This picture was taken in a quiet neighborhood in Hackney, East London. It shows a clear divide between the upper and lower classes,and illustrates the split between the two sections of society within London. On the right we see a cobbled, bumpy brick road, old uneven pavement, and a dash of graffiti on the abandoned garage door. While right opposite is a smoothly paved entrance to a neighborhood with newly built houses, a Bentley parked right on the edge. It portrays the reality in which we live in, how those suffering in extreme poverty are living side by side with those on the opposite end of the socio-economic spectrum. We may never know what lies beyond each side, but it just puts into perspective the extent of social inequality in the UK. While many are suffering just to get through the day, and provide for their families, we see the politicians eating into the pockets of the elite 1%, paving the way for their own future careers and furthering their own interests. To make significant change in society, we need MPs who are able to represent the working class and the majority of people properly, which is certainly NOT happening, with the number of MPs who have actually experienced work outside politics decreasing, and 1/3 of them privately educated.

'Why we need a more equal society'

If you know your cars...

Our visit to Tate modern

In December 1992, The Tate Trustees had announced their plans to create a separate gallery for modern and contemporary art located within London. The Bankside Power station was selected as the new gallery site in 1994 with Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron were assigned to convert the building into a gallery. In 1996 the deign plans were revealed with a £12 million grant from the English Partnerships regeneration agency and the work had begun.
Since opening in May 2000 more than 40 million people have visited the amazing site becoming one of the UK's top three tourist attractions and manages to generate an estimated £100 million in economic benefits to London annually

So of course, we had to make a visit there, using the district line we set off to visit people who used art to showcase their outlook on ideologies

Specifically, we fixated solely on feminist artists finding works from 

• Margret Harrison, Mary Kelly and Kay Hunt 
• Andy Warhol and the Guerrilla Girls
• Birgit Jugenssen and Valie Export

Tate Modern - Birgit Jugenssen and Valie Export

Jurgenssen was an artist who specialized in feminine body art with self-portraits and photo series. Her plea for female artists to be recognised was unfortunately denied, she had asked the DuMont publishing company in a letter to include a miscellany ( a collection) of female artists, including the words that

 'So often the woman is an art object, rarely and reluctantly she is able to speak or show (her work) up. I for once would like to have the possibility to compare myself not just to my male, but also to my female colleagues."

Her requests were repeatedly denied so this, of course, fueled her desire of wanting equality causing her to continue her feminist works, below is a piece published in 2006 titles 'Everyone has their own point of view', the artist in the image has her back turned, with the title written on her back in German. The play on words included in the photograph is that the German word 'Ansicht' meaning 'point of view' also implies the idea of a frontal view also, the fact that lipstick was used could further the idea of a woman's identity being shaped and moulded by her appearance and exterior.

Valie Exports is another talented artist who adopted a pseudonym to reject the names of her father and her former protest. Her cinematic, photographs and performances were often critical of the limits imposed on an individual due to their gender. 

In this image titled Identity Transfer, she adopts a seemingly masculine pose at odds with her hair and makeup exploring the codes through which identity is traditionally conveyed

Tate Modern - ANDY WARHOL AND THE GUERRILLA GIRLS

Andy Warhol is probably a recognizable artist for many, you've probably seen his duplicate images of Marilyn Monroe and other pieces. He was an artist that understood the potential of a mass-produced image, the collaboration with the Anonymous artist group the Guerrilla Girls is interesting. You may not have heard about these feminist artists, but with their signature gorilla masks they're too fascinating not to notice.

(wish i walk around like this)

They both use interesting and striking design. Their borrowing of artworks and typefaces somewhat replicates Andy Warhol’s use of existing images. However, their confrontational tactics juxtapose Warhols more laidback approach.

While the Guerilla Girls (Funnily enough, the spelling is due to how an early member spelt it incorrectly) campaigned consistently and forcefully against discrimination, The Factory (Warhols Manhatten studio) provided a space for people who didn't conform to the social and sexual convictions of 1960s society

Tate Modern - Woman and Work

Specifically, we fixated solely on feminist artists finding works from 
Margret Harrison, Mary Kelly and Kay Hunt who both conducted a detailed study on women who worked in the factory, their investigation had occurred while the Equal Pay Act was implemented, the three artists collected as much data as they could on the women, the simple pieces put on display like black and white photographs, plain typed letters reflect the dull, low-level skilled tasks given to women contrasting to the more demanding and laborious tasks given to the men.  

