PIONEERMembers' Magazine Spring/Summer 2021 - LOCAL ACTION Gordon Brown: Building new co-operative foundations - Co-operative Party
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THE
PIONEER
Members’ Magazine Spring/Summer 2021
D E R S H I P
LO CAL LEA
T I O N
LOCAL A C
Gordon Brown: Building Our work supporting Votes at 16: How expanding
new co-operative candidates for May’s the franchise gives young
foundations elections people more power
06 04 23
Letter from the General Secretary
Welcome to your latest edition
of The Pioneer
Contents
I
I am delighted to be able to kick
off this edition of ‘The Pioneer’ and
about the way in which he believes
greater accountability and quality
04
2021 Elections
start with a heartfelt thank you to political decision making can be
our supporters, members, activists, achieved in page 10. From the
06
Case Study:
officers, elected representatives, campaign trail we catch up with Policing for the
People
and staff team. All of whom continue new West Yorkshire Mayoral
to show the Party and movement Candidate Tracy Brabin MP, (pg 8), 08
amazing dedication and support. Sarah Murphy Co-op MS candidate Tracy Brabin:
‘Times of crisis require us to
My Co-operative
While we hope for better days and London GLA Candidate Sem Vision for West
ahead, there is little doubt that Moema (pg 16). We have a focus Yorkshire
there will be further times to endure. on the future with pieces about
10
be imaginative, far-sighted and Both collectively and individually
we continue to face uncertainty
our Party’s support for Votes at 16
(pg 23) and news from around the
The Long Read:
Building New
Shared foundations
driven from the bottom-up.’
and challenge. I am proud that our country.
movement has the values which I hope you enjoy it and I hope 14
provide the template for a better our collective values and principles Campaigning:
Co-operative
future. It is this better future that this continue to inspire us to co-operate Campaigning
edition focusses on. and be a be a positive force in through Lockdown
See ‘Building New Shared Foundations’,
page 10
The ideas and zeal within this
edition captures some of the best
politics, community and at home.
16
The Conversation:
of the possible future politics and Sem Moema and
Cai Parry
demonstrates co-operative local
action, local leadership. The Rt
Joe Fortune, General Secretary
20
Spotlight:
Hon Gordon Brown writes for us Westminster,
Northern Ireland,
Scotland, Wales
THE PIONEER 24
Equalities Update
Tel: 02073674150 Promoted by Joe Fortune on behalf of
25
Email: mail@party.coop the Co-operative Party, both at Unit 13,
Editorial enquiries: Georgia O’Brien 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ.
and Shane Brogan. Printed by Solopress, 9 Stock Road, Events Update
Southend-on-Sea Essex, SS2 5QF.
26
Co-operative Party Limited is a registered
Society under the Co-operative and
Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Policy Process
Registered no. 30027R
02 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Letter from the General Secretary 03
Feature
2021 ELECTIONS: HOW
WE’RE PREPARING
FOR CO-OPERATION provides the route through to being nominated as well pandemic. We have campaigned
Emma Hoddinott as associated training and support. In just four months on free school meals, clearer
Local Government Officer, we have held over 15 different training sessions as rules for foodbanks and promoted
Co-operative Party
well as virtual coffee mornings attended by over 150 Heathy Start Vouchers. With
candidates. our Food Justice Finder (https://
A
s lockdown eased this summer, the hoped-for operation we helped facilitate. The programme is also open to those who are just foodjusticefinder.com) people
economic uptick did not happen. In August, We must not lose this spirit interested in finding out more about being a candidate, have been able to find out what
Britain officially entered its deepest recession of togetherness and community and we are running taster sessions with our member their local council has been doing to
since records began. While the pandemic has co-operation; nor can we return to networks to ensure our candidates reflect the diversity act, and we have already seen the
had global economic impacts, the UK has fared crippling cuts and further erosion of our movement. number of known food champions
particularly badly. The worst excess death rate in of vital public services. So in the Already we have 100s of Labour and Co-operative in councils nearly double.
