Dear Editor,
The recent Labour and Tory Party conferences highlighted the different visions the two parties hold for the future of the UK.
The expensive shambles of the Tory conference held just for the few that could afford the £400 tickets, which put forward a vision of a UK still stuck in the thinking of the 20th century.
Compared to the vibrant, creative and bustling Labour conference, for the many, offering a vision fit for the 21st Century. The mixture of the debate, democracy and input from ordinary delegates, coming together to help shape a new modern vision, where the systems of government serve the people, not the Tory one, where people suffer to serve theirs.
What was also apparent was the number of young people who have joined and become involved with the Labour Party over the last two years and whose turn it is to help create that new vision, to take it forward and create a country fit to pass onto their children, when their time comes.
I was particularly proud of our own Sedgefield Youth Officer and delegate Owen Dickinson, who confidently spoke to a packed conference room backing the democratic decision made by conference to debate the NHS crisis and housing.
I’m very impressed by Owen and excited by the ideas he has to engage with young people in the constituency and encourage them to become involved in local politics.
Join the Labour party, come to meetings, have a voice and help us make this new vision our reality.
Kathryn Beetham.