Letter: Labour's activists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: It is one of the myths of British politics that party conferences no longer matter. But, as the planned rebellion by Labour grass-roots activists illustrates, these annual gatherings still have an important role to play, if albeit internally.
Yes, they may not have the direct policy-making functions of old, but the debate, particularly on the "fringe", sets the parameters for the development of official party policy. You must also recognise their social impact, in bringing together an organisation's far-flung activists and generating a sense of shared purpose.
The annual conference provides an opportunity, in front of the world's media, to embarrass the party leadership and - for this reason alone - they still remain hugely relevant.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments