EC Meeting Papers January 2019

16

New use of Quorn

It is pleasing to note a very good number of affiliates and non-affiliated unions such as CSP, NEU, Unite making hotel bookings. I reported previously that the Leader of the Oppositions team of 43 staff were at Quorn for a two day residential. This has been followed up by the 30 or so Labour Party Community Organisers from the national team doing the same.

17

Hotel

The Hotel Directors met recently and held a long meeting to consider all aspects of the business management at Quorn and staffing issues, budgets and profitability. In addition, the interim accountant is considering ways of improving systems and profitability. Business has remained good during the new build period. It was a busy Christmas and is proving a busy new year.

18

International.

Kurdish issues and Turkey

I attach a very moving article by Dilik who attended our Kurdish festival about the hunger strike of one of the very wonderful HDP young women MPs. The Turkish Ambassador to London has written to us and 14 trade unions supporting the Kurdish people and freedom for Ocalan and telling us not to support the campaign. I attach a copy of the letter which all relevant General Secretaries have signed in response. Arrangements have been made for EC member Bro. Manuel Cortes and our solicitor Paul Scholey to go on the Imrali visit in Turkey.

I have been invited to address the meeting on these questions in the House of Lords in February.

Latin America

I was unable to chair the scheduled session on Venezuela at the Adalante conference due to family reasons.

Brazil

We have been invited to the Parliamentary meeting to consider the new and dangerous situation in Brazil.

Venezuela.

I have remained Vice Chair of VSC.

Justice for Colombia.

We have reaffiliated according to policy.

19

Ruskin College

I have remained active as Chair of the College at a new stage of its development. The College is also celebrating its 120 th year. I have been keen to promote this. I have asked the College what it could do by way of drawing down funding for a joint education programme.