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Unions and the old Left bash Brown
Joe Murphy, Political Editor22 Sep 2008
Gordon Brown was battered by conference defeats at the hands of jubilant unions and the old Left this afternoon.
Rebel motions for a windfall tax on energy firms, a ceiling on the number of hours that people can work as well as calls for a cap on home energy prices were all voted through.
Party officials quickly responded that the votes would not change party policy, effectively saying they would be ignored. Labour was especially keen to rule out a shift to the Left on working hours, which would have cost firms billion.
But there was no hiding the fact that the traditional Left was on buoyant form as a procession of trade union firebrands won prolonged applause. Unite's Tony Woodley was given an enthusiastic standing ovation for denouncing "greedy" utilities.
Calling for a £6 billion windfall tax on energy and a cap on gas and electricity prices, he said: "If they still don't get the message this Government should consider taking these essential industries - gas, electricity, water - back under public ownership. If it's good enough for the banks, it's good enough for our utilities."
Turning on the Prime Minister's package of home insulation measures, he added: "Lagging the loft won't stop us lagging in the polls behind the Tories. So Gordon, you've written a book about courage. Take these words out of the page - sweep away vested interests and put ordinary people's interests first."
Former environment minister Michael Meacher won loud cheers when he said: "Are we going to let these companies hold this country to ransom like this? If privatisation of energy is going to lead to this massive exploitation ... then yes, we should be thinking again about having a public sector role in our energy sector." The two motions were expected to be voted through, with the result being announced tonight or tomorrow. But a Labour Party spokesman said they would also be effectively ignored because conference no longer has a policymaking role.
Business Secretary John Hutton also warned that the old Left should never take wealth creation for granted. He said: "This Government will always look to create the best possible conditions to ensure British companies can succeed, no matter what other pressures we face."
