First Ruskin lecture considers Labour’s potential to meet the challenges Britain faces if elected
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As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Ruskin College Oxford, which is part of the University of West London Group, recently hosted "Labour: past, present, future and the 2024 general election", an afternoon seminar of talks and discussions on the history and potential of the Labour Party to win the 4 July general election.
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The event was chaired by UWL ’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter John CBE, in his role as Principal of Ruskin College. Opening proceedings, Professor John celebrated Ruskin’s long tradition of providing access to higher education for people from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as re-stating its crucial role in supporting the growth of the Labour movement and encouraging independent thinking.
At a critical moment for British politics, with a general election imminent, the seminar set out to explore the key ideas that have defined Labour, and how these have shaped its present and future policies. Also up for discussion were what the party needs to do to meet the challenges the country now faces and how it can best serve the British people if it is invited to form the next government.
The seminar, which launched the 125th anniversary lecture series, began with speeches from Sara Hyde, Chair of the Executive Commission of the Fabian Society, and Joe Fortune, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party. Both presented their visions for the country, grounding their proposals in Ruskin’s long-standing tradition of progressive thought.
They were followed by two speakers providing in-depth insights into Labour’s history.
Dr Emma Peplow, a parliamentary historian has worked with the British Library to create a sound archive of British politics since 1945. Long-serving Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham Jon Cruddas, who is author of ‘A Century of Labour’ is set to stand down as a member of parliament at July’s election.
Both speakers emphasised the crucial role Ruskin has played in shaping Labour and the continuing relevance of its history today.
This event underscores the importance of maintaining Ruskin College’s prestigious tradition through events where ideas and perspectives can be critically discussed,”
says Head of the Centre for Inequality and Levelling up at UWL Professor Graeme Atherton, who organised the seminar.
I look forward to taking part in more instructive and thought-provoking discussions as our lecture series continues.”
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