Never mind the corrupt politicians blame the unions – Episode 3

Here we go again. Over the past decade, every time corruption and sleaze has reared its head in Westminster, the default position of the political elite has been to divert attention onto party funding, in particular union ‘donations’ to Labour.
    In 2006 it was the cash-for-honours scandal which led to the Sir Hayden Philips review of party funding in 2007.

The 2009 cash-for-amendments and 2010 lobbying scandals led to a second review of party funding by Sir Christopher Kelly which reported in 2011. Both reviews recommended increased state funding and donation limits. However, Labour’s refusal to accept the individualisation of trade union political contributions meant that the desired cross party consensus could not be reached in either case.

This is important unfinished business for the Con Dems. Reform of party funding was in the Coalition Agreement and time is running out for them to destroy the collective political influence of trade unions. To do so is a shared historic mission of both coalition parties and the current threat should not be underestimated.

For more on party funding and the Union Labour link go to:
http://unisonactive.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Party%20Funding