Europe coupled with the worst recession in Europe forthcoming elections we must get candidates standing for parish, district, county, Mayoral and Parliamentary
and largest drop in GDP of all G7 countries is a co-operators elected, so they can unitary and metropolitan councils. They will join our candidates will be able to shape
triple tragedy. take forward our ideas and bring record team of candidates for the Senedd, Scottish what the economic recovery looks
Our Co-operative Party representatives in local about change. Parliament, London Assembly and Police and Crime like, using our principles of sharing
government have made our movement proud. When This year we launched the Co- Commissioners in England and Wales. There are also power and wealth and ensuring all
the first restrictions came into place in March last year, operative Candidate Development five mayoral candidates including Tracy Brabin in parts of the UK are getting a fair
it was co-operators that used our principles of self-help Programme, alongside new NEC West Yorkshire, Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, deal.
and solidarity to step in where the UK government was guidelines to make it simpler for our Liam Byrne in West Midlands, Jesse Joe Jacobs in Now is our chance to bring about
failing to serve our communities. We got to know our members to gain the nomination to Tees Valley and Nik Johnson in Cambridgeshire and change, as for the majority of the
neighbours, organised foodbanks, made welfare calls, stand for the Co-operative Party. Peterborough. country this year, co-operation will
fundraised for home schooling packs, care kits and Members can join the programme This is our opportunity to take our ideas forward. Our be on the ballot paper. 
laptops and showed leadership in the community co- through an online form, and it campaign for Food Justice has highlighted the existing
inequalities that have come to the fore during the
04 The Pioneer Summer 2020 Feature 05
Case Study
POLICING FOR
THE PEOPLE
Lola Oyewusi
Labour & Co-operative candidate for
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
I
am proud to be the first black female to be that involved the community, where
selected as a Labour and Co-operative police and the people they are serving have a
crime commissioner candidate. say. And that is why I am standing
Kent has been my home for the past twenty years for the Co-operative Party too, ordained minister. I have a heart for the people, for the been actively campaigning during
and I saw what policing was like back then. In my own when I look at co-operative values, community, that’s what I want to bring to this role. the pandemic, such as the recent
little village, we had our own police station and we knew they are close to my values. Starting off a campaign in the pandemic has not Scottish bill for protection of retail
who our police officer was. People felt more secure with I have a wealth of community been easy, but I have a campaign team that helps get workers.
a visible local policing system that worked for them. experience to bring to the role, as my message out. We have been very pro-active on My priority is to get more
Unfortunately, that is not the case twenty years down I am a community activist. I run a social media, as it is key, alongside regular phone- resources into the police, and make
the line, we have seen drastic cuts in policing. Kent is faith community group and run a banking, where we are using the Labour Party’s tool sure rural and coastal communities
short of five hundred police officers, and our little village community food project that has Dialogue. are engaged. I will be the PCC on
police station has been sold off. People feel that safety given out around 5000 food parcels. I even managed to launch my campaign the ground, that people would know,
in their community is now bottom of the agenda. I also work full time for a housing during lockdown, which was successful with video making sure all local areas and
My goal as Police and Crime Commissioner is to association, am a school governor, endorsements from people like David Lammy, local community groups are engaged.
go back to basics and bring back that original idea of a Parish Councillor, Vice-Chair of Labour leaders and senior figures from UNISON too. Policing powered by the people and
community policing and social responsibility. Policing Medway Trades Council and an The Co-operative Party means a lot to me, it has for the people.
