Dundee West Labour
Conference Report from Pauline Rourke (Chair) and Marion Spöring (Secretary) Dundee CLP
Saturday 21st September
The day began with a meeting held with all Scottish CLP delegates, where card votes & information shared in advance of the day's proceedings.
An ideal opportunity to link in and network with our comrades.
A full Agenda was ahead of us and while the issue around the challenge on the Deputy Leadership position was both untimely and unwelcome, the atmosphere of delegates was positive.
The Secretary took the opportunity to attend the Policy Seminar on Brexit, while the Chair attended the Seminar on Environment Energy & culture, with many important issues highlighted at both.
A ballot was completed on the Motions to be included in the Priorities ballot being held with both CLPs and Affiliates each having an opportunity to vote on 10 different subjects accepted in advance of Conference, which would then be debated, over the next 3 days.
The announcement of the 20 selected were announced at the end of Conference, with the majority we had selected to be heard.
A number of NEC & CLP Constitutional Amendments were debated late afternoon and while our own Motion on the restoration of the pre 1995, Clause 4 Part 4 had been referred directly to the NEC, to form part of a new review group,we supported 2 CLP amendments which mirrored the spirit of our own submission.
Sadly while both received overwhelming support from CLP's, they were lost owing to low support from Affiliates.
As a CLP we will monitor closely feedback on this Review Group and provide updates where possible.
The business on the floor of Conference was uplifted with several strong contributions from the top platform- Jennie Formby Labour General Secretary who herself has been suffering ill health, gave a passionate and personal account as to the fantastic services provided by our NHS workers, which we must never lose sight of.
Jennie also spoke of the successful Women's Conference held earlier this year, where 2 of our own delegates attending and contributed to debate.
Ian Lavery, Party Chair gave a resounding speech and rally cry, demanding a General Election, to right the wrongs of the Tory Government & their privileged representatives.
Ian reminded Conference of the importance of the Trade Unions and the importance to retain this link with our Party.
Dawn Butler, Shadow Women & Equalities Secretary, made an uplifting contribution calling for us to come together and take action to stop the threat to our democracy.
Priority must be given to encourage citizens to vote and Labour CLP's have an essential role to play!
Dawn has launched her weblink on Equality and Faith, and reminded us " Black History is British History."
Both keynote speakers above,received standing ovations from the floor, with a real sense of unity around the hall.
At the close of Conference we both attended the Morning Star fringe meeting " The media war on Labour, and how to defeat it."
The atmosphere was electric and unity carried the hope we must now take back to our constituencies.
Should anyone be in doubt if we are ready to govern, having listed to the keynote speakers to date, we are proud to confirm we have a Shadow Cabinet and team who are talented, united and committed to social justice.
Conference report Sunday, 22nd
On Sunday morning, we heard a speech by Mark Drakeford, leader of the Welsh Party, and the Early years, education and skills policy commission annual report .
The debate was introduced by a passionate and well received speech by Angela Rayner, Shadow Secretary for Education and Skills, highlighting that a Labour government will deliver free education from the cradle to the grave, scrap tuition fees to mention but a few of the key policies.
Motions calling to end support for private schools and to integrate them into the public sector were carried.
The debate on health and social care was introduced by Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS and President of the TUC.
The Shadow Secretary for Health, Jonathan Ashworth, gave a passionate and again well received speech.
Composite motions on Social Care and NHS were debated.
All motions were carried and references back were voted on, a long process, as there were many references back, a sign of engagement with our policy proposals.
In the afternoon Dianne Abbott , Shadow Home Secretary, addressed Conference, with a fantastic speech and she received a standing ovation from conference.
Richard Burgon, Shadow secretary for Justice , delivered a closing speech full of passion and policy announcements included , the reverse of legal aid cuts, the introduction of law centres in the community , for the communities, an end to privately run prisons and probation services, no PFI.
He also received a standing ovation.
Motions discussed were a motion from women's conference on Rights for Migrant Women which was unanimously adopted and the Policy Commission report accepted, including most references back.
