Labour Party News

Gordon Brown on Remembrance Sunday

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:47:05 Europe/London

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to fallen members of the Armed Forces in a podcast marking Remembrance Sunday. The Prime Minister's statement Each year Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day give us a chance to remember the heroes who have died in the service of this country we love. On Wednesday we will observe two minutes’ silence on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month: the exact moment 91 years ago that the guns of the Western Front fell silent. This year’s events will be particularly poignant because this summer we witnessed the passing of the last Tommy, Harry Patch. With his death, an entire generation has fallen silent and we have lost our living link with the momentous events which did so much to shape our nation. And so this Armistice Day, we must make anew our promise to Harry and his comrades: that although they are gone, we will never, ever forget. And tomorrow we will reflect not just on the soldiers of World War One, but all those brave men and women of all races and of all creeds and none who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace and in the cause of freedom. And I know that we will hold the men and women of our military in our prayers tomorrow as we think about all those who have been killed in Afghanistan this year - heroes who have lost their lives on Afghan streets so that we might...

Prime Minister’s Speech on Afghanistan

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:27:46 Europe/London

The Prime Minister delivered a speech on Afghanistan at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London on 6 November 2009: Let me first of all thank Admiral Style and everyone here at the Royal College of Defence Studies for the vital work you are doing in support of the development of international strategy and leadership, and doing so right across the world. It’s a great privilege to be able to speak to the college Fellows today and to support your leadership programme. And to this event today I am particularly pleased to be able to welcome General Parker, who is about to take up his new post as the Deputy Commander of international forces in Afghanistan, and also I am pleased to welcome several senior serving officers from the Afghan and Pakistan armed forces. This weekend - as we do each year - we remember the sacrifices made by generations of our armed forces who have given their lives in the service of this country. We celebrate their courage, we honour their extraordinary dedication, and we remember them with pride. For the sacrifice and the great achievements of our armed forces are defining features of our nation: a testament to the strength and irrepressible spirit of a Britain always prepared to do what is necessary to protect the liberty and security of its people; a Britain that fights for its values, that stands up against the things we know are wrong. And this is not just an essential part...

Five more years of Tory chaos and obsession over Europe - Miliband

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:23:43 Europe/London

David Miliband MP, Labour's Foreign Secretary, said in response to David Cameron's U-turn on the Lisbon Treaty: "British people now know what to expect when they hear a cast-iron guarantee from David Cameron on Europe: nothing. "This is not about taking back powers from Europe, it is about transfering power to the Eurosceptics on his backbenches. "David Cameron's proposals to opt out of the social chapter are unjust and would make UK employees second class citizens in European labour markets, with weaker rights than others. "David Cameron's proposed opt outs are impractical. Renegotiating powers requires unanimity but can Cameron name other member states who want to participate in more institutional navel gazing? He does not need to promise future referenda because the European Council said in December 2007 that it wanted no institutional change for ten years. "The consequence of his plans would be that, instead of spending the next five years fighting for jobs and against climate change and terrorism across Europe, he will spend the next five years obsessing with institutional change."...

Tory danger for NHS's world beater rating - Burnham

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:52:22 Europe/London

Andy Burnham MP, Labour's Health Secretary, slammed the Tories' pledge to scrap cancer treatment guarantees whilst commenting on news that an international survey announced this morning has ranked the NHS a world beater. The Commonwealth Fund survey of frontline doctors in 11 countries ranked the UK as 1st in short waiting times for specialist care and quality of clinical care. The Tories have pledged to scrap Labour Government guarantees that anyone with suspected cancer will see a specialist within two weeks, and Labour's pledge to introduce a new right to cancer diagnostic tests, with results, within one week. Andy Burnham MP said: "This is fantastic news for the NHS and a worthy recognition of the professionalism of NHS staff, but it also shows the danger that the Tories' ill-judged policies pose to patients. "It is Labour that has put the NHS in the strong position the Commonwealth Fund shows it is in today. Thanks to the Labour Government, you are guaranteed to see a specialist within two weeks if your GP suspects you have cancer, and we have now pledged diagnosis within one week if you are tested for cancer. But David Cameron's Tories want to scrap Labour's patient guarantees. "The Tories' threat to patient guarantees is as short-sighted as David Cameron's friend Dan Hannan's claim that the NHS is a 60-year mistake. "David Cameron has already broken a 'cast-iron guarantee' on Europe. The Tories' so-called 'cast-iron commitment' to the health service now looks equally rusty. "The...

