UAF counter-demo our friends at Right2Work UK are inviting you to join them to explore corporate immigration, an important area of law to help protect and preserve the right to work for migrants. There will be expert speakers – including a couple of members of MSB. It starts at 1pm and is being held at Unit 4, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5RT (we had an all-Birmingham Momentum meeting there a couple of months ago). Here is a link to the flyer with full details: refugee week event

Birmingham Humanists Meeting, Tuesday 27^th June

Birmingham Humanists have organised a discussion meeting on Tuesday, 27 June – Jeremy Rodell speaking: ‘The changing landscape of religion and belief in the UK: a Humanist response’, 7.30 – 9.30pm @ Moseley Exchange, 149–153 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8JP.  Below is a link to the flyer and their upcoming programme of events.

Birmingham Humanists DiaryJun2017

Birmingham Against The Cuts meeting, Wednesday 28^th June: ‘Come Together To Campaign Against The Cuts in Birmingham’

BATC are bringing together 4 campaigns opposing austerity and privatization on the 28^th for an evening of speakers and debate. 7pm at the Council House. Speakers include John Lister from Health Campaigns Together. Below is (another) flyer – just think of all the paper we are saving!

The Great Get Together – until the 2nd July

Attached below is a programme of events promoted by our friends at Hope not Hate as part of the “The Great Get Together” – a collaborative project involving organisations in Birmingham, the Black Country and Dudley.

MSB stalls committee meeting: 3^rd July, 10am

Our stalls co-ordinator Chris has organised the next meeting of the stalls committee on Monday the 3^rd July, 10am, at Loco Lounge, Kings Heath High Street. Chris is always on the lookout for people to join the committee. Stalls and campaigning have been crucial to the development of the group. You might even get your picture taken with John McDonnell! Email Chriskuriata@live.co.uk for more info.

Northfield constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing in the diary this week – everyone is very tired after an absolutely herculean effort in the last few weeks!

Edgbaston constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing in the diary this week – everyone is very tired after an absolutely herculean effort in the last few weeks!

Hall Green constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing in the diary this week – everyone is very tired after an absolutely herculean effort in the last few weeks!

Selly Oak constituency dates for your diary

• Brandwood Forum meeting (this is a public meeting, apolitical, and not a Labour Party event but it obviously focuses on the effects of government and council policies on the area): Wednesday 21st June at Monyhull Church 7- 8.30pm.

 

Burton Unite members in dispute with Argos –

let’s support them!

While of course the eyes of Momentum South Birmingham were mostly fixed on the general election and ensuring our city’s constituencies returned Labour MPs, we should not forget that there are industrial disputes going on that can and should be supported. One of those is just down the road in Burton where Argos workers organised by the Unite union are on strike.

There is much more information here: please offer any help you can at this very busy time for all of us. 

Fundraising survey

Our fundraising co-ordinator, Nicky, has drawn up a quick survey for members and supporters to fill in to canvass our views on what we want. If you have a spare couple of minutes please fill it in here.

MSB statement on the July 2015 ‘freeze date’ decision

The Birmingham Board of the Labour Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to retain the July 2015 freeze date for members to participate in the selection of candidates for the 2018 local election elections. We have published a statement that you can read here and rest assured it will not be the end of the matter. Momentum seeks to get Labour members elected to public office. Labour will only succeed in doing that if it engages with its new members and gives them a say. The decision is a monumental act of folly.

‘Regional’ Momentum co-ordination

Cecile Wright, one of our elected NGC reps for the large ‘region’ that Birmingham and the West Midlands sits in, would like to keep in touch about how she can best open communication with us to better represent us on the Momentum Council. She wants people to feel free to get in touch with her and her email is c.wright230@ntlworld.com. As things develop further post-conference we’ll keep you informed.

School cuts

The NUT have set up a school cuts website providing information on what is going on and the likely effects. You can email your MP through the website, it only takes a minute. Please click here. Since the New Year a number of parents groups have sprung up across the country to fight for more funding for our schools. It is an important development that parents have started to organise because Governments cross parents at their peril. Please visit their website.

