Richard Burgon: TUC Meeting.
Trades Union Congress in Brighton.
Richard Burgon was a minister in Jeremy Corbyn's opposition cabinet. Had Mr. Corbyn won the 2015 general election or even the 2019 one, he would have been in power. This would have enabled him and his Boss, Corbyn, to enact the policies they promised. However, victory for the Corbyn government in waiting did not transpire. In both cases, Theresa May hung on by a finger in power. In 2019, Boris won a landslide, literally blowing Corbyn away politically speaking.
One is surprised that Richard Burgon has not left the Labour Party to join Corbyn's new party, for now, known as "YourParty". However, he has remained within the Labour fold as a backbench Labour MP. Mr. Burgon represents the Leeds East seat. Former seat of Labour stalwart Denis Healey. Healey was a massive persona in the Labour Party throughout the 70s. Even being Chancellor at one point. What Healey would have made of Labour today, one can only guess, as he is no longer living in this realm.
Richard Burgon appeared at the TUC Meeting in Brighton to showcase his credentials as wanna be Deputy Labour Leader. Another left-leaning potential candidate is Alison McGovern. Potential candidates like McGovern and Burgon need 80 votes to be approved as candidates. Sir Keir Starmer made this so that it would discourage left-leaning MPs from standing. Starmer's thinking behind this was that left-wing MPs wouldn't get enough votes. However, stranger things have happened. It would be ironic if a left-wing MP did become Deputy Leader. Mr. Burgon thinks a left-leaning deputy leader would be able to stop or at least delay the forward march of Labour to the right.
When Angela Rayner stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, the former Foreign Secretary, took on the job. However, whoever becomes Deputy Leader of the Labour Party will not make them Deputy Prime Minister. David Lammy, appointed by Sir Keir in the role, will not be replaced by anyone who becomes deputy leader. Strange as it seems, Lammy can remain Deputy Prime Minister. And, at the same time, there can also be a deputy leader of the Labour Party. Presumably, with Sir Keir being Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. Strange arrangement to many, but that's how it is.
Speaking of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, her partner turned up at the TUC meeting in Brighton. When faced with the media, her partner refused to be drawn on the question of Angela's future. He had come to hear what speakers had to say at the conference.
Meanwhile, Paul Novak, General Secretary of the TUC, made a fiery speech. Attacking Sir Keir's government on several issues. Issues such as failing to deliver promised changes, workers'/employment rights, Reform UK, living standards, public services, good jobs, taxation, benefits, populist threats, and political hypocrisy. He criticised the remnants of the Conservative Party and challenged Labour to be on the side of the poor. Mr Novak, of Polish descent, was born in Birkenhead, Liverpool. He has been a trade union member most of his life.
Other names are coming to the fore to be the Deputy Leader. Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities. Also, Lucy Powell, former Leader of the House of Commons. She and Ms. Phillipson have secured enough votes to proceed.
Those who did not get enough votes were Bell Rebeiro-Addy and Paula Barker. Emily Thornberry pulled out. According to ChatGPT, Alison McGovern has dropped out but is endorsing Bridget Phillipson.
No one could ever have imagined Angela Rayner stepping down as Deputy Prime Minister. She seemed so secure in the job and was Sir Keir's right- hand woman. Wherever he went, there she'd be right by his side.
However, whoever becomes the next deputy leader, how much they will have the ear of Sir Keir remains to be seen.
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About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Charlie Kirk: Gunned Down.
I want to say that all loss of life is sad, whether that person is an unknown or someone in the limelight. And that goes for Charlie Kirk, too. Kirk was an ardent Christian, and as a fellow Christian, I pray for his soul. I pray for his wife and kids, who will now face the world without him. 31 years of age is such a young age to lose your life. Whether you agree with Kirk's political or religious views, he was still human. Kirk was a young person who, no doubt, had a promising career in Conservative politics. A personal friend of Trump. Kirk is the one who persuaded the young and the POC (people of colour) to vote for Trump. Kirk ran a right-leaning group called 'Turning Point'. The group promotes right-wing ideas and events.
