South Western
Co-operative Party (CG)
Council

Richard asked that I be ready to speak and move our Motion 35, to be taken during first of conference debates under heading of Housing. Also that I would have to make start on getting support and the 10 required signatories for our suggested Emergency Motion. This had to be completed before 9am Saturday 12 September.

I managed to get a few signatures before signing in as delegate and found time for a quick look round Scotmid market place stalls including, among many, Co-op Party, Electoral Reform Society, National Energy Action and Co-operative College - I picked up many useful leaflets and free pens!

12 o'clock came round so very fast as the calls came out for delegates to take seats for award-winning film Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country, a story of the continuing fight for freedom and democracy over a 10 year period of campaigning. This was indeed a moving and absorbing account and I recommend all to see it if they can; it lasted approx. just over an hour, just time for quick coffee and biscuit before start of  -

Afternoon Conference Session at 2pm. This began with Hollis Smallman, President of our hosts, Scotmid Society, welcoming all to Edinburgh - 'the beating heart of the society'. He gave a short history of the Society starting with its first shop in nearby Fountainbridge 150 years ago, now operating 300 shops, a turnover of approx. £400 million and employing around 4,000 staff. 

Gareth Thomas MP Chair then introduced first of keynote speakers, Douglas Alexander MP, to give short and, as usual, impressive address to conference and he spoke on Government re-action/action on situation in Burma and other foreign repressive regimes like Zimbabwe.

There then followed a short report from South West Party Council member Richard Tomlinson on Conference Arrangements Committee.

Chair Gareth Thomas MP then welcomed everyone to conference saying good to be back in Scotland, welcomed support of Scotmid Society and their impressive success story, pity the Scottish Football team unfortunately were not so successful of late! - Went on to talk of banking crises and effect of the de-mutualisation in 1980s/90s. Also our successful campaigns - Peoples Rail, Housing Community Land Trusts, new campaigns being launched on The Feelings Mutual, Collective Power (Mutual Energy Policy), success on Credit Unions Bill. He then introduced a slight change again to agenda in moving the Labour Party Fraternal Greetings to be next, to be followed by Coop Party AGM.

Iain Gray, Scottish Parliament Labour Leader then addressed conference. Spoke of 20 years of damage that Tories inflicted on country when last in power, Labour has achieved much in 12 or so years, we now have a fairer, more equal society with still much to do, Thatcherism agenda still at core of Cameron's Conservative's Party. He attacked SNP government with its slim majority (1 more seat than Labour) and hell-bent on conflict/confrontation and breaking up Union. He stated values of Rochdale Pioneers are just as important today (Mutual, co-operative endeavour etc) and that Mutual /co-op models at heart of Labour central policy. Ended with statement that Labour and Co-operative parties have shared values, shared principles, purpose and we are always stronger together.

Gareth Thomas MP chair introduced to applause the next keynote speaker: Ed Balls Labour/Co-op MP, Secretary of State for Schools Children and Families:

The speech has since been widely reported in main media /coop news etc - its main theme being an increase in target number of Co-operative Trust Schools. We have 25 schools in existence, 120 in the pipeline and the original target of 100 will be passed comfortably, West Oldham being the latest and could raise target to 200 in a year, funding support is available in his budget. Believes expertise and commitment and Co-op values and historical context has helped in success of Trust Schools. He went on to outline Labour government success in building/improving 400 schools, the continued focus on Youth employment with policy and has allowed cuts in his own budget to allow this new Commitment/Guarantee Policy. Labour has opened 3,500 Surestart/Childrens Centres, new education qualification policies, economic measures, put in place to deal with global financial crises - all opposed by the Tories.

He firmly rejected the notion/theory that General Election is already lost; it is a different situation from 1996/97 when Labour in opposition was consistently above 50% and Deal with British public has not been sealed, so election is there for us to win, by redoubling our efforts. The future direction of our country is at stake and we need to be in power to deliver Co-operative/Labour values of social justice and empowerment, opportunity for all so let us campaign to expose the shallow moral vision policies of the Tories.

Gareth Thomas MP chair at 3.30pm
(N.B. lost notes to this part of day so a bit sketchy - cribbed from other sources). Introduced next item: Co-operative Party Ltd AGM - taken by Michael Stephenson and apart from formal acceptance of report and accounts etc, he outlined:
wants to make party less London-centric and objective on way to achieving, make party indispensable to Co-operative Movement,
the need for all sectors to work in sync, much can be achieved through our continued relationship with sister Labour Party.

We have never lacked ideas, but sometimes lacked ability to get message across, however recent campaigns on Mutual Housing Solutions and People's Rail have shown more ability to get Co-op/mutual solutions and ideas across. Crucial to build up membership to make party sustainable in the longer term and unacceptable fact that BNP has more members than the party and future plans to recruit through Labour Party, Trade Unions and other parts of Co-op Movement, target to double our tally, every member to try recruit at least one other member.

