Monday, July 13, 2009

Forum 09: Ed Miliband – Labour Party Manifesto

(Better late than never – this is my report on Ed Miliband's speech to UNISON Labour Link Forum at Manchester the other Saturday – usual health warning that this is based on my very hurried typed notes)

“Ed started off by paying tribute to UNISON and to Labour Link and its leadership. He then mentioned that it was the first time he had ever shared a panel with his families midwife. It turns out that NHS Nurse, Rachel Voller, who was chairing the Forum had been the midwife at the recent birth of his child. He praised Rachel for being brilliant at calming down “panicking dads”. He then said that he was sure that she was also very discreet. There was a gentle heckle from a certain former UNISON president on the floor who claimed that Rachel had not - and she had “spilled the beans”. Never!

Ed then got stuck in with telling us that all MP’s owed us an apology. They had let us down. Most had not personally abused the system but they should have not allowed the scandal to have happened in the first place. Especially for those of us in public service who work for a Labour Government and expected better.

There are 5 things we now need to do. Firstly, we need to remember our values and why we came into Party. Not about the better management of the economy but a battle of competing visions. It’s about fairness and justice. Who we stand up for. The role of the market is not about who can manage it better. The Tories believe that the recession should take its course. This is their belief in free markets. While we do believe that government can be a force of good. There is a basic difference in values.

Secondly the Tories believe “if it isn't hurting it is not working” and “unemployment is a price worth paying”. We don’t - and what this means is that we put money into the economy. To prevent all the repossessions compared to last time. We have forced the banks to keep lending and prevent massive long term unemployment. We have guaranteed job/training to all under 25 for 6 months. There is a big difference between us and them. No matter what - the recession would have been deeper and more painful under Tory rule.

It’s no more “business as usual”. Unfairness has to change. The increase in higher rate tax is an example. Why have working people voted in the past more or less for Labour? The minimum wage shows we have raised the living standard of the people we represent. Need to show how we will further raise this standard of living for our people.

We have unfinished business. The Social Care lottery needs reform. We need to make Social Care a central part of the welfare state. Family Policy is key. Scandinavian countries are way ahead of us. Not only use minimum wage but also use tax credits

Thirdly. Climate change. This is the area. The biggest challenge. But it is not the biggest challenge in everybody’s lives. In 60 years time people will ask did we face up to the challenge. Need to show big ambition in climate change. What do you get with a Labour government you won’t get with Tories? We want growth, jobs and a sustainable environment. Our values are to make sure poor don't pay the most to counter climate change.

Fourth: We have to show the contrast with the Tories. They want a referendum on the Labour Government rather than a debate on who they stand up for. Ken Clarke, when he became a shadow minister again, said that the inheritance tax policy commitment “is an aspiration”. The Tory high command said “No it’s a commitment”. They want a smaller state - that is what they believe in. Need to warn people about the Tories. We have made enormous gains - 18 weeks hospital waiting lists and the massive school building programme. His CLP has been transformed. Massive changes. For example, Surestart, which they will do away with. What if Tories get in - what does it mean for Doncaster North?

Fifth: Why did we come into the Party - because we are idealists. We are the real idealists. We are the people who think that public services can transfer people’s lives. Idealism is a missing component of government. My brother (who I don't usually quote) said recently When you are out of Government you know too much of it and when you are in Government you know too little of it. The country is not crying out for Tories. If we get this manifesto right we will win”.

(Compared to Harriet the previous day - Ed did get a bit of a pummelling in the Q&A. Especially over transport policy, public housing and privatisation. He tried to give assurances that there was no plan to market test 75% of elective NHS services but Forum was determined to give let the minster responsible for drawing up the Party manifesto for the next election know that things need to change. In the nicest possible way of course).

7 comments:

Charlie Marks said...

I've a lot of respect for Ed - and it's no surprise that he got some stick in the q&a, but he always reminds people that he needs pressure to help him do things. Leading by obeying, you might call it.

John Gray said...

Hi Charlie

I am still in deep shock at your comments about Ed. Does this mean that you now love Peter Mandelson?

"leading by obeying" great stuff - I'll steal this as well.

Charlie Marks said...

I love to hate Peter Mandelson, which is not quite the same thing.

Leading by obeying - not mine either. It has it's origins in Mexico.

John Gray said...

Hi Charlie

You don't mean my birthday doppelganger?

Charlie Marks said...

Birthday doppelganger?

There the similarities end...

You are much younger than Mandelson - and unlike him, seeking to be elected democratically!

John Gray said...

Hi Charlie

Not Mandy - but the "evil one" -"leading by obeying" the "mexico connection".

My fault for not being clear.

Charlie Marks said...

Ah! You mean Lev Davidovich Bronstein, a Ukrainian who met his end in Mexico?

No, the "leading by obeying" is a tradition of the indigenous people of Mexico which has been picked up by that country's labour and trade union movement.