Progressive Past, Progressive Future

Patrick Leyland | 21st January 2009 | 11:22 am

Over a hundred party members, activists and MPs met recently for the seventh annual Labour Party summer school.

The theme for this year’s school was Progressive past, ProgressiveFuture – and gave the Party an opportunity to come together to think,discuss, debate and reflect on the direction of the Labour Party, itsfuture focus, and what we as a community can do better.

The weekend, hosted by Young Labour, provided an opportunity for all party members to listen to speeches from MPs, analysts, media representatives and themselves. It was held at the Waharau Outdoor Education Centre, set in idyllic native bush off the firth of Thames.

The Hon. Phil Goff, whilst unable to attend in person, presented a speech on the direction and future challenges that the party must face via video link. The attendance of Phil Twyford, Carmel Sepuloni, Jacinda Arden, Sue Moroney, Carol Beaumont, Brendon Burns, Clare Curran, and Kelvin Davis exemplified the fresh new face of Labour, and demonstrated the healthy strong grass roots connection of the Party.

Attendees were also delighted to have the Hon. Michael Cullen present a workshop on the current global economic situation. This provided members with an oppurtunity to reflect and debate on how social democratic and socialist parties around the world are responding to the economic challenges that effect us all.

The feedback from the weekend was excellent and invigorating. The mood amongst the party is one of high spirits, secure in the acknowledgement that even though the party is in opposition, there is good work to be done, and much to be achieved.

Summer school provided the Labour Party with its first chance to come together officially since the election. The intense discussions, camaraderie and spirit of the weekend proved that while the Party may no longer hold the treasury benches; it is gearing up for a ferocious (and short) term in opposition.

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