My speech to Labour’s Special Conference
By Emma.
Comrades and Friends, My Name is Emma Burnell and I am proud to be here today representing the Socialist Societies.
The Socialist Societies – in the form of our oldest group the Fabians– were part of founding the Labour Party. I’d like to thank Lord Collins and our NEC Representative Conor McGinn for all the work they have done to ensure that we remain at the heart of our Party’s work and are seen – rightly – as vital to the Party’s future.
As Lord Collins points out when identifying the challenge to Labour this review seeks to address:
Some people are less inclined to vote or become members of political parties. Many have an “a la carte” approach to politics, feeling more comfortable supporting organisations on an issue by issue basis.
This is where the Socialist Societies come into our own. We act as a bridge between communities of interest and the Labour Party. We are experts and practitioners in areas as diverse as housing, health, education and many others. We are members of the communities we champion. Whether your concern is LBGT rights, women’s rights or the role of the Irish Diaspora in the UK there is a Socialist Society for you.
And crucially, not just for you (though I urge Labour Party members to get involved). Much like the unions, Socialist Societies have been a path to Party membership for many people. You start with SERA and the environment and become involved with the Party as that relationship deepens.
The Socialist Societies are the ideal vehicle through which to build on movements that are central to the core values of the Labour Party and we will be proud to continue to do so by championing our affiliate members and bringing them ever closer to the Party at every level.
Now I don’t know about you, but at the last leadership election, I had 6 votes. (Ed, you’ll be pleased to hear I cast all of my first preferences for you!). Even understanding – as I did then and do now – the importance of our federal structure, that felt faintly ridiculous. What felt even more ridiculous was that it would have taken my having nearly 11,000 votes to have as much say as one single MP.
I bow to no one in my admiration for the work that our Parliamentary Labour Party do. It’s an incredibly important and often undervalued role. But however much I admire them, I simply don’t believe that one MPs vote should be worth more than mine, more than yours, more than anyone who wants a say in our Party and shares our values enough to choose to affiliate. That’s not how democracy works.
So I am delighted to support the move to One Member (or Affilated Supporter) One Vote. It is right that we do so. We have long been on this journey, and I commend Ed Miliband and Lord Collins for making these changes.
The Labour Party is opening ourselves up to the British Public. Through our work in communities up and down the country, we are making sure we are campaigning on the issues people care about. The Socialist Societies can and will be an essential part of continuing to make this happen.
That is why I am happy to commend this report and urge delegates to vote in favour of these changes.
