Natascha Engel (born April 9, 1967) is a British politician. She is the Labour Member of Parliament for Derbyshire North East. April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the principal political party of the left in the United Kingdom. ... A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a parliament. ... Derbyshire North East is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ...

Personal

Engel was born in Berlin, Germany to a German father and an English mother and is married with two sons: her second son, Anton, was born less than a month after her election. She is married to David Salisbury Jones, who stood as the Labour candidate for Uxbridge in the 2001 General Election. This article is about the capital of Germany. ... Uxbridge is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ... Tony Blair William Hague Charles Kennedy The UK general election, 2001 was held on 7 June 2001 and was dubbed the quiet landslide by the media. ...

Educated at Kent College in Canterbury and as a linguist at King's College London and at the University of Westminster, she speaks German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Kent College, Canterbury is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. ... The following is a list of linguists, those who study linguistics. ... Kings College London is the largest college of the University of London and one of a number of university institutions founded in England in the early 19th century. ... Marylebone campus The University of Westminster is a British university in London, formed in 1992 as a result of the Further and Higher Education Act, 1992, which allowed the London Polytechnic (Polytechnic of Central London or PCL ) to rename itself as a university. ...

Politics

Pre-election

After a period as a journalist and then as a teacher, she studied at the TUC's Organising Academy, and before her election was the Labour Party's national trade union liaison officer. A Trade Union (Labour union) ... is a continuous association of wage-earners for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment. ...

Engel was selected as the candidate Labour MP for Derbyshire North East to contest the 2005 General Election on the retirement of the sitting Labour MP Harry Barnes. The seat, in Derbyshire North East, being traditionally Labour, was easily taken by Engel, with a majority of 10,065. The United Kingdom general election of 2005 was held on Thursday, 5 May 2005. ... Harry Barnes (born July 22, 1936) is an English politician, and was member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire 1987-2005. ...

Engel is credited as being the author/editor of a book^[1], with a contribution, among others, from Ed Balls who currently holds the position of Economic Secretary to the Treasury and is close to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown. Edward Michael Balls (born February 25, 1967) is a British politician, and Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for the West Yorkshire constituency of Normanton. ... This article is about various offices in the government of the United Kingdom. ... The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the title held by the British cabinet minister responsible for all financial matters. ... James Gordon Brown (born 20 February 1951) is the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom and a Labour Party politician. ...

Post-election

Maiden speech

Engel made her maiden speech^[2] on October 20, 2005. A maiden speech is the first speech given by a newly elected representative in such bodies as the House of Commons or the United States House of Representatives. ... October 20 is the 293rd day of the year (294th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 72 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In her speech, Engel commends^[3] past work done by her predecessor, Barnes, in the regeneration of those communities hit hard by the losses of heavy industry and manufacturing, particularly those to do with coal mining and steel production, and seems to set great store by New Labour's policies on localism. ^[4] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Steelmaking is the second step in producing steel from iron ore. ... New Labour is an alternative name of the British political Labour Party. ... This article may contain original research or unverified claims. ...

Engel cites, in support of her being encouraged, perceived successes in the deprived areas of Staveley and Grassmoor. See also Staveley, Cumbria, Staveley, North Yorkshire. ... Grassmoor is a village in Derbyshire, England, three miles to the south of Chesterfield. ...

Political sympathies

Engel (re)defines socialism

Engel, 'redefines' socialism as: Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to social control. ...

...the simple [sic] idea that if someone helps their neighbour, their neighbour will help them.

Engel, N., Maiden Speech, Hansard, October 20, 2005

Engel's definition (and the Golden Rule [GR])

As such, Engel's definition is a (weakened) restatement of the Golden Rule^[5] known to antiquity. This Rule expresses: The ethic of reciprocity or The Golden Rule is a fundamental moral principle found in virtually all major religions and cultures, which simply means It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights. ...

• a state of affairs that is universally desirable (has value)
• a type of relationship, between human beings, that is reciprocal (mirroring a rights/responsibilities [duties] exchange)

However, the Rule is mute on how human beings are to be empowered to act in accordance with the Rule (the means are partitioned from the [valued] ends).

Blair begins his (re)definition of socialism

Criticizing a purported conflation of means and ends in the original Clause IV^[6] of the Labour Party constitution was pivotal in Tony Blair's preparation of the way for the birth of New Labour. Blair, writing in a pamphlet for the Fabian Society in 1993, advanced his 'redefinition' of socialism. Clause IV of the United Kingdom Labour Party constitution sets out the objects of the party, and has been the scene of political fights over its direction. ... For other people of the same name, see Tony Blair (disambiguation) Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (born 6 May 1953)[1] is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Leader of the UK Labour Party, and Member of the UK Parliament... The Fabian Society is a British socialist intellectual movement, whose purpose is to advance the socialist cause by reformist, rather than revolutionary, means. ...

