Hope triumphs over fear

The people of Britain are ready for bold change – your task is to lead them and make it happen – was the clear and uncompromising message from New York’s Democrat mayor, Bill de Blasio.

Mr de Blasio, elected on his policies of ending wealth inequality, stole the show as the international fraternal speaker addressed Labour Party delegates on Wednesday (September 24).

His rapt audience heard how he started his seemingly impossible campaign outside his front door and took it all the way to the top. And they heard how it was Labour’s “moral obligation” to end inequality for our children’s sake.

He said, “As a progressive and as a citizen of the world, Labour is a beacon for progressives everywhere. The Labour Party is on the rise – it has true grass roots activists.”

Mr de Blasio believed social change could only be achieved through grass roots activism.

“Politics comes down to knocking on doors, talking to neighbours, co-workers, telling everyone of the urgency of change. I am confident that this conference will be last before Labour’s great election victory in May 2015.”

He spoke of the common ground between people’s experiences here and in New York.

“People need bold uncompromising ideas – they are hungry for change. They are working harder, but don’t feel rewarded – and they need to do so again.

“The Labour Party refuses to accept inertia and is working to create a new reality for opportunity for all.”

And at the heart of his vision was “the moral obligation” to create opportunites for for the young so they would have greater chances of a better life than we have.

When the UK’s five richest families had more wealth than the entire poorest 20 per cent, that was a crisis of inequality, a crisis only Labour understood and must address.

“Labour understands this crisis. Know the weight of this moment. History shows us people gravitate towards inclusiveness. Your job is to help Britons find their voice. They deserve better than this.”

He told of how he decided to stand for mayor, of how he rejected “the lazy logic of false choice politics.

“The odds appeared long. With 20 years of Republican rule and every other candidate only interested in keeping the status quo, I ran to take a dead aim at the crisis of our time.”

His supporters started as a small group, gathering outside his front door. “But we believed in something.” Support grew – and led to the historic victory.

“If anyone says an agenda of economic fairness and a balanced agenda can’t go hand in hand, tell them to come and visit New York. Hope triumphs over fear.”

The voters’ choice between Labour and the Tories was clear.

He said, “The choice is clear. Your plan rewards hard work and tells the next generation it can do better – or keep the Tories’ status quo of ever widening income gaps and an ever deepening cost of living crisis.

“You have right on your side. Reject false choices – that you can only move forward if some are left behind – no one should accept that.

“It’s the same crisis for both countries, but we have the power to overcome it. Speak hard truths and the people will listen. People will act together to fight the crisis – so there’s much good you can achieve together – and I believe you will.”