Labour fails to whip up support for 2000
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Only 32 Labour MPs - less than one-tenth of the Government's backbench strength - have so far backed a Whitehall-inspired Commons motion of confidence in the millennium celebrations.
A backbench motion tabled in the House last Thursday by Diana Organ, the new MP for Forest of Dean, was closely modelled on a press statement issued on the same day by Chris Smith, Secretary of State for National Heritage.
Mr Smith's parliamentary private secretary, Alice Mahon, has been one of the MPs going around the Commons, asking MPs to sign the motion.
But it is known that a number of Labour MPs have refused to support it, even though it has been put down as a simple statement of opinion, and is not debatable. There are 329 backbench Labour MPs who are not ministers or whips and are entitled to sign Commons motions, and 32 signatures is a poor showing for a policy that has been so strongly picked up by Tony Blair.
Another Commons motion, also tabled last Thursday and also featuring Mrs Organ as a sponsor, has so far been signed by 167 MPs - sending greetings and best wishes to Mukhtar Pakpahan, the imprisoned leader of an independent Indonesian trade union.
The fact that the "Millennium Experience" attracts less support than Mr Pakpahan will embarrass ministers, including Peter Mandelson, the Minister without Portfolio, who have been trying to whip up enthusiasm for the celebrations. The Commons motion was part of that exercise. The motion notes that the celebrations go beyond Greenwich to benefit the whole country, including the pounds 200m Millennium Awards scheme, which "will help individuals fulfil personal goals".
In a press notice, also issued last Thursday, Mr Smith said that the awards scheme would "help individuals fulfil personal goals and put something back into their communities."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments