Honouring a Loss
It is a profound honour to stand before you today, even as we gather under such sorrowful circumstances. As many of you are already aware, the father of the Prime Minister, Roy, sadly passed away on Sunday night.
I am confident that I echo the sentiments of everyone present when I extend our heartfelt condolences to Andy and his family during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather.
The Prime Minister has been notably candid about the significant influence his father had on both his personal life and his political journey. Many in this room will have witnessed the devastating effects that Alzheimer’s disease can have on individuals and their families.
In moments like these, it is only natural to seek the comfort of those closest to us. This is one reason why Andy deeply regrets his absence today.
The Importance of Unity
Our Prime Minister is acutely aware that the strength of our movement is rooted in our connections with the trade unions. In times of collective grief and reflection, we must seize the opportunity to unite.
We must remind ourselves of our shared mission and the common bonds that unite us in our daily efforts to enhance the lives of working people. Like all families, we have our differences and disagreements, both large and small; however, on days like today, it is vital that we come together to acknowledge our shared goals and the achievements we have made as a united front.
Throughout my time in various negotiations, I have had the pleasure of sitting alongside many of you, and at times, across from you. I have my preferences on those occasions! Your support and your challenges have been invaluable, and I truly appreciate your honesty.
A Shared Belief in Solidarity
Throughout all these years, whether in opposition or government, a fundamental belief has united us: that ordinary individuals deserve support when facing formidable institutions. This principle forms the core of both our government and your efforts.
We share a vision of creating a society where every individual, in every location, has the opportunity to realise their potential and enjoy the rich, fulfilling life they deserve. The late Jimmy Reid aptly stated, “a rat race is for rats.”
We understand that such a future will not be handed to us on a plate. We must strive every day to fight for it, demonstrating determination and courage in our actions. While this endeavour is not without its challenges, it is essential to pursue these goals relentlessly.
Progress and Achievements
I take pride in the accomplishments we have achieved together, including new rights for renters, lifting half a million children out of poverty by abolishing the two-child cap, record investments in the NHS, revitalising our infrastructure, safeguarding our steel industry, and bringing our buses back under public control. A cause particularly close to my heart is the return of our railways to public ownership.
We recognise the need to accelerate our efforts to meet the expectations of the country, but let there be no doubt as to whose side this government stands on. Whether it involves defending workers unjustly dismissed by P&O Ferries or reforming public contracts to create more quality jobs within Britain, we proudly stand with the working populace.
I assure you that under this government, there will be no ambiguity regarding our allegiance.
Addressing the Role of Technology
As Barbara Castle, the spirited socialist from Yorkshire, famously stated, “In politics, guts is all.” We are fortunate to have a government with a wealth of such fortitude, and it is wonderful to see Angela Rayner back with us today.
We must confront the significant issues of our time, particularly the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers the promise of improving lives, enhancing public services, and driving scientific progress, we must also acknowledge the legitimate concerns surrounding job security and safety.
We must heed the warnings of those at the forefront of AI development, as the risks to national security and society are considerable without appropriate safeguards. This challenge extends beyond our borders, and we are prepared to collaborate with our international partners to ensure a responsible approach.
International Responsibility and Solidarity
AI will undoubtedly reshape our lives and those of future generations. We bear a solemn responsibility to mitigate its risks and ensure it serves the betterment of society rather than its detriment.
It is our responses to these challenges that will determine the legacy we leave for our children. Just as trade unions have demonstrated solidarity with those facing persecution and injustice, we must be guided by these shared values on a global scale, particularly regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Prime Minister rightly pointed out that Britain has been too slow in its response to these crises. At a time when it is essential to affirm our identity as a compassionate nation, we must no longer hesitate.
Pursuing Justice and Peace
We will not stand idly by while innocent Palestinian families are torn apart or while children in Gaza suffer. The sanctions announced last week by Ed Miliband aim to alter our course. While the Israeli populace is not responsible for their government’s actions, we are taking a principled stand against illegal settlements and increasing pressure on the Israeli government to foster hope for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East.
We will champion justice and advocate for peace, building a coalition of international allies to proclaim our unified stance. The lesson is clear: our collective power is vital. However, as the Prime Minister has noted, we have spent too long undermining this power.
Empowering Communities and Workers
We understand that the attacks on unions were not merely assaults on organisations; they targeted the millions of working individuals you represent—the nurses, teaching assistants, and bus drivers who contribute daily to our society. Weakening unions also weakened these workers.
This government has the privilege of serving, and we will not regress. However, our communities are still grappling with the repercussions of lost decades—good jobs and opportunities have vanished, councils remain under-resourced, and high streets lie desolate.
The frustration felt across the nation, particularly among your members, is entirely justified. It arises from the repeated message that ‘decisions have already been made’ and ‘this is simply how things are.’ We can no longer allow certain individuals and places to be left behind.
Reclaiming Power for the People
We will restore power to our communities and workplaces, ensuring that working people once again hold the reins. In recent weeks, I have engaged with leaders from local and regional governments, each grappling with unique challenges, yet unified by a pervasive concern: the cost of living.
This government is dedicated to restoring hope to our nation and instilling belief in its potential. Yet, we are acutely aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. For countless families, hope and belief are luxuries that are not easily attainable amid financial strain.
As we embark on this journey of change, we must reconfigure the state entirely, and this cannot be accomplished without listening to the voices of working people. Their perspectives are invaluable, and we need your support to amplify these voices.
Flexible Working and Workers’ Rights
In matters of party politics, it is uncommon to hear the call for relinquishing power. However, when decisions can be made closer to the affected individuals, we must allow them to do so. If a city recognises that a new transport link could unlock thousands of jobs, it should possess the authority to create it.
If a community sees potential for revitalising a struggling high street, it ought to have the power to act. Empowering local people to shape their economies will inspire business confidence and drive investment back into our communities.
We must ensure that new jobs are not just any jobs. A job should provide security, fair hours, and a sense of stability. This is why we have implemented the Employment Rights Act, which has afforded working people the most significant uplift in rights in a generation. These changes will not only transform lives today but will also impact future generations.
Commitment to Change and Empowerment
We have secured sick pay from day one, eliminated the practice of fire and rehire, enhanced protections for parents, strengthened safeguards against unfair dismissal, and curtailed exploitative zero-hour contracts that favour employers’ flexibility at the expense of workers’ security.
Life is rarely as straightforward as employers might prefer, with families to care for and unexpected responsibilities arising. Thus, flexibility is essential. I understand businesses must also find workable solutions, but every request for flexibility should be treated with seriousness and respect.
Today, I am pleased to announce that we will bolster the right to flexible working. If an employer declines a request, they will be required to engage with their employee, consider the request thoroughly, and provide a rationale for their decision.
Empowering Futures Together
Empowering individuals in their workplaces and communities means granting them control over their futures, allowing them to make plans, and fostering the belief that life can improve. We seek to instil hope that their children can achieve even greater success and that their communities will