The Spectator

Len McCluskey’s speech at the Labour conference – full text and audio

Harold Wilson once said that if Labour is not a moral crusade then we are nothing. And in the 43 years I've been a member of the Labour party argument and debate has raged over that very issue. Some say 'ideals without power mean nothing' and others say 'power without purpose leads to betrayal.'

But one thing is certain, that if our party is to have a future, and let me repeat that - if OUR party is to have a future it must speak for ordinary workers and it must represent the voice of organised labour.

More and more economists recognise that wage depression is a fundamental obstacle to sustainable growth in our economy. That's why this motion seeks to address the disgraceful treatment in 21st century Britain of trade unionists. Trade unionists are the people in this land who create the wealth of our nation, and who are responsible for the very fabric of the civilised communities in which we live. And everyone in this party - everyone - should be proud of our link with them through their trade unions.

How can it be right, conference, that the very nation which defeated fascism at the end of the second world war, and gave Europe all of the freedoms that they currently enjoy, how can it be right that German workers, Italian workers, French, Spanish and other European workers have protections than British workers? How can that be right?

Consecutive governments over the last 30 years should hang their heads in shame. It is said that rights come with responsibility. I couldn't agree more.

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