During the last week or so, an unholy row has erupted between the unions and Progress, including an intervention by Lord Peter Mandelson. At the recent Unison conference, Dave Prentis, the General Secretary, spoke out against what he called 'an intolerable think tank,' referring to the Blairite grouping Progress. Progress is said to be like a party within a party and has recently attracted some controversy because the trade unions think it represents New Labour policy rather than Labour policy, particularly over the pay freeze and public sector reform. The unions need not take any lessons from the discredited Peter Mandleson who had to resign twice from Labour cabinets. Whilst a European Commissioner scandal followed the Prince of Darkness around, in 2012 he has been known to have attended Bilderberg group meetings.

The situation has become even more complicated recently. The trade unions (GMB, Unison and Unite) have expressed deep concern about Progress and its organisational and ideological positions. The new issue of Notes from the Borderland magazine, just published (see www.borderland.co.uk) announces that Hope Not Hate has been taken over by Progress. There was recently a fractious split between Seachlight magazine and Hope Not Hate over financial, organisational and political issues.

The new issue that therefore arises is if Unison, for example wishes to see the back of Progress, then they should also oppose the takeover by Progress of Hope Not Hate. However, Unison have recently donated £60,000 to HNH, this appears to be contradictory. Whilst I support the questions being asked by Unison and Paul Kenny at the GMB about Progress, I would argue that all Union activists should consider whether to give Hope Not Hate any support or funding in the future, especially after the recent Borderland revelations.