The Labour Party leadership announced in Leeds, earlier today, plans for a shared vision for the United Kingdom in a document titled: “A New Britain – Renewing Our Democracy and Re-building Our Economy”
Former Oldham Council Leader, Arooj Shah, pictured above third from right, has been a part of a Commission, led by former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, working on this project for the last two years. Consolidating her place at the Party’s top table, underscored by her recent appointment as Chair of the prestigious National Constitutional Committee.
Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer, tasked the Commission with creating proposals for the biggest ever transfer of power from Westminster to the British people.
The report profiles the Commission’s recommendations and solutions for how the Labour Party will spread power, wealth and opportunity more equally across all four home nations including:
– New local power over skills, transport, planning and culture.
– More and better business opportunities
– Fairer and more democratic ways of governing
– Growth focused on research and development (R&D), culture & communities
Culture and R&D are key to these proposals say the Commission:
Today, London and the South East attracts 72% of new R&D-intensive jobs.
Another Commissioner, Professor Katy Shaw, says: “From Shakespeare North, to Scotland’s National Book Town of Wigtown, and the National Theatre’s recent staging of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood there is re-imagining and re-interpreting of our cultural heritage through communities – and celebrating our UK diversity as a source of pride.
“Instead of developing only some of the potential of some of the country, we need to develop all of the potential in every part of our country”.
The report concludes:
– It is time for a change [of government]
– It is time for a conversation
– It is time for a government that cares about working people across the UK
Amongst her wider Party responsibilities, the workaholic Arooj Shah is presently campaigning hard in her home Oldham ward of St Mary’s in a bid to return, in next May’s local elections, to the Council she has previously served so well. In a town, and Borough, in which she was born and grew up – and one that she is utterly determined to restore to its former prosperity.
Of today’s event she says: “Great to be in Leeds today listening to our future Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announce Labour’s plans for a shared vision for our United Kingdom. It is an honour to have been a part of the Commission working on this for the last two years, led by the incredible Gordon Brown”.
Page last updated Monday 5th December, 2022 at 1550hrs
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