People will power Labour to victory
What a great speech by Jeremy Corbyn at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton. I particularly liked his reference to Margaret Bondfield, the working-class girl who became a Cabinet Minister in Ramsay MacDonald’s Labour Government of 1929-31.
It was also great to see John Prescott in the front row applauding and cheering the leader. But what a pity so many of what was the old New Labour guard couldn’t be there supporting him. I am reminded of Gordon Brown’s speech in 2003 when he said Labour is “...best when we are boldest, best when we are united”. Go for it, Jeremy!
Jean Lorriman, Huddersfield West Yorks
Jeremy Corbyn is now widely viewed as one of the most intelligent, courageous, principled and ‘in touch’ politicians Britain has ever seen. He is part politician, part rock god and part campaigner. No one else in British politics can come close to matching his appeal and draw such excited crowds Labour are the biggest party in Europe and are increasing in popularity. Only time will tell whether Corbyn can now translate that passion and hope into votes to become the next PM and deliver on his pledges. But one thing is clear – a large section of the public is backing his hopeful message.
Adam Ray, via email
Corbyn and McDonnell’s integrity in forming Labour’s financial promises should be more thoroughly scrutinised. They issue warnings about personal debt and rising credit card arrears, but would be willing to place our future, our children’s future and the nation’s future in peril with record borrowing to pay for their renationalisation policies. This would put the UK into record debt and possible bankruptcy.
Douglas J Wathen, Evesham, Worcs
I am fed up with people saying Jeremy Corbyn wouldn’t make a good Prime Minister. What they forget is when you vote, you aren’t just voting for one person, but a whole team of talented people who are willing to help this country and our NHS.
When people voted for Theresa May because they thought she would make a good leader, they also voted for the likes of Jeremy Hunt who has done untold damage to the health service. Please remember this.
Mel Ingleton, Coulsdon, Surrey
This Government could quite easily hang on until after 2020. If, as according to Harold Wilson, a week is a long time in politics, then five years is a generation away.
Jeremy Corbyn still has a big job to convince socially-minded nonLabour members and he has a lot of baggage to carry.
By 2020, who knows, the EU itself might have changed beyond recognition and Brexit might not be Brexit.
Reginald Langman, via Facebook
“We will never fall into the gutter blaming migrants. We will not pander to racism. It isn’t migrants who drive down wages and conditions, but the worst bosses in collusion with a Tory Government.” As long as Jeremy Corbyn stands by those inspiring words at Brighton, he’s got my vote.
Sasha Simic, North London
If John McDonnell and not Jeremy Corbyn was the leader of the Labour Party they would get twice the votes. It’s sad but true.