Stephen Beer > Articles > Contemporary Issues

Contemporary Issues

In a pamphlet for the Fabian Society, Patrick Diamond and I outline why it's important for Labour to articulate its values, what those values should be, and how it can be radical in government.

Defeat into Victory - lessons on morale

Lessons for new leaders - and old - on morale from an expert.

Why defence procurement belongs outside the MoD

We need to do more on defence but billions are wasted despite numerous reports detailing the errors. It doesn't make sense to carry on regardless - let's learn from the past and take radical action.

More defence spending, but not like this

We need to spend more on defence, but so much time and money is wasted on procurement, as the latest report into 'Ajax' vehicles shows.

The fight for freedom, from the ‘evil empire’ to the invasion of Ukraine

Russia's invasion of Ukraine shows we need to learn from the Cold War, including Ronald Reagan's 'evil empire' speech.

Why we need to reflect on the British constitution over Christmas

No confidence motions and the Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011.

Fairness, Finance, and Faith

Can we combine the three?

Christian investing amidst a changing climate

My lecture on the basis for Christian investing and its application to climate change. Given at the AGM of the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church.

Step up the pressure on corporate polluters

It's not just fossil fuel companies that cause climate change. Investors should focus on other industries.

A film for our time?

We continue to be fascinated by Winston Churchill. We face nothing like the same peril as a nation as in 1940, but perhaps we sense something missing from our leaders. A new film sheds some light on why.

The Tories' death rattle sounds

A threadbare, unimaginative Queen’s speech leaves Theresa May’s government on the cusp of a very early demise.

Our awful, necessary contingency

The election of Donald Trump as the next US President means the arguments in favour of our nuclear deterrent are even more relevant.

Trident is a question of morality or it is nothing

If only humankind had not invented nuclear weapons. But we have - so what is the most effective way to prevent conflict or blackmail?

Working for the common good post referendum

We need wise and mature leadership. We also need reconciliation.

Should the UK take action against ISIL in Syria?

Looking at the Number 10 document outlining the case for action, and applying the Just War tradition.

Airstrikes in Iraq must be followed by proper planning

Following the vote for military action in Iraq, there is much more to consider and do. Labour has a key responsibility as well as the government.

Better late than never: the need for a firm stance on ISIS

Parliament debates intervention in Iraq to combat ISIS with questions to address, including the plight of minorities and the question of Syria.

How to vote on air strikes - a brief guide

Thinking through the issues that Parliament will debate.

We need to take a stand

Why I am proposing a Contemporary Resolution to Labour Conference calling for firm action to protect minorities in Iraq.

Labour needs to build on its defence review

How would Labour work within NATO, and deal with the various threats to our security and to the lives of innocent people?

A staggering abdication of leadership

Defence by default

How to vote on Syria - a brief guide

Shell, Nigeria, and the challenge for church investors

Making the case for Afghanistan

What shall we do in Afghanistan?

Critical Friends

Bring corporate giants to heel