In the section on criticial infrastructure, Sharon Graham, General Secretary of UNITE, moved the following composite resolution, which was PASSED on a show of hands
Composite 3, Unite and ASLEF
Conference notes that the last thirteen years of Conservative austerity have seen our critical infrastructure stripped back through underinvestment and a lack of forward planning. Conference believes that privatisation of our key national infrastructure has failed and has allowed rampant profiteering from energy firms, including giant energy corporations and National Grid.
Conference notes Unite’s research showing the energy sector made nearly £45 billion in profits in 2022, which could have cut bills by £1,800 per household, instead of adding 4.2% to the level of inflation.
Conference notes that the French Government used its ownership of EDF to reduce bills for households and businesses in France, which British EDF customers then effectively subsidised.
Conference notes the recent “excess” profits made by energy companies such as;
• British Gas’s owner Centrica’s £6.5bn operating profit in the first half of 2023, an increase of 691%.
• Shell and BP’s combined profits of almost £12bn in the first quarter of 2023 alone.
Conference is concerned that privatised electricity and gas networks are an obstacle to any plan for a negotiated transition to green jobs and a greener economy – delaying essential energy projects and putting profit before the public interest.
Conference notes that Britain is a two trillion plus economy that can well afford to take back our key infrastructure into public ownership. They would then be assets on our books which would mean that we all benefit from further public investment.
Conference agrees that;
• Privatisation of our energy has failed.
The Conservative Government is presiding over a deliberate policy to run down Britain’s railways whilst at the same time undermining critical infrastructure. This is clear on our railways, where the fragmentation and privatisation of the industry has only worked to increase the damage done by the Tories.
This is most evident in the decision to close 974 ticket offices in England and one in Glasgow, making use of the rail network even harder for many groups – including disabled people, and those with access needs.
Conference further notes that the announcement of ticket office closures is another attempt to remove jobs, damage safety, and continue the managed decline of our railways.
These plans, pushed by Ministers hiding behind the Train Companies, have drawn a record-breaking 700,000 responses in the public consultation phase.
Conference notes that an integrated, accessible, and affordable public transport system is key to connecting our communities and protecting our planet. We need rail investment to reduce carbon emissions if we are to reach net zero.
Conference further notes: Britain’s railways are a key strategic asset underpinning local, regional and national economies and a critical green mass transport system in the fight against climate change.
This is most evident in the planned High Speed 2 project which is set to provide many thousands of jobs and much needed extra rail capacity, while at the same time bringing Britain alongside other comparable countries which have long seen the benefits of high-speed rail.
Conference reaffirms the Labour Party’s commitment to:
• a publicly owned railway
• the delivery of infrastructure projects including HS2 in full in its original scope and Northern Powerhouse Rail
• a rolling programme of electrification
• making sure freight is part of the ongoing conversation about rail
Conference also recognises the struggle of railway workers currently taking industrial action in the face of threatened job losses, ticket office closures, and falling pay.
Conference stands in solidarity with workers taking industrial action, believes in fully staffed services that support communities, and opposes cuts to staffing in essential industries.
Conference therefore commits to investing fully in our railway infrastructure and the people who work on the railway, keeping ticket offices open, and delivering the publicly owned, integrated, and accessible transport network that Britain deserves.
Conference calls on Labour:
To reaffirm the pledge, given in the recent NPF document, that HS2 must be built in full – not only to Manchester but also the Eastern leg to Leeds – as part of a publicly run rail network.
To pledge, when in government, to retain (or reopen) fully staffed rail ticket offices – a significant component of critical infrastructure – which ensure millions of people from all walks of life can travel safely, with confidence, and knowing that they had paid the best value fare.
Conference demands that;
• UK energy be brought back into public ownership, starting with the National Grid’s electricity and gas networks.
Mover: Unite Seconder: ASLEF
