“So I don’t think this is going to be a short process”, she said, when asked how Labour would decide whether to support the renewal of Britain’s nuclear-armed Trident submarine fleet, one of the party’s most divisive debates.
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Aides later insisted that Mr Corbyn believed there were still months to debate the issue before Labour had to take a position in a crunch Commons vote.
Other crucial topics, he said, would be devolution not just to the nations of the United Kingdom but to combined authorities in the regions, as well as the role of Local Enterprise Partnerships.
But his blueprint won a wary reaction from business, with the CBI warning an active monetary policy could fuel inflation and drive up interest rates, while the British Chambers of Commerce said Labour “must not confuse supporting growth with state control of the economy”.
Local authorities in Lancashire are now considering the potential for a combined authority for the county.
He pledged again to create an entirely new kind of economics for the country, including massive investment in housebuilding, welfare for the self-employed, mental health services and industry – in contrast to a Conservative austerity project that he said represented “the real risk to economic and family security”. “Look, I was elected in May on our manifesto which committed us to maintain our nuclear deterrent”, said Benn. “And I want all of our citizens to benefit from prosperity and success”.
In a lengthy speech, Corbyn made few references to the environment, but he did reassert his previous campaign commitment to back more ambitious climate policies.
David Cameron’s administration of favouring the rich and squandering the UK’s weight in global affairs by offering “fawning support” to foreign governments which crush democratic rights.
Mr McDonnell said: “I tell you straight from here on in Labour will always ensure that this country lives within its means”.
On Sunday, the Labour Party said it would be holding a review of how it makes policy to make it “more inclusive, open and democratic”.
Labour released pictures of Mr Corbyn preparing for the biggest challenge of his leadership so far by relaxing in burgundy socks and pool side shoes, characteristic of his laid back style.
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In his first speech as chancellor at the Labour party conference today (28 September) McDonnell will push for a Robin Hood tax on the stock market – effectively a tax levied on stock and foreign exchange trades.
