Throughout 2007-08, the Young Fabian policy commissions held internal meetings, discussions with the MP manifesto group chairs and two policy surgeries with Ed Miliband MP. In July 2008, we presented a paper to Ed, summarising our proposals for the next Labour manifesto.

We aimed to produce concise, workable suggestions for a fourth Labour term of government. We did not want to fall into the well-worn but unhelpful path of opposing without proposing – eloquently flagging up the problems encountered by government without suggesting any solutions to those problems. After more than 11 years in power, people rightly expect Labour to have the answers to their concerns. Our paper suggests some possible options for the Party leadership to consider.

Our members argued for an open manifesto, combining justifiable pride in Labour’s achievements with acknowledgement of where more work needs to be done to achieve our aims. The manifesto must be dominated by proposals for the future. The Government cannot allow the next election to become a referendum on the three previous Labour administrations. Voters must choose between competing plans for the next five years, rather than deciding on competing narratives of the previous 13.

I would like to thank all who contributed to the submissions, including the commission chairs and, particularly, David Chaplin for arranging the MP meetings. Please contact the appropriate chair if you would like to discuss any of the proposals. The Young Fabian submissions cover all sections of manifesto policy and reflect an enduring desire to see the Labour Party in government, exercising power for the benefit of all people, particularly those born with the least advantage. The next manifesto should empower all sections of the Party to work towards that goal.

Mark Rusling, Chair of the Young Fabians

Below are summaries from each of the Policy Commissions by their Chairs.

Britain's Place in the World by Mark Rusling

Health by Emma Carr

Creating Sustainable Communities by Patrick Woodman

Work and Prosperity by Rebecca Rennison

Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities by Kate Groucutt

Education and Skills by Tom Flynn

Download the full paper, which was submitted into the manifesto process, here:

Young Fabians Labour Party Manifesto Policy Commission Submission