Conference then went on to first of debates on agenda: Housing, which included our amendment to Motion 33 and our Motion 35.

I moved the first amendment from floor and hoped our delegate Andrea Lanxon with whom it had been agreed previously at Party Council to speak and move Motion 35, would arrive soon, as it would then fall to me to speak etc and as time had passed so quickly, and due to my inexperience I had not prepared any notes etc.

In the event I had to go onto podium (I was nervous and most anxious not to let Party council down). It all went so quickly and seemed to go down well (or so I was informed by fellow Plymouth and South West delegates sitting alongside me). Motion was carried - probably as it was one where most of delegates agreed. Chair did intimate as time was short, delegates could move from floor - due to the earlier lengthy keynote speeches - pity as this is a such an important area that requires much debate and affects all of us.

Conference managed in time left to accept or be in favour of Motion 35 Amendment 37 - except Composite C. which was sympathetically remitted. As time was short, the next item on agenda - Debate 2: Party Organisation, Constitutional, Electoral and Co-op Movement Issues (some title!) was moved to Saturday Morning and thus closed the first session around 4.35pm, which for me had been exhausting hectic and exhilarating experience.

All then went on to board coaches arranged for the Reception, supported and arranged by our main Hosts Scotmid Co-operative Society at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. On leaving hall I met some of my fellow delegates who had just arrived and we boarded coaches along with many of our South West colleagues. On arrival at Scottish Parliament, on what was a beautiful sunny evening, we met up with our remaining South West Council delegate Saxon Spence. We had a 15 - 20 minutes wait in foyer to mingle and talk over the day's events before we entered members area of parliament for drinks and nibbles and first of speakers Scotmid Chief Executive John Brodie. He welcomed everyone and recalled history of St Cuthbert's Society, one of the founding parts of Scotmid, and spoke on how the Scottish Parliament is taking democracy to people, very much a co-operative model.

This was followed by an entertaining speech from George Foulkes MSP. We were then allowed to visit debating chamber where I unknowingly sat at desk of Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon SNP Minister for Govan, Glasgow, where I was born and lived for my first formative 11years. We all boarded the coaches back to Haymarket at end of very busy and productive, convivial day.

Conference resumed at 9.30am with Debate 3: Employment and Legal Issues, which included among motions one from Chelmsford Star opposing ID cards. This the delegates supported and the motion was carried. Then a heated debate on Motion 58 urging settlement of dispute between Funeralcare and GMB - we were opposed but motion was carried

Frank McAveety MSP then gave conference the Scottish Parliament Report - spoke of work done by Scottish MSPs in co-op mutual issues working hard on Credit Unions, support required for these and Mutual Healthcare model could be used to advantage in respect of Scotland and success of Supporters Direct a good example. The two people who are working for return of Tory Government - David ameron and Alex Salmond - both have a mutual interest but for different reasons, SNP Governments' divisive debate on Independence, while Labour fights the effects of a 'World Economic Tsunami'.

Conference then moved on to Debate 4: Public services and Sport which had a total of 14 Motions of which 10 were carried or accepted, and 7 Amendments of which 5 were carried or accepted and 2 were lost. Our main interest was in our amendment to Motion 42 - which was accepted by proposers Southern Party - to introduce the benefits of Co-op values and ethos into School curriculum as none at all is presently taught. Both were warmly supported and carried.

Next item on agenda was Manifesto launch presented by Party General Secretary Michael Stephenson document entitled Co-operative Agenda for a Fourth Term.

One of the main themes of the 48-page document is the need to restore public confidence in both the political and the financial systems for the benefit of the public and not just shareholders. The manifesto is about fostering a new 21st century collectivism. After a short debate the document was approved by conference.

There then followed a short few items from Debate 2 carried forward from Friday Session. All motions from Scottish party CG were carried, among them being motions to set up cross party groups at Holyrood on Co-operatives and Credit Unions to take advantage of forthcoming legislation at Westminster.

We adjourned for a quick buffet lunch provided at venue and then attended a Q&A session with MPs/MSPs at around 12.30pm in Main Hall which included: Doug Naysmith MP, Cathy Jamieson MSP, Alun Michael MP, Mark Hedrick MP, Frank McAveety MSP, Murad Qureshi LA and chaired by Michael Stephenson. Here are some answers/comments I managed to scribble down: (didn't managed to attribute who said what! Still digesting a bit of lunch):

We are letting Tories away with scoring cheap political points!
How to deal with fact we own banks and not influence
No political credit for saving banks
Need to put some backup campaign history to counter our political opposition
We were close to brink of economic collapse closing ATM's - chaos would ensue.
Finance Inclusion Board to assist people in lower income groups
New Child Trust Fund
Help educate in financial knowledge
Feelings Mutual Campaign could give Labour radical edge if they adopted elements of campaign
Contribution of Mutual Banks etc in assisting us to get out of this crisis. Nationwide/Co-op thrifty management throughout this period, Time right to revisit our report 'Ten Years after De-mutualisation'
Bring back Trustee Savings Bank
It was emphasised during this session that any Co-op/Labour members would be well advised to emphasise their Co-operative links and credentials.