Labour announces bank shake-up

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:20:39 Europe/London

The Labour government has announced the biggest shake-up of high street banks for a generation. On bonuses, new tough rules will mean no cash bonuses will be paid this year to any staff earning over £39,000 and Executive Board members will have any bonuses deferred for three years. This represents the toughest controls on bonuses anywhere in the world. The plan to create three new banks by breaking up parts of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group will provide a better deal for taxpayers – by reducing the total assets protected by the taxpayer by over £300bn. Increased competition between the additional banks will also benefit consumers The measures also create legally enforceable Lending Commitments to increase lending to businesses and mortgages by £39bn. Each bank has agreed to publish a 'Customer Charter' for lending to small and medium businesses. When the banks faced collapse last year and the global recession hit, Labour took the right decisions to protect savers and to support businesses and families. The alternative would have been disastrous. Meanwhile, George Osborne has been consistently wrong on the recession and is now making the wrong calls on the recovery...

Help with housing costs

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:29:53 Europe/London

Changes made by the Labour Government mean that more than 200,000 families will have extra help with housing costs from Monday 2nd November. New rules around housing and council tax benefits mean that over 200,000 families will gain around £1,000 per year. The changes form part of a series of measures that will see a further 500,000 children lifted out of poverty - on the way to eradicating it by 2020. Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper, said: "We want to do more to help families who are working hard to get by during the recession. Already tax credits make sure families are better off in work, but this extra cash is a practical way to make sure the benefits from working are even stronger. And it will help cut child poverty too." Both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can be claimed by customers who are working and this change will be an extra incentive to getting back to work. Currently, the average Housing Benefit award is £80 a week and the average Council Tax Benefit award is £15 per week. The Child Benefit disregard for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is one of a series of measures taken since the Budget 2007 that will see around a further 500,000 children lifted out of poverty - part of the Government's commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020....

Helping young people start their careers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:11:22 Europe/London

Labour’s Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, has launched a new strategy for careers guidance. Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United Football club, attending the launch, explained: “All sorts of people can influence children in their career choices, but it is important that teachers, parents and businesses spot talent early on and nurture young people to achieve the best they can.” New jobs will be in demand in 2010 that did not even exist in 2004. In a fast changing world, young people need the most up to date advice and they want to access it in new ways. Information, advice and guidance will be available through social networking sites, such as Facebook, Youtube and blogs. Better information for parents will be available through Connexions Direct. In line with the rising participation age, every young person will now get advice up to the age of 18. The strategy outlines the ambition for every young person to have access to a mentor and sets out plans for a £10m fund to support innovative ways of delivering career education. The plans are based on new research published today, showing that parents and schools must work to build on young children’s high aspirations. Speaking at the launch, Ed Balls said: “A radical change is needed in the way careers advice and education is delivered…I want this generation of young people to be able to look back and say their careers advice was relevant and gave them informed...