New (Clause IV) Labour (and the GR)

Blair's definition is set in terms of a set of values which are constant, while the empowering 'actions' (policy formation and implementation) needed to create the environment in which the values can be instantiated, are under constant review (modernization) as the environment, itself, changes. There is no (absolute) prescription^[7][8] to guide policy formation. (Politics 'advances' to becoming largely 'mute' on ideology, settling on a centerism.^[9] Criticism levelled at this state of affairs is that democratic elections are reduced to little more than 'beauty contests'^[10] to appoint the best 'management team.') An ideology is an organized collection of ideas. ... The Third Way is a centrist philosophy of governance that, at least from a traditional social democratic perspective, usually stands for deregulation, decentralization and lower taxes. ... A management team is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations (and profitability) of a company. ...

Accordingly, after becoming Leader, Blair announced the need for a 'modernized' statement of aims and vaues, at the conclusion of his 1994 conference speech, and that he would draft and present a new version of Clause IV to the party:

The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few. Where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe. And where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect. [emphasis added]

After an internal Labour party debate, the new version was adopted at a Special Conference at Easter 1995.

Engel harmonizes with New Labour (via the GR)

In this context, Engel's redefinition of socialism seems to be consistent with the heart of New Labour's constitution.

Prediction of voting pattern

Engel's definition of socialism, having a demonstrably strong connections with Clause IV of New Labour, indicates that she is, and will be, a strong^[11] New Labour loyalist.

Corroboration

Engel's voting record^[12] appears to corroborate this view.

Key issues (2005 - ? parliament)

(Second) Iraq war

Engel has claimed, retroactively at least,^[13] that she opposed the (second) Iraq war. However, her subsequent voting record,^[14] after her election to parliament, on accountability for the intervention appears to show some inconsistency with this claim. For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... States currently utilizing parliamentary systems are denoted in red and orange—the former being constitutional monarchies where authority is vested in a parliament, and the latter being parliamentary republics whose parliaments are effectively supreme over a separate head of state. ... Accountability is a concept in ethics with several meanings. ... Consistency has three technical meanings: In mathematics and logic, as well as in theoretical physics, it refers to the proposition that a formal theory or a physical theory contains no contradictions. ...

Voting reform (UK)

Engel claims that she supports reform of the system of voting for improved democratic representation and accountability in both regional/local elections and the Houses of Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords), Westminster. Normally loyal to New Labour, this single rebellion, ^[15] so far in the current parliament, in her voting record shows some consistency with this claim. Reform can refer to: Reform (think tank) Reform, Alabama Reform Judaism Reform movement Reform of an individual, from conditions stemming from crime, drugs, or physical maladies. ... Democracy (literally rule by the people, from the Greek δημοκρατία-demokratia demos, people, and kratos, rule) is a form of government. ... This may refer to the: British Houses of Parliament. ... The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the British House of Lords. ... Westminster is a district within the City of Westminster in London. ... Consistency has several technical meanings: In NASCAR Racing, consistency is a term coined by NASCAR drivers about the frequency of finishing well in the top ten or top five each race as it helps to get enough points to make the Chase For The Cup and win the Nextel Cup...

Parliamentary committees

Engel has been a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee since her election. The Department for Work and Pensions is a department of the Government of the United Kingdom, created on June 8, 2001 from the merger of the Employment part of the Department for Education and Employment and the Department of Social Security. ... A Select Committee is a committee made up of a small number of parliamentary members appointed to deal with particular areas or issues originating in the Westminster System of parliamentary democracy. ...

Media presence

Mainstream

After Engel's election there was an early burst of appearances on mainstream media (MSM) programmes such as:

• Today in Parliament (BBC Radio 4)^[16] Friday, December 16, 2006
• The Daily Politics (BBC Two) (circa) January 27, 2006

A newspaper correspondent^[17] has also made allegations^[18] that Engel came to the early attentions, among a cross section of others in the 2005 election intake, of 'News International' (Rupert Murdoch) as an upcoming 'mover and shaker.' BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station which broadcasts a wide variety of chiefly spoken-word programmes including news, drama, comedy, science and history. ... The Daily Politics is a British Television show launched by the BBC in 2003. ... BBC Two (or BBC2 as it was formerly styled) was the second UK television station to be aired by the BBC and Europes first television channel to broadcast regularly in colour (from 1967), envisaged as a home for less mainstream and more ambitious programming. ... News International is a British newspaper publisher owned by Rupert Murdochs News Corporation. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Net/Web

Engel has also documented, on an early political website,^[19] some of her press releases, such as:

• New MP - New Baby^[20]
• Fair Deal For All Pensioners^[21]

These are usually picked-up by local (constituency serving) media like the Derbyshire Times. A constituency is any cohesive corporate unit or body bound by shared structures, goals or loyalty. ... The Derbyshire Times is a local newspaper published in northern Derbyshire. ...