In the evening, we tried to attend a number of fringe meetings, again, there was a huge turnout and we did not get into the Palestinian meeting.
This is supported by our Leader who with the will and support or every member WILL deliver a Labour Government.
Bring it on!!
Conference report Monday, 23rd
Results of Democracy Review Implementation were announced.
Richard Leonard addressed Conference.
His speech was well-delivered and received, also highlighting constitutional reform including replacing of House of Lords with elected representative Chamber.
We then dealt with references back and we discussed the second women's conference motion on Universal credit and emergency motion on justice for rape survivors and the National Policy Forum Report on Work, Pensions and Equality.
We had contributed to the composite motion at Women's Conference.
Unfortunately, we were not picked/seen by the Chair to speak in the debate.
The Economy, Business and Trade Debate discussed composite motions on Industrial strategy ( moved and seconded by Len Mc Cluskey , Unite, and Mick Whelan, Aslef )
Insourcing (UNISON, GMB) , Working Hours(CWU and Perthshire CLP),
Employment Rights (GMB and USDAW),
and the Royal Mail ((CWU and Unite)
and allowing a number of speakers to contribute .
John McDonnell , Shadow Chancellor, gave a detailed address , also addressing the collapse of Thomas Cook.
His contribution was received with enthusiastic support by Conference.
Before the vote was taken on motions and references back (all adopted).
The International debate started with the unity statement by the NEC on Brexit , introduced by a member of the NEC, before adjournment before lunch.
In the afternoon, Emily Thornberry, Shadow Foreign Secretary gave her well received address outlining the stance a Labour Government will take.
Keir Starmer, Shadow Secretary for Exiting the European Union, followed on with an update of events .
Conference proceeded to discuss composite motions on Yemen and Ethical Foreign Policy and two composites on Brexit, as well as am emergency motion on human rights for the Uyghurs and proposals for reference back on the international policy commission annual report.
The unity NEC statement on Brexit was overwhelmingly adopted, motion 13 on Brexit fell and motion 14 on Brexit (in line with NEC statement) was clearly carried.
All other motions were carried.
Conference adjourned.
Tuesday 24th September
Another full Agenda was covered with delegates ready to debate a "Green New Deal", which had the handle of the longest composite meetings held in history!
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy spoke of the ambitious programme and policies the future Labour Government will deliver.
Climate and Social Justice are the priority, delivering investment in communities while improving the quality of lives of so many scorned by the purge of Tory austerity.
The climate debate which followed was passionate with Matt Wrack from FBU highlighting the future of our planet and impact on humanity was the most important debate being heard this week.
Two motions were debated which mirrored similar ambitions with job security and an achievable timeline demanded by various delegates.
A radical programme is now endorsed to go forward.
Sue Hayman, Shadow Environment Secretary paid tribute to the thousands of school children across the UK who took to the streets last Friday, demanding climate change.
Local children who had participated spoke from the platform and received a standing ovation.
Sue advised thousands of new jobs will be created in this sector, recognising affordability is paramount when purchasing Energy Vehicles, free loans will be available for many.
In addition, community car clubs will deliver a fair and inclusive policy.
Business decisions must be transparent with reviews of rent and tax reform to name a few priorities.
The afternoon session was opened with 3 International speakers from Ghana, Western Sahara & Chagos Archipelago.
Each one spoke of their countries’ struggles and the importance of the Labour Party and its members remaining their ally at all times, talking of our proud reputation as internationalists, standing together in struggle.
Each speaker received a standing ovation, left with a clear message, we remain united.
Humbling contributions were made by delegates during the debate on Local Authority Cuts & Homelessness.
We are witnessing a crisis in all towns which cannot continue and the role of our local Labour Councillors was placed high on the agenda in tackling this issue which cannot and must not continue.
At 4pm our Leader addressed a packed Conference hall, laying out Labours transformative agenda, " People Before Privilege."
He recognised we are living in extraordinary and precarious times, reminding delegates we have a once in a generation chance to make real change.
