Solidarity from the seafront

Greetings from Brighton, where the labour movement has converged for the second and final full day of the TUC Congress.

It’s the first Congress since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, and the tone in some of the language used by those addressing the conference hall reflects that. There is a lot less hostility toward Labour and praise for Burnham in a way Starmer could have only dreamed of last year. Even Unite’s Sharon Graham, who has been actively considering disaffiliation from Labour, was muted in her criticism of the government when she spoke yesterday.

That isn’t to say that there is no criticism of the government and its direction whatsoever. Yesterday saw delegates unanimously back motions opposing immigration reforms, demand the government implement the Employment Rights Act in full, and call for a change in the law over “discriminatory” guidance around transgender rights. However, it is clear that even those most cynical of Labour among the unions are willing to hear Burnham and his government out – at least for now.

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‘Unity works’ is the theme of this Congress – and that mantra was reflected in speeches by both TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. Both stressed the need to meet the challenge of the far-right, with Nowak calling for “no representation without taxation” – in a reference to Reform’s donations from crypto billionaires. After initial hesistance, unions are becoming increasingly open to the idea of a cap on political donations amid the growing threat of democracy being “captured by corporate interests”.

As Louise Haigh addresses Congress this afternoon, there is a constant reminder of what the danger for Labour is if the party messes up the “second hearing” afforded to it. The Green Party has a stand at this conference, hoping to woo union leaders to their populist cause.

Labour has been given a second chance by the trade union movement – but, as the Greens will be hoping to demonstrate, that goodwill should not be mistaken for unconditional loyalty.

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