Last week I decided to attend the Purple Book event organised by Progress in Manchester. As the former chair of Manchester Young Labour I was particularly interested in how The Purple Book talks about the role of young members in ensuring we win back government in 2015. Although I hadn’t read the book before the event I was left with a clearer understanding of what The Purple Book’s aims are and the debate that it hopes to bring about. It was great to see a full house with so many interested and also it was great to see many young people in the audience.

Richard Angell kicked off the evening outlining what the book entails, talking about how we need to be an open party that encourages free thinking and new ideas but at the same time not being indulgent. He talked about the time we live in today 2011 is even a different world to the one five years ago, where if a book was written it would have been quite different.

We also had the privilege to hear from Ivan Lewis who argues in the book both that Labour should be the UK’s ‘authentic ‘one nation’ party’, yet at the same time argues that Labour shouldn’t close down the debate about an English parliament and the ‘best way of ensuring English-specific issues are given a fair hearing’ Ivan also talked about the debate on the state shouldn’t be about big v small and how if Labour come into power should be offering a different type of government.

Kate Green then came on and spoke about wealth distribution, tapping into the anger felt by many with those at the top and a way of making sure wealth is being distributed equally so the poor don’t loose out. She talked about how the process of tackling inequality is a task for the whole of the government and society and not left to individuals. It’s a collective responsibility. She also went on to talk about the need for a renewed manifesto just as coherent and radical as 1997 stating that there is scope to be bold and now in opposition is the time to step up.

The final person that we heard from was from another local MP, Jonathan Reynolds. He also talked about statism and as a feature of British politics, Labour’s success in using the tools of the state to set up the NHS. Also being Cooperative party MP he mentioned how the state can’t achieve everything on its own and that we need a balance between statism and cooperatives.

The debate session was a lively one, with many members of the audience asking questions on Europe, the role of ordinary party members to the state and how it would run differently. Even those people that came with a sceptical mindset would have left with a clearer understanding of what The Purple Book aims to bring about. Even myself by attending, listening and taking part I am beginning to realise that we always have to keep the debate open but also making practical steps to ensure some of the things mentioned in The Purple Book become a reality if we want a progressive state which gives a fairer society for all. I have bought the book and will definitely recommend those that haven’t to buy it too, and it will certainly clear some misconceptions!

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Furqan Naeem is a Young Labour and Labour Students activist