By Geraldine O’Connell
A major pre-general election rally to kick-start Labour’s campaign was held in Liverpool’s Grand Central Hotel on Saturday.
Jeremy Corbyn was welcomed to Liverpool by rapturous applause, a sea of Labour placards and atmosphere more fitting to a rock star than any political leader I have come across in my lifetime. The almost unstoppable chant of “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” in the place where the song first began, proved that despite the resignation of three Labour MPs in this city, he will always receive a hero’s welcome from the rank and file.
Having been outside the venue for an hour prior to the event, successfully leafleting for a Regional Stop the War meeting, to help strengthen Jeremy’s position on war and peace in the Labour Party, it was uncannily fitting that I should walk into the venue to the tune of John Lennon’s “Give peace a chance.” Liverpool is ready for an anti-war Prime Minister!
Speeches from MPs Dan Carden and Angela Rayner, Liverpool and Mayor Joe Anderson inspired and enthused the crowd before Jeremy’s entrance. Unite’s Sheila Coleman won hearts by paying tribute to another great socialist leader, Liverpool’s own Tony Mulhearn whose funeral will take place this Monday. Sheila declared that the best legacy for Tony Mulhearn would be “a Left wing Labour Council and a left wing Labour government.” She called out for good socialist candidates to put themselves forward to be selected in the Merseyside region.
Angela Rayner was on fire and she reiterated the pledge to scrap university tuition fees and a National Education System from the cradle to the grave. She drew from her experience and journey from being a young single mother, home-help, to become Shadow Education Secretary to emphasise that a Labour Government would ensure that every child reached their potential in education. This prompted another rendition of the Corbyn chant to “Oh Angela Rayner…”
Liverpool – city of music and socialism
Dan Carden’s introduction to the stage of the “Next Prime Minister of Great Britain” was nearly drowned out by the cheers and an ever louder and almost unstoppable Corbyn chant as the leader of the Labour Party walked on.
Jeremy began by thanking Liverpool for being a “wonderful city of music and spirit of socialism.” A city that has suffered so much under austerity. He also expressed solidarity with the WASPI women and their demands who had been demonstrating outside the venue. Amongst the coming manifesto pledges, he vowed the Labour Party will challenge the environmental crisis, challenge the housing crisis and give hope to young people. He also declared that as internationalists the Labour Party will base foreign policy on peace, negotiation and human rights.
He also asked the crowd to show solidarity with Diane Abbott who had faced horrific abuse by a member of the far right earlier in the day outside Parliament. The chant of “Oh Diane Abbott” was sure to be heard all the way to London!
Jeremy also promised to stop the country from “Heading for a race to the bottom and into the arms of Donald Trump” and to oppose crashing out of the EU. “Whether you voted remain or leave, all have a place in the Labour Party and the labour movement” – a rallying cry for unity against Tory-driven austerity.
To Boris Johnson he had this to say, ”Jog on with your daft ideas”! To the members and labour movement around the country, he issued a loud rallying cry, instilling confidence and faith that the general election is ours to win, “Get ready for the fight of our lives!”
October 21, 2019
