24 hours left to keep it Co-op

In response to last week’s devastating election defeat the Labour Party has understandably dived head long into a debate about its future direction. I firmly believe the Co-operative Party – Labour’s sister party for more than 85 years – can and should be a positive partner in that process. In particular, the co-operative movement’s deeply egalitarian, pro-business agenda has a great deal to offer Labour including a vision capable of uniting the labour movement and the country.

Since launching the Keep it Co-op campaign, a campaign to make the case for the Co-operative Group staying engaged in political action, we have had support from across the Labour family; from socialist societies like the Fabians, LME and Chinese for Labour; from trade unions including Unite, Usdaw and Unison; and from campaign groups including Progress and CLPD. Just as the Co-operative Party’s Parliamentary Group proudly reflects the breadth of political opinion within the labour and co-operative movements.

Co-operatives command strong support with the public too. Polling shows that people value co-ops as local, ethical and trusted. 76% of adults are in favour of employees having a bigger say in how the company they work for is run and three quarters believe they should have more say over the running of public services including 78% for the NHS, 75% for social care, and 74% for transport.

But the Co-operative Party can only come with you on this journey if we win a crucial vote this week.

Almost 100 years ago the Co-operative Party was created by the co-operative movement to be their voice in Parliament. Today we champion the cause of co-operation in Westminster, Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and town halls up and down Britain. We are only able to do this with the support of our members – both individuals like many of you and our organisational members, the Co-operative Societies. A vote to sever the link with the Co-operative Group this week puts all of this at risk.

But the good news is there is still time to act. If you have received a ballot paper in the post or via email in the last couple of weeks you can still use your vote online until tomorrow (Wednesday) lunchtime to support all parts of Motions 9 and 10.

Now more than ever we need to bring the forces of progressive politics together building on our important shared history. The labour movement and co-operative movement have been working together for a century to make Britain a more equal society. Our values and our commitment are as vital now as they have ever been. With your help we can keep our partnership strong and delivering for the future, so please vote www.keepit.coop and join us www.party.coop

Karin Christiansen is the General Secretary of the Co-operative Party