CAMERON TRIES TO HIJACK CO-OPERATIVE PARTY POLICIES
CAMERON TRIES TO HIJACK CO-OPERATIVE PARTY POLICIES
Photo: Ed Balls, here with Co-operative Party General Secretary Peter Hunt, launching 'Co-op values make a difference in the curriculum' last September.
In his latest attempt to win the spinner of the year award, David Cameron is today re-launching himself as a fervent co-operator. Hijacking an education position1 paper launched in September by Co-op MP Ed Balls, David Cameron is now claiming co-operative tradition of community ownership.
* This really is a complete contradiction for the Tories who are the Party of the individual.
* The fact is that the Tories have always been the Party of private profit - not collective action.
* Under Tory Governments, the Co-operative Sector suffered - legislation left untouched for 20 years, they closed down the Co-operative Development Agency,
* It is easy for Tories to say they are interested in co-operatives but it is Labour that has the track record.
* It is Labour that has nurtured the establishment of more co-operative organisations over the last 10 years, from Co-operative action in education to Football Supporter Trusts, to Foundation Hospitals, to Housing Community Mutuals. In all, there are over 1 million new members of these co-operative organisations as a direct result of Labour support.
* Labour has re-invigorated co-op legislation and continues to do so and is supporting community co-operatives through the Office of the Third Sector.
Peter Hunt, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party said: ‘’The Co-operative Party policies are an expression of the Co-operative Movement’s values and principles, which themselves are rooted in the labour philosophy. If David Cameron wishes to join us, he will first have to defect to the Labour Party.’’
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BACKGROUND : The Co-operative Party is the fourth largest party in Parliament – often overlooked because it works quietly but effectively as a partner to the Labour Party. Each of the party’s 29 MPs had to win selection by both the Co-operative Party and the Labour Party in their local area. Many of the Co-operative Peers have a distinguished background as MPs or in business.
The present group of MPs include :
* International Development & Trade Minister Gareth Thomas MP, who is also the Chair of the Co-operative Party
* Secretary of State for Schools, Children and Families, Ed Balls MP
* Former Cabinet Minister Alun Michael MP
* PPS to the Prime Minister, Angela Smith MP
* Minister at the Home Office, Meg Hillier MP
* Minister at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Meg Munn MP
* Minister for the Third Sector, Phil Hope MP
* Senior Whip Tommy McAvoy MP
The Party also has strong representation within the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and in local government.
In recent years the group has been effective in promoting co-operative legislation through Parliament and has supported some exciting and innovative ideas. Supporter-owned football clubs, ethical trade, environmental campaigns, innovations within the NHS, clean energy and education are just some of the co-operative contributions which the Party has supported.
For more details or comments, contact Peter Hunt, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party at p.hunt@party.coop or on 07785 223846.
1 Co-operative Values Make a Difference In the Curriculum and the Governance of Schools is available at www.party.coop/90 . Hard copies or email version available by contacting Hilda Carr at h.carr@party.coop or 07957 135 585.
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Date Posted: 8th November 2007
