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New Statesman
17 hours ago
- Business
- New Statesman
GMB chief Gary Smith: 'Oil and gas is not the enemy'
Illustration by Ellie Foreman Peck Gary Smith is not a man who disguises his passions. The wall of his office features framed pictures of pioneering Scottish trade unionists, the Durham Miners' Gala, steam ferries on the Mersey, the jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron, and Hibernian FC. As the general secretary of the GMB – the country's third-largest trade union, with around 630,000 members – the blunt, puckish Scotsman leads an organisation that is more central to national life today than it has been for decades. Its parliamentary group alone comprises more than 250 Labour MPs (making it, as Smith likes to quip, over twice the size of the Conservative Party), including Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner. GMB's presence in sectors such as defence, energy and manufacturing means that cabinet ministers heed its voice. 'It's a huge improvement on what went before, impossible to compare it,' said Smith, 57, with a thatch of boyish blond hair. We met in Euston, central London, at the GMB's national office, Mary Turner House (named after the indomitable Irishwoman who served as the union's president for 20 years). Smith praised the government's rescue of British Steel, its defence industrial strategy, the commitment to build the Sizewell C nuclear plant and the 'transformative' Employment Rights Bill. 'Has the government made mistakes?' Smith asked. 'Yeah, absolutely, and we have been outspoken in our criticism about winter fuel payments. Nobody said there shouldn't have been reform of payments; it was just badly handled. Likewise, on disability benefits, we were very worried about the poorest and most vulnerable – many of our people who are in work get Pip payments.' Smith, who was elected general secretary four years ago, has often been an ally to Starmer when it's mattered most. At the 2021 Labour Party Conference it was post-midnight conversations with Smith in Brighton hotel suites that convinced Starmer and his chief aide, Morgan McSweeney, that they had the votes required to rewrite the party rule book and marginalise the Corbynite left. But Smith is unsparing in his criticism of Labour's first year in office. 'The big thing that is missing is a clear vision about the future. What we need is a sense of national mission and I don't think that's there. I don't think we've got that emotionally compelling story about the future of the country. 'We are emerging into a new world order as well. That's very difficult for any government to navigate. This is a new epoch that's opened up in front of us: the end of globalisation, the end of neoliberalism. Any government's got to wrestle with what Britain's place in the world is going to be.' He added: 'It frustrates me that the right-wing press accuse[s] Labour of talking down Britain. I think in many ways people are underestimating the state the country's in. Our finances are precarious, we've seen that in the past few weeks. We are beholden to the bond markets; this could unravel very quickly. The country's in a really difficult situation and so I don't envy what they've had to inherit.' (The Office for Budget Responsibility's recent report warned that the UK had the sixth-highest debt, fifth-highest deficit and third-highest borrowing costs of the 38 OECD countries.) This year Donald Trump has become the unlikely hero of some US unions, with the United Auto Workers praising his tariffs as necessary to 'end the free-trade disaster'. Smith invoked the US New Right – and its embrace of protectionism over Reaganism – several times during our conversation. 'The New Right saw an opportunity with working-class communities hollowed out by globalisation. We can talk about average GDP, we can talk about how many people in the globe got wealthy. There were a whole number of our communities that were absolutely abandoned. 'People were told that they're competing in this global labour market and the jobs went abroad and that left people embittered, angry and absolutely disoriented. And the New Right in America got this – they certainly got it better than the liberal left did.' To some this will sound reminiscent of Blue Labour, the party's economically interventionist and socially conservative faction. (Its founder, Maurice Glasman, was the sole Labour parliamentarian invited to Trump's inauguration.) But Smith bridled at the comparison. 'I'm not being critical of anybody but we're not Blue Labour. Why do we have to stick badges on things all the time? We're a working-class organisation; we spend a lot of time listening to our members. So I'm not interested in fashionable factions in the Labour Party, I'm just interested in listening to working-class people, and our members have been telling us this for a long time. They are tired of low-paid, insecure employment. That was a Tory economic model. 