Labour government launches crime-mapping website

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:05:22 Europe/London

The Labour Government has launched a new crime mapping website - allowing the public to view figures for all crime in an area. Users of the map are able to compare one police area with another and compare crime rates over different times. The site also gives details of local policing priorities and upcoming local events such as crime prevention meetings and local surgeries. While Labour are committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour – through tough-action and by investing in 16,000 more Police officers and neighbourhood Police teams in every area since 1997 – the Conservatives would make cuts to the crime-fighting budget equivalent to losing 3500 police officers this year and would make it harder for the Police to use DNA evidence to catch criminals. Labour's Policing and Crime Minister, David Hanson MP, said: “Crime maps are a key part of delivering neighbourhood policing and giving communities access to information like this not only improves public confidence but ensures police are responding to local people’s needs. “We know the public want this information, which will allow them to hold the police to account and help create an even more responsive and effective service. “Neighbourhood police teams already serve every community in England and Wales and the Crime Map is another example of how we are building greater links between the police and the people they serve.”...

Action on climate change

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:34:57 Europe/London

Labour Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has said that countries must work together to get a deal on climate change at December’s UN summit in Copenhagen. Speaking at the Major Economies Forum, Gordon Brown called on world leaders to attend the summit - stating that there was "no Plan B" and that "business as usual" would not be enough. With Labour, the UK is already among the world leaders in developing low carbon energy, supporting energy efficiency and working to secure international agreement on tackling climate change. Labour's groundbreaking Climate Change Act made Britain the first country in the world to put ambitious long term emissions targets into law. In contrast, the Conservatives' rhetoric is undermined by their action - they have pledged to scrap the planning reforms which Labour has put in place to bring forward major low carbon energy projects, while Tory councils have rejected 60% of proposed wind farms. Gordon Brown said: “In every era there are only one or two moments when nations come together and reach agreements that make history - because they change the course of history. Copenhagen must be such a time. There are now fewer than fifty days to set the course of the next fifty years and more. So, as we convene here, we carry great responsibilities, and the world is watching. "If we do not reach a deal at this time, let us be in no doubt: once the damage from unchecked emissions growth is done, no retrospective global...

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:22:24 Europe/London

Labour’s Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has announced measures to ensure that anti-social behaviour is dealt with more quickly and effectively. Over the next two years, the Labour Government is investing almost £2.8m in a support network for victims who are taking a stand against anti-social behaviour – including support in court proceedings, offering someone to accompany the witness when they give evidence and providing follow-up assistance when the court case is over. We’re setting out clear expectations that local councils, police and social housing landlords ensure court action is taken against those who break the law by breaching their anti-social behaviour order. Labour's new measures also include all local areas committing to a minimum set of standards. These include: support for victims, taking reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, and keeping the victims and local communities informed on what action is being taken. Labour’s Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, said: "The public rightly expects to live in neighbourhoods free from the corrosive effects of intimidation and harassment. I want to see both police and local authorities using the powers they have been given in a way that is effective and responds to peoples’ needs at the right time. "This may be tougher for some areas than for others, but communities will have to work together to show that antisocial behaviour is something that we tackle, rather than tolerate. "It is also vital that no-one ignores complaints of anti-social behaviour, as happened in the tragic case of Fiona Pilkington. Those on the receiving...

The two faces of the Conservative Party are increasingly on show - Byrne

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 16:44:35 Europe/London

Liam Byrne MP, Labour's Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said in response to David Cameron's speech to Conservative Party conference: "This was an emotive but deceptive speech. It concealed the judgement calls he has consistently got wrong and the real threat of what he would do. "He attacked the recession but opposed every decision we have taken to accelerate the recovery. He feigned concern for the poor but made no mention of his tax giveaway of £200,000 to the wealthiest few. He said they were the party of the NHS but he would tear up the patient guarantee to see a cancer specialist within two weeks. He talked tough on crime but he would cut the equivalent of 3,500 police officers this year and weaken DNA evidence. "This was a traditional Conservative speech: it was not a speech of change. The two faces of the Conservative Party are increasingly on show."...