 

As you can see there is also black women included in the employee portraits; the labour industry included those from all races

Feminist Artists, the Tate

Margaret Harrison:

She is a radical feminist artist. Her first ever solo exhibition which was in 1971, was shut down by the police because of it's representation of men, and on 'grounds of indecency''. Her exhibition included a portrait of Hugh Hefner squeezed into a bunny costume (I actually cracked up when I read about this!), yet being completely unaware of double standards, the police proceeded to shut it down. Included in her exhibition was also a portrait of an emasculated Captain America, with massive fake breasts.

Harrison said that these images "questioned the idea of having a fixed sexuality", and that the police  "were reacting as males to the notion that there were other manifestations of sexuality than the strictly heterosexual variety, and that was threatening". (source; the Guardian).

Now her works are displayed at the Tate Modern, and free for all to visit.


Linder Sterling:

A well known figure of the Manchester punk and post-punk scene, Sterling was  most recognised for her art work combining images taken from pornographic magazines and womens fashion showcasing the cultural expectations and the commodification of women's bodies. Much of her work was published within the Secret public - a fanzine which she founded with Jon Savage
In 1997 she put a one-women exhibition in Londons Cleveland gallery called ' what did you do in the punk war mummy'. The next year she performed a work called Salt Shine where she filled a room with 42 tonnes of industrial salt. Her later works included 'Working Class Goes to Paradise' and 'Requiem: Clint Eastwood, Clare Offreduccio and Me' A new instalment of 'Working Class Goes to Paradise' in the Tate Gallery, as a part of the Tate Triennial 2006. It included music performed by three indie rock bands playing simultaneously for four hours, a group of women re-enacted the gestures of 19th century Shaker worship, while Linder performed assuming different roles, including that of a figure from one of her photomontages, that of Ann Lee, and of a fusion of Ann Lee, Christ and Man With No Name. Audience members were able to view the performance and to join in.
Isnt it pretty impressive that a woman was able to single handily illustrate the commodification and misogyny within her own artwork, while using music



Mary Kelly:

The guardian describes this woman as 'As one of the world’s foremost feminist artists, she has pursued hers relentlessly for 45 years'. Kelly’s work ranges between conceptual art and the more intimate interests of artists of the 1980s. Her work has been shown internationally, her work is renowned for its inspection into cultural identity, particularly the relationship between femininity and power in Western capitalist society

The British Museum

Off we went on another one of our adventures. "To where?" I hear you ask... well madam/sir/fellow human being, we took a trip to the illustrious British Museum, a place that we are no strangers to.

Our focus was based in Room 68, the Citi Money Gallery. Yes, you read that correctly, the money room. Sounds cool and exciting doesn't it?! Well it was! We were able to see money dating back to as far as 4500 years ago in addition to the most modern developments in digital technology from all over the globe.

The trip was not entirely for our mere amusement. No, no. The reason as to why we had made the visit was to see if we could find particular items which had been on display last year which, unfortunately were not exhibited this year. Due to this being an spur of the moment kind of stop (we had just made our way back from Highgate Cemetery), admittedly there wasn't much planning that had been done.

We intended to go to the Reading Room, however, it was closed that day Please remember that this was an impulse visit...  It is known as 'a world famous centre of learning' and we had hoped to be able to do a bit of old-school research using the books that the Museum possesses. However, things don't always go to plan.

Some of the more notable pieces within the collection in the previous year were as the Suffragette-defaced penny, the banknote from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Equitable Labour Exchange note and finally, the 1000 ruble note. We found a 1 ruble note... I guess that's close enough!



Suffragette-defaced penny

Labour notes issued by the National Equitable Labour Exchange, 
founded in 1832 by Robert Owen (1771-1858)

Banknote 1964, Democratic Republic of Congo

Nevertheless, we were able to make some discoveries including currencies from Germany (500, 000, 000 Marks worth) and gold Dinars from the Umayyad empire as well as notes from Communist China and Russia.

