Defend democracy

Twelve years of Tory rule, on top of decades of free-market chaos, have severely weakened our democracy. We’ve got ministries run by crony appointees, the electoral commission weakened, the media awash with right-wing disinformation, compulsory ID at polling booths.

So with democracy, it’s time to use it or lose it. We need a radical devolution of power to towns, cities, regions, nations and neighbourhoods.

Labour conference policy is to support PR at Westminster elections. I want to see that commitment in our manifesto and programme for government.

I want to see an elected House of Lords. I support increased devolution of powers to Scotland and Wales, and strong regional devolution for England.

Kick out the cronies
On the first day of a Labour government I want to see all the cronies appointed by the Tories – to the BBC, the National Trust etc – dismissed, along with the “non-executive directors” they’ve placed in government departments. The bizarre arrangements that allow corporate CEOs to decide how public money is spent should be scrapped: public service should be done by neutral public servants only.

Reject the far-right
With the far-right trying to exploit the migration crisis, backed by well-funded far-right media operations, I’m proud that the Labour and trade union movement has led the counter-offensive from the grassroots up. I’m proud of the decades I’ve spent as an anti-fascist campaigner. I want to see the broadest possible movement to oppose the new far right, and to push back against the misogyny and racism that are driving it. I am a life long supporter of A Woman’s Right to Choose, and want to see abortion completely decriminalised in the UK.

When Labour takes power, the tabloids and the far-right social media influencers will declare war on us as a government. We need to stick to our principles – and offer fascism’s target audience a radical alternative and a narrative of hope.

Want to know how? Click here.