George Osborne comprehensively failed the economic credibility test - Byrne

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 17:49:50 Europe/London

Liam Byrne MP, Labour's Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said “George Osborne comprehensively failed the economic credibility test today. He set himself a high bar and then fell miles short. “He said ‘we’re all in this together’ but then attacked the mainstream middle while defending a tax cut for the richest families. “The Tories were expected to set out a credible budget policy that could match our plan to half the deficit in four years. Yet all we got was a chaotic u-turn on the retirement age and a speech that cost even more than it saved. “The Shadow Chancellor had an opportunity today to show he was serious. Instead we got chaos and cuts that hit the mainstream middle class to fund tax breaks for Britain’s richest elite.”...

The Tories are simply rehashing Labour policies without the investment needed to make them work - Cooper

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 18:12:19 Europe/London

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to the Conservative plans announced today said: "This is a carefully packaged con. The Tories still want to make cuts in a recession that would destroy jobs and, according to respected economists, would actually push unemployment up to 5 million. “They are simply rehashing Labour policies without the investment needed to make them work. "The Tories don't understand that you can't get people from welfare into work if you destroy the jobs for them to go to."...

The leaders debate: What would you like asked?

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:33:19 Europe/London

The Labour Party is asking the public what questions they would like asked in the televised debates to be held ahead of the general election. Members of the public can have their say on what questions should be asked, as well as their views of the format of the debates, by visiting labour.org.uk/the-leaders-debate Gordon Brown has recently announced that he will take part in a televised leaders debate ahead of the general election and also called for Ministers and opposition ministers to debate the issues in a series of debates on television and radio. Labour's Leader, Gordon Brown, said: "It is right that we set the issues before the British people. Others can work out the details but what's important for the country is that there is a wide ranging series of television and radio debates with party leaders that are also able to devote attention to the central issues that matter to families: the economy, public services, how we strengthen our communities, and how we work with the rest of the world. "It is right that there will be a strong focus on the leaders' debates and it is right that in a Cabinet system of government that ministers and opposition ministers also debate the issues in a series of debates on television and radio too. "I relish the opportunity of making our case directly to the people of this country."...

Harriet Harman's speech at Labour Conference

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:47:53 Europe/London

Labour's Deputy Leader, Harriet Harman's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Thank you. Cath Speight our NEC chair, Ray Collins our General Secretary both of you have worked so hard not just at this conference but throughout the last 12 months. We’re really grateful to you. You’re team players and you’ve worked closely together. You’ve got so much in common You both came up through the unions You both love the party And most importantly, you both think Cath’s husband is really hot. And our team of Labour party staff have worked so hard to make everything run smoothly – thank you – you are second to none. And we have made progress on equality – even in the Sun. On page 3 today there’s a young woman who’s really concerned about jobs for women as well as men. And what a coincidence – she’s called Harriet, aged 20, from Peckham. The only problem is that Harriet is so concerned about jobs that she’s forgotten to get dressed. This has been a great conference – there have been packed fringe meetings and lively receptions. In the BAME meeting we were fighting back against the BNP In the local government reception we were fighting for good local services And in the youth reception it was so hot we were fighting for breath. But Conference the highlight of this week was Gordon’s brilliant speech. And after Sarah’s moving introduction of Gordon...

David Miliband's speech to Labour Conference

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:41:28 Europe/London

Labour's Foreign Secretary, David Miliband's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference, Let's start with one simple, undeniable fact. The earth does revolve around the sun… but not the one printed in Wapping. And the sun that we rely on is the one that has been shining on this conference every day here in Brighton. Led by Gordon's speech, this week we have not just shown the idealism to dream of a better future; we have shown the ideas and the courage to make that future possible. Nowhere is courage more needed than in the defence of our country. So let me start with the war in Afghanistan. With the men and women of our armed forces fighting a vicious and unrelenting enemy. And with questions that are being asked by millions of families across Britain. They are asking why are we there? Can we succeed? Is it worth it? It is right to ask those questions. And right for us to answer them. Because I know that for every British soldier killed, there is a bereaved family, a grieving wife or husband, children who will grow up without their father or mother, parents who will never be grandparents. Words cannot heal the daily anguish of the families of the fallen, or the pain of the maimed. But we would not be risking the lives of our soldiers if we were not convinced that the work they are doing...