06 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Case Study 07
Feature
MY CO-OPERATIVE
VISION FOR WEST
YORKSHIRE Tracy Brabin MP
Labour & Co-operative candidate for
West Midlands Metro Mayor
T
he Government’s response to the pandemic has to for the solutions to these Slavery how we can crack down I want to make West Yorkshire a co-operative
fallen woefully short, with inadequate support challenges and the many others on those profiting from human enterprise friendly zone, where co-operative
across our economy leaving gaping holes we now face. trafficking, and we can promote initiatives in housing, nurseries, community
through which too many people have fallen due to Because whilst it won’t be Credit Union membership to transport and other areas have the financial support
no fault of their own. easy, the devolved powers the provide affordable and accessible they need to flourish with our communities at their
Some three million people have gone without West Yorkshire Mayor will take on banking for all. heart.
financial support from the start of the Covid-19 in investment, housing, transport And there is so much we can And in our co-operative values of equality,
crisis, for instance. Food insecurity and hunger have and other areas will give us the do in the longer term, too. We democracy, community, and sharing power and
grown as families struggle to make ends meet. And opportunity to put co-operative have seen in Manchester and wealth more fairly, we have the blueprint not just for
many parents have been expected to make do with ideas and values at the very core its Co-operative Commission, what we’ll do in West Yorkshire, but how we’ll do it.
scandalous standards of free school meals. of how we rebuild. for example, how we can best Because simply returning to the way things
As the Labour and Co-operative MP for Batley There are policies that we can hardwire co-operation into our were would be a missed opportunity. It is only by
and Spen, I’ve been working hard to address these adopt in the short term to make local economy, to ensure a more creating the conditions for co-operation to thrive in
shortfalls for people in my community and others an immediate difference. We just and equitable system that West Yorkshire and in communities right across the
across the country. And as the proud Labour and have seen from our local councils works for us all – a plan we can country that we give ourselves the best possible
Co-operative candidate for West Yorkshire Mayor, signing up to the Co-operative replicate as we forge a co- chance of owning the future we now look to build.
it’s the co-operative movement that I’ll be looking Party’s Charter Against Modern operative path in West Yorkshire.
08 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Feature 09
The Long Read
BUILDING NEW
SHARED
FOUNDATIONS
Rt Hon Gordon Brown
and refuse and return to a broken status quo. It is achieve more through co-operation
Former Prime Minister
abundantly clear that not to act will risk the jobs and than we achieve alone. That shared
futures of too many people in this country. And inaction values are the foundation of strong
also risks the unity of our United Kingdom. communities and that sustainable
I
n a crisis the country needs to through leaks to the press, letters from the Welsh First Times of crisis require us to be imaginative, far- economies require a fair distribution
come together. The desire to do Minister left unanswered and regional tiers announced sighted and driven from the bottom-up, drawing on of wealth and power. Mobilising the
so was shown by the way in every without even the courtesy of a phone call in advance to the best practice and insight of local leaders rather resources and campaigning power
region and nation people applauded regional leaders. than imposed by an out-of-touch and over-centralised of the co-operative movement,
the NHS and its dedicated staff And the pandemic – and now the recession – have Whitehall. which has always believed in
every Thursday. But around the brutally exposed many divisions in our country – with And the devolution – to the nations and to the community power, devolution and
country people are fed up, feel insensitivity on the Government’s part pitting the UK’s regions – we have is all too often undermined by too creative solutions to the challenges
they have not been listened to or regions and nations against an inflexible and dismissive centralist a mindset, with ministers often paying only which face us, will be crucial in
consulted when decisions about centre, widening the economic divide within our lip-service to localism. If we are to deal with pandemics, rebuilding trust and turning the tide
lockdowns, tiers, quarantines, and country and communities, laying bare the gaps in living pollution and poverty, the voices of the regions and of recession.
furloughs have been made. Too standards and even life expectancy between the rich nations have to be listened to and the centre has to Citizens’ assemblies were a
often we have seen local lockdowns and poor. show it will work with them. unifying force in Ireland, and more
imposed without local consultation, These divisions tell us what we have long known To build belief that we are all in this together, we recently are being deployed by
communities discovering their to be true: either we reform and renew, creating must develop solutions together. Our co-operative co-operative councillors to address
Christmas has been cancelled something fairer and more inclusive, or we resist movement offers up many of the answers, and that we the difficult choices that will be
10 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 The Long Read 11
required in tackling climate change with the urgency it brings together the leaders of the Lords should be replaced by a Senate of the Nations nations, not enmity, and that we
requires. Convening citizens’ assemblies to be part of a regions and nations in one forum. and Regions. succeed through solidarity and
post-Covid resolution of our future will have this same The Joint Ministerial Committee But one thing we know for sure: any new settlement sharing.
unifying effect. that was to be the bridge between must be built on the foundations of shared values.
