by Michael Shanks
Firstly, on the politics – the Prime Minister’s speech was one of the most ambitious and impactful speeches I’ve heard. Hope, but with honesty first.
Recognising Britain isn’t where it should be, and hasn’t been for a while. But also recognising the forces of the right, who want to divide us all, have nothing to offer, and that Britain can hope for better days ahead. Whether on the EU, public control, social care or the triple lock – tough decisions, decisions with political capital at stake, but consequential decisions that have been avoided for too long.
Secondly, on a personal level, hearing Andy say directly to care workers, “you are not invisible to me,” and recognising the workers holding a failing system together was emotional. My mum and my sister are carers, and I know they do feel invisible in a system that is so often criticised without anyone taking responsibility for fixing it. To be seen is to be appreciated. That really mattered.
Thirdly, on energy – two important statements from the Prime Minister. One on energy prices – recognising they remain far too high and committing to bring them into parity with the European average within ten years. VAT will disappear off electricity bills tomorrow. We will deliver a speeding up of breaking the link with gas setting the price, and continue to reform the energy market. We will take a pragmatic view of the North Sea as we transition to clean energy.
He also spoke about the need for the system to work better too, especially on the grid. Decades of underinvestment have allowed the grid to get to the place it is and connections to the grid to take far too long. Reforms and investment now will make a difference, but in setting up Great British Grid we will now take that further – to challenge the current status quo, to give Government more levers to push the delivery faster and to drive forward innovation in how we build network infrastructure.
Lastly, I want to say a thank you to everyone who attended fringe events, panels, receptions or stopped me in the street to say hello. The conference is, as always, as much an energy gathering as a Labour gathering, and it was good to see so many familiar faces.
As Andy said in his speech – you might not agree with everything. You might not agree with any of it. But nobody can say there isn’t a clear direction for the country.
Honesty. Big ideas. Hope again.