The Choice for Britain

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:38:51 Europe/London

Labour today publishes The Choice for Britain – a framework for the debate between Labour and the Conservatives leading up to the manifesto. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, writes in the foreword: "We are fighting for a better future for our country. The Tories represent change the many cannot afford. That is the stark choice before the British people at the next election. To win the fight, we must not only defend our record: we must show how we are driving forward to meet new challenges. We are living through extraordinary times given the global economic recession and the crisis of trust in the political system. This is a new world utterly different from 1997. "Labour is setting out a comprehensive policy agenda for Brit ain's future demonstrating that progressive ideas offer solutions to the major challenges that are transforming our world: "We are setting out proposals for a post-crisis economy: - on growth, our policies for sustainable, low carbon growth to secure an investment and export-led recovery and create the green jobs of the future; - on bonuses: implementing the agreements reached at the G20, so that there is no return to business as usual in the banks; - on fairness at work: ensuring that workers gain new skills and get a fair share of prosperity when the recovery takes hold. "We are setting out proposals for a post-crisis society: - on public services, the reforms to ensure that high standards in education and...

Bob Ainsworth's speech at Labour Conference

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:52:12 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference, It is an enormous privilege to be the Secretary of State for Defence. Representing our Armed Forces – the best in the world. Daily, our Armed Forces are doing a difficult job, taking great risk on our behalf, facing a violent and prolonged fight in Afghanistan. Daily, there are reports of bravery – of acts of courage carried out in the line of duty by professional soldiers, doing their job. This year, 81 soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their country; 52 of them since I became Defence Secretary in June. 71 have sustained life changing injuries in the same period. In my experience they don’t want plaudits for what they do. They do however deserve our thanks and they expect, and are absolutely entitled to, our support. The public rightly ask questions: Why are we there? How long will we need to stay? Are our troops properly equipped? Can we afford to be fighting there? Can we win? My job as Defence Secretary is to answer these questions; To ensure that, when the country’s resolve is tested, we hold firm; And to ensure that the stability of the whole region and the credibility of the NATO alliance is not put at risk by our walking away. Conference, in my view – we can’t afford NOT to be there. It is eight years since Al-Qaeda terrorists,...

Shaun Woodward's speech to Labour Conference

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:45:06 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference, There are many achievements of which this Labour Government can be very proud. Ranking very high, must be your determination to bring peace to Northern Ireland. A goal eluding many before. Ceasefires come and gone. Agreements and Declarations signed. Peace eluded. An impossible dream. But perseverance, determination and the strongest of leadership prevailed. In 1998 the Belfast Agreement signed. The historic moment. Celebrated round the world. Real peace for Northern Ireland. Agreements are foundations. They provide footings on which we build. On those foundations we create our home. St Andrews Agreement secured that home. Crucially the DUP now part of those negotiations. Part of the stability created between the British and Irish Governments. A new Assembly. A new Executive. Shared power between the DUP and Sinn Fein. People in Northern Ireland taking control of their destiny. Yet not complete. The agreement to transfer policing and justice powers not resolved. A process begun. Not brought to an end. Conference, I do not underestimate, the significance or need for this last remaining part of the jigsaw, to be put in place. On Tuesday the Prime Minister made clear his continuing commitment to seeing this business done. Neither the Prime Minister nor I take for granted the work to be done. The steps for some, may seem small. For others, are still great. Indeed, precisely because we recognize the nature of the “ask”, rightly the...