Conference resumed at 2.00pm with Debate 5: Environment, Energy, International and Rural Issues which had 6 Motions and 2 Composites, 3 Amendments, of which only 1 Motion and 2 Amendments were lost and the 2 Composites were carried. There then followed:

Co-op Party Youth Report given by Kiran Mahil, NEC Youth Rep during which she said they'd managed to double number of Young Co-op members in last 2 years, improved accessibility to membership, social events and used internet to build Facebook groups etc.

Debate 6: Party Organisation, Constitutional, Electoral and Co-op Movement Issues, which had 11 Motions, 1 of which was lost and 3 remitted.

Of interest to us was our Motion 21, which was one of 3 motions on 'issue of Age rules regarding NEC elections'. Comments included possibility of being out of step with present discrimination laws - idiosyncratic and should be put right in interests of fairness. Among the speakers were Saxon Spence and Chris Herries. Motion was carried by Conference. Also 3 Amendments taken during this debate all of which were accepted.

This ended a very busy afternoon session and was immediately followed by two Fringe meetings: The Feelings Mutual and the SERA-Labour Environment Campaign. At the same time was a launch of the Co-op Party Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network taken by London Assembly member Murad Qureshi.

What a decision - so much on! I elected to attend The Feelings Mutual debate with Michael Stephenson and Exchequer Secretary Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP for Portsmouth North.

Michael opened debate with outlining position on campaign
1. Timing right in present economic climate
2. Good campaigning tool for Party
3. Sustainable campaigns on the doorstep

We have to undo mess and damage of Thatcher/Reagan era, put people before profit, the audience we talk to is Government, Media, and Industry, and it could also be a good recruiting tool using likes of Facebook and YouTube among the campaign tools etc.

Sarah outlined where we are and stated she is no Minister for Mutuals. Tories dithered in the first week - believes City now has no confidence in Tories - exposed a weakness. Decisions not permanent on situation (banks bailed out by government) to run financial institutions, approach is hands-off day to day running, the objective to 'create and maintain value for taxpayers', no fixed timetable to discharge shares, a commitment to achieve 'A Co-operatives Act'. Desire to support housing initiatives and the need to think 'out of the box'. She then moved to position of Northern Rock (very suitable to be a mutual model), needs viable business model, and help in not repeating past mistakes, we must not be rushed by our political opposition to sell in depressed market (to reduce debt etc) this would not be good deal for taxpayer, needs to be set up so members/shareholders are secure as in mutual model, it will be long term process to achieve best outcome, we must campaign local to get people to see what a good outcome this would be for all.

There was a short debate with audience util around 6pm before I went back to my hotel to change for yet another generous Scotmid Reception with drinks in main conference hall.

Then on to a very sociable meal and get-together at local Indian restaurant, kindly arranged by Chanel Stevens of Bristol CG for all of South West delegates who wanted to attend; this was about 22 in total. Then late night at local bar drinks, bumping into many Co-op Party staff as well as other delegates out enjoying the Edinburgh hospitality.

This ended a very hectic but rewarding and stimulating day.

Of the 15 Motions, 10 were carried, 5 lost or fell, and 2 Amendments and 1 Composite were remitted. Then we had result of Conference Arrangements Committee election: Eileen Driver (for 1 year) and Peter Smyth (3 years) were elected.

Then (as we had time) debates carried over from the Friday afternoon, which had 1 of our Motions (5) in which Saxon and Dave spoke on political representation on regional Strategic Leaders Body - this was carried. Our other amendment on Motion 18 we withdrew. On remaining 7 Motions there was much debate in which 1 fell and 1 lost. 

Following a vote of thanks the conference joined in singing 'Auld Lang Syne' heartily while holding hands. Conference then closed at 12.30pm, well on time, a credit to Chair Jeanette Timmins and all the staff of Co-operative party and so ended my first conference experience. What with the unexpectedly warm sunny weather carrying through to the atmosphere of the event, or maybe it was because it was held in my homeland Scotland, but I found it most enjoyable and friendly, although extremely tiring and frantic at times. It was also great to network with the other delegates from the South West and other regions and to meet and speak with the staff from the Party's London Head Office and of the Co-operative Group.