Bring back sustainable coal mining in the UK

With rocketing fuel and energy costs, the remedy lies in one of the cleanest, most efficient forms of energy - coal. With new coal burning technology, the UK's energy crisis is an opportunity to reclaim hundreds of thousands of jobs and reignite the once vibrant coal mining industry. Nationalisation of the coal mining industry, and the re-opening of mines which were closed as part of the Conservative party's ongoing war on the working class, must be a priority of any forward thinking progressive would be Government. The UK must again become a major coal exporter, rather than importing coal at a huge cost to the UK economy which involves child labour and poor working conditions.

Once we had, the most productive, efficient and profitable coal mines in the world. Now the UK imports 44 million tonnes of coal every year at a cost of £4 billion. Proof that the “free market” doesn't work, as the free market isn't free – its manipulated to reflect the interests of the rich, at the detriment of the working class.

Whole communities, destroyed by the sadistic politics of the Tory party, have an opportunity to be saved by investment in the coal industry. The discussion needs to take place and it is the responsibility of the Labour Party to promote the creation of sustainable jobs and energy as part of its agenda.

Baroness Bigot's selective discrimination

In a highly publicised speech regarding racism towards Muslims, Baroness Warsi stated that Islamophobia had “passed the dinner party test”. Warsi's opposition to discrimination may have been taken more seriously if her comments weren't limited to people within her own religion. How about homophobia “passing the dinner party test” or discrimination towards the disabled, the unemployed, the infirmed, single parents, or people who are lesbian gay or bisexual? In fact, Baroness Warsi has proved herself to be a bigot on matters of sexuality, and in particular, homosexuality. Her opposition to the lowering of the age of consent, her many comments about homosexuality “undermining” family values and her inane rantings about homosexuality being forced upon seven-year-olds by schools show her bigotry. So why should Baroness Warsi's views be given any more credence than for example, Nick Griffin who holds similar views on sexuality?

The Conservative Government's cuts have attacked the disabled, the unemployed and the poor; why didn't Baroness Warsi criticise attacks on these groups of people? Any form of bigotry, including Baroness Warsi's, always attacks these groups as they are easy targets.

Discrimination should be opposed in all forms, and if Baroness Warsi wants to genuinely end discrimination then actions speak louder than words, and she should join the fight against the cuts, which steal from those who already have next to nothing. Shame on you Baroness Warsi.