An end to NHS car parking charges - Burnham

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:14:19 Europe/London

Andy Burnham MP, Labour's Health Secretary, today announced at the Labour Party's Annual Conference that Labour will cancel car parking charges at NHS hospitals. Andy Burnham said: "When people are coming in to hospital, the last thing they want to worry about is keeping the car parking ticket up-to-date. But, for families of the sickest patients, the costs can really rack up. "It's not right if some people don't get visitors every day because families can't afford the parking fees. And yet we all know that having friends and family around helps patients get better more quickly. "I am clear we will make year-on-year savings from back-office costs and I want to see some of those benefits coming back directly to patients and their families. "Conference , we can't do it overnight. But, over the next three years, as we can afford it, I want to phase out car parking charges for in-patients, giving each a permit for the length of their stay which family and friends can use."...

Ed Balls' speech to Labour Conference

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:40:48 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls' speech to the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference, there are over 79,000 social workers in our country today. Doing a job which can be tough and sometimes dangerous - but which saves lives and makes a huge difference to thousands of families. And unlike teachers or nurses, fire fighters and police officers where we can celebrate a life saved, a crime solved or a schools exam results, we rarely get the chance to celebrate the quiet successes of our social workers. It is the toughest job. And it has been a really difficult year. The tragic death of Baby Peter in Haringey shocked the nation. People were appalled by what happened – by the cruelty he suffered, but also by the collective failure of services in Haringey to keep him safe. And I had to take tough action – to restore public confidence and to strengthen frontline practice. Faced with the same circumstances, I would take the same decisions again. But I know too that there is no more important job in our country than the job our social workers do day in day out: Keeping children safe. Looking after children in care. Supporting the most vulnerable in our society. That’s why I am determined to do whatever it takes to get social workers the training, the IT, the support they need to do their job. And it is also why I am asking you today: to...

Andy Burnham's speech to Labour Conference

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:01:19 Europe/London

Labour's Health Secretary, Andy Burnham's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference. Let me start by getting one thing straight - for people at home, I give you the original and only Party of the NHS. We made it. We saved it. Our greatest success. And make no mistake - the coming election is a fight for its future. To be a Labour Health Secretary is a huge privilege, and I know I have a responsibility to you all to celebrate Labour's NHS every day until polling day. But I had an interesting start to the job with a flu pandemic declared in my first week. Say what you like about that Alan Johnson but you have to admit his political timing is immaculate! Alan did a great job in leading the NHS to the strongest position in its history, building on the work of Patricia, John, Alan and Frank. But, the real debt of thanks we all owe is to NHS staff. We saw their remarkable resilience as they helped the country cope with the first wave of swine flu, and I know we can count on them again to pull us through a challenging winter. Conference, please join me in showing our appreciation of them. Recently, I had my own personal reminder of the value of our NHS. Two weeks ago, my Dad had a heart bypass at Broad Green Hospital in Liverpool. It was stressful for all my family, but his care quite simply could...

Harriet Harman's speech to Labour Conference

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:15:45 Europe/London

Labour Party Deputy Leader, Harriet Harman's speech to the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Since last Conference, we have had twelve months of determined progress towards equality. It’s been a year of promises made and promises kept. Twelve months ago, I pledged to you that we would press forward on our progressive agenda to help make Britain a fairer and more equal place and conference that is exactly what we have done. For us, for Labour, equality is not just a slogan – it’s what we are about. It’s a way of life. It’s about our values and how we do our politics. Equality matters to us because its about people’s lives. Its about the right of a disabled person to work on equal terms Its about the right of a woman who works part-time not to be excluded from the pension scheme Its about the right not being written off as too old Equality matters to us Because it’s a fundamental human right to be treated fairly And equality matters to us because it’s the only way you can have a united and peaceful society in which everyone feels included. And because it’s also the basis of a strong economy which draws on the talents of all . The economies that will flourish in the future are not those which are blinkered by prejudice or stultified by the old boys network – but those which draw on the talents and abilities of all. Equality and fairness are the...