'You know, we got to a point in Barrow where we couldn't build nuclear submarines. The only growth industry was heroin, and that happened under Cameron and Osborne. So what shapes our world-view is not some factional philosophy in Labour – it's just listening to working-class people and our membership.' Unite, the UK's second-largest union, this month vowed to 're-examine' its affiliation to Labour and excoriated the party's record in office, with union representatives since surveyed on the matter. 'It's up to Unite what they do. We're not interested in what other unions do,' Smith replied diplomatically when I raised the subject. 'For us, a relationship with government should be contentious, there should be disagreement and debate. But I'd much rather have a Labour government in power than the alternative. And let's be clear about the Tories – they're done – the alternative is going to be Reform.' What does Smith believe is fuelling Farage's ascendancy? 'This is a fuck-you vote, people are just angry: they're pissed off and they're looking for somebody to kick. A lot of this ultimately is about declining living standards. We're a country where in our towns and communities people just look beat. You live in a city like London and even if you're on a good wage you're struggling to keep your head above water… Farage is feeding off that anger and frustration and decline.' In recent months, Farage has reframed Reform as 'the party of working people', speaking of his desire for a 'sensible relationship' with the trade unions and vowing to reopen the Port Talbot steelworks. But Smith – precisely the kind of earthy general secretary whose endorsement Farage would relish – is unimpressed. 'I think he's a chancer. He is no friend of trade unions or working-class people. Peel back the rhetoric: where was he on the Employment Rights Bill? He's voted against working people at Amazon having the right to organise and collectively bargain over their pay. He's voted against people having stronger collective rights at work, which will allow us to better redistribute wealth in this country.' Smith ridiculed Farage's claim that he was appalled by Michael Heseltine's closure of coal mines as Conservative trade and industry secretary in the 1990s. 'Do you think he went on picket lines and supported the miners? Do you think he argued for the steel workers? No, he was a metal trader in the City of London, lifting another glass of Champagne as all this devastation of UK industry and communities went on.' Gary Smith was born in Edinburgh in 1967; his father was an electrician and his mother a bookmaker's clerk. He became a Scottish Gas apprentice at the age of 16 (the GMB later paid for him to study at Ruskin College, and he gained a Master's degree in industrial relations from Warwick University). His political consciousness was shaped by the fraught social conflicts of the early Thatcher era. 'I saw working-class people and communities getting treated very badly,' he said. 'I get so angry when I listen to people talk fondly about the Thatcher era because a lot of kids didn't get off the housing estates. It was mass unemployment, cheap heroin, and HIV/Aids. There's a whole generation of young men who died and never made it through that period.' Four decades on, Smith is once more haunted by the spectre of deindustrialisation. He spoke of a recent encounter with an oil and gas worker moved to tears in Middlesbrough ('big guy, really impressive guy') who declared at a town hall meeting: 'They're doing to us what they did to Middlesbrough in the 1980s.' For this, Smith attributes much blame to the UK's net zero policy of which he is the fiercest Labour critic. 'For too long, we were exporting jobs and importing virtue, so we closed down British industry. That was great for emissions, not great for communities. Our notional emissions have fallen but all we've done is export jobs and industry to China, where they burn coal to produce the goods we then import on diesel-burning barges and ships – and that includes the vast bulk of all renewables industry.' Though he emphasises that he is not a climate change denier – 'We're not in the same place as the US New Right' – he believes that current energy policy is a gift to Farage. 'We have been decarbonising through deindustrialisation and it's counterproductive because the communities that have seen their industries closed down, they've been abandoned and will end up voting for the right, and exactly the way that they have in America.' Smith fears that the political ramifications of net zero could be greatest of all in his native Scotland – he lives in Paisley – where Labour aims to prevent the SNP winning a fifth term next May. 'On the current policies, I don't believe that Labour can win in Scotland,' he warned of the government's decision to ban new North Sea oil and gas licences. 'People don't get that energy is an emotional issue in Scotland. We went hundreds of miles out in this inhospitable sea and built this incredible, groundbreaking energy infrastructure. 'If you're on the west coast of Scotland, most people of a certain age have a drop of oil from Sullom Voe because there are so many families who were involved in building that project when they landed the oil in Shetland. This was an emotional story about Scotland. It's important to its sense of self and the economy, and I don't think people have really got that.' While Starmer is expected to grant permission to the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea – which are exempt as existing licences – he has consistently reaffirmed the ban on new ones. 