Fifty years and fighting talk

By Adrian Prandle

In a speech this lunchtime to kick off the celebrations of the Young Fabians’ half century, Peter Mandelson gave a clear message to Labour activists of the fight needed in the months ahead.

“We’re going to fight, fight, and fight again,” he told the audience at the Fabian Society New Year Conference. Signalling a change in gear and a greater focus on the party, Mandelson spoke of an election team, confirmed earlier this week, that was “schooled on winning” and was not about to give up.

He suggested that the Young Fabians “have a lot to answer for”, as the launchpad of his political career: it was through the Young Fabians that he progressed and he has never looked back. Comparing the under-31s section of the Fabian Society with himself as great survivors of British politics, Mandelson complimented the organisation as a breeding ground for Labour that continues to go from strength to strength.

Whilst the Fabian Society and Young Fabians are a unique part of centre-left political discourse, we should not forget that the Young Fabians is a breeding ground for activists and not just for thinkers. Issuing his “marching orders”, Mandelson called upon Labour activists to “subordinate every other distraction” in the coming months.

Describing the party’s direction as being about core values rather than core votes, it was hard to disagree with his assessment of what those values were: fairness, social justice, enterprise and equal opportunity.

And, was that an election slogan I heard being formed? “Change for good, and change with Labour”.

Let’s go out and all be that change: in our communities and constituencies, for our country and for the world. Whether you’re a Young Fabian or neither young, nor a Fabian, check out the YF Campaign Corner and look out on our blog and website for more news over the course of the year on our half century celebrations.