By Nicholas Bishop5 months ago in The Swamp
Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to Stand Trial on Youth Addiction Claims
The rise of social media over the last decade has brought about unprecedented changes in how people, especially young people, communicate, share content, and engage with the world. However, alongside its rapid growth, there have been mounting concerns regarding the negative impact these platforms are having on the mental health of users, particularly teenagers. Now, some of the world’s largest social media companies—Meta (formerly Facebook), TikTok, and YouTube—are set to stand trial over claims that their platforms contribute to youth addiction and exacerbate mental health problems. The legal battles come after a series of investigations, research studies, and personal testimonies highlighted the damaging effects of prolonged social media use on children and teenagers. The central question: Are these platforms causing addiction and harm to young users, and should they be held accountable? The Growing Concerns About Social Media Addiction Social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. Through algorithms that show content based on individual preferences and behavior, these platforms create an environment that can be both entertaining and highly addictive. However, concerns have risen about the impact this addiction has on youth, who are more vulnerable to the pressures and influences of online environments. 1. Mental Health Impacts Studies have shown that excessive social media use can have serious consequences on mental health. Teenagers who spend significant time on platforms like Instagram (Meta), TikTok, and YouTube often experience feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These issues can be exacerbated by the constant comparison to others, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness presented on these platforms. 2. Social Media Algorithms One of the most significant features of social media platforms is their algorithm-driven content recommendation systems. These systems tailor the content that users see based on their interests and past behaviors. While this can provide users with relevant content, it can also lead to an unhealthy cycle of constant engagement, reinforcing addiction-like behavior. Young users, in particular, are highly susceptible to this form of psychological manipulation, which leads to prolonged screen time and a reduced sense of self-control. 3. Sleep Disruption Excessive use of social media can also interfere with sleep patterns, particularly among teens who use their phones late into the night. Studies have shown that blue light from screens disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and duration. Lack of sleep can contribute to a variety of mental and physical health problems, including mood swings, concentration difficulties, and weakened immune function. The Legal Claims: What the Trial Is About The lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are centered around the claim that these platforms are promoting addictive behavior among young users. The plaintiffs argue that the companies are aware of the negative impact their platforms have on children but have failed to take adequate steps to mitigate the risks. The trial will examine whether the companies should be held accountable for enabling addiction and exacerbating mental health issues in youth. 1. Negligence and Failure to Protect Minors The central legal argument is that social media companies have been negligent in protecting young users. The plaintiffs contend that these platforms prioritize engagement over the well-being of their users, especially children, who may not have the maturity or understanding to recognize the harm of excessive use. The trial will scrutinize whether these companies failed to implement safeguards that could have reduced the risk of addiction, such as more stringent age verification measures, content moderation, or time restrictions. 2. Exploitation of Vulnerable Youth A key argument put forward by the plaintiffs is that the platforms exploit vulnerable youth by encouraging behaviors that lead to addiction. Social media platforms use psychological tactics to encourage users, especially teens, to stay engaged longer. The trial will focus on whether these tactics, such as endless scrolling, personalized notifications, and the use of “likes” and comments to reinforce engagement, are directly contributing to addictive behavior in young users. 3. Failure to Act on Known Risks The plaintiffs also argue that these companies have known about the potential harm caused by excessive social media use but have not taken sufficient action to protect young users. Documents and internal communications from some of these companies have reportedly shown that they were aware of the detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among teens, but failed to implement meaningful changes. This could become a key point in the trial, with legal teams aiming to prove that the platforms neglected their duty of care toward young people. The Defense: Social Media Companies Respond The companies facing legal action—Meta, TikTok, and YouTube—have denied the claims and are expected to mount a robust defense. They argue that their platforms are not to blame for the broader societal issues surrounding youth addiction, and they highlight the steps they’ve taken to mitigate harm. 1. Parental Responsibility One of the common arguments from social media companies is that the responsibility for managing a child’s social media use lies with the parents. They argue that parents should be responsible for monitoring and controlling how much time their children spend online, especially since platforms like TikTok and YouTube are not intended for children under the age of 13. TikTok, for example, has a Family Pairing feature that allows parents to set time limits and monitor content. 2. Content Moderation and Safety Features In response to the claims, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube have pointed to their efforts to improve safety features. This includes the implementation of content filters, age-restricted settings, and mental health resources. Meta has introduced the ‘Take a Break’ feature on Instagram, TikTok has implemented screen time reminders, and YouTube offers a YouTube Kids version aimed at providing a safer environment for younger users. 3. First Amendment Rights Some social media platforms argue that they are protected under the First Amendment and are not responsible for the content shared by users. They contend that their platforms are tools for free expression, and regulating how they operate could lead to significant legal and ethical concerns. Potential Impact of the Trial The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for the future of social media platforms and their responsibility toward young users. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it could set a legal precedent that forces social media companies to take more significant steps to protect young people from the potential harms of their platforms. This could include stricter age verification processes, more comprehensive content moderation, and tools that limit screen time. On the other hand, if the social media companies win the case, it could reinforce the argument that platforms are not responsible for the actions of their users and that other external factors—such as parental involvement and individual choices—are more significant in preventing addiction.Conclusion: A Turning Point for Social Media Accountability? The trial against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube is a significant moment in the growing conversation about the responsibility of social media companies toward their users, particularly young people. With increasing awareness about the harmful effects of social media addiction, especially on mental health, the outcome of this case could influence future regulations and policies governing social media platforms. As the trial unfolds, it will not only address legal questions but also reflect broader societal concerns about the impact of digital technology on youth. 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By Aarif Lashari7 days ago in The Swamp
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By Nicky Frankly4 days ago in Fiction
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