Currently, and since before the end of 2005, Engel's early political website appears moribund. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

A superceding political website^[22] is being advertized as under construction. Through this website, Engel appears to be publishing the latest information on her work at Westminster and in her constituency,^[23] including a monthly newsletter,^[24] which appears, at this time, to consist, largely, of photographs of her public relations (PR) activities.

(Hard copy) Publications

• Balls, E., Costley, N., Engel, N., (ed.), Gemmell, S., Healey, J., MP, Johnson, A., MP, Raynsford, N., (Rt. Hon.) MP, Riordan, T., Samuda, R., White, P.(Dr). Age of Regions: Meeting the UK Productivity Challenge, 2002, ISBN 1-902-48850-4

References

1. ^ Age of Regions: Meeting the Productivity Challenge
2. ^ Engel's maiden speech
3. ^

   Harry Barnes, the MP for the past 18 years, spent much of his time putting in the foundations for that regeneration and overseeing many historic changes. Harry had to deal with the devastating consequences of mass pit closures and the resulting unemployment, but he made sure that North-East Derbyshire got its share of compensation and clean-up money. Right to the end, only weeks before his retirement, Harry got millions of pounds from this Labour Government to clean up the environmental mess left by the Avenue coking works in Wingerworth. [emphasis added]

   Engel, N., Maiden Speech, Hansard, October 20, 2005
4. ^

   The biggest problem with national legislation is that there is no one size that fits all—all people are different and no two circumstances are the same, which is why our Labour Government's policy on localism is so exciting. Localism is about breaking the culture of centralism and devolving power and resources to communities. [emphasis added]

   Engel, N., Maiden Speech, Hansard, October 20, 2005
5. ^ Other versions of the Golden Rule
6. ^

   To secure for the workers by hand or by brain the full fruits of their industry and the most equitable distribution thereof that may be possible upon the basis of the common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, and the best obtainable system of popular administration and control of each industry or service.

   Webb, S., November 1917 (adopted by the Labour party 1918)
7. ^

   I {Blair] have taken from my party everything they thought they believed in. I have stripped them of their core beliefs. What keeps it together is power. [emphasis added] Categories: UK Labour Party politicians | British MPs | Peers | Secretaries of State for the Colonies (UK) | 1859 births | 1947 deaths | People stubs ...

   William Keegan (citing Michael Howard's reminder to Blair in Howard's final PM's questions) The Observer December 4, 2005. cf.:

   The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. [emphasis added] The Rt Hon. ... Prime Ministers Questions is a Parliamentary practice in the United Kingdom where every Wednesday when the House of Commons is sitting, the Prime Minister spends half an hour answering questions from MPs. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...

   Orwell, G., Nineteen Eighty-Four, Penguin, 1989, pp. 275-276
8. ^ Oral Answers to Questions — Prime Minister
9. ^ The Third Way
10. ^ Letters:Age of the political beauty contest
11. ^ strong New Labour
12. ^ Engel's voting record
13. ^ Labour MPs on Iraq - part two
14. ^ Policy report — 'Iraq — Needs to be investigated'
15. ^ Parliamentary and Local Elections (Choice of Electoral Systems)
16. ^ Today in Parliament
17. ^ Paul Murphy
18. ^ How Murdoch plans to win friends and influence people, Paul Murphy, Thursday February 2, 2006. (Journalist Murphy refers to a memorandum: Project proposals and tools to communicate public affairs messages)
19. ^ Engel's old website
20. ^ 29 May 2005 (first recorded)
21. ^ 27 October 2005 (last recorded)
22. ^ Engel's new website
23. ^ Engel's constituency work
24. ^ Engel's latest newsletter

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903[1][2] – 21 January 1950), better known by the pen name George Orwell, was a British author and journalist. ... Nineteen Eighty-Four (commonly, 1984) is a dystopian novel by the English writer George Orwell, first published by Secker and Warburg in 1949. ... Penguin Books is a British publisher founded in 1935 by Allen Lane. ...

External links

• Guardian Unlimited Politics - Ask Aristotle: Natascha Engel MP
• TheyWorkForYou.com - Natascha Engel MP