South Birmingham Momentum T-Shirts

Not before time in our view, wear it with pride: MSB t-shirts are going to be ordered: £10 red with South Birmingham Momentum on it. If you would like one email

nicky151289@gmail.com

MSB social media classes and blog pitches

Nicky Brennan, one of our social media managers, has started running classes if you are uninitiated in Facebook and Twitter etc. and want to learn more about how to make best use of them – they are crucial part of modern political campaigning and you are never too old to learn something new! If you’re interested get in touch with Nicky: nicky151289@gmail.com

We are also looking to get more original content on our blog – it is a somewhat underused resource for discussing ideas and giving our members a platform to write about the issues of concern to them. Drop Nicky a line if you have any ideas – particularly if they are about local issues and our campaigning – or things you think we should be doing more on and want to draw attention to.

Ward and CLP meetings

If you want the group to publicise upcoming local Labour Party activities and branch and CLP meetings to encourage attendance, please let us know either by emailing me direct or the group account below; our wonderful social media managers Kate, Lucy, Nicky and Sam will do the rest!

https://www.facebook.com/momentumbirminghamsouth/

https://momentumsbham.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/@MomentumSBham/ 

MomentumbhamSouth@hotmail.com 

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/momentum-south-birmingham

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/wall-of-fame

MSB Newsletter 12/06/17

Welcome to the latest Momentum South Birmingham newsletter – your unmissable weekly digest of all the interesting things going on politically in our area and beyond.

I feel like I’ve said this quite a few times in these newsletters in the time I have been sending them out but it has been an extraordinary few days. The general election results were absolutely stunning and we are now in a position to start genuinely talking about the Labour Party, headed by Jeremy Corbyn, taking power at the next election, which will surely be far earlier than in five years’ time. A pact with the loathsome DUP probably won’t last very long. There is so, so much to do but there is also so much to be hopeful about now and there are some serious lessons for the West Midlands Labour Party to learn from developments over the last few months. Let’s hope they are taken on board.

The officers of MSB have produced a statement that can be read here. We’ve also been publicising activities in Wolverhampton South West and I am happy to report that Eleanor Smith held the seat for Labour and increased the majority to over two thousand. Many congratulations to Eleanor!  

It was an incredible collective effort – an enormous thank you to everyone who came out to support their local Labour candidate and in many cases travelled all over the city and region to help others in marginal constituencies. In Birmingham both Edgbaston and Northfield were held with significantly increased majorities, a huge well done to both campaign teams.

It’s a shorter newsletter this week but full of interesting stuff nonetheless – enjoy! I’d like to say that we can relax now but I think we all know that would be foolish prediction……..

James

 

The Great Get Together – 14^th June to 2^nd July

Attached to this newsletter is a programme of events promoted by our friends at Hope not Hate as part of the “The Great Get Together” – a collaborative project involving organisations in Birmingham, the Black Country and Dudley. In particular there is a picnic at Cannon Hill Park on the 18^th June:

“South Birmingham Hope not Hate would also like to invite you to a Hope Picnic on the 18th June in Cannon Hill Park (by the swans) from 12.00-3pm. This is part of the Great Get Together weekend, celebrating that we have more in common. More information about the weekend here. We’re asking everyone to bring their friends, family, favourite food and as many games as you can carry! The picnic will be an opportunity to share food with old and new friends and family. The event will be child friendly so do bring your kids along for some sharing of food and games. You can sign up to the event yourself on Facebook here.”

 

Anti-DUP protest, 17^th June

‘Love Activists’ – a radical direct action group, have organised a protest against Theresa May and the Tories forming a coalition with the DUP – who it’s fair to say are a fairly unsavoury organisation and who have views that appal even many Tories. More details here.

 

Screening of ‘Dispossession’ and Q+A, 22^nd June

For some people, a housing crisis means not getting planning permission for a loft conversion. For others it means, quite simply, losing their home. Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle is a feature documentary directed by Paul Sng (Sleaford Mods – Invisible Britain) and narrated by Maxine Peake, exploring the catastrophic failures that have led to a chronic shortage of social housing in Britain.

The film focuses on the neglect, demolition and regeneration of council estates across the UK and investigates how the state works with the private sector to demolish council estates to build on the land they stand on, making properties that are unaffordable to the majority of people.

