Youth life style forum: Brexit doesn't mean Brexit at Labour

Monday, September 26, 2016

Brexit doesn't mean Brexit at Labour - Mirror Politics morning newsletter

Morning,

Surprisingly, Labour has decided not to hold an official debate on Brexit at conference.
The EU referendum is the second most talked about issue in Liverpool - after the future of the party, obviously.
Perhaps the organisers, the Conference Arrangement Committee, wanted to avoid reopening sores about Jeremy Corbyn's involvement in the campaign.
While you can understand the political niceties, Labour should not be giving ammunition to those who claim the party is retreating to the sidelines.
It would also have been healthy to debate why so many traditional Labour supporters voted to Leave.
This has already prompted thoughtful discussions about whether Labour needs to change its policy on free movement of people, the need to protect workers' rights, the case for a second referendum (generally against) and how to avoid a hard Brexit.
All of these are important issues which makes it all the more extraordinary they will not be discussed in a formal debate.

Hopefully, John McDonnell will make some amends by raising the subject when he gives his speech on the economy around noon.
The Shadow Chancellor remains a controversial figure.
It was noticeable that when asked by the Mirror at the weekend to choose between steak or a nut roast he went for the former.
He is very much a red meat eater to Jeremy Corbyn's softer vegetarianism.
Mr McDonnell will use much of his speech to talk about the role the state can play in helping industry.
He will promise Labour will be an interventionist government that would not stand by when sectors, such as the steel industry, run into trouble.
Today's gathering kicks off with speeches from Emily Thornberry, the shadow Foreign Secretary, and Clive Lewis, the shadow Defence Secretary.
Mr McDonnell is also appearing at Labour Representation Committee fringe this evening alongside Diane Abbott. The event is titled: Prepare for Power - Fight Austerity! Fight Racism!
There is little sign that Corbyn's re-election has ushered in a new era of harmony. The war of attrition continues.
The National Executive Committee meets this evening where the leadership will try to bounce through a ten-point policy agenda.
There will also be a fresh attempt to stop Labour's Scottish and Welsh leaders (both backed Owen Smith) from having a permanent position on the Committee.
It could be bloody.