A Co-operative Manifesto for Labour

Last weekend, the Labour Party's National Policy Forum met, to debate the policy that will form the basis of our manifesto for a Labour victory at the 2015 General Election.

As has been the case for nearly 100 years, Co-operators will be at the heart of that Labour Government, and they were there in force at the Policy Forum, ensuring that co-operative policies are central to Labour's programme.

With wages squeezed, it's crucial that working parents have access to affordable, quality childcare - that's why at last week's Labour NPF, we won support for childcare co-ops as a key part of the solution.

With a commitment to mutual and co-operative forms of rail ownership, the Next Labour Government's plan for the railways will put passengers, staff and communities first ! 

And, building on Ed Miliband's pledge to freeze energy bills, we push for genuine co-operative solutions to take on the "big six" utility providers.
 

It's Co-operatives Fortnight !

Co-operatives Fortnight is the perfect time to come together and promote the vibrancy and strength of the  co-operative sector. Our sector is truly diverse and we are proud to offer a broad range of products and services. From childcare to cheese, wine to windpower, there really is a co-operative for everyone and every need, and Fortnight is the ideal opportunity to encourage more people to make the co-operative choice.

There really has been no better time to take part in Co-operatives Fortnight. We promise to make it fun and simple for your co-operative to get involved, so please play your part.   Large or small, online or on the high street, we want all co-operatives to take part during Co-operatives Fortnight and spread our message.

Together we really can get the message out far and wide.  Whether a retailer, service provider, federal member, or an individual co-operative supporter, we'll arm you with all the resources that you need. Our bright and vibrant campaign is guaranteed to make people smile.

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Co-operators enjoy day out at Labour BBQ

East Sussex Co-operative Party members enjoyed a great afternoon out at Eastbourne Labour Party-  of sunshine, good food, and an inspiring speech from one of Labour's best front-bench speakers, on Saturday 29th June.

Paul and Sarah Richards welcomed us to their garden (complete with rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks) for a splendid barbecue, with a super turnout from Labour members old and new, plus guests from Brighton and Hastings.

Stella Creasy, a Labour and Co-operative  MP (pictured with our host, Paul) was the guest speaker- she talked about her work in Parliament, including spearheading campaigns against payday lenders and legal loan-sharks, and inspired us about the need to campaign and fight to make a difference for ordinary people, even when constrained by being in opposition.   Stella also revealed that she had been invited, by Billy Bragg, to speak about her anti loan-shark campaigns at the Glastonbury Festival on the same day- but had turned him down as she'd accepted Eastbourne first. How's that for dedication ?

East Sussex Co-operative Party continue to support Stella and her colleagues' campaigns against payday lenders and the legal loan sharks (while Eastbourne's Lib Dem MP, Stephen Lloyd, defends their "business model")