Dispossession is the story of people fighting for their communities, of people who know the difference between a house and a home, and who believe that housing is a human right, not an expensive luxury.

Following the screening there will be a Q&A discussion featuring Paul Sng (Director), Dr Lisa McKenzie (London School of Economics), Robert Clayton (author and photographer of Estate), Tim Morton (housing consultant) and host Tom Murtha (Social Housing Under Threat). It starts promptly at 8pm and there are more details here.

 

Northfield constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing in the diary this week – everyone is very tired after an absolutely herculean effort in the last few weeks!

Edgbaston constituency dates for your diary

Saturday 17^th June

• Harborne ward Labour Party meeting, 11am, Moor Pool Lower Hall, 37 The Circle, Birmingham B17 9DY. Preet Gill will be speaking and the meeting is also open to members of Edgbaston ward.

Monday 19^th June

• Harborne ward meeting (please note this is a public meeting for all residents of Harborne not a Labour Party event and therefore officially apolitical), 7pm the Community Room, Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre Lordswood Road B17 9QS.

Hall Green constituency dates for your diary

• Moseley and Kings Heath/Hall Green post-election social/campaign thank you: back room of the Hare and Hounds Pub on Kings Heath High Street, Friday 16^th June, from 6:30pm onwards.

Selly Oak constituency dates for your diary

• Brandwood Forum meeting (this is a public meeting, apolitical, and not a Labour Party event but it obviously focuses on the effects of government and council policies on the area): Wednesday 21st June at Monyhull Church 7- 8.30pm.

 

Burton Unite members in dispute with Argos –

let’s support them!

While of course the eyes of Momentum South Birmingham were mostly fixed on the general election and ensuring our city’s constituencies returned Labour MPs, we should not forget that there are industrial disputes going on that can and should be supported. One of those is just down the road in Burton where Argos workers organised by the Unite union are on strike.

There is much more information here: please offer any help you can at this very busy time for all of us. 

 

Fundraising survey

Our fundraising co-ordinator, Nicky, has drawn up a quick survey for members and supporters to fill in to canvass our views on what we want. If you have a spare couple of minutes please fill it in here.

 

MSB statement on the July 2015 ‘freeze date’ decision

The Birmingham Board of the Labour Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to retain the July 2015 freeze date for members to participate in the selection of candidates for the 2018 local election elections. We have published a statement that you can read here and rest assured it will not be the end of the matter. Momentum seeks to get Labour members elected to public office. Labour will only succeed in doing that if it engages with its new members and gives them a say. The decision is a monumental act of folly.

 

‘Regional’ Momentum co-ordination

Cecile Wright, one of our elected NGC reps for the large ‘region’ that Birmingham and the West Midlands sits in, would like to keep in touch about how she can best open communication with us to better represent us on the Momentum Council. She wants people to feel free to get in touch with her and her email is c.wright230@ntlworld.com. As things develop further post-conference we’ll keep you informed.

 

School cuts

The NUT have set up a school cuts website providing information on what is going on and the likely effects. You can email your MP through the website, it only takes a minute. Please click here. Since the New Year a number of parents groups have sprung up across the country to fight for more funding for our schools. It is an important development that parents have started to organise because Governments cross parents at their peril. Please visit their website.

 

South Birmingham Momentum T-Shirts

Not before time in our view, wear it with pride: MSB t-shirts are going to be ordered: £10 red with South Birmingham Momentum on it. If you would like one email

nicky151289@gmail.com

  

MSB social media classes and blog pitches

Nicky Brennan, one of our social media managers, has started running classes if you are uninitiated in Facebook and Twitter etc. and want to learn more about how to make best use of them – they are crucial part of modern political campaigning and you are never too old to learn something new! If you’re interested get in touch with Nicky: nicky151289@gmail.com

We are also looking to get more original content on our blog – it is a somewhat underused resource for discussing ideas and giving our members a platform to write about the issues of concern to them. Drop Nicky a line if you have any ideas – particularly if they are about local issues and our campaigning – or things you think we should be doing more on and want to draw attention to.

