News / Politics
Young Labour activist Aden Harris gets standing ovation after conference speech
A teenager from Bristol has given what has been described as a “barnstorming” speech at the Labour Party conference.
Aden Harris, who did a week’s work experience with Bristol24/7 earlier this year, is a member of the Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency party.
The 16-year-old from Fishponds, who is a pupil at Bristol Cathedral Choir School, made his debut conference speech at his debut party conference and said that the experience was “empowering”.
is needed now More than ever
In response to shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plans to show that Labour is fiscally responsible and that there is no “magic money tree”, Aden took to the stage in Brighton speaking in support of a socialist Green New Deal.
He said: “We will pay for it by taxing the rich. Yes, Rachel Reeves, there is a money tree. It’s called the top one per cent. It’s a forest. We will tax them and we will save this planet!”
Following Aden’s speech, University of Bristol politics lecturer Oscar Berglund tweeted: “I’m voting @Aden_Harris_ for Mayor, Prime Minister & leader of the global ecosocialist revolution”
Sean Benstead said: “There were so many great speeches in support of our motion, but I think this one captures the mood of the membership best. Very proud to work alongside solid comrades and bang out another big win on the march to a socialist Green New Deal!”
Christina Hespe tweeted: “Inspirational! I hope we hear more from Aden in the future.”
But not everybody was so supportive.
Writing on Twitter, @James_Redacted said: “Who on Earth let this guy on stage?”
Aden is the same age as former Tory leader William Hague was when he famously spoke to the Conservative Party conference in 1977:
Main photo: Labour Party
Read more: Labour suspends pro-Corbyn party members in Bristol
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