That’s how long it’s been since Chris Mullin, writing in Tribune, called, not for the last time, for Labour to take a stand on the question of media ownership. For much of that time Labour was out of power.
In 1995, Chris Mullin, by then an MP, moved a bill calling for the Rupert Murdoch empire to be broken up and for limits to be placed on media ownership.
It fell on deaf ears among the leadership on both sides of the House of Commons. Various other attempts over the years met the same fate. Perhaps now the time has come.
What we have seen unravelling at an astonishing pace is a result of the failure of all parties to address the fact that the media has been increasingly in the hands of either rich men or multi-national companies. Mr Mullin’s point, how is it possible to live in a democracy with a free press, presents more inherent questions than might be seen at face value.
Labour leader Ed Miliband, who has called for reforms which could include tighter rules on the quasi-monopoly ownership of parts of the media appears willing to tackle the equation. We look forward to the details. As to why Labour did not act when it was in power, a succinct summary was offered in an article for The Guardian by Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, on the 2002 decision to look at limits on press ownership and then later considering to legislate.
“But we withdrew in each case because of the sustained onslaught we knew we would face from the press and the unreliability of any support from the Opposition or even on our own backbenches.” Another reason – one which graphically displays the difference between the New Labour past and Mr Miliband’s leadership – is the propensity of politicians to schmooze with the Murdochs. At Rebekah Brooks’ summer party, guests included David Miliband, Peter Mandelson, Tessa Jowell, James Purnell and Douglas Alexander. Yesterday is another country.
Iain McNichol
The choice of the GMB’s Iain McNichol as the next general secretary of the Labour Party, on the other hand, is a step into the future. A seasoned problem-solver with a firm but collegiate style, he possesses the skill set to provide a realistic dialogue between the unions and the leadership, and a strong leadership for the party.
