One of the less remarked Edinburgh festivals is the Festival of Politics. As usual, I never get around to attending, even though I have great intentions when I see the festival programme.
Regret is deeper than ever this year as I missed Clare Short talking about her life in politics. A more principled Labour MP than most, including many of the determined, but not always impressive line-up of women climbing to near the top at Westminster (keep trying Harriet). I have a measure of respect for Clare Short and her work in development that was, to further strain an over-used word, compassionate and grounded in a people-centred approach. She recognised the need to incorporate trade as well as aid, but was scathing of other members of her government also arming idiots in developing countries simply to prop up the immoral UK arms manufacturers.
But all is not lost! Holyrood TV recorded her hour long talk at the link below. Be quick if you want to watch is as it will only be there for a short time.
http://www.holyrood.tv/popup.asp?stream=http://vr-sp-archive.lbwa.verio.net/archive/200809_FOP_clare_short.wmv
She also has an informative website with links to many of her speeches.
http://www.epolitix.com/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/clare-short/mppage/home-1/
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