The Rest Is Politics 94. Police power, gender recognition, and women in Afghanistan
Jan 18, 2023
Rory and Alastair delve into the contentious realm of anti-strike legislation and the right to protest in the UK. They explore the Scottish government's push for gender recognition reform amidst political tensions. The episode also sheds light on the dire situation of women in Afghanistan, emphasizing global human rights issues. Additionally, discussions surrounding public sector strikes reveal the government's handling of pay negotiations and the implications of new service-level mandates during industrial actions.
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Strike Strategy
- The UK government's strategy for handling public opinion on strikes is unclear.
- The strikes seem to be escalating, with teachers now joining, and the government's response is ineffective.
Teacher Salary Decline
- Teachers' real-term salaries have dropped significantly since the end of the Labour government in 2009-2010.
- This decline contributes to teacher shortages and the current strikes.
Heseltine's Stance on Strikes
- Michael Heseltine, interviewed on the "Leading" podcast, argued against conceding to strikers' demands.
- He believes that concessions to one group create a ripple effect, requiring concessions to others, a position informed by his experience in the 1960s and 70s.