Let’s learn lesson from elsewhere

I AM standing to be the next Labour prime minister because I believe we must put the division of recent years behind us.

I want to lead a UK government that empowers communities that were left behind, creating opportunity and prosperity from Ipswich to Inverness.

Labour has to be brave enough to change. We need a new approach, but one based on our values.

Labour has always stood for solidarity between peoples and nations. It is through our social justice ambitions that we can win the battle with divisive nationalism but I do not believe that we have all the answers here. So, as Labour leader, I would set up an international commission to learn lessons from elsewhere.

In Quebec, the positive expression of solidarity from Canadians towards their fellow citizens – coupled with real change – defeated separatism.

Equally, socialists in Catalonia have for years been peacefully challenging the separatists there. Their approach of socialism and solidarity stands in stark contrast to the unjustified violence under the instruction of Spain’s rightwing government.

The world is more interconnected than ever before. Labour’s internationalism sees the world as it is and I will be steadfast in my commitment to build a better world and to preserve it for generations to come.

To live up to this commitment we need more than dreams. We need a plan and that plan must take people with us.

The lesson from history is that the path of least resistance has never pointed towards progress. But together we can win again.