Access Denied: how can we reignite social mobility?
Author: Localis, Labour Conference 2012 |
Localis hosted an impassioned fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on Monday 1 October entitled ‘Access Denied: how can we reignite social mobility?’
Making a plea that no-one be left behind, our speakers included:
Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Owen Jones, Columnist at the Independent, and author of ‘Chavs’
Janet Grauberg, UK Director of Strategy, Barnardo’s
Chair: John Rentoul, Chief Political Commentator, the Independent on Sunday
Discussion topics ranged from employment and internships, to education and early intervention. Highlights included:
- Hazel Blears MP speaking passionately about aspirations and the need for parliament to take a stand against unpaid internships.
- Owen Jones spoke about the importance of early intervention and the need for parity between vocational and academic career paths.
- Janet Grauberg spoke about the vital importance of ending child poverty, and the role that early intervention can play in this policy area.
Here are some of the highlights from Twitter:
- Brilliant speech by Hazel Blears on social mobility, brought tears to my eyes. This is what Labour politics is about.
- Cultural capital e.g. somewhere to do your homework just as important as schooling for social mobility says @OwenJones84
- @OwenJones84 if the Labour Party should have one mission it should be the abolition of the class system