Where co-operation between the centre and the centre and Scotland, Wales and Britain cannot have a shared future without setting out
localities has been exposed as wholly deficient, we Northern Ireland has now broken what we agree on. Indeed, we must forge a modern
need to take steps to rebuild a stronger United Kingdom down. Not once has it met, other story about the values we have in common, the shared
and consider changes which will unite our divided than on Brexit, during Johnson’s experiences of people and communities in every part of
country. 16-month premiership. ‘Devolve the country, and the diverse cultural bonds that bind us
First, we need to consider how to deliver a and forget’ should be replaced by together.
redistribution of resources, opportunities and power, ‘devolve and include’ with a robust The co-operative movement has always been about
based on needs – and whether there is a case for a process for bringing metro mayors the best of human values. It is through a focus on the
new Barnett-style needs-based formula for allocating and local councils into national sentiments that inspire co-operation and reciprocity
resources across the regions of England. What’s clear decision-making. – solidarity and empathy – that we expose narrow
is that the era of one-size-fits-all is over, and there can Thirdly, we should consider how nationalism for what it truly is: an ideology that sees
be no unity without recognition of diversity. to advance national integration the world in terms of a never-ending struggle between
Secondly, we need to consider how we can improve through greater political inclusion. ‘us’, the insiders, and ‘them’, the outsiders. Rather
co-operation between all layers of government. It is For example, we need to consider than a nationalism which seeks to divide us, we can
extraordinary that, to this day, there is no body that whether the outdated House of demonstrate that our future lies in empathy across
12 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 The Long Read 13
Campaigning Campaigning
CO-OPERATIVE
CAMPAIGNING
THROUGH Download resources from
LOCKDOWN
our Candidate Hub
We’ve collated all the digital resources we’ve
produced for our candidates into one handy
page - including Twibbons and Facebook
W
ith local and devolved elections profile picture frames, Labour and Co-
Order our postal vote Join our candidate training
now confirmed to be taking place operative logos and branding, social media
leaflets sessions
this May, Co-operative Party graphics and more.
candidates and campaigners will have
to find new ways to make an impact Access the Candidate Hub at For the first time in many years we have The Co-operative Candidate Development
on the electorate. Here are a few ways party.coop/local/candidates agreed a joint national leaflet design with the Programme is underway, hosting regular
we’re working to support our hundreds Labour Party. The joint postal vote leaflet training sessions online for Labour and Co-
of candidates in this crucial year. encourages constituents to sign up to vote operative candidates across the UK.
safely from home, as well as giving them
Look out for our digital information about the Co-operative Party and We’ve recently run sessions on panel
campaigning training what we stand for. interviews, how to get the Co-operative Party
nomination, and preparing for selections, but
With most physical campaign activity called Visit our candidate hub at it’s not just work - we also hold regular coffee
off, the digital campaign is going to be more party.coop/local/candidates for links to buy mornings via Zoom for participants to get to
important than ever. the leaflets from Labour or to download the know one another and have some downtime
artwork to send to your preferred printers. from this year’s unusual campaigns.
We’ve already held one training session
- on using online surveys to engage your The leaflet is also available in a direct mail To find out more about the Co-operative
constituents - which is available on our version. You can download selections on Candidate Development Programme and
Candidate Hub. More written and video Contact Creator and send them out via apply to be a candidate, visit party.coop/
content will follow in the coming weeks the post. This costs around £125 per 250 ccdp
to help you make the most of your online printed, stuffed and sent out for you in the
presence - check back for updates. post. Contact local@party.coop to place
your order.
