Labour party conference summary

A look back at the Labour Party conference – what are they offering young people?

“[We are only here] because we changed the party,” declared Keir Starmer at the 2024 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool – the first major gathering since Labour’s return to government. While Starmer emphasised Labour’s transformation, for the British public it’s no longer about how Labour regained power, but rather what they will achieve now that they have it. Whilst they outlined many ambitious policies on housing, education, and the economy, the general public continues to feel disillusioned with the party, specifically due to its handling of the conflict in Gaza. Although the party is likely to view the event as a success, given the positive reception to key speeches, controversies like the freebies scandal and student hecklers serve as reminders that while Labour may be pleased with its progress, the wider public — especially the younger generations — remain unconvinced.

Starmer’s Labours are evidently pleased with their progress and future plans. In his keynote speech, Starmer repeatedly emphasised the “new era” of the party and its move away from Corbyn’s leadership, which has been especially popular among younger voters. He first introduced the new Hillsborough Law, set to be implemented before the 2025 anniversary, before outlining plans for economic growth through “green energy” and tackling the housing crisis with “long-term solutions”, both of which can be taken as positives for young people, for whom the housing crisis especially, has been a consistent worry, and who view the task of getting on the property ladder completely impossible. Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, amongst stressing Labour’s commitment to serving working people, addressed Labour’s plans to improve renting conditions – which will also be welcomed by young people. However, the lack of focus on higher education in Bridget Phillipson’s speech, the Secretary of State for Education, was concerning. University students were left disappointed, particularly amid speculation of tuition fees being hiked in line with inflation.

Nevertheless, there were some things to cheer about for Scottish people at large. Rachel Reeves declared that “Labour are back in Scotland,” offering some sense of optimism for Scottish voters. One major win for Scotland was the confirmation that the new GB Energy company will be headquartered in Aberdeen, a decision likely to boost the region’s economy. However, despite these efforts to spread power, it remains uncertain whether such gestures will quell the ongoing calls for further devolution, as many Scottish voters continue to push for more autonomy.

Despite the gestures aimed at Scotland, Labour’s efforts to appeal to younger voters faced challenges. During Keir Starmer’s speech at the conference, a significant moment occurred when a student (Daniel Riley, 18) heckled him over Labour’s stance on the Genocide in Gaza. This interruption showcased the growing frustration among young people regarding the party’s handling of this international issue, demonstrating the disconnect between Labour’s leadership and the values of its younger supporters. Riley was later quoted saying “When I heard him speak about how he wanted a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, [it was] the hypocrisy how every day we’re still sending British bombs and British bullets that are being used in Gaza and in Lebanon right now and the Prime Minister, he could stop that right now and he doesn’t,”. The heckler’s voice resonated with those who are struggling with the government’s continued funding of what they would argue are Israel’s war crimes, despite calls for a ceasefire. 

The September conference was also tainted by a controversy exterior to the conference walls regarding the distribution of free gifts, seen as a breach of ethics by the Party. Many argued that this had undermined the party’s credibility, especially considering their hounding of the Conservatives during the Covid-19 Party allegations. This “freebies scandal” not only raised questions of such giveaways but also highlighted a disconnect between the party’s internal practices and the expectations of the public.

The 2024 Labour Party Conference marked a significant moment for the party, showcasing their transformation and outlining ambitious future plans. However, the disconnect between Labour’s leadership and key voter groups – particularly younger people – remains a challenge. While policy announcements on housing and the economy were well-received, issues like the student heckler and the freebies scandal revealed deeper frustrations, especially regarding Labour’s stance on international issues like Gaza. As Labour moves forward, its success will depend on how well it addresses these concerns and unites its politically diverse base of supporters.