I think this point is worth making: the Co-op Group is but one of 6,000 co-ops in the UK.
The Co-op Group is in a mess. That happens to all businesses from time to time.
But it does not mean that the co-op ideal is that tarnished. Or that the co-op movement is finished.
Can we keep a little sanity in debate on this issue, please?
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Not if this government, the Tory party, or the bulk of the media have their way, Richard. To them business conducted through coops and mutuals is anathema to the neoliberal cause. Furthermore, it disproves the Hobbesian view of humankind that they believe underpins all human activity, and thus justifies the survival of the fittest approach to business and social relations that sits at the core of the selfish and atomised society they promote.
Furthermore, (and related to the “philosophy” outlined above) as we saw in the last mayoral election in London, a politician/political party advised by the likes of Lynton Crosby fights dirty – far, far dirtier than we’ve seen in UK politics previously. This kind of skirmish is just a warm up, but indicative of what we better get used to from now on. And – as the current Coop example illustrates – it’ll apply to any one or organisation seen to making waves that might upset the Tory machine, not just the Labour party and Labour politicians. My worry is that to few people are prepared for this race to the bottom in yet another area of the supposedly civilised society in which we live.
I think you’re right re dirty play
To say Flowers brought down the Co-op is ludicrous
Didn’t Thatcher try to hijack mutuals and co-ops as an example of free enterprise? I think she was rather missing the point! 🙂
Agreed Richard and this can surely be an opportunity for all who care about the ideals of the Co-operative Movement – those like me invested in it’s ethos and invested in it financially to come together now to find ways to support it and fight back against the Nasty Party’s attacks on another of our Our Labour Movement’s cherished institutions!