14 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Campaigning 15
SEM MOEMA
the conversation Sem Moema is a Mayoral Advisor to the
Mayor of Hackney and Labour & Co-
Africa in the 1970s to find a fairer society in Britain.
My mother believed that London would provide her
working opportunities not available to her as a young
black woman with ambition. My father came to
London as a political asylum seeker, after speaking
out against apartheid and being restricted in his
is underrepresented and
sometimes not heard. That much
is evident over the last ten years
of Tory austerity in the decisions
made, whether it’s funding local
government services, investment
operative candidate for North East London in
career in a racially segregated society. in policing or making sure
the London Assembly elections.
people’s homes are safe and
What are your priorities for London if elected? affordable. The EU referendum
The housing crisis and private renting is an area I and the summer of Black Lives
have really championed as a Hackney councillor. Matter following George Floyd’s
I’ve been the Mayoral Advisor for the Private Rented death have in different ways
Sector and Affordability, a part time cabinet role, brought the idea of tolerance to
since 2016. In that time I’ve introduced landlord the foreground in what I believe
licensing to extend renters’ rights to 34,000 will ultimately be positive in the
households in privately-rented homes, persuading future.
three large housing associations to give 3-year
tenancies to their tenants and stabilise rents and Being a part of the co-operative
offer families stability and security without the fear movement, as a Labour
of becoming homeless. I’ve also been working councillor and local activist as a
with leaseholders and shared owners affected Black woman is something that
by the cladding scandal in our borough, and I welcome. We need to build a
have supported CLTs and housing co-ops when society based on our shared
developing genuinely affordable new homes for co-operative values, especially
Hackney residents. I want to bring this experience to equality, equity, and participation.
City Hall, to support Sadiq’s ambitions to build social My advice to young people
housing and also to encourage the establishment wanting to make a change in the
of mutual models, such as housing co-operatives, world, to people from Black and
What got you involved in politics? where possible. Minority Ethnic communities and
After I moved to Hackney in the early 2000s, I to women, is simply: do it. Go for
got involved in local politics. I’d been working in Sadly, politics remains a very white and male it. I know I try to make sure that
international development and wanted to become dominated world – what would your advice be I can support others who were in
politically active in the community I lived in. I went to other young women and Black, Asian and the same situation as me back
from grassroots activism, campaigning for my Minority Ethnic members considering standing in 2006, and support them in
local MP, Meg Hillier, which led me to apply to be for election in the future? how to get involved and achieve
a councillor. I was first elected in 2006, and after Growing up in North London, there was the sense for themselves and for their
a break, was elected again in 2016. I’ve been a that things were improving for Black and Minority communities. Being involved
ward councillor for eight years, as well as having Ethnic communities. Like many Londoners, I feel in my community is rewarding
the privilege of chairing my Hackney South and we’re losing that progress and things have stalled. and important to me, and those
Shoreditch CLP, and now standing to be a London In areas like housing, the environment, education, are the voices we need more
Assembly member to represent North East. policing and political decision making locally, of if our advocacy and the way
regionally and nationally, the voices of women we live and work in our city is to
But I was always political – my parents left South and of Black and Minority Ethnic communities meet a diverse range of needs.
16 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 The Conversation 17
CAI PARRY
the conversation What are the issues you’ll be considering when We’ve long campaigned for
you cast your vote? votes at 16, with our Party
For young people in Wales, the issues on our Chair Jim McMahon proposing
minds are the environment, the union, education, a bill in Westminster to change
Cai Parry is an A-Level student and Labour rising house prices and mental health funding. We the law – and we’re really
activist in Cardiff. He is co-leader of Students need to take the climate emergency very seriously, excited that Wales’ Labour
4 Safe Studies, a grassroots campaign by
and if nobody else will, Wales should lead the way Government have led the way
students, fighting for students to get safe
studies and fair assessments in 2021, for on this with decisive and radical action. With the here. What can we learn from
a fairer deal in education. At 17, he will be rise of populist movements like YesCymru and the the Welsh experience as we
among the cohort of first-time 16 and 17 year Abolish the Assembly Party, it’s important that we campaign elsewhere to extend
old voters in the upcoming Welsh elections. take a modest approach that extends devolution, the franchise?
