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Jeremy Corbyn pledges 'socialism of 21st century' in bid to put Labour in power

Jeremy Corbyn has promised to deliver "the socialism of the 21st century" as he insisted that under his leadership, Labour will be a party not only of protest but also of power.

In his speech at Labour's annual conference - days after being re-elected as leader - Mr Corbyn urged his fractured party to "end the trench warfare" and unite to take on the Conservatives for a general election which he said could come as early as next year.

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Union leaders praise Corbyn for 'visionary' speech

Jeremy Corbyn was given a rapturous reception after his conference speech. Credit: Pool

Union leaders Len McCluskey and Dave Ward have praised Jeremy Corbyn's closing speech at the Labour party conference.

Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, said Mr Corbyn was determined to rebuild trust in politics.

Jeremy Corbyn gave a speech that declared proudly this is what the Labour Party is and only a Labour government can build a better Britain.

We can leave this conference today confident that the policies needed to deliver a real alternative are taking shape.

Not reheated dogma or lukewarm concessions to the people but a genuine programme to halt rampaging inequality, a serious plan to invest in our industrial communities and share wealth more fairly, and a determination to defend our shattered public services.

– Len McCluskey

Dave Ward, leader of the Communication Workers Union, said: "Jeremy Corbyn deserves the time and space to set out his vision for our country. Today he looked and sounded like a leader.

"We urge the whole Labour Party to unite behind our leader, who holds the largest mandate in history. Let's create a society for the millions not the millionaires."

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said the speech was 'ambitious'.

He said: "We must ignore the doom mongers, the next election is not lost, but the year ahead has to be about how Labour wins back the support of voters across the country."

Josh Hardie, CBI deputy director-general, said: "The CBI shares much of Labour's vision for a fairer society underpinned by good business.

"Labour is certainly laying out a new way forward and we urge them to iron out inconsistent messages - especially the relationship between state and industry - and clarify policies that are sometimes hard to see delivered and paid for."

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Jeremy Corbyn pledges 'socialism of 21st century' in bid to put Labour in power

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