• WE are two women of colour who were on Hampstead & Kilburn’s 10-strong delegation to the Labour Party conference.

We first attended Women’s Conference on Saturday. Over 1,000 delegates took part in debates and voting. Many were first-time delegates.

The crisis caused by benefit cuts like Universal Credit, low pay, disability and other forms of discrimination, were among issues raised.

Two landmark motions were passed unanimously. A version of the Windrush motion passed by Hampstead and Kilburn constituency Labour Party (H&K CLP) was the basis of a contemporary motion.

It calls for the closure of all detention centres, an end to destitution and the racist hostile environment. Sophie Mangara (Lewisham) moved the motion saying “it dehumanises everyone”.

She called on Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott to abolish racist immigration legislation as soon as Labour is in government, to end landlords, schools, employers, and health professionals being turned into “border guards” carrying out government policy.

The Palestinian motion was sensational, calling for an end to both arms sales to Israel, and the siege of Gaza.

In the hall delegates and visitors waved Palestinian flags (provided by Palestine Solidarity Campaign under its new leadership). They chanted “Free, Free Palestine”.

Conference gave a standing ovation to the mover, Colin Monehen (Harlow). When he finished, Jeremy Corbyn came off the platform to shake his hand.

Before this we had attended several packed fringe meetings where Palestinian women and men gave moving speeches calling for an end to the devastation and daily violence they are facing. The membership made Palestine a central issue of the conference.

H&K CLP aims to follow up the Windrush motion with a Black History Month event, highlighting families affected and their demands, in particular pressing for justice for Dexter Bristol, a Camden resident who died as a result of the hostile environment.

SARA CALLAWAY
& CRISSIE AMISS