and we should work with UK Labour to push for a Obviously, it helps to be in
federal UK. government, and the extension
of the franchise is a great
How do you think Labour and Co-operative example of the progress Labour
activists and politicians can engage young and can make when elected, but I
first-time voters better? Do we need to change think the best thing we can do
the way that we campaign? at any time is to combat the
Young people in the past couple of years have idea that young people will be
become far more politically active with rising corrupted by caring about politics
economic inequality and the attention given to the or that young people aren’t
climate crisis. It’s crucial that youth lead groups like mature enough to make these
UKSCN, Teach the Future, and my own Students decisions. All of us 16-17 year
4 Safe Studies, are listened to by policy makers to olds are yet to be allowed to vote
ensure that young voters are engaged and play an in general elections, and we can
active role in how their futures are decided. use Wales as one in a whole
library of examples of young
people making mature decisions
about our futures.
You’re 17 and voting for At 16 in the UK, people can join
the first time in the Senedd the military, become parents,
elections in May. What does it buy a lottery ticket, start one
mean to you, to be part of the of the most crucial chapters in
first cohort of 16 and 17 year their education, get a job and
old voters ever in the UK? pay tax. Yet the right to vote on
It’s a huge privilege to be able how government effects them
to contribute to democracy for has only just been granted. It’s
the first time. It feels like I’m a a great relief that we can see ‘the best thing we can do at any time
part of history and that young that society is progressing in this is to combat the idea that young
people are finally at the table to way. people will be corrupted by caring
discuss how the country is run. about politics’
18 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 The Conversation 19Spotlight Spotlight
NORTHERN IRELAND: WHY
WESTMINSTER: YOUNG LEADERSHIP IS VITAL
OUR ROLE AS YOUR VOICE
Olivia Fletcher
Co-operative Party
National Youth Committee
L
ocal action requires local at the core. That’s why the Youth Network is holding
Preet Kaur Gill MP leaders. And it’s important that Young Candidates Training, where young members
Chair, Co-operative
young people are filling those cam hear from some of the Co-operative Party’s best
Parliamentary Party
leadership roles. and youngest councillors, encouraging them to take on
As the co-chair of the Co- leadership roles.
I
’ve long been proud to champion I am delighted to play a part in this proud history by operative Party Youth Network, The Youth Network has also held an online event on
our co-operative values and building on Jim’s leadership and vision and leading our and Northern Ireland Youth how co-operation is preventing climate change.
solutions as a co-operative movement’s representation in Westminster. Representative, I know this. The role of young leadership is especially vital in
Member of Parliament, and But we know here in Westminster that we are only a Throughout the pandemic, young Northern Ireland, where I represent young Co-operative
following my friend Jim McMahon part of what makes the Co-operative Party such a force people have borne the brunt of Party members. When young people in the region work
MP’s election as Chair of the for good. immense social upheaval. But together, instead of working against each other with
Co-operative Party it was truly Because the strength in our movement has always they’ve also been key leaders in the sectarian politics of the past, they are building a
an honour to follow him in been found in our ability to put our values into practice fighting back against the pandemic co-operative future. And as the Northern Ireland youth
becoming the Chair of the Co- in our communities and make a real difference on the within the Cooperative movement. representative, I encourage that.
