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Kate Green MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, said:
Conference, today, under Jeremy’s leadership, we reaffirm our commitment as the party of equality.
A Party with a history and a track record to be proud of.
Proud of our commitment to women’s rights
The National Minimum Wage, stronger maternity rights and flexible working.
Proud of Sure Start, which gave children from every background the best start in life and supported women’s economic independence.
We are proud to be the Party that champions LGBT rights.
It was Labour that scrapped the hated Section 28, introduced an equal age of consent, included homophobia in the definition of hate crimes, and set the way for Same-sex Marriage.
And never forget - it was Labour MPs who got that legislation through.
More Tories voted against Same-sex Marriage than voted in favour of it.
And we are proud of our commitment to tackle racial discrimination.
We acted against institutionalised racism in the wake of the terrible murder of Stephen Lawrence, and introduced the aggravated offence of racial hate crime.
That is our Party’s record on equality and social justice.
But now the progress we worked so hard to achieve is being unpicked, and undermined by David Cameron’s vicious government.
Cuts to public services are a huge setback for equality
Closing Sure Start centres leaves mums isolated, and damages children’s potential
Cuts to care budgets mean day centres closing, older and disabled people becoming increasingly invisible.
Wages and conditions for care workers, often women, often BAME women, are at rock bottom.
Youth services have shut.
Refuges and advice services, including specialist services for lesbian and gay young people, and for BAME women, are facing closure.
And alongside this dismantling of our public services is a sustained attack on rights at work.
The Trade Union Bill that we will fight. Over 300,000 people have already signed Labour’s petition against the biggest crackdown on workers rights we’ve seen in 30 years.
The introduction of tribunal fees that prevent those who suffer discrimination at work, including sex and pregnancy discrimination, from obtaining redress.
Conference, it is women, disabled people and those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who are bearing the brunt of cuts to benefits and tax credits.
The Tories claim they want social mobility and meritocracy, but they are taking us backwards.
And it’s not just damaging people’s lives today. It’s damaging the future chances of a generation. Damaging the future success of our country and our economic prosperity.
But Conference, we will not stand by and take this from the Tories.
Equality and opportunity for all cannot be an afterthought or a luxury.
So we will campaign and resist the measures that hold back progress on equality.
We will toughen up the law on hate crime.
We will not tolerate the abuse and contempt suffered by those who rely on our welfare state, and are stigmatised as scroungers.
And we will call out the language of division – because we are a united country.
But we cannot and should not do this on our own. We will work with activists and champions in our communities.
Those who are already organising in their workplaces, and their unions.
With those directly affected by Tory cuts, who are fighting back, getting results and taking control of their lives.
The 300 Camden school catering workers who came together to demand and got the Living Wage.
The panel of local people in Leeds holding their police to account on how they are dealing with LGBT hate crimes
The Unite Hotel Workers Branch, bringing representation and support to one of the lowest paid sectors in the country
And we will honour everyone’s contribution too.
Next month, we mark Black History Month, when we recognise the contribution of our black communities.
This summer, we were happy to join Pride celebrations around the country.
But there is so much more to do.
Equality depends on the active participation of everyone; women, disabled people, those from BAME backgrounds, those who are LGBT, young people.
Non-white MPs make up only 6 per cent of the total number of MPs and women still fewer than 30 per cent.
Parliament continues to be an institution designed by men, for men.
Securing equal representation at every level in elected office must be Labour’s task.
Because voice gives power, and power brings change.
So today we reaffirm our commitment to fight together for justice and equality.
For the right of everyone to participate, share and contribute.
For the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
And for a more equal future.
Conference, these are Labour values, they have never gone away, and we are proud to stand up for them.
ENDS