Gold Dinars, Umayyad Empire

The 'trillion dollar poster' perfecting embodies the hyperinflation that occurred within Zimbabwe which later led to protests against the governments 'luxury' tax on imported goods

Safwat and Hanifah looking through the guide

This displays the money from Soviet Union, China and Cuba, Communist economies are typically highly centralised, with significant state control over markets, money and prices

Though we were unable to find what we had originally intended to, we believe that we were still able to benefit from the trip in that we able to see evidence of multiculturalism throughout the years.

Sweet sweet misogny

Sexism, as described by the Oxford dictionary is 'Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex'

Now, I'm sure the sighs of frustration towards having to read paragraphs upon paragraphs on why women are just as equal as men have begun. Its a heavily discussed topic for sure, but much of it all seems to be dismissed as seen evidently through the discussion I had with an indivudal today.

Due to privacy, it would be extremely unprofessional for me mention the name of this person, but this person actually holds the position of being a teacher. This teacher had suggested the idea that a women wanting a husband who would allow her to get a job and not remain at home would be limiting her chances of finding a husband. And then he proceeds to provide the most ridiculous analogy about how we could perhaps imagine a group of men where '80% of the men wanting a women who would stay at home but the other 20% allowing her to get a job might be ugly' and about how that could limit her chances of finding a successful suitor.

I couldn't possibly believe that one would provide the reason for a woman to marry a man is due solely towards him being good looking though it may prevent her from obtaining a job.

Also, the fact that he even connotes the idea that only '20% of men' would  'would want to marry her would be ugly' (direct quote) of course is due to how the bra-burning, middle-aged, militant feminist (which seems to be envisioned when hearing the word feminist by almost everyone) could only attract these types of men.

Believe it or not, these words emerged from someone who has authority over children yet spews patriarchal nonsense while claiming that 'its just an example'- as if your sexiest attitudes is something to have a discussion upon. Ugh.

Interestingly enough, the same type of misogyny had taken place where another individual who was also a teacher had simply explained to me that its 'london' and that these things are expected to happen when sexual harassment had been reported.

Its apparent that sexism is still very alive and existent- and a comment like this had come from a person who works with girls also. Its toxic environments like this that causes women to be uncomfortable to voice their concerns.

'Boys will be boys'

I've always despised that phrase. Absolutely despised it. As if its a free pass to suggest that 'yes that child may be an annoying brat and committing behaviours which no child should engage in but that's just how boys are!' as if to suggest that having something between your legs makes it acceptable to act like a twit. 

I actually thought of this during last weekend where I was in the library with my two younger siblings and I staggered upon this book

Now initially, I wanted to bash my head against the wall thinking of the possibilities that could be inside, wondering on what on earth in gods good earth could be driving them 'off the rails'.

Reading Palmers summary on her book was a grave mistake as I felt the need to gauge my eyes half way through, she describes how 

'Society as a whole becomes less and less boy-friendly as the years go by. The more built-up and traffic-ridden our city streets become, the less welcome children are to indulge in the free-range outdoor play that used to be every young human being’s birthright – and which is particularly important for an active, risk-taking young male.' 

Immediately, it is questionable as to why Palmer has the tendency to just fixate on the less 'boy-friendly' streets, as stated by Julian Greiner, do girls not get affected by not being able to go out and engage in physical activity? or is that just exclusively for 'risk-taking boys'?

 Palmer also states that 'In 21st century Britain, I think boys have been getting a rather worse deal than girls.',  she states that schools no longer have appropriate 'role models' for boys as if having another male somehow will prevent the child from being 'off the rails' because a boy can't possibly manage to be normal without. The entire book is full of contradictions, She says that she is not calling for ‘women to return to domestic servitude’, but is quick to blame mothers. To save you the pain from reading this; Palmer essentially spews rubbish about the poor lives of 21st-century boys while backing up no claims made, while there are of course innate differences between the genders, Palmer seems to state facts without actually relating them to one another. And the plain and obvious misogyny makes me worried for any parents who choose to follow the advice from this woman...

