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Coinciding with the publication of a new book on the issue we would like to invite you to a discussion about the future of European social democracy. The event will take place on Thursday 2nd February from 6.30pm - 8 pm in Committee Room 10 of the House of Commons.

This short and accessible video explains why the Government's economic policy is failing and what a genuine Plan B would look like.

Send it to your friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues to show them that there is a Plan B based on reversing cuts to public sector jobs, raising revenue through a financial transaction tax and creating a British Investment Bank to invest in low carbon housing, transport and renewable energy.

In response to the ongoing economic crisis and in particular the debate around what Labour's response to the budget deficit should be we have today published a briefing entitled ‘White Flag’ Labour? Fiscal policy for the UK’s next progressive Government.

We are hosting a citizens’ assembly next Tuesday at The Southbank Centre (London) that will explore and debate ideas to put the public interest back into the heart of public life. Will you be part of it?

To date, I have been willing to give the two Eds the benefit of the doubt on the grounds that they were putting clear blue water between themselves and Blairite spin. But let’s face it: the Shadow Chancellor’s unwillingness to reverse Osborne’s cuts is a political manoeuvre designed to allay those New Labour diehards who argue that because the public backs the cuts, Labour cannot be seen to do otherwise.

This is a pivotal moment for our country.  A debate is stirring about the nature of our economy and therefore our society. Yesterday the Prime Minister made a whole speech about re-moralising capitalism. It follows Ed Miliband’s much discussed speech on predatory capitalism at the Labour Party conference and his recent interventions about so called ‘responsible capitalism’.

A year ago probably few of us knew where Tahrir Square was. Twelve months on from the start of protests that have became a symbol of freedom and resistance Philosophy Football have produced an anniversary T-shirt. The design is based on the Cairo street signs showing the way to Tahrir, a route hundreds of thousands of Egyptians took in 2011 to demand, and defend, democracy. Available from www.philosophyfootball.com we have 5 to be won in our January competition.

This evening we will stage a special Westminster Debate we have organised in partnership with Policy Network entitled After the veto: what future for Britain in Europe? from 6pm – 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 January in the Commons. High profile speakers at the event include Emma Reynolds MP; Jon Cruddas MP; Baroness Shirley Williams; Lord Roger Liddle and Caroline Lucas MP, with Neal Lawson chairing.

With many consequences for the UK, David Cameron's use of the countries veto now leaves an empty chair at the centre of Europe's top negotiations table. With the potential for greater segregation of the institutions of the EU as a two stage Europe emerges, those not at its core setting the EU's direction will simply be swept along with the rest.

The 'Plan B: A good economy for a good society' event that was scheduled for February 16th has now been moved back a week and will take place on February 23rd at 7.00pm, at the Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR.

The debate will focus on setting out a vision for an alternative economic direction, building upon our recent groundbreaking report 'Plan B: A good economy for a good society'. The event will include guest speakers Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Hall-Matthews, Chair of the Social Liberal Forum, Neal Lawson, Chair of Compass and Hugo Radice, Life Fellow University of Leeds. The meeting will be chaired by Sarah Perrigo.

You can register by emailing joe@compassonline.org.uk