Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2022 Speech at Labour Party Conference

The speech made by Nick Thomas-Symonds on 27 September 2022.

Conference,

We meet at a time when so many people are struggling to make ends meet.

After twelve years of a Tory rule, it’s time for the radical change only a Labour Government brings.

These Tory Ministers are getting desperate – the only ideas they have left are to avoid taxing energy giants and try to pump up bankers’ bonuses.

It’s the worst elements of Thatcherism put in the microwave and offered back up as fresh meat.

So the job falls to us – the Labour Party – to stand up and show we have a plan to tackle this crisis and change lives.

Growing our economy is about giving people hope – for a decent job and good prospects for the future.

International trade is a vital part of that.

With a Labour trade policy, we can deliver jobs at home, and be a force for good in the world, on principles from workers’ rights to facing the epic challenge of climate change.

We have always believed in internationalism not just to protect our nation’s safety but to protect our economic security.

This is as true now as ever before, as major forces reshape our world.

A revolution in technology.

The race to net zero.

Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

With the Conservative Cost of Living Crisis at home, we know that decisions now will define our economy for decades ahead.

Friends, I’ve just published a biography of Harold Wilson and what he said about our place in the world can apply now:

“The strength, the solvency, the influence of Britain, which some still think depends upon nostalgic illusion…these things are going to depend… on the speed with which we come to terms with the world of change…from now on Britain will have just as much influence in the world as we can earn, as we can deserve.”

And I know the British people have what we need to succeed: scientific and academic excellence, a skilled workforce, brilliant businesses.

But it is Conservative failure is holding our people back.

A trade deal with the US completed by the end of this year…not going to happen.

80% of all trade around the world conducted under free trade agreements…miles off the mark.

And most of the deals that Liz Truss claims she delivered were just roll over deals – a truly cut and paste job.

That is a disgrace.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Our Labour vision is pro-worker and pro-business.

We have a vision for a dynamic, trading Britain that seize opportunities and thrives.

We will stand beside our great exporters. Areas like life sciences, artificial intelligence, creative industries and transport services have huge growth potential.

And we recognise that the biggest challenge and opportunity Britain faces is climate change.

Anyone who has not woken up to the urgency of the crisis by now is part of the problem.

Take for example, Kemi Badenoch, the new International Trade Secretary, who called net zero targets “arbitrary” and “Unilateral economic disarmament.”

How broken can a party be, when a way to drum up members’ support is through climate denial.

I am so proud of Labour’s climate investment pledge.

It will be a catalyst to drive innovation, creating the jobs of the future and helping save the planet.

But we can’t stop there.

Keir Starmer has announced that under his Government Labour will build a power system run entirely on cheap, home-grown renewables and nuclear.

But conference, I can go one step more. That’s why today I’m setting out Labour’s plans to help drive green British exports.

We must capture the innovation of our climate investment pledge of 28bn and we will create a nationwide network of Climate Export Hubs.

The hubs will work with businesses, universities and other innovators, to take UK climate science innovations and export them to the world.

These would be export hubs to support every region in the country – helping to create skilled jobs and opportunities nationwide.

Working in partnership with a Government on the side of British business.

This is as part of our commitment to Make, Buy and Sell more in Britain.

There are so many parts of the country advancing green technology that can shape our sustainable future.

But these must be harnessed and accelerated across the country.

To be truly global leaders in net zero we must give it our all.

That’s why we will go further.

We can’t go on with a situation where only 1.4% of exporters are from the North East and less than 5% from the East Midlands.

The next Labour government will establish firm rules to ensure that trade negotiators have binding responsibilities to help deliver economic opportunities across the whole of the UK.

So for every new trade deal Labour negotiates – we will do everything possible to ensure that it will work for communities, livelihoods and businesses nationwide.

This is a country with talent in every corner: a Labour government will help it flourish.

We can’t allow this great country to continue to be held back by a Conservative Party devoid of ideas for the future.

The stakes couldn’t be higher – so let’s get on and win.