The government has partially backed down from some changes to immigration policy that would have reduced the flow of cheap labour to New Zealand employers. The changes maintain the essence of the policy which was to keep access to cheap labour from abroad, and keep that labour vulnerable and easily exploited when here.
I was a little surprised when NZ First leader Winston Peters announced that a binding referendum on the abolition of the Maori seats and reducing the size of Parliament would be bottom line issues for him. It is impossible for Labour and the Greens to agree to these terms. That means NZ First is saying that they will only form a government with National – assuming they agree.
As the election gets closer, everyone has an opinion on what needs to be done for their party to be successful.
Summary of the June, 207, CTU Economic Bulletin
The days of capitalism are numbered because it can’t get the basics right – including the right to life itself. People need jobs, housing, health care, education. To achieve those goals for all requires a radical attack on wealth inequality.
The latest rollback of the Obama presidency’s easing of relations with Cuba as a deepening of the blockade, now in place for 54 years, should be condemned.
Statistics NZ figures released this week have confirmed that New Zealand is in recession on a per capita basis as the economy has declined for two-quarters when measured on this basis.
Corbyn and the left now need their mandate to clean house within the Labour Party to ensure the loyalty of all MPs to the new left-wing party programme. It is probable a number will simply retire and take job offer from their big business mates rather than be part of a Corbyn-led party. Others may want to start another centrist Blairite type party. But it is the absolute democratic right of members to go through a selection process for MPs before the next election.
Having strong left-wing leaders of the Labour Party is an unusual phenomenon for the UK. Corbyn was elected leader with the overwhelming support of the party members but opposition from the overwhelming majority of Labour MPs. This is a contradiction that cannot last indefinitely.
WHAT: UK election results
WHEN: 2pm
WHERE: Unite Union HQ, 6a Western Springs Rd, Morningside, Auckland