Guildford were ‘in the room’ as the crucial motion on Brexit was being created at Labour Conference in Liverpool earlier this week. As Guildford had submitted a motion on Brexit for debate, our delegate, Anne Rouse, was a part of the group who met for a marathon Sunday evening meeting to create what is called a ‘composite’ motion – one that represents all views round the table. The aim is to create a democratic consensus and unity rather than conflict.

The motion went on to be enthusiastically endorsed by Conference in the most eye-catching debate of the week. Anne Rouse commented: “Although it was very hard work, it was also a really positive thing to be involved with. Despite there being so many views represented around the table, everyone worked to find agreement concentrating on the views we had in common. I was also impressed that our shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer stayed in the meeting actively participating for all six hours, so he really understood what the membership thought about Brexit.”

Guildford Labour Vice Chair added: “Many in the media seem to fail to understand that Labour is a democratic party and that our positions are arrived at through debate and discussion. So often this is portrayed as splits and schism when it is simply the process of real political debate leading to agreed positions. If anything Conference was slightly dull this year because 1500 delegates from local parties, trades unions and other organisation agreed on so much. I have never seen the party as unified as it is now.”