Len McCluskey’s reaction to Ed Miliband’s conference speech
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Ed Miliband’s speech today gave a clear message of hope to the millions of people who have suffered under the cruel economic and social policies of the coalition since it came to power in 2010.
“He was right to stress that the damage done by Tories and their Liberal Democrat allies to the fabric of society will take many years to repair.
“He pinpointed the fundamental difference between the Tories and the Labour party – that under the Tories you are on your own in a frightening world, but with Labour you are not alone, but a member of a society which is committed to a better and fairer world for all. Voters have a crystal clear choice next May.
“The damage wrought by this government has been so immense, whether it is to the NHS, our manufacturing capacity, the moribund house building programme or to the lives of millions who have had to bear the brunt of the austerity measures of this government, while the rich and powerful have been let off the leash by David Cameron and George Osborne.
“He outlined a vision of fairness to help those without work and those being abused by the zero hours contract culture. He gave hope to those increasingly worried about the soaring waiting NHS lists and what’s going to happen to Aneurin Bevan’s creation, if the speculators of the private healthcare industry take over.
“Ed Miliband demonstrated his commitment to the NHS with the pledge of 36,000 more NHS doctors, midwives and nurses paid for out of a mansion tax on homes worth more than £2 million, tax on tobacco profits and a crackdown on tax avoidance. The NHS will be safe in Labour’s hands.
“Social justice is not an issue for any one country of our isles – it is for all of us to give our children and grandchildren a decent start in life, to safeguard our NHS and eradicate the cancer of insecurity that blights the lives of millions.
“The future constitutional settlement of the UK should not be a cosy stich-up by a Westminster cabal – but one forged in the crucible of the widest possible debate across the four countries of the UK.
“In eight months, the British people can vote in the general election for hope, against despair. What we have heard in Manchester this week is that beacon of hope.
“Ed Miliband is our Prime Minister – the keys of Number 10 are within his grasp. He is the only political leader that can re-energise a united Britain to face the daunting economic, social, constitutional and foreign challenges that lie ahead.”
