‘Real anger’ as Labour stops Unite speech

Unite delegates were angry this morning (September 23) when it transpired that the union’s protest motion against the Winter Fuel Allowance cuts, due to be heard that afternoon had been postponed.

Unite has faced constant attempts this week by the Labour leadership to block the motion due to be heard on today immediately after the chancellor Rachel Reeve’s speech. The debate on winter fuel and Austerity 2 has now been shifted to right at the end of conference on Wednesday.

The issue came up this morning, at the start of the conference, when the conference arrangements committee (CAC’s) report was being discussed. When the news broke, Unite executive council (EC) chair Andy Green leapt into action.

Speaking at the rostrum he said, “This is simply an attempt to take out the debate on the winter fuel allowance. Today is economy day at conference and we have the chancellor speaking and a composite motion on the growth mission, which is scheduled for this morning.

“So, it is more of a surprise, in fact an outrage, to us that the composite motion from Unite and the CWU on economy for the future is not listed on the agenda for today.

“It is disrespectful to our members and every single delegate here and conference itself, who voted for the priorities ballot.”

Equally outraged was Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. She said, “Right now it is fair to say that the Labour leaders have tried to silence the voice of pensioners, workers and communities at party conference in this blatant manoeuvre to block debate on winter fuel cuts and the departure towards Austerity Mark 2.

“When this becomes widely known there will be real anger among everyday people. Real Anger.”

By Amanda Campbell

Pics by Mark Thomas