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery  located in North London and opened in 1839 holds so many significant individuals who contributed to much of the political movements we discussed within our blog.

Sure, visiting the dead may not be everyone's cup of tea, but honestly, think about it this way, it's amazing to think how some people buried in those cemeteries left a legacy behind and even to this day we follow their ways and teachings.

So, of course, it was obligatory for us to visit, leading us to set off on an early Tuesday morning traveling to North London, though it was unexplored area to us, we were excited to see the famous cemetery

It was quite an eerie feeling (well what else could we expect from a cemetery??)

The guide provided came in great use! (the state it's in probably says enough) 

We managed to discover the graves of historic figures like

• Karl Marx
• Ernestine Rose
• Herbert Spencer 
• Corin Redgrave
• Hodgson Pratt
• Claudia Jones
• George Holyoake
• Mansoor Hekmat
• Philip Gould 
• Yusuf Dadoo

Click on some of the names above to read more about them

Highgate Cemetery - Mansoor Hekmat

Almost opposite Karl Marx is the grave of Mansoor Hekmat, who was both an Iranian Marxist theorist and leader of the work communist movement. 
More of his work is available here

His epitaph reads: “To a great man, the essence of our lives, the polestar of my existence, the love of my life. Mercedes.” 

Highgate Cemetery - Hodgson Pratt

Hodgson Pratt seems to be quite a mysterious fellow- however, it is known that he is an English pacifist who was credited with establishing the International Arbitration and Peace Association in 1880.

In 1847, after attending college. he joined the East India Company's service located in Calcutta. He became both under-secretary to the government of Bengal and inspector of public instruction there. 

Highgate Cemetery - Claudia JONES

Claudia Jones is a was a Trinidad-born journalist and activist,  born in 1915 she then moved to Harlem at the age of 8. However, Unfortunately, it was cut short by Tuberculosis and the damage to her lungs and her severe heart disease followed Claudia for the rest of her life.

At the young age of 18 she joined the Young Communist League, she herself explained that

“It was out of my Jim Crow experiences as a young negro woman, experiences likewise born of working-class poverty that led me to join the Young Communist League and to choose the philosophy of my life, the science of Marxism-Leninism — that philosophy not only rejects racist ideas, but is the antithesis of them.”

Already at such a tender age, the young woman understands the exploitation and oppression that is faced. By 1948 she had become the editor of Negro Affairs for the party's paper the Daily Worker and had evolved into an accomplished speaker on human and civil rights. Her best-known piece of writing, 'An End to the Neglect of the Problems of the Negro Woman!' appeared in a well-known magazine (which can be read here) in the article she writes that 

'The low scale of earnings of the Negro woman is directly related to her almost complete exclusion from virtually all fields of work except the most menial and underpaid, namely domestic service'

Jones here is clearly to identify the oppression black women face, where not only is the earnings low but the available fields of work are ones which are psychically exhausting. Her success continued as she was editor of the party’s paper, a regular national speaker on civil and human right issues, and she became the National Director of the Young Communist League when she was aged 25 However, they somehow deemed her as being too politically radical and imprisoned her several times. She was deported from the USA and gained asylum in Britain in 1955, she spent her remaining years working with London's African-Caribbean community. She then founded and edited The West Indian Gazette the founder and editor of the first black British weekly newspaper, The West Indian Gazette.  This newspaper was an important aspect of Jones’ struggle for equality for black people.

Subsequently after the Notting Hill Riots in 1958 and the murder of Kelso Cochrane, Jones helped to launch the Notting Hill Carnival in 1959 - The ‘Mardi Gras’ event was to be an annual event for Caribbean talent and to present the culture of the Caribbean to the people of Britain and form a union between cultural diversities.The slogan 'A people's art is the genesis of their freedom' was used regularly to showcase how Jones believed that to achieve liberation, one must embrace their arts 

If it is not evident enough, this woman is bound by nothing; its unfortunate that she is not spoken about enough though she did so much for the movement. The fact that she is buried next to Karl Marx is an appropriate but not nearly as appreciative of her work