'That is absolutely our position,' he recently declared (a stance that Trump publicly derided ahead of his planned meeting with Starmer in Aberdeen). Does Smith believe that Labour will ultimately be forced to rethink its policy? 'They will have to rethink it because the consequences in terms of energy prices, in terms of national security, in terms of the economy and jobs, are so profound. What we should be doing is taking a public stake in what is left of the oil and gas sector and using the profits for that sector, or part of them, to invest in a new green future. We should be talking about North Sea Two, how we're going to collaborate with Norway – not just decarbonising the North Sea, but what comes next. Oil and gas is not the enemy: it's actually the gateway to whatever comes next, and we've got to stop seeing it as a threat.' The GMB's stances have often put it at odds with the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband – who has championed net zero as the 'economic opportunity of the 21st century' – but Smith hints at something of a rapprochement: 'I hope and think that Ed realises that in haemorrhaging jobs through this charge to net zero, the political consequences could be very, very profound for Labour. I get a sense that he's starting to listen and I think he also knows that a lot of these new, fashionable green companies are vehemently anti-union. 'And that's a huge problem because it's completely at odds with the government's agenda. Sea Wall in the North East – we're fighting for recognition there and have a strike ballot – they've had access to tens of millions of pounds of government funding and they're anti-union. Octopus Energy? Anti-union.' We return to Labour's future. Even those who sympathise with Starmer often say they do not know what he stands for ('There is no project,' one loyalist MP recently told me). 'If I'm honest with you, I don't think we've clearly defined what Starmerism is,' Smith said. 'There's huge opportunities post-globalisation and post-neoliberalism. How do we grasp those? 'Keir has done some really good stuff on the international stage. But we need to have a national mission and people need to believe again that there is a brighter tomorrow. Labour does need to be that light on the hill.' Just a year into government, cabinet ministers already speculate about whether Starmer will fight the next election. Does that surprise Smith? 'I always said that people underestimated him – let's see. He's got a huge and really tough job but people have underestimated him before. I never thought I'd see a Labour government again in my working life; Keir was part of the team that delivered that extraordinary election result last year and I think he deserves a bit of credit and a bit of time. If they end up all just turning on each other, stabbing each other in the back, it'll just be electoral disaster for them.' [See more: Can Nigel Farage have it both ways?] Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs announce new partnership with cybersecurity company NordVPN
Hibs have announced a new partnership with leading online privacy and cybersecurity company, NordVPN, who become the official VPN partner of the Club. NordVPN have recently launched their Threat Protection Pro software, an antivirus tool which protects users from phishing and various cyber threats. As part of this new collaboration, NordVPN are offering all Hibernian FC supporters one etra month of their services free of charge. Hibernian FC's Head of Partnerships, Sam O'Donnell, stated: 'We are delighted to be working with the team at NordVPN for the duration of the 2025/26 campaign. 'With the Club's overseas supporter base continuing to expand, partnering with NordVPN will allow fans worldwide to access one of the world's fastest and most secure VPNs. 'This collaboration enhances our digital reach and ensures our fans stay connected and protected wherever they follow Hibernian FC.' Bob Brinklow, Country Manager for the UK at NordVPN, added: 'NordVPN is delighted to partner with Hibernian Football Club to help educate supporters on the importance of staying safe online. 'While cybersecurity and privacy tools help to protect internet users from a technical perspective, human error remains an essential factor in cybersecurity, and no one is fully protected from online scams. 'Tactics used by cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and even cyber-savvy users are often exposed. 'NordVPN now offers cyber insurance benefits with its Ultimate plan, so users can secure their internet connection and enjoy the additional protection against online shopping fraud and online scams.' Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sporting Jax to host Super League kickoff party ahead of inaugural season