 

Ward and CLP meetings

If you want the group to publicise upcoming local Labour Party activities and branch and CLP meetings to encourage attendance, please let us know either by emailing me direct or the group account below; our wonderful social media managers Kate, Lucy, Nicky and Sam will do the rest!

 

https://www.facebook.com/momentumbirminghamsouth/ 

https://momentumsbham.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/@MomentumSBham/

MomentumbhamSouth@hotmail.com

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/momentum-south-birmingham

 

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/wall-of-fame

Statement of the officers of Momentum South Birmingham on the General Election results

The officers of Momentum South Birmingham note and welcome the positive general election results for Labour.

This election has seen the return of two crucial things: the masses, and hope.

Nationally, a positive campaign combined with a superb, socialist manifesto have led to a quite incredible surge in support for our party and offered a route map to take us back into power. Huge numbers of Labour activists all over the country have played their part in turning around what looked, just a few weeks ago, like an impossible task. CLPs have reported levels of activism at this general election simply never seen before.

Huge numbers of young people registered and then voted, many enthused by Labour’s socialist programme. We have offered hope in the post-Brexit referendum doom and gloom. We have shown that boldness, radicalism and unapologetic socialism are the way forward for the party and Jeremy Corbyn has been completely and totally vindicated as our leader.

Despite the positivity today it remains galling to think that we could have been in an even stronger position had the PLP and party bureaucracy got behind their democratically elected leader from the outset. Those issues are for resolution on another day but be in no doubt that they have not been forgotten.

Turning our attention to Birmingham, it is heartening to see that all 9 of Labour’s seats in the city stayed red. It is also noteworthy that turnout across the city was significantly up and Labour’s share of the vote increased dramatically; our leader, and manifesto, offered something for the people of Birmingham to believe in, alongside many excellent local campaigns.

In particular, we offer warm congratulations to Preet Gill and Richard Burden who have held the seats of Edgbaston and Northfield respectively despite the two being the Tories top targets in the city – and who both received less than enthusiastic support from Labour’s West Midlands Regional Office, which appeared to have determined early on that both seats were already lost.

The result in Edgbaston was absolutely stunning, with Preet tripling Labour’s majority to seven thousand. An extremely impressive and equally unexpected performance.

The Northfield result was similarly excellent, with a huge, friendly and superbly well-organised campaign leading to Richard doubling his majority and ensuring the large numbers of UKIP voters in 2015 did not get added to the Tories 2017 total in sufficient numbers to take the seat. We would like to place on record our thanks to Northfield CLP for the warm welcome our activists received when we came over to help – and also thank Momentum activists from the other branches across the city and region who did so much as well.

The election demonstrates once and for all that the path that the Labour Party has taken since the election of Jeremy Corbyn in 2015 is the right one. It also demonstrates that the party has an incredibly powerful resource that can lead us back to power – our hundreds of thousands of members. It’s the work of those members, volunteering their spare time to work flat out for the party in the last few weeks, that have brought about this revival.

The members will determine the future of the party. Which means that the members in Birmingham need to start being treated with more respect and afforded their democratic rights. The general election has postponed once again the selection of candidates for the local elections next year. It is simply unconscionable that members who only joined before July 2015 (i.e. probably a minority of the current city membership) will be able to participate. We call on the Birmingham Board to rectify this immediately and to rebuild the local party structures that have withered so badly in recent years (the continuation of ‘special measures’ for several decades in four of our ten CLPs being but one example).  

Whilst the results in Birmingham have been excellent, across the wider West Midlands region they have not been, and the dismal performance of the party at the West Midlands Mayoral election just a few weeks ago (which the Regional Office has to take full responsibility for) has shown that there is a problem that is not going away. The current lack of even rudimentary local party democracy is untenable.  

 

In solidarity

 

MSB        

MSB Newsletter 05/06/2017

Welcome to the latest Momentum South Birmingham newsletter – your unmissable weekly digest of all the interesting things going on politically in our area and beyond.

It’s been an odd weekend. Our final #SuperSaturday in Northfield was a huge success with something like 80 people turning up for the campaigning and was followed up by some more excellent opinion polls but the horrific terrorist attack in London on Saturday night brought things back down to earth with a bump. A lot of the campaigning was suspended yesterday as a mark of respect but has re-commenced today – it all means that the next few days are going to be really intense.

