The Co-operative Group has today published the motions that will be voted upon at the AGM in May 2015, including the future of the link with the Co-operative Party.

Karin Christiansen, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party said:

For almost 100 years, the Co-operative Party working with co-operatives, like the Co-operative Group, has made the case for a more co-operative Britain where power and wealth are more evenly shared. Together we have created the conditions which have seen co-operatives outperform the wider economy since the financial crisis. Members of the Co-op have the chance to vote to maintain vital this relationship and keep the Co-operative at the heart of this fight.

“But, this must be an informed debate. As it stands, the Co-operative Group is not providing members with information about the co-operative movement’s history of political engagement and the work of the Party. This, and the lack of contested Board elections, are leading some to question how committed the Board is to co-operative democracy. The Board could begin to allay these fears by ensuring members have the basic information required to make this vital decision.

The Co-operative Party has launched the Keep it Co-op campaign to urge members of the Co-operative Group to vote for the continued link and highlight what has been achieved by the Group and the Party working together. For more information and to view our motion visit: www.keepit.coop