Labour Of Love

Where were you born?
I’m actually a Penarth boy.

Did you grow up in Penarth?
Yes, but most of my adult life in Barry.

Where did you go to school?
Fairfield Primary.

What did you do when you left school?
I joined the military in the RAF. First main job was in the RAF.

Where do you live now?
Between Barry and Dinas Powys.

What made you go into politics?
It’s in the blood.Genetic. My grandfather was a founder member of
the labour movement in South Wales. I can remember as a tiny little boy there were always school teachers and politicians around and I think it just rubbed off. I used to have to go and see my grandfather every Saturday morning to pick up a shilling pocket money. I used to have to wear my cap and all I can remember was that he never gave me the money straight away. It seemed like I waited hours and hours for that shilling. It was probably only half an hour but I believe my grandfather quietly indoctrinated me before he gave me the money. When I
was in school I was always a troublemaker. I was always the first to
say to the teacher “I don’t think this is right.” When I was in the military
I was always in trouble too. I was the one who wouldn’t pay attention to an order or questioned things.

When did you know that you’d go into politics?
I’d have been about twenty four. I wasalready an active trade union member. I was in work and then I was elected as a shop steward and something happened in work which made me aware that the only solution to the problem was actually a political solution, so at that point I consciously decided to join the Labour Party and be politically active. I actually joined the Labour Party as soon as I was sixteen. So I was a member from the moment I was eligible by age.

Did you study politics?
No,I did economics.I did a politics course but I didn’t study politics.

How did you meet your wife?
I met her in the Hellfire Caves, where the Hellfire Club was founded. It was a tourist thing. When you went on the tour, they’d have a talk-over and as you got deeper and deeper into the cave there was this big build up to the sacrificial altar and then all the lights went out. About half a mile
down the cave ,this satanic laughter came over the loudspeaker and this
woman grabbed hold of me… at least that’s how I remember it.

So Satan brought you together?
It could be (smiles). We were both in the RAF.

When?
1970.

What does your wife do?
Social worker.

Any children?
My daughter’s 36 and she’s a language teacher in south Wales. My eldest son is 33 and he’s a landscape gardener - he runs a small business. My youngest is 26 and he’s an actor.

Have we seen him in anything?
Pobol y Cwm. He got down to a final shortlist of two for Emmerdale and a
final shortlist of two for Peter Kay. He loves acting - he’d do it for nothing.

Is he a good looking boy?
Oh yes, like his dad. They put on his profile ‘tall, dark and handsome’.

You’re a proud grandfather. Do you think being a grandfather
has mellowed you?
It’s the most important thing. They’re by my son.

Would you have liked your children to go into politics?
I’d like everyone to go into politics. When I first went into politics people
used to tip their hats to a politician; now people are so apathetic towards
politics which is a tragedy because politics defines everything. People are
political every minute of the day - every choice you make, how you’re
going to bring your kids up, where you’re going to shop. Political decisions are so important but we managed somehow to get the entire
population disengaged other than once every few years when they’re
asked to cast a vote.

What are your political beliefs?
I’m a socialist. Politics is not about telling other people what I think they
should or shouldn’t do.The biggest danger to democracy is that people
are disengaging.It’s become harder and harder to get people involved
in politics.

On Cardiff International Airport
It’s a huge asset to the south Wales economy. There’s no such thing as a successful regional economy without an international airport and regular scheduled flights.

You’ve done a lot of work on DVT.
Still do. The first of March saw the implementation of the Civil Aviation
Act. We changed the law. Britain is now the only country in the world
that places a statutory duty of care on the minister of the government for
the health of airline passengers. Even though under article 17 of the 1929 Warsaw Convention, airlines have no responsibility at all for the
health of people they fly around the world, which I think is outrageous. The uninsured risk people take when they step on an aircraft is absolutely enormous. You’re insured for death and injury caused from an accident but even that is capped, but you are not insured for any damage to your health. When you’re in an aeroplane they control everything,they feed you, control the air you breathe, air pressure, it’s the most contrived environment imaginable. That’s something we will continue campaigning on and eventually we will win.

If you weren’t in politics what job would you choose to do?
A teacher. I was one for quite a few years.

What motivates you?
That sense of tackling injustice and unfairness. To me, I hate privilege.
I detest elitism. I detest any unmeritocratic gain. To me, that’s what it’s all about. Every individual is precious, every life, every opportunity,
whatever your background or where you come from. Every individual
should have the opportunity to makethe most of their life.

The tragedy is the vast majority of people, even in this country today, do
not have that opportunity. That’s what motivates me. To me that’s what it’s about.

Who do you most respect and why generally in life?
My wife I respect more than anything. Politically it would be Nelson Mandela. I met him in Westminster, literally within months of him being released. I went up with a little group from South Wales because we were all active in the anti-apartheid movement – I was chairman. There was a big line and when he got to me in front of my little group they said ‘Mr Mandela, this is John Smith MP’and this chap started to explain who I was and Nelson Mandela turned round and said,‘ I don’t need an explanation, I know exactly who John is and what he’s been doing for us.’ Of course he got me mixed up with the then leader of the Labour Party. But it didn’t matter because everyone was going ‘wow!’

Is there one single achievement in your political career that you are
most proud of locally?
Winning the multi-billion pound Defence Training Academy at St. Athan which I believe will transform the local economy.

On St Athan
There are no negatives but there are challenges and problems which will be thrown up by a project of this scale. There will also be many opportunities.

Have you ever been tempted to run as an independent?
Never.

We understand you enjoy reading, walking and camping. Read any
good books lately?
I also enjoy going out for a drink with friends. I simply have not
managed to make time to read something that isn’t work related.

Favourite food/dish?
Italian food.

What do you most like about the Vale of Glamorgan?
Its diversity. From its beautiful coastline and countryside to the exciting regeneration of Barry Waterfront, there is something for everyone.

Favourite must-see Vale landmark or attraction?
The blue flag beach at Whitmore Bay.

What annual event in the Vale is a must?
The Vale of Glamorgan Show and the Barry Waterfront Festival.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?
That’s a question for my wife!

Worst mistake you’ve made?
I once spoke at the launch of a local radio station. Because I was so rushed and under pressure, I called it a railway station in my speech!

Most embarrassing moment?
Being mistaken for the former leader of the Labour Party, John Smith, by
Nelson Mandela!

What car do you drive? What car would you like to drive?
An Audi. James Bond’s Aston Martin!

Favourite wine? And place to drink it?
A good Chardonnay. On the couch in front of a fire.

Apart from the obvious, what makes you see red?
Intolerance and cruelty. What do you do to keep yourself fit? Walking, swimming and running around Parliament from one meeting to the next!

If you could improve or change one thing, what would it be?
Transport links. The creation of a corridor of prosperity running west
to east in the South of the Vale. Who is your best friend (in politics).
I have too many to mention. Telling you would make the others jealous!

Do you ever feel as if your family and friends are missing out on seeing you?
I try to make amends for my absence by making the most of my time with
them when I am in the constituency.

If you could go back, would you do it all again?
Yes.

Is there anything about your life you would like to change?
No.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Watch, listen, learn.

What advice would you give to people who want to succeed
in politics?
Not to enter politics half heartedly. All your energies must be directed
towards helping those who have placed their trust in you at the ballot
box to the best of your ability.

What three words best define your character?
Open-minded, energetic, hard working.

When do you plan to retire?
When I feel I can no longer make a difference.

What do you plan to do?
I haven’t ruled anything in or out.

On John Smith
I’m a socialist. I’m an optimist. I’m all for the
creation of wealth if it’s distributed fairly.