A Labour Government will rebuild and transform our economy, ensuring poverty and inequality are eradicated.
Investing in the public sector, particularly social care.
The Trade Union Act will be scrapped within 100 days in office, with Day One rights.
The investment for this transformation, will be met by increasing the tax for the top 5% earners in the country and collecting the taxes from large corporate companies who must pay their dues!
The full speech is now available (the link is at the end of this article) , and we would encourage everyone to read or listen to what is to be delivered to transform the lives of so many who have been failed for too long by the Tory government.
It was a privilege to witness this contribution at such an important time in our Party's history and is everything we hope for in securing a future for all !
Her contribution was welcomed by all.
An interruption to business by Jeremy Corbyn, made Conference aware of the decision of the Supreme Court, advising Boris Johnson's decision to shut down Parliament was indeed unlawful.
A historic moment witnessed, with delegates cheering with the likelihood a General Election being closer than we imagined.
Additional debates on Corporate Governance and the crisis in our high streets saw many delegates highlighting examples of our local communities suffering massive job losses as we have experienced in Dundee.
Business decisions must be transparent with reviews of rent and tax reform to name a few priorities.
The afternoon session was opened with 3 International speakers from Ghana, Western Sahara & Chagos Archipelago.
Each one spoke of their countries’ struggles and the importance of the Labour Party & its members remaining their ally at all times, talking of our proud reputation as internationalists, standing together in struggle.
Each speaker received a standing ovation, left with a clear message, we remain united.
Humbling contributions were made by delegates during the debate on Local Authority Cuts & Homelessness.
We are witnessing a crisis in all towns which cannot continue and the role of our local Labour Councillors was placed high on the agenda in tackling this issue which cannot and must not continue.
At 4pm Jeremy Corbynr addressed a packed Conference hall, laying out Labours transformative agenda, " People Before Privilege."
He recognised we are living in extraordinary and precarious times, reminding delegates we have a once in a generation chance to make real change.
A Labour Government will rebuild and transform our economy, ensuring poverty and inequality are eradicated.
Investing in the public sector, particularly social care.
The Trade Union Act will be scrapped within 100 days in office, with Day One rights.
The investment for this transformation, will be met by increasing the tax for the top 5% earners in the country and collecting the taxes from large corporate companies who must pay their dues!
The full speech is now available to all members who may have already received the link and we would encourage everyone to read or listen to what is to be delivered to transform the lives of so many who have been failed for too long by the Tory government.
It was a privilege to witness this contribution at such an important time in our Party's history and is everything we hope for in securing a future for all !
The atmosphere was electric and unity carried the hope we must now take back to our constituencies.
Should anyone be in doubt if we are ready to govern, having listed to the keynote speakers to date, we are proud to confirm we have a Shadow Cabinet and team who are talented, united and committed to social justice.
This is supported by our Leader who with the will and support or every member WILL deliver a Labour Government.
Bring it on!!
Final Day Wednesday , 25th
After Jeremy's inspiring speech yesterday, Conference resumed Business at 9 am with more speakers.
From the floor continuing yesterday's timetabled debate on composites on Local Authority cuts, homelessness and Housing and emergency motion on Kashmir, followed by composites on Immigration and Mental Health and an emergency motion on the Thomas Cook collapse.
Many, many speakers spoke about their personal experiences, very moving and upsetting in some cases.
All motions and references back were carried unanimously and the National Policy Forum report on Housing, Transport and local Government were carried unanimously, too, after our very last card vote ( 45!) on the democracy review rule change.
The Chair closed Conference with thanks to all.
The results from Elections as carried over from previous day saw Katrina Murray elected for the Disabled Members seat and the following three were elected to the National Constitutional Committee: Gary Heather, Jabran Hussain, Stephen Marks.
Overall, it was hard work , but inspiring and exhilarating.
As Jeremy put it in his final address:
- "Labour will put people before privilege by rolling out its transformative agenda against a Prime Minister and his government who are not only representing the establishment, but are the Establishment."
