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Packed hall waiting for Jeremy Corbyn’s speech here in Liverpool. Biggest Labour conference ever apparently with 13k attending.
It’s a bit like being at a rock concert. Ooh Jeremy Coooorbyyynnnn.
“Labour trades in hope for the many, rather than favours for the few” says JC as he attacks Tories for raising money from “dodgy donors and shady business partners”.
Corbyn criticises some parts of British media, claiming they “smear the powerless, not take on the powerful”. As a journalist, makes me very uncomfortable to hear him leading attack on our free press. Dangerous, Trumpian territory.
JC admits the summer was “tough” and tells activists they must “listen to communities” that suffer, singling out Jewish communities. “We’re stronger if we listen”. Gets standing ovation.
JC makes appeal for party unity, saying members should “listen more, shout less”. Says Labour is a broad church, and can be broader still. “John McDonnell was appointed shadow chancellor even though he supports Liverpool”.
Corbyn on strong ground with criticism of privatisation and outsourcing. Many voters fed up with Birmingham prison/ railways/ probation services. “Labour will call time on this racket”.
Particularly timely as a colleague on way home texts to warn that all trains in and out of Euston are stopped for the foreseeable because of a major signal failure. We may be in Liverpool longer than planned...
Good consumer offer for parents here - expanding free childcare will make a big difference to many families, if properly funded. https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/25/labour-pledges-to-expand-free-childcare-programme
Corbyn praises older generation for rebuilding the country after the war through their “work and taxes”. Labour knows they have a problem with the “grey” vote. https://amp.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/23/only-a-quarter-of-older-people-would-consider-voting-labour-poll-shows
Jeremy Corbyn now onto attack on “greed is good” capitalism on our front page. I’ve spoken with Tories who say they know capitalism isn’t working. Very differing views on how to reform it. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/25/corbyn-vows-to-end-greed-is-good-capitalism-in-uk
Labour leader *now* unequivocal on who was behind Salisbury attacks. “The evidence painstakingly assembled by the police now clearly points to the Russian state”.
Big standing ovation and Palestinian flag-waving when Corbyn tells activists Labour would recognise a Palestinian state as soon as it took office.
Big boos from Labour delegates as Corbyn tells them about this pledge from Theresa May https://www.politico.eu/article/theresa-may-pledges-lowest-business-tax-rate-in-g20-post-brexit/
Great line from Corbyn on Tory Brexiteers. “They’re dreaming of a Britannia that both rules the waves and waives the rules”.
Corbyn sets out Brexit policy. “If Parliament votes down a Tory deal or the government fails to reach any deal at all we would press for a general election.” Adds almost as an afterthought: “Failing that, all options are on the table.”
Jeremy Corbyn concludes: “When we meet this time next year let it be as a Labour government.” His delivery has improved immeasurably from the time he read out: “Strong message here”.
People’s favourite Barry Gardiner rather bizarrely whistles intro to traditional rendition of Red Flag.