Claudia Jones

W1D 5QB - Edmund BURKE

The most common and simplest definition of the political philosophy Conservatism is that which favours tradition, whether it's religious or cultural, or even both, in the face of change, and immediate opposition to any form of radical social change. Edmund Burke is en extremely well known figure in the conservative and indeed entire political spectrum. He was an Anglo-Irish politician, an Mp from 1765 to 1794 during the Age of Enlightenment, in the late 18th century, and is considered the founder of modern conservatism, so in simple terms, he is a big deal. The Age of Enlightenment was a period of time when there was a great deal of radical change throughout Europe in the fields of Politics, Science and Philosophy. It was a time when traditional authority was being questioned by the great thinkers in Europe, and the ideals of the period inspired the events of the American and French revolution, of which Burke was very vocal about. He was a man who challenged the ideas of those during his time and the great thinkers of the Enlightenment age.

Burke's home in London...check it out 

in Chinatown :D

Many of the values of conservatism we know today are all influenced by and reflect Burke's own political view. He believed in the Church as a higher power, on the same level as the State, reflecting conservatism belief in the protection in traditional institution. He also believed that the upper class should lead the rest of society, with their level of education and understanding which would steer them away from corruption. Due to the fact that his philosophy is influenced by Christian natural moral law, it is considered as political ethics. Using Christian ideas, he made a case to defend private and corporate property as a necessity in maintaining a free society. The Christian theory of moral law is also the basis for his other principle, such as his views on human nature, which is reflected in the conservative principle of human nature being naturally corrupt (influenced by idea of the original sin).

The direction in which David Cameron has led the current conservative party is perhaps more towards the Burkean Conservatism. The emphasis on the 'Big society' which Cameron described as his "guiding Philosophy" has its roots in Burke's philosophy. In his book, 'Reflections on the revolution in France', he writes that, ‘To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country and to mankind’.

Highgate cemetery - John Singleton COPLEY

John Singleton Copley, 1st Baron Lyndhurst, was a British lawyer, politician and three times the Lord Chancellor of Britain. He was appointed a sergeant at law on July 6 1813 and in 1817 was one of the counsel for Dr, J Watson.  His performance attracted the attention of Tory leaders and entered parliament as a member for Yarmouth in the Isle of White. In December 1818 Copley was the Kings Sergeant and Chief Justice of Chester. He became knighted in October and also became the attorney general in 1824, amongst other roles. 

As a young boy Copley was full of energy and humour, qualities which he carried on into his future life. He always looked at things in a positive way and had a pleasant look on life, in contrast to his father who was anxious and mother who was serious. He says “I am naturally a friend to gaiety”. He developed a habit for thoroughly learning or mastering whatever he was focusing his attention on. He used to say to his sister “No matter whether you understand the text or not, be sure I make no mistake in a single word, or even in an accent.’ 

His first call to the bar (being called as a barrister) was due to the funds from Gardiner Greene who was the husband of his sister. This allowed him to be called to the bar, but in 1804 things went looking so great and it made him want to swap the bar for the church. Eventually after some help from his dad Copley wrote a letter to Mr Greene and said “Assisted by your friendship, I am about to launch my bark into a wider sea; I am not insensible to the dangers with which it abounds. But while to some it proves disastrous and fatal, to others it affords a passage to wealth, or, what is of more value than wealth, to reputation and honours.”

His skills as a lawyer and legislator was proven in 1838 by his amendments on the bill for the closing down of imprisonment for debt and on the bill on the juveniles. In 1840 he was elected, in opposition to Lord Lyttelton by a majority of 485 and this was one of the distinctions in his career which he described.  He retired from the office and in 1846 he made an unsuccessful attempt to reunite the “broken ranks” of the conservative party. For the next 2 years he appeared little in the public eye.  As a result, he was not able to read or write for the greater part of 1849. Eventually he stared to get his memory back and retained every fact and figure of importance and in June 1849 he made a surprise appearance by speaking up in the House of Lords and although he may have been fragile and weak, he still had the same energy and drive. He apologised for addressing the lordships and said to them “Perhaps it is the last time I shall ever do so.”

