Joe Fortune

Shared space, shared ownership and shared experience. I enjoyed getting up at Labour Conference and making the case for Community Britain and the co-operative movement today.

The Local Power Plan could build renewable energy projects across the country. That could mean solar on our schools and public buildings owned by local people, with profits reinvested here rather than extracted by distant energy companies.

Smashing to be out and campaigning for great Lab&Co-op candidates and mayoral candidate in Lewisham last night. So many @coopparty candidates right across the borough.

On the 7th of May, over 1,100 Co-operative candidates will stand across the UK, contesting more than 1 in 5 seats up for election, in over 120 councils. Vote Labour and Co-operative on 7 May.

We are always looking for ways to better protect community assets + create new ones. They are vital to creating community cohesion + power. Here’s the @DailyMirror write up of our last call. Projects are telling us this would make the world of difference. mirror.co.uk/news/politics/…

This Government is ensuring that millions more people across 🇬🇧 will be able to benefit from what credit unions have to offer ✅ 🤝

🎊 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣! 🎊 We're standing over 1,000 candidates at this year's Local Elections. Our Labour and Co-operative candidates will make the case for local power, local ownership, local wealth, and local pride. 🌹🐝

Managed to get a substack up (link below) reflecting on the big steps forward announced for British Credit Unions by HMT this week. The Westminster Government delivering on its wider commitments to the co-operative and mutual sectors. open.substack.com/pub/jffortune/…

Great to get to Glasgow to be able address the Co-operative Retail Conference. I’m determined that the @coopparty will play its part to support this marvellous group of co-operatives. 🐝🐝

We wish a healthy and happy Eid to all those celebrating in the UK and around the world.

Great to join @LucyRigby as the Treasury announces historic unleashing of UK credit unions as part of their work to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector. Proud of the role the @coopparty has played helping secure these changes.

Solar runs on light, not just sunshine. If it works in Edinburgh's winters, it works anywhere in the UK. The Local Power Plan invests £1 billion so communities can generate their own clean energy and keep the returns locally, not send profits to distant shareholders.

Co-operatives aren't just good for creating jobs, they give people a stake in their future. Our Chair @JimFromOldham highlighted the vital role of the co-op movement in international development. @CPJElmore confirms that co-ops remain a "crucial part" of the UK's strategy 🐝

Congratulations to @CaitProwle - a smashing inclusion on the list. 🐝🐝

🚨 UPDATE: We now have over 800 Labour and Co-operative candidates at this year's Local Elections. There's still time if you're considering applying. Become a Co-operative Candidate today.

The co-op movement includes shops, a political party, and yes – schools. 🏫 Co-op Academy Glebe is highlighted in the Government's White Paper on Schools as an example of how our model can deliver in education, putting enrichment as a core part of delivery - not as an add-on.

We’ve seen world-leading support for co-ops and mutuals from this Government, good to talk about what’s next with @RachelReevesMP and @LucyRigby today.

Community energy in action – Dodworth Miners Welfare installed solar panels to cut their energy bills, reduce emissions and strengthen their community space. We are backing community energy with up to £1bn, giving people the power they need to take back control of their energy.

London has led the way on community energy, demonstrating that local ownership works even where space, infrastructure and demand are most challenging. As Mayor @SadiqKhan explains, thanks to the Local Power Plan, more cities will now be able unlock the potential of community energy.

Ownership dictates how decisions are made and who benefits from them. That’s why the Local Power Plan puts community and co-operative ownership at its heart, building an energy future that can never be taken away.