operative Parliamentary Group in ground. The Co-operative Party
Westminster. So as we look ahead to the upcoming elections, Youth Network is nourishing that
The Co-operative Party has it’s more important than ever that we’re able to work leadership, because I want young
been a voice for co-operative values alongside passionate and effective co-operators at all people to feel empowered in
in the places where decisions levels to do just that. changing their local communities
are made for over a century, and for the better, with co-operation
20 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Spotlight 21Spotlight Spotlight
SCOTLAND: A MODEL FOR US ALL
TO FOLLOW
WALES: WHY 16 YEAR OLDS
NEED TO USE THEIR VOTE
Cllr Kirsteen Sullivan
Scottish Labour & Co-
operative Councillor in
West Lothian
I
am proud to be standing as a us all fed. Sadly, many of these workers have had to
Scottish Labour and Co-operative face violence, threats, and abuse. Sarah Murphy first-time voters, there are an array ‘Our Co-opera-
candidate in Linlithgow. I have In Scotland, the co-operative movement has shown Welsh Labour &
Co-operative Senedd
of policies that you are engaged
tive Party will
been impressed by the practical leadership in calling for legislation to protect retail with. In particular, you want to talk
approach of the Co-operative Party. workers. Co-operative politicians in councils and in the candidate for Bridgend to me about access to professional always stand
I am proud to have worked Scottish Parliament have responded to the plight of mental health and wellbeing shoulder to
I
to promote food justice in West retail workers by campaigning for greater protection of n February 2020, with provision; your education, lifelong
Lothian and to have taken on board retail workers. overwhelming support from our learning and job opportunities; shoulder with
the Co-operative Party’s campaign Leadership and action by Co-operative Party Welsh Labour and Co-operative and the climate emergency and you, because
we believe that
for the Right to Food. This is a politicians like Daniel Johnson MSP has led to the Party Members of the Senedd, zero-waste strategy for Wales. I’m
campaign that demonstrates the Scottish Parliament passing legislation which will our Welsh Government passed confident that our Co-operative
best of the Co-operative Party. offer greater protection to retail workers. This was the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Party will always stand shoulder cooperative
It combines local action, for
example supporting food banks,
a campaign that demonstrated that local action and
local leadership can make a real difference to our
Act that lowered the minimum
voting age of National Assembly
to shoulder with you, because we
believe that cooperative politics is
politics is
with local leadership, for example communities. elections to 16. This momentous about sharing power and giving a about sharing
campaigning for the right to food to
be enshrined in law.
Protecting retail workers was a policy supported
by Co-operative retail societies and by trade unions
decision came after a passionate
and determined campaign by young
voice to ordinary people. Ultimately,
as more decisions are being made
power and
Co-operative politics is about such as Usdaw. It was a policy delivered in part by people across the UK, along with about your lives, it is vital that you giving a voice
taking action and showing a
concern for our communities. The
campaigns by Co-operative Party members and MSPs
in the Scottish Parliament. I am looking for the UK
the Votes at 16 Coalition and our
Co-operative Party members. It
have your say via the ballot box
over your future and the future of
to ordinary
concern about food justice has Government to follow our example and deliver more means that 100,000 new voters our nation. people’
demonstrated this. protection to retail workers. have the opportunity to vote in our
During the lockdown we have The Protection of Retail Workers Act demonstrates Senedd election this year, which is
seen our retail workers going above what Scottish Co-operative Party politicians can very exciting.
and beyond the call of duty to keep achieve if we listen to our communities, it is a model for When speaking to young and
us all to follow.