Clearly the big push will be on Thursday, polling day. Getting people to remember to vote is harder than you think! In line with the rest of the election campaign Momentum Birmingham’s focus will be on helping Northfield get Richard Burden re-elected, so if you are available, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, to get across and help and you have no pressing duties in your own CLP please do. More details below.

There is also a big GOTV rally planned in Birmingham city centre tomorrow at 7pm (but aim to get there for 6) with Jeremy Corbyn speaking – to RSVP click here – and bring a rain jacket!   

Also included are the campaigning dates for Wolverhampton South West again. It’s a bit out of the way for us in South Birmingham but they have a Labour majority of merely 801 plus the Labour candidate – Eleanor Smith – a nurse for 30 years who is being supported by Unison – is new due to the retirement of Rob Marris. The CLP campaign team are reporting a significant move towards Labour due to Tory policy on social care so it’s not a ‘lost cause’ although UKIP had 4310 votes last time. It is definitely worth getting over if you can. Session and contact details are below our usual four CLP schedules.

Polling day: Thursday 8^th June

The focus of Birmingham Momentum’s efforts on Thursday will be in helping to get Richard Burden re-elected in Northfield. While the CLP has run an absolutely brilliant campaign the result is still on a knife-edge. They will have four separate “campaign centres” – one in each of the constituency’s wards, running a Get Out the Vote operation: door-knocking, phone-banking and arranging lifts to the polling station. We are already dividing our activists around the four and if you are available please drop northfieldlabour@gmail.com or drop us a line and we can direct you where you will be of most assistance. The 4 locations are:

• Kings Norton (and main HQ) – The Old Grammar School (near St Nicolas Place), B38 8RU.
• Longbridge – 10 Rednal Mill Drive, B45 8XX.
• Northfield – 8 Innage Road, B31 2DX.
• Weoley – 5 Ramsden Close, B29 4JX.

All four will be open from 9am to 9pm. Any help, even if it’s for just an hour or so, could be crucial.

 

KONP Birmingham meeting, 7^th June

KONPB do a huge amount of brilliant work but are always in need of more help. For those who are interested in supporting and/or joining KONP and contributing to campaigns their contact details are btuchcc@hotmail.com.

Meetings are 1st Wednesday of every month (except August), so people can drop in any time at The Wellington, 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5SN. The next meeting is this Wednesday, the 7^th, at 19:30pm. Currently KONPB have campaigns on the STPs in Brum/Solihull and Black Country. the Midland Metropolitan Hospital (PFI/2) and they are looking to do some more work on the mental health arrangements for young people 0-25 years in Birmingham – currently ‘red risk’.

Please get involved in and support KONPB in any way you can.

 

General election, June 8^th.

MSB are under no illusions, this is going to be the fight of our lives and we have a few weeks to change a lot of minds. Many of the sitting Labour MPs are not particularly to our liking, to put it mildly, and we should have been given a chance to vote for our candidates, but we are where we are.

There will be plenty of information about campaigning on our social media and also, hopefully, on the Birmingham Labour Party website. We’ll try and keep everything as up-to-date as we can and this newsletter will serve as a snapshot of everything coming up that we know of. The individual CLP sections are below and we’ll be keeping a spreadsheet with everything we know about here.

The officers of MSB have produced a statement that can be read here and if you want to get involved in campaigning please drop us a line at momentumbhamsouth@hotmail.com.

Momentum nationally have also produced lots of information that can be read here.

Birmingham Labour will also be running a semi-permanent phonebank at one of their offices at the city centre – for more details and to book a session please click here to find them. You can pick the constituency you wish to focus on when you go.

June 9th – Post-election drink

After what has been an absolutely exhausting few weeks MSB will be relaxing to digest and hopefully celebrate the results at 19:30 at the Prince of Wales in Moseley. It’ll be a great opportunity to take stock and hopefully switch our brains off for a bit, and for our inveterate plotters senior members to have a night off plotting campaigning.

