Mo Mowlan (1949-2005)
A happy, heavenly birthday to
Mo Mowlam, born this day 1949.

Majorie ‘Mo’ Mowlam was a British Labour politician and Member of Parliament for Redcar from 1987 to 2001.

Politically active during her student years, Mowlam joined the Labour Party... in 1969. During the 1970s she worked as a researcher for Labour parliamentarian Tony Benn. Mowlam first ran for parliament in 1983 but was not elected. Four years later she won her seat in the House of Commons, representing Redcar. Despite her inexperience Mowlam was named the Labour Party’s spokesperson on Northern Ireland just ten months later.

Her personal charisma and reputation for plain speaking led her to be perceived by many as one of the most popular "New Labour" politicians in the UK. When Tony Blair mentioned her in his speech at the 1998 Labour Party Conference, she received a standing ovation.

As a key backer of Tony Blair, when he became prime minister in May 1997 he named Mowlam as his Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (it is claimed that she refused the role three times before accepting). Despite, apparently, not wanting the role Mo succeeded where so many others had previously failed when her time as Northern Ireland Secretary saw the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

This was due, in no small part to Mo’s unique negotiating style. Arriving in Ulster, Mowlam worked to bring Sinn Fein and radical Loyalists to the peace table. Unlike previous British politicians, who tended to negotiate formally and priggishly, Mowlam was a charismatic and disarming figure capable of humour, warmth and empathy. She was also given to plain speaking that verged on rudeness (she once told Protestant firebrand Ian Paisley to “f**k off”). These attributes helped break down political and sectarian barriers in Northern Ireland.

Mowlam was also capable of great courage. In January 1998 she travelled to Maze Prison and met with Johnny Adair and other Loyalist paramilitary leaders, challenging them to support the peace process. Mowlam’s face to face meeting with convicted murderers unleashed a media storm – but it also helped ease violence and bring radical Loyalists into the peace process.

Despite Mowlam’s pivotal role in preparing the Good Friday negotiations she was sidelined during the talks. Some attribute this to her prickly relationship with leading Unionists; others believe her style was not appropriate for formal negotiations, or that her growing profile concerned Tony Blair.

Mowlam died in August 2005 from the effects of a malignant brain tumour, a condition she had suffered from since 1997.

#momowlam #GoodFridayAgreement #TonyBlair

Today is Back British Farmers Day!
We would like to say thank you to all of the farmers across Devon that work tirelessly, dedicating their lives to providing fresh produce to our great nation.

"In winter’s chill or summer’s heat, a farmer works so the world can ...eat."

North Devon Group of Young Farmers Clubs Hartland Farmers' Market UK Appledore Farmers Market Devon Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs #BackBritishFarmingDay #backbritishfarming #backbritishfarmers #rubycountry #devonrubyredcattle

Stand Up To Racism’s North Devon group are hosting a public meeting next Saturday from 2 at Barnstaple Library.

If, like us, you were disgusted by the recent #farageriots across the country then come and join SUTR in a peaceful show of unity where you can share your thoughts and ...experiences and hear from inspiring speakers.

Only by banding together can we combat the scourge of racism and hatred that the far-right are intent on dividing us with.

If there are any individuals, groups or organisations across Torridge and Tavistock who are feeling vulnerable or under threat right now please know that you have the support of your local Labour Party, this is in line with your national government too.
Please see us as a resource, perhaps not least for communication of concerns and perspectives which we could take forwards to the Labour Annual Conference.

#nohumanisillegal #sutr #NoRacismNoFascism #UnityIsStrength #ForTheManyNotTheFew

Super excited for Bideford Pride 24 tomorrow 🤩
As your local, Labour equalities officer I will be @bidefordpride please come and say hi, I’d love to hear you views on the new government and thoughts on how we can help minority groups going forward. So you can recognise me I’ll be wearing... a Labour rosette with my rainbows 🌹🌈 hope to see you there, Emma
#bidefordpride24 #forthemanynotthefew

Progress Pride Flag | Lottie Animations for YouNow by Squid&Pig on ...

Found on Google from dribbble.com

images.app.goo.gl

DONT LET THE RACISTS DIVIDE US
We can't let the far right spread racist lies, targeting Muslims and other minority groups.
The tragedy in Southport deserves our unity, not division and hatred so it’s gratifying to see that the rioting thugs are being prosecuted quickly and ...effectively.
#UnityIsStrength
#NoRacismNoFascism
#Islamophobia
#StandUpToRacism
#NoHumanIsIllegal

All of us in Torridge & Tavistock Labour stand with our prime minister and government in condemning the far right violence we are seeing spread across our nation. Our CLP believe in the right to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, we have seen across the country that protests have turned to ...violent riots. We condemn this violence and hatred towards any person. We condemn racism of any kind. We are inclusive and everyone is welcome in the T&T Labour Party. We are extremely grateful to our already strained public services who are working hard to protect us and keep our streets safe.
Let’s remember and respect the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stan Combe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar and allow them to grieve in peace.
Please be careful and respect and support each other through this challenging time for our national community.

#southport

Labour’s Councillor for West Devon Borough Council,
Cllr Isabel Saxby for Bere Ferrers was invited by Headteacher, Gareth Bemister to visit local school, Bere Alston Primary.
You can see from all the hands up in the air and the positive quotes from the class that the kids enjoyed it ...nearly as much as Isabel did!

“I think it was great that you came in, the children really
identified with you. We would love to have you in again.”
Tara Stevens, Teacher.

Bere Alston Primary Academy #berealston #bereferrers #educationmatters #theisabelsaxbyeffect #GrangeHill @followers