First of all, we’d all like to congratulate Graeme on becoming our new Vice Chair of the society. By an overwhelming approval vote from members, Graeme’s new role was welcomed in.
This week’s meeting saw Tom Murphy, Secretary of Salford Co-op party, speak to the group. Tom, himself, was a former member of a Labour student society at Bristol University and he believes that “Labour student societies are an extension to the party.”
Tom opened with explaining his support for the Labour party and also its undercover successes in the past month. One of these successes is the idea of the passage of gay marriage in Britain; which, in fact, was mentioned and proposed at the Conservative conference in Manchester last week. Tom stated that without Labour this action would not be possible. Which was supported with his notion that “we’re all in it for fairness and equality” which is a strong belief throughout the party and its history.
He then added the importance of campaigning. Campaigning is vital to a party and its members. If you believe in something then you should campaign for the cause. It’s only right and this weekend and next Thursday Salford Labour students will be canvassing and leafleting the Eccles area for the election on Thursday. Good look from us to Michael!
The main feature of Tom’s talk to us was about the foundation and meaning of the Co-op party itself. The co-op party is the sister to Labour. Although both parties are completely separate, every Labour member has the chance to join the Co-op party as well as the Labour party; with this there is a strong alliance in government of Labour Co-op members, including Ed Balls.
The history of the Co-op party stems from the 19th Century, when Robert Owen suggested that business should be shared with the common people. With this, Own created a similar idea to the co-op by creating common share-holders and creating estates for his workers, which in fact are now going for £450 – 500,000 a house. Owen believed that everyone was entitled to good housing and by those prices; they were of the highest standard, even for the workers. Own believed in fair ness for all.
However, the Rochdale pioneers who founded the Co-op shops in 1844 developed the ideas of Owen, and created to Co-op that we know today. The first Co-op opened on Toad Lane, Rochdale and then later moved its headquarters to Manchester in 1864, roughly where the current tower stands today. Outside the tower is a statue of Robert Owen, who was the inspiration of the Co-op group’s foundations and beliefs.
Tom Murphy’s talk was an insightful and informative speech which has inspired many to join the Co-op party in harmony with Labour. We wish to see him again or at any event.
He also later joined us for the first instalment of the Pub Quiz, where Joe (Chair) flaunted his lovely pink jumper and shirt, in classic Miami Vice style. (Thanks to J. Winterbourne for that) However, this week the pub quiz was unsuccessful once again, but we shall not give up on the chance to win that crate!