22 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Spotlight 23Update Update
EVENTS
EQUALITIES
Issy Oozeerally
Events Co-ordinator,
Co-operative Party
A
The ongoing restrictions mean we’re Conferences
Co-operators have been at the forefront of equalities not able to meet face to face, but There will be online conferences in
Chantal Lee since the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers Coronavirus can’t stop us co-operating! every region and nation this year, where
Equalities Officer, opened its doors to all those over 16, giving each Our programme of online events brings you’ll hear from Co-operative Party
Co-operative Party member a vote, regardless of their shareholding and members together to discuss our polices and elected representatives, campaigners and
explicitly stating that men and women would enjoy campaigns, listen to speakers from across the members, as well as having your say on
equal voting. This move set the standard for what co-op and labour movements, and share your our Policy Process:
we expect from political parties and societies today, ideas – all from the comfort and safety of your • Owning the Future Regional &
I
n its most basic form, equality and it is in that vein that I hope to carry out my role own home! National Conferences
is the idea of all being equal, as Equalities Officer. By being willing as a party to Here are some of our upcoming events – Spring 2021
regardless of the characteristics pioneer, be at the forefront and, where necessary, to they are free, online and open to all members • Co-operative Party Online Policy
we may hold. But as co-operators fight for greater equality for all who face barriers and – find out more at party.coop/events Conference
our idea of equalities goes further, disadvantages within society. 19 June 2021
not just wanting all to be equal Whilst this new role builds on a strong heritage of Remember, you don’t need to have a • Co-operative Party Online Annual
but being willing to work to level championing equalities in our Party and movement, computer to take part in many of these events Conference & AGM
the playing field and fighting for all from gender balance on our NEC to networks to – you can dial in from your phone instead! 9-10 October 2021
to be able to enjoy and reap the empower diverse members and amplify their voices, • Co-operative Party Local
benefits of social and economic I am aware that there remain challenges ahead and Co-operation Live Government Conference
development. I hope you’ll join me in tackling them so that we, as a Our weekly Co-operation Live sessions 20 November 2021
movement, are the very best we can be. are a chance to hear from interesting
speakers, learn something new and find Local Branch Events
Our member-led networks play an important role in making sure our Party is open, out how communities are organising in As well as these events, your local
accessible and represents the diversity and talent of society. There are five networks, response to the pandemic. branch should now also be meeting online.
each with a steering committee elected by members. If you would like to receive updates, If your branch has yet to meet or you
make sure to update your membership to opt-in at: party.coop/equalities have an idea for a local event, contact the
Team: events@party.coop
24 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 Update 25®
Update
FAIRTRADE,
What we do is simple, but revolutionary
ORGANIC &
BIODEGRADABLE.
POLICY PROCESS
Anna Birley
Taking part is easy:
Policy Officer, • You can contribute by responding to our
consultation: either with your own personal views in
Exclusively natural
Co-operative Party
an “individual submission” or with your local party as
a “group submission”.
flavour - no artificial
O
ur policy platform sets the
agenda for our party and its
• To make a group submission, local parties can
organise online meetings to debate the topics and
additives
representatives, and puts write their response. We’ve put together some
forward our to-do list for Parliament. resources to help you organise an engaging policy
In the tradition of co-operation, our meeting, which will be regularly added to and
policy process is member-led and updated.
this is your opportunity to shape • If you want to learn more about the topic before
the ideas we’ll take to all levels of making your submission, attend your local regional
Government. conference! At each regional conference, we’ll
This year, the policy consultation be holding a policy debate on both of the chosen
will focus on two areas – one seeks topics – so you can
to tackle the crisis in our social care learn more about co-
sector, the other at how we save operative approaches
and revitalise our town centres and to these issues. Soilon™ Mesh
high streets. You’re invited to share
your views and ideas through our
Check our website for
more information - no plastic
consultation, running until 11 June. party.coop/policy/2021
Use code ‘COOPPARTY10’ for 10% off in our online store!
@revolvercoop
26 The Pioneer Spring/Summer 2021 01902 345345 www.revolverworld.comWE BELIEVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE
WEALTH AND POWER ARE SHARED.
Covid-19 poses new challenges, but the crisis We’re powered and funded by our
has shown how desperately we need a fairer, members. Your regular contributions help
greener and more co-operative economy. us make a real difference and be a louder
voice for our movement.
Over the past few months your support
has helped us to launch Owning the Future We know times are tough, but can you chip
– setting out our vision for a co-operative in an extra donation to help us build a fairer
economy; enabled us to campaign on future?
important issues like food justice and
modern day slavery; and allowed us to put
in place new organisers ahead of next May’s
elections.
HIGHER RATE 100 CLUB RATE 1917 CLUB RATE
£5.20 per month £8.50 per month £19.17 per month
* Help us make a difference * Help us make a difference * Help us make a difference
and scale up our work and scale up our work and scale up our work
* Free pin to say thanks * Free pin to say thanks * Free pin to say thanks
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