This article is part of a series covering the Fabian New Year Conference , written by Dave Baldock and Sue Watson

Opening Comments

The event, held in The Guildhall, was opened by the General Secretary of the Fabians, Andrew Harrop. He informed the meeting it was the 140^th year of the Fabians and gave an overview of the significant input to policies and politics the organization has had. He ended his opening comments by looking for a Labour government to win the 2024 election for the good of the country.

He was followed by a representative from the City of London Corporation. He spoke of the history of Labour. An example of how the Fabians have worked with and impacted on Labour policy was, thirty years ago the Fabians proposed making the Bank of England independent. Gordon Brown introduced this idea.

Then what is needed, he outlined three key areas with the importance of each touched on.

• Economic growth/business growth
• Financial and professional services
• Government, businesses and the third sector are working together to solve problems both nationally and internationally.

The Fabians chair then introduced the first Keynote speaker and looked to welcoming in a Fabiantastic Labour government.

Keynote Speaker- Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Sadiq opened his address by wishing the Fabians a happy 140th birthday and that he is looking for City Hall, the Government and the Great Offices of power all held by Labour and the think tank that is the Fabians. He said imagine what a Labour mayor working with a Labour government could achieve for London and the whole country.

He then expanded on his overall theme of universalism. Sadiq sees this as defining society through the values held by that society. Values would be similar, and all would work together for the good of the society they are part of. This includes elements such as a living wage, secure livelihoods for all and how older and disabled members of the society are enabled.

A further example of universalism championed by early Fabians, was the concept of good nutrition for all children and the positive impact that has. The continuation of the free school meals for all Primary aged children was shared with the meeting. Sadiq commented that education is the great leveler.

Sadiq was clear that economic competency will lead to social justice. With ULEZ he sees this as a green issue, a racial and social justice issue as well as leading to health improvement, particularly for children.

Re Brexit he ran through some of the economic costs to London, the cultural, educational and social costs. There is also a skill and labour shortage. Sadiq gave the figure of approximately £30billion as the cost to the economy of London. He stated a closer relationship with the European Union, as per David Lammy’s stance, would work to reduce the impact.

He shared that there is a rise in crime and anti-social behaviors, highlighting the feelings this gives rise to. However, he linked this to the loss of youth clubs/facilities, youth workers and cuts to the police. Sadiq acknowledged the work Yvette Cooper is undertaking working with communities to bring about progress.

He also touched on the Gaza/Palestinian/Israel situation. Sadiq was clear that a ceasefire is needed, Netanyahu is “roadblock to peace” and a two-state solution could provide the peace and stability the region needs.

Sadiq closed his speech by saying politicians either play on people’s fears or listen and addresses those fears. He reiterated imagine what a Labour Mayor working with a Labour Government could achieve, stating Britain is at its best when Labour is at its best.

SW