Flanked by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose presence underscored the event’s significance, both leaders ignited the audience with their dynamic rhetoric, calling for progressive change and renewed commitment to public welfare. Their speeches were met with resounding applause and cheers, reflecting a palpable sense of excitement among attendees and a shared vision for a better Wales.
Numerous political figures also took to the stage – such as Jo Stevens, Member of Parliament and Secretary of State for Wales – adding to the momentum surrounding the conference and reaffirming the party’s dedication to addressing the needs of constituents and promoting inclusive growth across the region.
First Minister expresses pride as a ‘daughter of Wales’
First Minister Eluned Morgan, in her landmark speech at the Welsh Labour Conference on November 16, 2024, embraced her role as the first woman to lead Welsh Labour while underlining the party’s commitment to challenging times ahead. With humour and humility, telling the audience that she wouldn’t start by ‘Doing a Theresa May’ – referring to when former Prime Minister Theresa May danced up to the Conservative Conference podium to Dancing Queen by ABBA.
Morgan reflected, “I haven’t quite got used to the idea of being your leader yet; I see myself more as a proud daughter of Wales.” Her emphasis on her heartfelt connection to her roots in Ely, a large council housing estate, informed her political vision, highlighting the essence of community and the importance of listening. “I learnt to listen,” she said, recalling her family’s open-door approach to serving those in need.
Morgan emphasised a transformative agenda, swiftly implemented within her first 100 days in office, including the groundbreaking rollout of free primary school meals across Wales, a hands-on response to immediate community needs. “No young child in Wales will go hungry on our watch,” she assured, while vowing to tackle healthcare challenges by increasing funding to the NHS from £28 million to an impressive £50 million, addressing growing waiting lists.
Upholding social democratic values, Morgan stated, “Our relationship with trade unions is fundamental to who we are as a movement,” insisting that Welsh Labour stands firmly for workers’ rights against any forms of governmental neglect or corporate greed. She framed Welsh Labour’s mission as one of unity and active partnership, declaring, “Progress isn’t just about what government does TO people, it’s about what we do WITH people.”
In closing, she rallied the conference with a call to collective action: “We’ve listened, we’ve learnt and we are making it happen. There’s a new Wales on the horizon – now, let’s go there together.” With a genuine commitment to her constituents and a clear vision for the future, Morgan’s speech set the tone for a progressive path forward as Welsh Labour aims to uplift communities and rejuvenate the Welsh landscape.
Prime Minister reinforces Welsh Labour Conference
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised a fresh start for Labour in Wales and Britain, celebrating recent electoral successes and outlining a comprehensive vision for the future. “A Labour Government in Cardiff Bay, joined by a Labour Government in Westminster,” said Starmer, heralding a “new era” of opportunity to serve working people. He stressed the importance of unity, stating, “Labour Wales and Labour Britain, pulling in the same direction,” as essential to their mission of national renewal.
Starmer reflected on the hard work of party members, saying, “The doors you knock, the streets you pound… showing that this party… is fit to govern,” while highlighting recent policy achievements like the historic £21 billion investment for Wales, a record figure aimed at revitalising public services and boosting economic growth. Addressing the transition to a cleaner economy, he cited plans for Wales to become an “energy superpower,” while advocating for the creation of sustainable jobs in the evolving industrial landscape.
In a pointed critique of the Conservative Party, Starmer remarked, “The Tories can only look on from their Welsh headquarters… a metaphor for life, if ever there was one,” emphasising the government’s commitment to prioritising the needs of Welsh citizens. He concluded with a call to action, stating, “This is a golden opportunity — a once-in-a-generation chance for a Labour government in Westminster to work in partnership with a Labour government in Wales.” Starmer’s impassioned speech left attendees energised, with a clear directive to build a future grounded in pride and opportunity for all working people.
Jo Stevens MP
In her speech, Jo Stevens celebrated the significant victory of Labour in the recent General Election, stating, “we come together having won that historic election” and expressing gratitude to all candidates involved. She emphasised the collaborative spirit of the new Labour government, highlighting that it has “delivered the largest real-terms increase in spending power for the Welsh government since the dawn of devolution.” Stevens announced a £13 million fund to support businesses in Port Talbot, affirming, “THIS is change in action,” and underscored a renewed partnership with the Welsh Labour government. She encapsulated her commitment by saying, “you can believe me when I say that this UK Labour government will deliver for Wales,” reaffirming her dedication to driving economic growth and opportunities for all communities in Wales.
However, The Welsh Labour Conference wasn’t the only event in Llandudno over the weekend.
Farmers and protesters gatecrash Labour Conference with Inheritance Tax protest
Llandudno became the focal point for a significant farmers’ protest against proposed changes to inheritance tax that threaten the viability of family-run farms across Wales. Organised outside the Welsh Labour Conference, farmers showcased rows of agricultural vehicles lining the promenade, honking their horns in solidarity. The protest was sparked by a contentious proposal to impose a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million, a move many farmers argue would jeopardise their livelihoods and the agricultural landscape. Protesters proudly displayed signs reading “NO FARMERS NO FOOD,” emphasising the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring food security and expressing their deep concern over the potential financial burden of these tax reforms. The demonstration underscores the ongoing debates surrounding agricultural policy and the need for sustainable support for the farming community.
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