 

‘Turning activists into organisers’ course,

weekend of June 10th/11th

Our friends in Hope not Hate are hosting a free Campaign Course for activists in Birmingham who are interested in taking their campaigns to the next level. This course is designed to turn activists into effective community organisers. The contents for this free course are wide ranging, covering topics such as “how to avoid burn-out”, “understanding and mapping power” and “how to plan your campaign”, plus many others! These practical tools are being offered by community organisers from HOPE not hate, Friends of the Earth, Birmingham City University and Psychologists Against Austerity. The course is taking place on the weekend of June 10-11 so if you aren’t absolutely knackered after the general election please book a place! For more information, please click here and to apply for this course, please submit an application here.

Hope picnic, 18^th June

South Birmingham Hope not Hate would also like to invite you to a Hope Picnic on the 18th June in Cannon Hill Park (by the swans) from 12.00-3pm. This is part of the Great Get Together weekend, celebrating that we have more in common. More information about the weekend here. We’re asking everyone to bring their friends, family, favourite food and as many games as you can carry! The picnic will be an opportunity to share food with old and new friends and family. The event will be child friendly so do bring your kids along for some sharing of food and games. You can sign up to the event yourself on Facebook here.

Screening of ‘Dispossession’ and Q+A, 22^nd June

For some people, a housing crisis means not getting planning permission for a loft conversion. For others it means, quite simply, losing their home. Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle is a feature documentary directed by Paul Sng (Sleaford Mods – Invisible Britain) and narrated by Maxine Peake, exploring the catastrophic failures that have led to a chronic shortage of social housing in Britain.

The film focuses on the neglect, demolition and regeneration of council estates across the UK and investigates how the state works with the private sector to demolish council estates to build on the land they stand on, making properties that are unaffordable to the majority of people.

Dispossession is the story of people fighting for their communities, of people who know the difference between a house and a home, and who believe that housing is a human right, not an expensive luxury.

Following the screening there will be a Q&A discussion featuring Paul Sng (Director), Dr Lisa McKenzie (London School of Economics), Robert Clayton (author and photographer of Estate), Tim Morton (housing consultant) and host Tom Murtha (Social Housing Under Threat). It starts promptly at 8pm and there are more details here.

Northfield constituency dates for your diary

Contact northfieldlabour@gmail.com for more information

• Tue 6^th Jun, 10.30am – door-knocking in Longbridge, meeting on the Bristol Road by Longbridge Methodist Church (B45 9TY).
• Tue 6^th Jun, 3pm – school gate at Holly Hill Infant & Nursery School (B45 0EU).
• Tue 6^th Jun, 6pm – door-knocking in Frankley, meeting at the junction of Holly Hill Road & Savernake Close (B45 0DD).
• Wed 7^th Jun, 10.30am – door-knocking in Kings Norton, meeting on the Redditch Road by Campion House (B38 8QA).
• Wed 7^th Jun, 3pm – school gate at Wychall Primary School (B31 3EH).
• Wed 7^th Jun, 3pm – school gate at Bellfield Infant & Junior Schools (B31 1PG). Con
• Wed 7^th Jun, 6pm – door-knocking in Kings Norton, meeting at the junction of Wychall Road & Staple Lodge Road (B31 1AX).
• They have also got some ‘week of poll‘ deliveries to go out before Thursday. If you can help with these please drop them a line.
• On Polling Day they will be running Campaign Centres in Kings Norton, Longbridge, Northfield and Weoley from 9am to 9pm with the last door-knocking session going out at 8pm. Any time that people are able to give towards their Get Out The Vote operation on the day will be greatly appreciated – full details of locations are at the top of the newsletter!

 