Gordon Brown's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:33:59 Europe/London

Prime Minister and Labour Leader, Gordon Brown's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Check against delivery You know friends, it is the fighters and believers who change the world. We’ve changed the world before, and we’re going to change the world again. And you know, our country faces the biggest choice for a generation. So we need to fight; not bow out, not walk away, not give in, not give up, but fight. Fight to win for Britain. Because if anyone says that to fight doesn’t get you anywhere, that politics can’t make a difference, that all parties are the same, then look what we’ve achieved together since 1997: the winter fuel allowance, the shortest waiting times in history, crime down by a third, the creation of Surestart, the Cancer Guarantee, record results in schools, more students than ever, the Disability Discrimination Act, devolution, civil partnerships, peace in Northern Ireland, the social chapter, half a million children out of poverty, maternity pay, paternity leave, child benefit at record levels, the minimum wage, the ban on cluster bombs, the cancelling of debt, the trebling of aid, the first ever Climate Change Act; that’s the Britain we’ve been building together, that’s the change we choose. And so today, in the midst of events that are transforming our world, we meet united and determined to fight for the future. Our country confronts the biggest choice for a generation. It’s a choice between two parties, yes. But...

Alan Johnson's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:51:40 Europe/London

Labour's Home Secretary, Alan Johnson's speech to the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: There are three things that we need to do over the coming months - defend our record, explain our vision, display our unity. Crime is the area of government policy where statistics matter the least and perception matters the most. But the fact is that we have an excellent record to defend. Jacqui Smith was the first woman to serve as Home Secretary in the 327 year history of the Department. In her two years alone, neighbourhood policing has been established in every locality, a points-based immigration system has been introduced and police accountability is being improved through the Policing Pledge. Overall crime is down by 36% since we came to power, violent crime by 41%, domestic burglary by 54% and vehicle-related theft by 57%. In effect, the volume of crime and disorder has been reduced to the level it was at before the substantial and sustained increase that began under Margaret Thatcher in the early 1980s. These achievements are a tribute to our policemen and women. There are more of them than ever before, supported by 16,000 Police Community Support Officers with a budget 60% higher than we inherited in 1997. They've been helped by new powers that we introduced and the Tories opposed. Be sure to remind the public that David Cameron and his colleagues: Voted against tougher sentences for murder and sexual and violent offences; Voted against the banning...

Jack Straw's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:22:44 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Conference I'm hard wired into our party. My mum joined Labour when Clem Attlee was leader. I delivered my first leaflet in Loughton, Essex in 1955, the month that Winston Churchill resigned. I've been a Labour student. A Labour councillor. A Labour MP for 30 years. 12 years in the Cabinet. I'm still delivering leaflets - and I've even started blogging. The other day Gordon brought along to Cabinet the man who invented the internet - a Brit - Sir Tim Berners-Lee. With that great gravitas in my voice which befits an alleged elder statesman, I told the Cabinet that being introduced to Sir Tim was like meeting the inventor of the wheel. Quick as a flash, young Ed Miliband pipes up: "And what was that like Jack?!" Brilliant. And Ed's right. I've been around a bit. And there's one thing my experience tells me: You never write off Labour. We've faced tougher times before and come through. We don't shirk the challenge. And we deliver. Go back to 1997. If I'd told people in Blackburn then that if they got a Labour government they'd see a £120m hospital, hundreds of old homes replaced by new and affordable housing, and more than twice as many youngsters getting good GCSEs, they'd have thought I'd lost the plot. But we've delivered that and much more. The first government since the war to...

