SOUTH BASILDON and East Thurrock candidate for the next general election, Mike Le-Surf has just returned from the Labour party conference in Manchester.
YT asked Mike for his reflections on what was the last conference before the general election on May 7th, 2015.
Reflections:
If I had to sum it up in one phrase I would have to describe this year’s Labour Party gathering in Manchester as a conference "for the people".
As the parliamentary candidate or South Basildon and East Thurrock I was especially delighted to have the opportunity make a key speech in the communities debate about the voice of people with learning disabilities within their local community and the need for others to listen to that voice.
Ed Miliband’s speech was strong and powerful regarding Labour’s plan for the next ten years and the damage being caused currently by the Tories and their Lib Dem chums.
The six point plan for a different future is clear in its aims and a stark contrast to the current direction of travel. Building homes, better pay, more apprenticeships, a greener future and help for small businesses and the self employed are all much needed but it was clearly the need to save our National Health Service from Tory breakdown and privatisation that will be one of the central pillars of the Labour campaign in the coming months.
My campaign in Thurrock and Basildon is about providing a level playing field for all citizens of the constituency and across the UK. Inequality within our NHS at regional levels must be challenged and investment in more staff and training is vital. The moving speech by Harry Smith about his childhood pre-NHS and the pain and suffering endured by his family members and neighbours brought many of us to tears in the conference hall.
"My life is your history and we should keep it that way" said Harry as a warning of fears that we are returning to a health service that will only be afforded by the wealthy few while those who cannot afford it are left to suffer.
Ed Miliband was clear that the problems within our society will only be resolved if we work together as a nation. We have to fight the divisive policies of the Tories, Lib Dems and Ukip who would rather see us fighting each other than directing our concerns to those who are peddling mistrust in our neighbours and are breaking down the stable foundations of our once strong communities.