In solidarity Marion (Secretary) and Pauline (Chair)
Videos and text of speeches
Saturday 21st September
The day began with a meeting held with all Scottish CLP delegates, where card votes & information shared in advance of the day's proceedings.
An ideal opportunity to link in and network with our comrades.
A full Agenda was ahead of us and while the issue around the challenge on the Deputy Leadership position was both untimely and unwelcome, the atmosphere of delegates was positive.
The Secretary took the opportunity to attend the Policy Seminar on Brexit, while the Chair attended the Seminar on Environment Energy & culture, with many important issues highlighted at both.
A ballot was completed on the Motions to be included in the Priorities ballot being held with both CLPs and Affiliates each having an opportunity to vote on 10 different subjects accepted in advance of Conference, which would then be debated, over the next 3 days.
The announcement of the 20 selected were announced at the end of Conference, with the majority we had selected to be heard.
A number of NEC & CLP Constitutional Amendments were debated late afternoon and while our own Motion on the restoration of the pre 1995, Clause 4 Part 4 had been referred directly to the NEC, to form part of a new review group,we supported 2 CLP amendments which mirrored the spirit of our own submission.
Sadly while both received overwhelming support from CLP's, they were lost owing to low support from Affiliates.
As a CLP we will monitor closely feedback on this Review Group and provide updates where possible.
The business on the floor of Conference was uplifted with several strong contributions from the top platform- Jennie Formby Labour General Secretary who herself has been suffering ill health, gave a passionate and personal account as to the fantastic services provided by our NHS workers, which we must never lose sight of.
Jennie also spoke of the successful Women's Conference held earlier this year, where 2 of our own delegates attending and contributed to debate.
Ian Lavery, Party Chair gave a resounding speech and rally cry, demanding a General Election, to right the wrongs of the Tory Government & their privileged representatives.
Ian reminded Conference of the importance of the Trade Unions and the importance to retain this link with our Party.
Dawn Butler, Shadow Women & Equalities Secretary, made an uplifting contribution calling for us to come together and take action to stop the threat to our democracy.
Priority must be given to encourage citizens to vote and Labour CLP's have an essential role to play!
Dawn has launched her weblink on Equality and Faith, and reminded us " Black History is British History."
Both keynote speakers above,received standing ovations from the floor, with a real sense of unity around the hall.
At the close of Conference we both attended the Morning Star fringe meeting " The media war on Labour, and how to defeat it."
The atmosphere was electric and unity carried the hope we must now take back to our constituencies.
Should anyone be in doubt if we are ready to govern, having listed to the keynote speakers to date, we are proud to confirm we have a Shadow Cabinet and team who are talented, united and committed to social justice.
Conference report Sunday, 22nd
On Sunday morning, we heard a speech by Mark Drakeford, leader of the Welsh Party, and the Early years, education and skills policy commission annual report .
The debate was introduced by a passionate and well received speech by Angela Rayner, Shadow Secretary for Education and Skills, highlighting that a Labour government will deliver free education from the cradle to the grave, scrap tuition fees to mention but a few of the key policies.
Motions calling to end support for private schools and to integrate them into the public sector were carried.
The debate on health and social care was introduced by Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS and President of the TUC.
The Shadow Secretary for Health, Jonathan Ashworth, gave a passionate and again well received speech.
Composite motions on Social Care and NHS were debated.
All motions were carried and references back were voted on, a long process, as there were many references back, a sign of engagement with our policy proposals.
In the afternoon Dianne Abbott , Shadow Home Secretary, addressed Conference, with a fantastic speech and she received a standing ovation from conference.
Richard Burgon, Shadow secretary for Justice , delivered a closing speech full of passion and policy announcements included , the reverse of legal aid cuts, the introduction of law centres in the community , for the communities, an end to privately run prisons and probation services, no PFI.
He also received a standing ovation.
Motions discussed were a motion from women's conference on Rights for Migrant Women which was unanimously adopted and the Policy Commission report accepted, including most references back.
In the evening, we tried to attend a number of fringe meetings, again, there was a huge turnout and we did not get into the Palestinian meeting.