John Healey's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:53:09 Europe/London

Labour's Minister of State for Housing, John Healey's speech to the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference So Conference, we’ve heard from the people on the panel. Powerful words about the ways that we – your Labour government – are acting to offer real help through tough times in recession. Help for firms to stay in business. Help for people to stay in work. Help for families to stay – where they should be – in their own homes. And today Conference, I can announce that we are tightening the rules to help protect those struggling with their mortgage. From this week lenders will have to tell local councils, as they file for repossession action in the courts. Councils can the offer advice, or help with our special rescue schemes. If the Tories had their way, there would be no special help on mortgages, no extra jobs and apprenticeships, no boost for building affordable homes. If they’d had their way, the recession would be deeper and longer. But we’re Labour. We’re different. We believe we have a duty to help when people are struggling. We believe in using the power of government to protect the poorest and discipline the market. We believe in the progressive power of public investment. You know when Gordon Brown asked me to do this job in June, the first thing he said was: “John - we must do more” He backed me as I put together the deal for an extra £1.5 billion...

John Denham's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:31:19 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: You can't say you weren't warned When David Cameron said Tory Councils show what a Tory Government would look like he meant it. 'They are hard to get rid of' the Tory Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham moans about his council tenants Put up charges until people can't afford to pay, says the Leader of Wandsworth. Oppose 'free swimming, free buses', says the Leader of Southampton Make people pay taxes - and then make them pay again just to get a decent service, says Barnet Council. Privatise for dogma. Block new homes, block new jobs and block green power. Look at Cameron's Councils to see what a Cameron government would be like. People like that would never have created SureStart, free swimming, pensioner bus passes, decent homes, apprenticeships, better schools. These people are different to us. They have different values, different priorities, a different view of what makes the world tick. Of course, every Labour Council leapt at the chance of free swimming for kids and pensioners. And of course over 60 Tory councils did not. I'm proud of Labour's record - your record - serving local people. You fought for decent public services under a Conservative Government; you've delivered them under a Labour Government. More than this when times are tight, it's Labour in...

Ben Bradshaw's speech to Labour Conference

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:06:16 Europe/London

Labour's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw's speech at the 2009 Labour Party Annual Conference: Friends, that film was about our hopes to secure the football world cup in 2018. If our bid is successful it would cap what is already one of the most remarkable periods in British sporting history. The 20/20 cricket world cup earlier this year. The Ryder cups in golf - next year in Wales, and then in Scotland. The rugby league world Cup in 2013 The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. The rugby Union world cup in 2015, And, of course we are approaching the thousand day countdown to the start of the first British Olympics and Paralympics for over 60 years. A golden decade of sport built on a golden decade of Labour investment in sport at every level. A sporting record to be proud of. Labour values driving change. Labour delivering on its promises. Remember what the Tories did to to Britain's sports, culture and the arts. They considered them luxuries to be paid for by those who can afford them. For us, they are a common good for all. Central to our sense of community and health and well being as a nation. Ten years ago only one child in four did two hours of sport a week in school. Today, 90 per cent of children do. But we will go further and ensure, by the time of the Olympics, that every child can do five hours...

Olympics a shot in the arm for the economy and helping to fight the recession - Jowell

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:31:05 Europe/London

Tessa Jowell MP, Labour's Olympics Minister, today set out how ambitious Britain is delivering an Olympic and Paralympic Games like no other - boosting the UK economy and creating an army of Olympic heroes. In a speech to the Labour Party conference, Tessa Jowell argued that in daring to be ambitious Britain's army of Olympic heroes will more than deliver on the biggest logistical challenge the UK has seen in peacetime. She was joined by some of Britain's young Olympic hopefuls. Bringing investment today in the workforce of tomorrow, London 2012 - with just over three years to go and over 40 per cent of the build complete - is on track to deliver the success story that the UK and the rest of the world were promised. Tessa Jowell MP said: "With the eyes of four billion people turning to the Olympic Stadium in East London for the opening ceremony - the equivalent of 120 heads of states in town, the equivalent of 6 G20 summits - we have the chance to show the rest of the world that Britain dared to be ambitious and succeed in its ambitions.‬ "Olympic heroism is not just gained by those on the platform collecting a medal, but by all of those who are contributing to the making of the games, the volunteers, apprentices and young people I meet when travelling the country. Their nam es may not hit the headlines in the summer of 2012 but as we...