NEW PM, THERESA MAY

Just a quick note. As we all must have heard by now, Theresa May is officially the PM-in-waiting... Now, I know that we don't hold any particular love for the woman, but at the end of the day, she is a woman. So forgive me for being a bit excited that we get to have another female Prime Minister and in our lifetime too! That's pretty cool if you ask me. This should hopefully provide women in our generation motivation and a reason to get more involved in politics. Let's see how this all goes...

Highgate cemetery - Dr Yusuf DADOO

Dr Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo was born in 1909 in Krugersdorp, South Africa. His father migrated from India to South Africa in 1896 during the South African War. Dadoo grew up in the apartheid state of South Africa, and had to travel miles to Fordsburg in Johannesburg for his primary education due to the segregation imposed by the government. He attended Bree Street School, the only school available at the time for Asian education. At a very young age, he experienced the horrors of the racial segregation of the apartheid state, as he recalled how he heard white children singing: "Sammy, Sammy, ring a bell, coolie, coolie, go to hell". At the young age of 15, Dadoo chaired a meeting which was attended by Sarojini Naidoo, a female activist who was invited by the South African Indian Congress after the passing of the 1923 Class Areas Bill which proposed compulsory residential and trading segregation for Indians throughout South Africa. At such a young age, and to be chairing a meeting with such acclaimed figure, Dadoo's dedication and passion is clearly illustrated.

Dr Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo

In 1923 he then went to India and enrolled into Aligarh Muslim College, where he contributed towards the rise of the Indian National Congress, and played his part in resisting against British colonial interests in India. His opinions against British imperialism grew and strengthened as he began attending meetings hosted by followers of Gandhi. Then, at the age of 18, after returning to his hometown of Krugersdorp, Dadoo gave a speech in the Town hall, hosted by the Indian community, criticising the appointment of V. Srinivasa Sastri as Indian Agent-General to South Africa, and accused him of betrayal towards the Indian community. Yet again, we see his influence and political education as even as a teenager, he was approached by his community to give a speech regarding such an important event for the whole Indian community in South Africa.

Dadoo's grave - Highgate

Ignoring his father's expectations and passing off the opportunity to take over the family business, Dadoo travelled to London in 1929 to pursue his studies in medicine. There he met fellow Indian students who were involved in the fight foe Indian independence from British rule, and joined the India League which was a Britain-based organization aiming to campaign for full independence and self-government in India. However, six months after arriving in London, he was arrested for demonstrating against the Simons Commission. The Simons Commission , set up by Tory PM Stanley Baldwin in 1927 and led by Sir John Simon and Clement Attlee (future PM) to report on the workings of the Indian constitution created by the Government of India, 1919. However, the fact that it did not consist of any Indians meant it was met with great criticism, and also boycotted by the Indian National Congress, and demonstrations.

 Following his arrest, Dadoo transferred to the Royal college of Edinburgh, where he became involve in the Independent Labour Party, and a local branch of the Indian National Congress. This was where he began reading Marxist literature, and understanding the communist ideology. Three years after his return to South Africa in 1936, Dadoo joined the South African Communist Party. His view was that the national liberation movement in South Africa would only work and succeed if all African and coloured people worked together, therefore he worked towards uniting people from all colours under one aim, and encouraged this by holding mass meetings.

Yusuf Dadoo was a great influence in the South African liberation movement, and left behind a great legacy. He fought for what he believed, and defended the rights of coloured citizens in South Africa, as well as the rights of Indians in their own country. He was deemed a massive threat by the South African apartheid regime, who even after his death imposed a five year ban on him. He is a great inspiration for those people who strongly believe in something, and the fact that he dedicated his entire life to fight for this cause gives a truly motivational message, which can only be summed up in his last word to his trusted friend and successor Joe Slovo while on his deathbed:

 “You must never give up, You must fight 

to the end."

Highgate Cemetery - Corin REDGRAVE

Corin Redgrave is both an actor and left-wing political activist and having died in 2010 his body was buried in Highgate Cemetery.  Pretty amazing for someone to be involved in both such demanding careers, his political career begun with his elder sister Vanessa, where they were powerful members of the Workers' Revolutionary Party. Later, after its collapse, he was involved with the Marxist Party, founded by Gerry Healy.

