Clifford Morris - "The 2003 Labour Party Conference"

These are notes from the talk by Bolton Council Executive Member for Social Services, Cllr. Clifford Morris, taken directly from the Deane-Cum-Heaton Labour Party's Branch minutes.

Clifford spoke about this year's Party Conference as the delegate for Bolton West.

A number of policy documents had been accepted with speeches from the responsible ministers on each one and there had been a "fair and open debate" on two emergency resolutions concerning the situation in Iraq. The basic discussion had been on the two principles of "no war at any cost" and "war only if the UN specifically approves it". The debate had been very passionate with many excellent contributions and the decision had been to support the UN route.

Gordon Brown gave a very passionate speech in support of the PFI, something he strongly believes in. He said that we now have hospitals that we wouldn't have otherwise had. He had agreed with critics that the processes of "checks and balances" would be examined in response to union opposition on the grounds of the lack of job protection and defence of terms and conditions, especially of the lower paid workers. The vote had been against the PFI.

The next day Tony Blair had said that the Government is willing to talk to the unions about protection of NHS workers but determinedly said that PFI is here to stay. The PM's speech concentrated on Iraq, the economy, education, health and crime, the latter coming across as the main issue. Clifford said that this hadn't been his best speech but had, nevertheless, been quite well received.

As well as the Conference Clifford said that he had attended a number of fringe meetings. He said that there are so many of these (about 40 per day) that it's difficult to choose which to go to and to fit them all in. He heard Estelle Morris speaking about "new formula funding" for calculating the block grants that local authorities get from central Government. Despite assurances, some authorities would lose out, although it was thought that Bolton would gain.

Another fringe meeting was on transport, which Bob had chaired and at which Gwyneth Dunwoody had spoken. She had been very down to earth and matter of fact with lots of good ideas, especially on regional transport policies.

He had attended a meeting at which David Blunkett was the speaker and the topic had been citizenship. Clifford had come away from the meeting with the belief that compulsory identity cards will eventually be introduced.

Clifford had heard Bill Clinton's speech but he said that he couldn't remember what he'd actually said!

The facilities in Blackpool were not very good. It had been unbearably hot in the Conference hall.

Alan Milburn had spoken about setting up "Children's Trusts" whereby all the services for children come together but it didn't seem that the policy had been thought through properly and Estelle Morris didn't enthuse anybody on Education. Clifford hadn't found Patricia Hewitt very convincing either and Jack Straw hadn't come over very well. But he found Tessa Jowell very good, enthusiastic and convincing on Culture.

Overall, Clifford said that the Conference is very stage-managed but he didn't consider that a bad thing whilst we are in Government.

Terry asked about Regional Assemblies and Cliff said that members seem to be divided on them, especially in some regions. But their establishment was in the Queen's speech and is therefore official Government policy.

There was discussion about PFI amongst members present and it was pointed out that the new school complex at Castle Hill was built with PFI money and the new Magistrates' Courts and Police HQ will also be PFI built. Bob said that if the local authority builds a new project it usually borrows the money over 50 years. Therefore there isn't much difference between this and PFI. However, some members felt that with PFI the local elected representatives lose control.

John asked about discussion of the Euro and Cliff said that it wasn't mentioned in the main part of the Conference although, no doubt, there had been a fringe meeting or two on the topic!

Asked about "up and coming" Ministers, Clifford said that as well as Tessa Jowell he had been very impressed with Beverley Hughes, no. 2 at the Home Office and responsible for Immigration and Hazel Blears, MP for Salford, on Health.

Clifford was warmly thanked for his report and for leading the discussion.

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