Edgbaston constituency dates for your diary

Tuesday 6th June

• 10am – 8pm – Phonebank at 4 Greenfield Crescent
• 30am – 12.30pm – Street Stall and Doorknocking in Harborne – Meet on Harborne High Street (B17 9NT)
• 11am – 1pm – Doorknocking in Quinton – Meet at the Quinborne Centre (B32 2TW)
• 11am – 1pm – Doorknocking in Edgbaston – Meet on the corner of Rotton Park Road and Hagley Road (B16 8LA)
• 2pm – 4pm – Doorknocking in Quinton – Meet at the Quinborne Centre (B32 2TW)
• 30pm – 4.30pm – Street Stall and Doorknocking in Harborne – Meet on Harborne High Street (B17 9NT)
• 3pm – 5pm – Doorknocking in Bartley Green – Meet on the corner of Woodside Way and Pinewood Drive (B32 4LP)
• 3pm – 5pm – Doorknocking in Edgbaston – Meet on the corner of Wellington Road and Sir Harry’s Road (B15 2ET)
• 6pm – 8pm – Doorknocking in Quinton – Meet at The Haven on Rilstone Road (B32 2NT)
• 6pm – 8pm – Doorknocking in Edgbaston – Meet at the corner of Woodview Drive and Springbank Road (B15 2HF)
• 30pm – 8pm – Doorknocking in Harborne – Meet at the corner of Ravenhurst Road and Moorpool Avenue (B17 9HN)
• 30pm – 8pm – Doorknocking in Bartley Green – Meet at the corner of Caynham Road and Hasbury Road (B32 4EU)

Wednesday 7^th June

• 10am – 4pm – Phonebanking at 4 Greenfield Crescent (B15 3BE)
• 11am – 1pm – Doorknocking in Quinton – Meet at the Quinborne Centre (B32 2TW)
• 11am – 1pm – Doorknocking in Harborne – Meet at the corner of Sandon Road and Poplar Avenue (B17 8EG)
• 11am – 1pm – Doorknocking in Edgbaston – Meet at the corner of Richmond Hill and Farqahar Road (B15 3RA)
• 30pm – 3.30pm – Doorknocking in Harborne – Meet at the corner of Selsey Road and Fountain Road (B17 8NJ)
• 2pm – 4pm – Doorknocking in Quinton – Meet at the Quinborne Centre (B32 2TW)
• 2pm – 4pm – Doorknocking in Edgbaston – Meet at the corner of Bristol Road and Barsham Close (B5 7XQ)
• 3pm – 5pm – Doorknocking in Bartley Green – Meet at the corner of Glen Side and Stevens Avenue (B32 3EU)
• 30pm – 9.00pm – Campaigning Training at the Quinborne Centre (B32 2TW) – For those who are taking part in polling day (on the phones or doors), there will be a short training session on what to expect from polling day and the jobs they need to do.

Saturday 17^th June

• Harborne ward Labour Party meeting, 11am, Moor Pool Lower Hall, 37 The Circle, Birmingham B17 9DY

 

Hall Green constituency dates for your diary 

School gates leafletting
 
Tues 6 June, 3pm- Ladypool Primary School, Beechfield Road entrance (SPARKBROOK)
Weds 7 June, 3pm- Arden Primary School, St John’s Road entrance (SPRINGFIELD)
 
Phonebanking

Wed 7 June – 6-8pm Phonebanking (local and elsewhere) at 66 St Agnes Road, Moseley

Polling Day 8^th June

The campaign centre will run all day from 10am-9pm at 41 Clarence Road, Moseley, B13 9SZ. If you can, please drop in and offer your services at any point during the day, even if only for an hour, all help will be hugely appreciated. Refreshments will be provided.

They will be canvassing locally (Moseley and Kings Heath and parts of Selly Oak that border on our ward e.g. south of Howard Road, if you don’t want to go far) and in Northfield and Longbridge (transport available throughout the day). If you would rather stay at the campaign centre, we will need help there with admin. After 6pm our main focus will be in Moseley and Kings Heath.

Please book the day off if you can, and let them know if you can offer lifts to other volunteers or voters. (They will need your registration number for insurance purposes)

Selly Oak constituency dates for your diary

• Nothing in the diary this week, they seem to be organising general election activity on a day by day basis (and it appears to be working to be fair…..)

Wolverhampton South West dates for your diary:

Monday 5th June to Wednesday 7th June

• From 10:30am: Get Out The Vote (GOTV) Leafleting – Campaign HQ – The Elms Resource Centre, Manby Close (off Evans Street), Wolverhampton, WV6 0QR
• 6:30pm: GOTV Leafleting – Campaign HQ – The Elms Resource Centre, Manby Close (off Evans Street), Wolverhampton, WV6 0QR

Thursday 8th June – Election Day

• A large number of volunteers will be needed all day but especially in the afternoon & early evening. Again if you have any spare time at all this is a day on which your efforts will make a huge impact to the success of the campaign.
• As soon as election day plans are finalised (probably tomorrow) they will be circulated by the CLP but you can as always simply turn up at the Campaign HQ: The Elms Resource Centre, Manby Close (off Evans Street), Wolverhampton, WV6 0QR whenever you are able from 10am onwards.

