Labour Party Conference 2012: Equality - The Real Alternative

Equality - The Real Alternative

The UK economy is in its first double dip recession in a generation and growth continues to stagnate. Still, the Government pursue what Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman described as a ‘death spiral of self-defeating austerity’. The aftermath of the greatest economic crisis since the Depression of the 1930s has seen the wealth divide between the richest and the rest continue to grow.

Watch the video of the meeting:

If we are to avoid the risk of near-permanent stagnation, the fundamental imbalances in our economy need to be addressed. If not, growth will continue to evade us. This fringe meeting discussed the important questions raised by the new publication 'Why Inequality Matters' and looked at policies that can be introduced to tackle inequality.

Speakers included:

• Stewart Lansley - Economist and Author
• Len McCluskey - General Secretary, Unite the Union
• Lisa Nandy MP
• Frances O’Grady - Deputy General Secretary, TUC
• Richard Wilkinson - Equality Trust and author of "The Spirit Level"
• Chair: Tim Roache - President of Class and Regional Secretary, GMB