This is supported by our Leader who with the will and support or every member WILL deliver a Labour Government.
Bring it on!!
Conference report Monday, 23rd
Results of Democracy Review Implementation were announced.
Richard Leonard addressed Conference.
His speech was well-delivered and received, also highlighting constitutional reform including replacing of House of Lords with elected representative Chamber.
We then dealt with references back and we discussed the second women's conference motion on Universal credit and emergency motion on justice for rape survivors and the National Policy Forum Report on Work, Pensions and Equality.
We had contributed to the composite motion at Women's Conference.
Unfortunately, we were not picked/seen by the Chair to speak in the debate.
The Economy, Business and Trade Debate discussed composite motions on Industrial strategy ( moved and seconded by Len Mc Cluskey , Unite, and Mick Whelan, Aslef )
Insourcing (UNISON, GMB) , Working Hours(CWU and Perthshire CLP),
Employment Rights (GMB and USDAW),
and the Royal Mail ((CWU and Unite)
and allowing a number of speakers to contribute .
John McDonnell , Shadow Chancellor, gave a detailed address , also addressing the collapse of Thomas Cook.
His contribution was received with enthusiastic support by Conference.
Before the vote was taken on motions and references back (all adopted).
The International debate started with the unity statement by the NEC on Brexit , introduced by a member of the NEC, before adjournment before lunch.
In the afternoon, Emily Thornberry, Shadow Foreign Secretary gave her well received address outlining the stance a Labour Government will take.
Keir Starmer, Shadow Secretary for Exiting the European Union, followed on with an update of events .
Conference proceeded to discuss composite motions on Yemen and Ethical Foreign Policy and two composites on Brexit, as well as am emergency motion on human rights for the Uyghurs and proposals for reference back on the international policy commission annual report.
The unity NEC statement on Brexit was overwhelmingly adopted, motion 13 on Brexit fell and motion 14 on Brexit (in line with NEC statement) was clearly carried.
All other motions were carried.
Conference adjourned.
Tuesday 24th September
Another full Agenda was covered with delegates ready to debate a "Green New Deal", which had the handle of the longest composite meetings held in history!
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy spoke of the ambitious programme and policies the future Labour Government will deliver.
Climate and Social Justice are the priority, delivering investment in communities while improving the quality of lives of so many scorned by the purge of Tory austerity.
The climate debate which followed was passionate with Matt Wrack from FBU highlighting the future of our planet and impact on humanity was the most important debate being heard this week.
Two motions were debated which mirrored similar ambitions with job security and an achievable timeline demanded by various delegates.
A radical programme is now endorsed to go forward.
Sue Hayman, Shadow Environment Secretary paid tribute to the thousands of school children across the UK who took to the streets last Friday, demanding climate change.
Local children who had participated spoke from the platform and received a standing ovation.
Sue advised thousands of new jobs will be created in this sector, recognising affordability is paramount when purchasing Energy Vehicles, free loans will be available for many.
In addition, community car clubs will deliver a fair and inclusive policy.
Business decisions must be transparent with reviews of rent and tax reform to name a few priorities.
The afternoon session was opened with 3 International speakers from Ghana, Western Sahara & Chagos Archipelago.
Each one spoke of their countries’ struggles and the importance of the Labour Party and its members remaining their ally at all times, talking of our proud reputation as internationalists, standing together in struggle.
Each speaker received a standing ovation, left with a clear message, we remain united.
Humbling contributions were made by delegates during the debate on Local Authority Cuts & Homelessness.
We are witnessing a crisis in all towns which cannot continue and the role of our local Labour Councillors was placed high on the agenda in tackling this issue which cannot and must not continue.
At 4pm our Leader addressed a packed Conference hall, laying out Labours transformative agenda, " People Before Privilege."
He recognised we are living in extraordinary and precarious times, reminding delegates we have a once in a generation chance to make real change.
A Labour Government will rebuild and transform our economy, ensuring poverty and inequality are eradicated.