Sporting JAX is celebrating its first season with a free kickoff party at James Weldon Johnson Park. The event is set for Friday, July 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Fans can meet the team, grab autographs, enjoy live music, games, food, and giveaways. Advertisement Read: Florida AG threatens to sue swimming group over gender-participation policy The party is presented by Gainbridge and marks the start of Jacksonville's new pro women's soccer era. Sporting JAX plays its first preseason match on August 2 at UNF against Hibernian FC Women. A second match is set for August 10 against Wrexham AFC Women. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The home opener is August 23 against DC Power FC. For more information, visit [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
How Hibs transfer record breaker made Easter Road move a reality as he lands 'express wish'
The lengths the new Hibs signing went to in order to make the move happen have been uncovered. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Luzern sporting director Remo Meyer has detailed how Thibault Klidje pushed for a move to Hibs. The striker has burst the club's transfer record by completing a switch to Leith on a long term contract. It adds to the firepower at the disposal of head coach David Gray, who already has the likes of Kieron Bowie and Martin Boyle to call upon in attack, as Hibs build towards their Europa League second round qualifier with FC Midtjylland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking on the decision to sell Klidje to Hibs, Meyer has admitted that the forward had made it clear that he wanted the deal to go through. With time ticking down on his contract, it was agreed it would be best if he moved on to pastures new. Why Hibs record breaker made the move to Easter Road. He said: 'We brought Thibault on three years ago while he was injured, and he has developed very well since then. He delivered particularly strong performances last season, which of course did not go unnoticed. The move was Thibault's express wish, and his contract was due to expire in a year. We were able to find a good solution that suits all parties, and we will enable him to take this step.' Luzern's short statement reads: 'Thibault Klidjé is moving to Hibernian FC in Scotland. The 24-year-old striker, who joined FC Luzern three years ago, has scored 16 goals and provided 6 assists in 76 competitive matches. FC Luzern would like to thank Thibault Klidjé for his commitment and wishes him all the best for his professional and private future.' What Hibs have said about Thibault Klidje Gray said : 'We're delighted to have attracted someone of Thibault's quality to the Football Club. He adds extra pace and trickery to our front line and performed well for Luzern last season, and at 24 has a lot of room for development. We want to help him progress, and look forward to working with him moving forward.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'We have been tracking Thibault for a long period of time and are excited to have finally got our man. I would firstly like to thank the Gordon Family and our Board for showing this ambition and investment. 'It's been our aim to continue to add top quality young strikers to our club and we have been given the chance to do that with Thibault. He is a young, driven, ambitious player who importantly wants to come and play for Hibs. We welcome him to Easter Road and look forward to him pulling on the strip.' A statement adds: 'Hibernian FC is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Thibault Klidjé, subject to international clearance and work permit approval. The 24-year-old striker has signed for a club record fee from Swiss Super League club Luzern, putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal. Hibs has an option to extend this by a further campaign. The Togo international joins Hibs off the back of a fruitful season in the Swiss Super League, he had 15 goal contributions in 39 appearances for Luzern last season, scoring 12 as his side finished sixth in the Swiss top-flight.'
Edinburgh Reporter
14-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
New Willsweep partnership includes player sponsorship of Rudi Molotnikov
Established in 1999, Willsweep are a plant hire company in the Construction and Transport industry, specialising in road/street cleansing for both commercial and sector-based clients. With over 25 years' worth of experience in the trade, their expertise in Municipal ranges from transport network cleaning, roadside cleaning to drainage clearing, winter maintenance and snow clearing plant. Head of Business Development at Hibs Grace Cannon, stated: 'I'm really pleased to have Willsweep on board as an Official Partner of the Club for our 150th season. 'The team at Willsweep have been great to work with from the initial conversations and it's great to see this partnership come to fruition. 'Being a local Edinburgh-based business with years of experience in their field, we're looking forward to helping them promote their brand further and I'm confident this will be a successful partnership for both parties.' Steven Williams, owner of Willsweep, added: 'Partnering with Hibernian FC is an exciting step for us. The Club's strong community ties and professional approach make them an ideal partner. We're proud to support Rudi Molotnikov's development and to have our brand represented at such a prestigious level. We look forward to a successful and lasting relationship.' Like this: Like Related
