Hello comrades,
In this latest issue, we bring you:
- Labour Conference says NO to genocide
- News from across the movement
- Our recommendation for Deputy Labour Leader
- A socialist gathering in Liverpool
Labour Conference says: Stop the Genocide
After successful campaigning from CLPs, trade unions and pro-Palestine campaigners, delegates at this year’s Labour Conference voted for urgent action against Israel: recognition of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, a full arms embargo, and further sanctions on Israeli officials. Meanwhile, a Leadership-backed motion which did not call for any additional measures was defeated on the Conference floor.
This marks a watershed moment in the Labour Party since Israel began its genocide two years ago. While the Starmer Leadership is attempting to ignore the motion, this shows the growing pressure on them to change their position. The trade unions played a fundamental role, showing why it’s important for the Labour left to continue our struggle alongside progressive voices in the unions. For more detailed accounts, see these articles in Tribune by Labour Councillor Sean Waters and Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s Dan Iley-Williamson.
Furthermore, a motion calling for a wealth tax, a genuine end to austerity and the capping of energy prices also passed overwhelmingly on the Conference floor. These crucial wins showed that popular, progressive policies still enjoy huge support across the labour movement as well as the wider public.
The Labour right’s project may be on borrowed time but that will not stop them attacking democracy and the rights of members. Momentum will continue to call out the attacks on democracy and pluralism whilst demanding the Government change course and starts implementing the policies our communities need.
- The return of Apsana and John: Labour MPs Apsana Begum and John McDonnell recently had the Labour Whip reinstated, which is welcome news, although it should never have been removed in the first place. They were both suspended in the Summer of 2024 for voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The Government must now do the right thing and end this cruel policy. In the meantime, we’re pleased to see them be reinstated.
- Staying in Labour: Labour left MP Clive Lewis recently wrote a piece for the New Statesman on why, as a socialist, he’s sticking within Labour. Read it here.
- In conversation with John McDonnell: Momentum Vice Chair Bryn Griffiths sat down with Socialist Campaign Group MP John McDonnell recently to discuss all things Labour, Gaza and more for his Labour left podcast. Check it out here.
- Book club: Momentum member Mark Perryman has edited a new book with contributions from Compass’s Neal Lawson to writer Jeremy Gilbert. The Starmer Symptom delves into Labour’s first year in office and how much Britain has changed, if at all, under Starmer. You can buy the book here.
- Socialism in the suburbs: For too long, the energy of the left has been concentrated in city centres. To discuss this and more, there will be a one-day conference in Hertford on Sunday 26th October on how to build a socialist, anti-racist movement in towns and villages across Britain. Want to attend? Grab a ticket here.
- Shaking up the PLP: This summer, we interviewed new intake Labour MPs Brian Leishman, Steve Witherden and Neil Duncan-Jordan for our latest edition of The Educator. The 3 MPs discussed their first year in office and why they’re unafraid to stand up to real Labour values. You can find the interviews here.
Our stance on the Deputy Leadership race
In a ballot of our members, 74% voted for Momentum to recommend a tactical vote for Lucy Powell to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
While members were denied the opportunity to vote for a socialist candidate in Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who fought a proudly principled campaign earlier in the process, we recognise that a victory for Powell is the best option to show the breadth of concern in the Labour Party and labour movement over the direction our Government is taking. Therefore, while we are not making a full endorsement, we strongly recommend a tactical vote for Powell.
If you’re a Labour Party member or eligible trade union elector, please vote for Lucy Powell before ballots close at midday on the 23rd October.
Socialists gather in Liverpool
We hosted a joint fringe event with the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy in Liverpool for socialists and progressives in the Labour Party on 30th September.
It was a great turnout of activists and Party members, plus a number of rousing speeches from MPs Richard Burgon and Brian Leishman, Labour NEC reps Jess Barnard and Gemma Bolton, as well as Sheffield Labour Councillor Minesh Parekh.
The event focused on the need for the Labour Government to change direction and why we must stand up for real Labour values against this authoritarian shift under Starmer.
Once the event finished, we hosted a social with more drinks and discussion. It was great to see many of you there. We also held a successful event on 27th September for socialist Councillors, focusing on scrutiny and how councillors can scrutinise decisions more effectively.
We hope you enjoyed our latest issue. Any feedback you have and ideas for how to make the newsletter better are much appreciated.
Don’t hesitate to send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts.
In solidarity,
Team Momentum
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