THE MID Worcestershire Labour Party launched its 2022 programme during a well-attended Zoom meeting with guest speaker Geraint Davies – MP for Swansea West.
He encouraged members to be active in their local communities and campaign together with other organisations on shared issues such as the climate crisis or the rising cost of living.
Mr Davies highlighted what he called ‘dangers to democracy’ from the Government’s current Police and Crime Bill and proposed changes to voter registration.
He also spoke out about the negative impact on trade and the economy of the hard Brexit and the emptiness of the ‘levelling-up’ rhetoric ‘when society was becoming increasingly unequal’.
He systematically presented data, accusing the Conservative of misleading the public through claims to success in employment, crime rates, economic recovery and countering the pandemic.
In presenting Labour’s positive alternative policies he pointed to the contrast between England and Wales to show that public ownership of utilities such as water and railways and the abolition of prescription charges – all perfectly possible under a Labour administration.
He urged Labour members to place a focus on policies that impacted on people’s everyday lives rather than merely exposing the hypocrisy and dishonesty of ‘Partygate’.
His talk was followed by one from Romeo Bond, Evesham Branch’s new Youth Officer, who talked of the importance of sticking with the Labour Party through changes of leadership because the core value of building a fairer society had remained unchanged for 100 years and offered hope in challenging times.
Most members said they wanted to resume face-to-face meetings but with access via Zoom for those who were vulnerable or shielding.
First published in the 11th February 2022 Droitwich Standard and 11th February 2022 Evesham Observer