The death of Gerry Healy in 1989 seemed to have heavily impacted the party, leading to its downfall and then eventual dissolution in 2004. Luckily, an archived Marxist party website is available here

In case the name didn't give it away, the party's values and ideologies surrounded those of Karl Marx and other communist figures, from their website, its stated their aims are to:

• a socialist society in which all citizens shall be free and equal; free from poverty, disease and ignorance; equal in the use and enjoyment of society’s wealth.  
• Our principles are the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  
• Our methods are peaceful and non-violent; we seek to change the world by inspiring, uniting and mobilising all progressive forces to put an end to the old, capitalist society based on exploitation and violence, and build the new, socialist society based on freedom, equality and peace.  
• Out theory is the theory of Marxism as developed by Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky, the Third International (1919-1922), the Left Opposition, the Fourth International, and the Workers Revolutionary Party (1973-1985).

The dissolution resulted in both Redgrave siblings founding the Peace and Progress party with the intention to campaign for human rights, rights of refugees and political dissidents.

The party launched in 2004 and demanded the removal of British troops from Iraq, British detainees from Guantanamo Bay and Third world debt being cancelled. The party urged support from the conservatives and did receive support from Anna Politkovskaya (wow that hurt to type), Azmat Begg (the father of Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg), who stood for the party at the 2005 general election in Birmingham Hodge Hill.Babar Ahmad who was wanted by the US authorities on terrorism charges stood in Brent North. 

The party, unfortunately, made little impact in the 2005 general elections where it can now be assumed that the party has been split, though there is no official source confirming this.

As if it's not evident enough, this man was very invested in politics leading to him becoming a leading figure within all parties he was involved in.

'Fearless actor and campaigner' is certainly what this 

amazing man would be wanted to remembered for!

Highgate Cemetery – Philip GOULD

Philip Gould was a leading political strategist and one of the close aides and advisers of Tony Blair, the Labour Prime Minister from 1997 to 2009.  Described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘one of the principle architects of the modern communications revolution within the Labour Party in the 1980s, he was a significant figure in the emergence of New Labour, and perhaps responsible for Blair’s three consecutive election victories, as he was Labour’s strategy and polling adviser in the elections from 1987 to 2005. He was recruited in 1985 by Peter Mandelson, then Labour’s communications director, to help reshape the party’s presentation. He was adviser to then party leader Neil Kinnock, and a special adviser to Blair during his Prime Ministership . He was described by Tony Blair as “my guide and mentor” and “a huge part of the renaissance of the Labour party”, a man whose “political contribution was immense”.

Gould, who was formerly an advertising executive, is famously known for his use of focus groups to keep track of public opinions as well as reactions to government policies. His strategy is of course criticised by many who believe focus groups are unreliable and unrepresentative. He worked toward reforming the Labour party, and changing it to suit the change in social climate, and was someone who was very passionate in his political beliefs.

His book, ‘The Unfinished revolution’, which was first published in 1998 and then updated in 2011, is about the emergence of New Labour and how they rose to power and had such a strong, stable government throughout Blair’s premiership. It covers a period of 25 years, till 2010, the time of the election defeat of New Labour. Gould relates the strategies used during the election, and the process of rebuilding and reinvention the Labour party went through, and how this new Labour party was able to stay in office all those years. Tony Blair, in his foreword of the book wrote that “We made the choices to obtain power, we made the choices in power. In doing so, we contributed, in ways large and small, to progress”.

At Highgate

After receiving news of his cancer in 2008, Gould began writing his memoir, titled “When I die: Lessons from the deathzone”. The book is truly amazing, as it shows just how political his life was, and illustrates the political approach he had towards everything, even his own diagnosis and treatment. When his cancer returned in 2010, Gould changed his entire outlook on life, and as Blair said “his illness gripped him, he became something more. In facing death, he grew emotionally and spiritually into this remarkable witness to life's meaning and purpose.”

“Death is not frightening if you accept it. It is a time for immense change and transformation, a time to fulfil yourself and others, and a chance in a small way to change the world.” -  Philip Gould