Speech by ,
Shadow Secretary of State for International
Trade
Conference,
We meet at a time when so many people are struggling to make ends
meet.
After twelve years of a Tory rule, it’s time for the radical
change only a Labour Government brings.
These Tory Ministers are getting desperate - the only ideas they
have left are to avoid taxing energy giants and try to pump up
bankers’ bonuses.
It’s the worst elements of Thatcherism put in the microwave and
offered back up as fresh meat.
So the job falls to us - the Labour Party - to stand up and show
we have a plan to tackle this crisis and change lives.
Growing our economy is about giving people hope - for a decent
job and good prospects for the future.
International trade is a vital part of that.
With a Labour trade policy, we can deliver jobs at home, and be a
force for good in the world, on principles from workers’ rights
to facing the epic challenge of climate change.
We have always believed in internationalism not just to protect
our nation’s safety but to protect our economic security.
This is as true now as ever before, as major forces reshape our
world.
A revolution in technology.
The race to net zero.
Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
With the Conservative Cost of Living Crisis at home, we know that
decisions now will define our economy for decades ahead.
Friends, I’ve just published a biography of Harold Wilson and
what he said about our place in the world can apply now:
“The strength, the solvency, the influence of Britain, which
some still think depends upon nostalgic illusion…these things are
going to depend… on the speed with which we come to terms with
the world of change...from now on Britain will have just as much
influence in the world as we can earn, as we can deserve.”
And I know the British people have what we need to succeed:
scientific and academic excellence, a skilled workforce,
brilliant businesses.
But it is Conservative failure is holding our people back.
A trade deal with the US completed by the end of this year…not
going to happen.
80% of all trade around the world conducted under free trade
agreements…miles off the mark.
And most of the deals that claims she delivered were just roll over deals - a
truly cut and paste job.
That is a disgrace.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Our Labour vision is pro-worker and pro-business.
We have a vision for a dynamic, trading Britain that seize
opportunities and thrives.
We will stand beside our great exporters. Areas like life
sciences, artificial intelligence, creative industries and
transport services have huge growth potential.
And we recognise that the biggest challenge and opportunity
Britain faces is climate change.
Anyone who has not woken up to the urgency of the crisis by now
is part of the problem.
Take for example, , the new International Trade
Secretary, who called net zero targets “arbitrary” and
“Unilateral economic disarmament.”
How broken can a party be, when a way to drum up members’ support
is through climate denial.
I am so proud of Labour's climate investment pledge.
It will be a catalyst to drive innovation, creating the jobs of
the future and helping save the planet.
But we can’t stop there.
has announced that under his
Government Labour will build a power system run entirely on
cheap, home-grown renewables and nuclear.
But conference, I can go one step more. That’s why today I’m
setting out Labour’s plans to help drive green British exports.
We must capture the innovation of our climate investment pledge
of 28bn and we will create a nationwide network of Climate Export
Hubs.
The hubs will work with businesses, universities and other
innovators, to take UK climate science innovations and export
them to the world.
These would be export hubs to support every region in the country
- helping to create skilled jobs and opportunities nationwide.
Working in partnership with a Government on the side of British
business.
This is as part of our commitment to Make, Buy and Sell more in
Britain.
There are so many parts of the country advancing green technology
that can shape our sustainable future.
But these must be harnessed and accelerated across the country.
To be truly global leaders in net zero we must give it our all.
That’s why we will go further.
We can’t go on with a situation where only 1.4% of exporters are
from the North East and less than 5% from the East Midlands.
The next Labour government will establish firm rules to ensure
that trade negotiators have binding responsibilities to help
deliver economic opportunities across the whole of the UK.
So for every new trade deal Labour negotiates - we will do
everything possible to ensure that it will work for communities,
livelihoods and businesses nationwide.
This is a country with talent in every corner: a Labour
government will help it flourish.
We can’t allow this great country to continue to be held back by
a Conservative Party devoid of ideas for the future.
The stakes couldn’t be higher - so let’s get on and win.
