After a challenging few weeks for Labour, Progress’ annual conference on 3 November faced the difficult task of analysing what had gone wrong, and how we can refocus our efforts on the challenge of winning a fourth term in government. Nearly 400 people attended the impressive Canary Wharf venue to hear Ed Balls and James Purnell deliver the day’s two keynote addresses.
Balls was candid about the previous weeks’ events. ‘Five weeks ago, when we last met at the Progress rally in Bournemouth, we were riding high – with many people saying it was the most united and optimistic conference they could remember. Since then – what can I say – it’s been a bit up and down. And we have made some mistakes.
‘But for all the sound and fury of the past few weeks, it is still our party that has been setting the policy agenda – not taking the easy, short-term course, not just chasing headlines, but showing how a Labour government will meet the long-term challenges our country faces.’
James Purnell was equally clear – our test over the coming year is ‘to demonstrate further progress. That means not retreating to the comfort zone. A decisive shift to the left would be a deliberate leap into opposition.’
The day was packed with 12 other discussion sessions, examining some of the crucial issues facing Labour and the country. Polly Toynbee caused a stir by arguing that businesses are inherently amoral, Oona King made a strong case that equality won’t be achieved without electoral reform, and Charles Clarke suggested that the government will need to look at extending co-payments to deal with rising demands on the health service.
Take a look at the Progress website for full transcripts of the keynote speeches, all the media coverage of the event, and blogs from those who attended.
Barely having time to recover from the conference, we went straight into a busy November of Westminster seminars. Lovemore Matombo from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions joined a distinguished panel for our Zimbabwe event, held jointly with ACTSA. David Lammy spoke on prison reform on 20 November, and the following week local government secretary Hazel Blears contributed her ideas to the discussion, ‘how can Labour rebuild its local base?’
This month sees some exciting events including a debate entitled ‘Has Cameron changed the Conservatives for good?’ to be held on 5 December, 6-7.30pm in Committee Room 9, House of Commons. Tory frontbencher Michael Gove and the Spectator’s Fraser Nelson will be facing immigration minister Liam Byrne and the Times’ David Aaronovitch in a debate held jointly with Policy Exchange. It should be a lively and thought-provoking evening! To book your place email me ([email protected]) or call 020 3008 8180.