Election Night Gathering:

Annie & Ray have very kindly agreed to host a night of “Films, Food, Solidarity, Friendship” (and possibly a beer or two we expect…) including a screening of Ken Loach’s “Spirit of ’45” from 10:30pm at:

St. Chad’s Vicarage

Manlove Street

Pennfields

WV3 0HG

Bring some food & drink to share if you can.

Transport:

By car: the best way is M5/J2 then straight up to Wolverhampton on A4123 (no matter what your sat nav says!)

Public transport: train to Wolverhampton Station or tram to city centre. A car isn’t essential but is helpful for travel to the various locations around the city where you may be working.

For all queries contact ian.s.mcnee@googlemail.com

 

Burton Unite members in dispute with Argos –

let’s support them!

While of course the eyes of Momentum South Birmingham are mostly fixed on the general election and ensuring our city’s constituencies return Labour MPs, we should not forget that there are industrial disputes going on that can and should be supported. One of those is just down the road in Burton where Argos workers organised by the Unite union are on strike.

There is much more information here: please offer any help you can at this very busy time for all of us. 

 

Fundraising survey

Our fundraising co-ordinator, Nicky, has drawn up a quick survey for members and supporters to fill in to canvass our views on what we want. If you have a spare couple of minutes please fill it in here.

 

MSB statement on the July 2015 ‘freeze date’ decision

The Birmingham Board of the Labour Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to retain the July 2015 freeze date for members to participate in the selection of candidates for the 2018 local election elections. We have published a statement that you can read here and rest assured it will not be the end of the matter. Momentum seeks to get Labour members elected to public office. Labour will only succeed in doing that if it engages with its new members and gives them a say. The decision is a monumental act of folly.

‘Regional’ Momentum co-ordination

Cecile Wright, one of our elected NGC reps for the large ‘region’ that Birmingham and the West Midlands sits in, would like to keep in touch about how she can best open communication with us to better represent us on the Momentum Council. She wants people to feel free to get in touch with her and her email is c.wright230@ntlworld.com. As things develop further post-conference we’ll keep you informed.

School cuts

The NUT have set up a school cuts website providing information on what is going on and the likely effects. You can email your MP through the website, it only takes a minute. Please click here. Since the New Year a number of parents groups have sprung up across the country to fight for more funding for our schools. It is an important development that parents have started to organise because Governments cross parents at their peril. Please visit their website.

 

South Birmingham Momentum T-Shirts

Not before time in our view, wear it with pride: MSB t-shirts are going to be ordered: £10 red with South Birmingham Momentum on it. If you would like one email

nicky151289@gmail.com 

MSB social media classes and blog pitches

Nicky Brennan, one of our social media managers, has started running classes if you are uninitiated in Facebook and Twitter etc. and want to learn more about how to make best use of them – they are crucial part of modern political campaigning and you are never too old to learn something new! If you’re interested get in touch with Nicky: nicky151289@gmail.com

We are also looking to get more original content on our blog – it is a somewhat underused resource for discussing ideas and giving our members a platform to write about the issues of concern to them. Drop Nicky a line if you have any ideas – particularly if they are about local issues and our campaigning – or things you think we should be doing more on and want to draw attention to.

Ward and CLP meetings

If you want the group to publicise upcoming local Labour Party activities and branch and CLP meetings to encourage attendance, please let us know either by emailing me direct or the group account below; our wonderful social media managers Kate, Lucy, Nicky and Sam will do the rest!

 

https://www.facebook.com/momentumbirminghamsouth/

https://momentumsbham.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/@MomentumSBham/

MomentumbhamSouth@hotmail.com

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/momentum-south-birmingham

http://www.leftwardtendency.co.uk/wall-of-fame