Investing in the public sector, particularly social care.
The Trade Union Act will be scrapped within 100 days in office, with Day One rights.
The investment for this transformation, will be met by increasing the tax for the top 5% earners in the country and collecting the taxes from large corporate companies who must pay their dues!
The full speech is now available (the link is at the end of this article) , and we would encourage everyone to read or listen to what is to be delivered to transform the lives of so many who have been failed for too long by the Tory government.
It was a privilege to witness this contribution at such an important time in our Party's history and is everything we hope for in securing a future for all !
Her contribution was welcomed by all.
An interruption to business by Jeremy Corbyn, made Conference aware of the decision of the Supreme Court, advising Boris Johnson's decision to shut down Parliament was indeed unlawful.
A historic moment witnessed, with delegates cheering with the likelihood a General Election being closer than we imagined.
Additional debates on Corporate Governance and the crisis in our high streets saw many delegates highlighting examples of our local communities suffering massive job losses as we have experienced in Dundee.
Business decisions must be transparent with reviews of rent and tax reform to name a few priorities.
The afternoon session was opened with 3 International speakers from Ghana, Western Sahara & Chagos Archipelago.
Each one spoke of their countries’ struggles and the importance of the Labour Party & its members remaining their ally at all times, talking of our proud reputation as internationalists, standing together in struggle.
Each speaker received a standing ovation, left with a clear message, we remain united.
Humbling contributions were made by delegates during the debate on Local Authority Cuts & Homelessness.
We are witnessing a crisis in all towns which cannot continue and the role of our local Labour Councillors was placed high on the agenda in tackling this issue which cannot and must not continue.
At 4pm Jeremy Corbynr addressed a packed Conference hall, laying out Labours transformative agenda, " People Before Privilege."
He recognised we are living in extraordinary and precarious times, reminding delegates we have a once in a generation chance to make real change.
A Labour Government will rebuild and transform our economy, ensuring poverty and inequality are eradicated.
Investing in the public sector, particularly social care.
The Trade Union Act will be scrapped within 100 days in office, with Day One rights.
The investment for this transformation, will be met by increasing the tax for the top 5% earners in the country and collecting the taxes from large corporate companies who must pay their dues!
The full speech is now available to all members who may have already received the link and we would encourage everyone to read or listen to what is to be delivered to transform the lives of so many who have been failed for too long by the Tory government.
It was a privilege to witness this contribution at such an important time in our Party's history and is everything we hope for in securing a future for all !
The atmosphere was electric and unity carried the hope we must now take back to our constituencies.
Should anyone be in doubt if we are ready to govern, having listed to the keynote speakers to date, we are proud to confirm we have a Shadow Cabinet and team who are talented, united and committed to social justice.
This is supported by our Leader who with the will and support or every member WILL deliver a Labour Government.
Bring it on!!
Final Day Wednesday , 25th
After Jeremy's inspiring speech yesterday, Conference resumed Business at 9 am with more speakers.
From the floor continuing yesterday's timetabled debate on composites on Local Authority cuts, homelessness and Housing and emergency motion on Kashmir, followed by composites on Immigration and Mental Health and an emergency motion on the Thomas Cook collapse.
Many, many speakers spoke about their personal experiences, very moving and upsetting in some cases.
All motions and references back were carried unanimously and the National Policy Forum report on Housing, Transport and local Government were carried unanimously, too, after our very last card vote ( 45!) on the democracy review rule change.
The Chair closed Conference with thanks to all.
The results from Elections as carried over from previous day saw Katrina Murray elected for the Disabled Members seat and the following three were elected to the National Constitutional Committee: Gary Heather, Jabran Hussain, Stephen Marks.
Overall, it was hard work , but inspiring and exhilarating.
As Jeremy put it in his final address:
- "Labour will put people before privilege by rolling out its transformative agenda against a Prime Minister and his government who are not only representing the establishment, but are the Establishment."
In solidarity Marion (Secretary) and Pauline (Chair)
Videos and text of speeches
Jeremy Corbyn - Conference speech