THE labour movement is the greatest vehicle for social change, a Morning Star fringe heard today.

Titled “What’s in it for workers? Pushing a Labour government left,” it took place at Labour’s conference in Liverpool. 

Labour MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon emphasised the need for a “fresh start” when it comes to the issue of living standards and the funding of public services.

He suggested that implementing a 2 per cent wealth tax on assets over £10 billion could raise up to £24bn a year.

Mr Burgon added equalising capital gains tax with income tax rates, which was “previously the case even under Thatcher,” could raise £1.7bn a year.

Meanwhile ending fossil fuel subsidies and closing the loophole in the oil and gas windfall tax that would raise £4bn, he said.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack highlighted that measures such as Labour’s New Deal for Workers, which repeals minimum service legislation and looks at collective rights, presents “opportunities” for the movement.

“We have to organise and fight to seize those opportunities, in the interests of working people, in the interests of the left, and the interests of socialism,” he said.

Labour MP for Brent West Barry Gardiner said that his party “exists only within the context of the wider labour movement,” which is “simply the greatest vehicle for social change that we have ever had.

“Our job as socialists is to make sure that the Labour Party never forgets where it came from and who it’s there to serve.”