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27 years in captivity, it was twenty years ago on 11 February 1990 Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison by the Apartheid South Africa regime. The new T-shirt from www.philosophyfootball.com celebrates South Africa's two decades of freedom in the year the country also hosts Africa's first World Cup. We have 5 to be won in our February competition. To enter simply answer the following question.

Although there is overwhelming media backing for David Cameron, one thing is clear: the Tories are not seen as a convincing alternative to Labour. The next general election is still Labour's to win.

We're delighted to announce a new event held in association with the New Political Economy Network. Osbornomics: What will the Conservatives do to the economy? takes place from 7pm - 9pm on Monday 1 March in the Houses of Parliament. Confirmed speakers include economist Howard Reed, Larry Elliott, The Guardian; Polly Toynbee, The Guardian; Prof Andrew Gamble, Cambridge University and chaired by Jon Cruddas MP.

We're delighted to announce a new event held in association with The Smith Institute to coincide with our campaign for a High Pay Commission. Unequal Britain: time for a High Pay Commission? will take place from 6pm - 7.30pm on Monday 15 March 2009 in the Houses of Parliament, London. Speakers include Jon Cruddas MP; Rt Hon John Battle MP; Professor Stephen Machin, Low Pay Commission (invited); Ruth Lea, Global Vision (invited) and chaired by Polly Toynbee, The Guardian.

We're pleased to report that 130 MPs have now signed up in support of EDM 191 calling for a High Pay Commission. If you haven't already please lobby your MP today!

The decision by Ben Bradshaw to allow TV product placement is a backward step for all those that wish to see an end to the commercialisation of childhood. While it is important to recognise that this decision includes important bans on products such as branded alcohol, junk food and gambling, overall this will increase the level of advertising that children are exposed to.

There's a very interesting interview by New Statesman Editor Jason Cowley this week in which he in effect sets out the case for why Jon Cruddas could potentially run for and then win the Labour leadership if there was a contest in the coming months. Well worth a read.

Following the launch of our New Year Appeal a few weeks ago, asking us to fund our Campaigns Organiser for another year and because I believe Compass is helping to generate a serious progressive policy rethink, last week I decided to donate to the appeal, I'm asking you to now do the same.

According to the latest survey from the Nationwide Building Society, the average UK house price rose by 1.2% in January, pushing the annual rate up to 8.6%. Even taking the latest figures with a large pinch of salt - the figures are based on what are historically low levels of transactions - it is obvious that the much needed readjustment in house prices has not happened.

News that MPs will be asked to vote next week on whether to hold a referendum on electoral reform is a great result for all those who have tirelessly campaigned on this issue over recent weeks. Labour MPs should now throw their weight behind the call for change.