Diane Abbott Home Office
Emily Thornbury Foreign Office
John Mc Donnell Exchequor
What ’ s it like at a Labour Party Conference ?
A few local people went down to Brighton in September 2017 and give us the low down on their experience ...
Haslingden and Hyndburn CLP
The conference was fantastic ! It was an uplifting experience , with the core theme being that of hope – for the many , not the few . There was very little controversy and all votes were carried with huge majorities , some unanimously . The conference bore little resemblance to the BBC reporting of it , particularly in relation to anti-Semitism and Europe .
Four of us went down to Brighton , Kay Jenkinson and I were delegates , with Tony and Mick having visitor passes . We went along to see Jeremy speak on the Saturday night-the place was bouncing with a real party atmosphere , and very much set the tone for the days to come .
I ’ ll attempt to highlight some of the major policy statements , but as you will appreciate , I can ’ t cover it all .
Diane Abbott Home Office
Terrorism -Thorough review of PREVENT strategy- not fit for purpose Policing - Tory record on policing is different from their rhetoric – 2.3 billion in cuts to police budgets – Labour will recruit 10,000 police officers .
Immigration-Tories demonised immigration . Labour to put an end to indefinite detention sentencing , guarantee the rights of EU citizens in UK , implement amendment on child refugees . Diane spoke of a fair and well managed immigration policy , shaped by enduring Labour values . Fire – Extent of failure has been symbolised by Grenfell , which was a direct consequence of deregulation of fire standards . Government must be lead agency for risk assessment – no more outsourcing to private sector . Labour pledge to appoint 3000 fire fighters and support FBU against cuts . International debate – CLP ’ s and TU ’ s The following were highlighted : Palestine Turkey and Kurds – political refugees Condemnation of 30 MP ’ s and Brexit letter Impact of leaving customs union e . g . port of Dover
Emily Thornbury Foreign Office
Change the ways arms exports are carried out , with rules and evidence to prevent their misuse . Highlighted arms to Saudi as an example . Kier Starmer- Brexit Accused the Tories of a policy of constructive ambiguity in its approach to Brexit . Tragic for jobs , pensions and homes . He went on to highlight the LP approach which has values of cooperation and solidarity at its heart . A policy with the protection of human rights , environment , rights at work and social justice driving everything we do . Focused on an agreed position within the LP in the national interest of a progressive partnership with the EU in all areas , and a deal that retains the customs union and links with the single market .
John Mc Donnell Exchequor
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