A country that works for everyone? | Owen Jones goes to Conservative party conference

A country that works for everyone - that's the slogan at Theresa May's first Conservative party conference as Prime Minister. The phrase is plastered absolutely everywhere over the conference centre in Birmingham. But is it actually true? I went along to the 2016 conference to see what Tories thought before heading to one of the city's poorest areas to see if the country is really working for the people who live there.
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[@sinternet8455]

'a country that works for everyone who can afford to make it work for them' would be a more appropriate slogan

[@ChrisMcSweeney]

"Helping those with the means to help themselves" - I like that too.

[@moneymayhem2000]

Honest question. What is it that they said that lead you to think this? (Post theresa may).

[@ChrisMcSweeney]

Swift Post Theresa May? That's a very narrow parameter as we've not even made it to the first budget yet. As for what politicians of any stripe *say*, it doesn't actually matter. What they *do* defines them, and so far they've not done a lot of doing to comment on since July 13. They've *said* a load of pseudo-leftishness about social mobility, but that's a transparent ploy to "recapture the centre ground" while Labour are having a very public identity crisis. Watch this space - I have no doubt that nor Mrs. May, nor the Conservative Party have had a sudden shift in values post-Cameron.

[@littlehorhey5285]

Well, yeah. Can't pay your pay? don't expect me to do it.

[@nbarrett100]

Anna Soubry is like the only teenager at the party who stayed sober and thinks that we should put the matches away.

[@bmg_darby]

I used to completely despise her but she seems to be the only Tory MP publicly criticising all wings of the party because the cabinet are clueless and the backbenchers are braindead. I say good on her!

[@1258-Eckhart]

The Compo, Foggy and Clegg quip was good. Compo would obviously be Johnson, Foggy a more loveable version of Fox (but equally batty), but Clegg is far too thoughtful (and decent) to be any of them.

[@joshchapman5854]

'5:45' the CRUCIAL problem with uk politics. a lady who doesnt know the name of the leader of the tory party, yet would always vote conservative. This 'aspirational' characteristic of the tory party has unfortunately fooled working class people into thinking 'if you work hard enough, you can make it'. if only that was the case.

[@GeriatricFan1963]

Exactly. It's a rigged system and everyone knows it is. What struck me was 5:55 which is also true: All the parties have proven themselves to be in some way corrupt or incompetent. So it's understandable why working class people would just think: "We're fucked no matter what happens." (Not dissimilar to my own attitude actually) Where's the Alturist party when we need it?

[@DFandV]

If that is the case, I would be Conservative today. it is for the sole reason that they stand up for the upper class. I can never be a Tory.

[@tossell1969]

That's what I said. I know people like her. Ill educated. Stuck in the mud with their noses in the air looking down at all the other poor people around them like they're better than them....

[@MrDJmarkyspider]

and you think there aren't labour voters like this

[@rubiumproductions]

Im always at a loss with people who say things like "The Tory government help some people, but not others. I dont think they stand up for people like me or the working classes" and then go on to say "But I'll always vote tory and hopefully this time it'll be different" I mean theres Better the devil you know and then theres sacrificing logic for principles...Personally Im more and more of the opinion that the country gets the government it deserves.

[@pigger11]

Wouldn't you be better off interviewing residents of impoverished areas who actually support the tories. I feel like this might give us a valuable insight because all your doing here is contributing to the labour echo chamber which I don't think really helps anyone.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

Like the woman who said she'll always vote Tory?

[@DanM012324]

The Red Baron I didn't realise there were +11 million dictators

[@Thamyris13]

Agreed

[@Sr68720]

+Owen Jones should ask her why? has it got better? she said no but still vote tory makes no sense.

[@Spike20101000]

He did interview a person in an impoverished area that voted Tory. The old lass there said she would always vote tory citing "they try". And in my mind I am screaming "is that honestly the best you have to offer? your in poverty, its being made worse but ignore all that because the tories try?".

[@Vandragorax]

The guy interviewed at 3:41 just stereotypes a Tory perfectly to me. Clearly from a priviledged background, never had any struggle in life, always had all the breaks because parents are rich and well connected. Literally doesn't have a clue about the realities facing many people in the Country. He comes off as extremely uninformed. It's pathetic that we have such a disparity from these people and the ones having to pay extortionate rents and facing job losses around every corner.

[@samoharvan2]

After seeing those guys, I can literally smell the douchebaginess from my computer screen

[@Vandragorax]

Liam Abc No, he did not.

[@samoharvan2]

Yeah, because strong welfare state, NHS and other things that help ordinary working people were and are totally rightwing ideas.

[@roberthastings8471]

James Kaplonek Yeah. Just like the Labour party types who send their sprogs to private schools but tell us plebs that our kids need hopeless comprehensives so that we can promote equality and diversity (for which you can read mediocrity and failure).

[@Bluearmytillidie]

I happen to know the person you're referring to so laughably. He is state-educated, extremely hard-working in a low paid job, his parents are not rich, nor 'well-connected' and he lives in a modest house in Southend. We're having a good laugh at how utterly ignorant you are having based your view of someone's character on the way they look and speak. You've also perfectly exampled what is wrong with the modern left - judgemental, snidey and devoid of policy. I suggest you have a listen to Aneurin Bevan or Tony Benn and learn how to form an argument.

[@dougie8747]

God there's nothing worse than young Tories.

[@moneymayhem2000]

I think political youngsters in general

[@bluevozhak]

I'll go tell the rapists, pedophile, murders, committers of genocide, ISIS, neo-Nazis and torturers that they are off the hook as a group of young people with mainstream political views are the worst thing ever according to you. Hateful much?

[@Thamyris13]

That's racist.

[@T800System]

Oh come on, there's a degree of hyperbole to what he said. No need to be so melodramatic.

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

I know. One glance at those odious little, floppy fringed, douchebags and I can instantly empathize with people who go berserk with automatic weapons in public spaces.

[@DM-ig1fb]

Owen. Owen Owen Owen..... finger snaps? Seriously? 😂

[@gigitrix]

oh no he didn't

[@tomimpala]

Oweno he didn't.

[@matthewgoodsell480]

People with disabilities are dying due to those insults to humanity. Their needless referendum has rendered the uk irrelevent and inward-looking. They should be begging our apology, not parading around like they're dong a wonderful job.

[@GeriatricFan1963]

"Even though it works for everyone it doesn't mean it's going to be equally for everyone." Well, at least he's being honest. Better than most Tories.

[@Thamyris13]

He's being realistic, those who work harder should always make more than those who work less. Theres only so much a government can do without the direct redistribution of wealth.

[@jawadc97]

Well, I don't think that applied to people on low income who are on long hours every day. They work a lot harder than some of the bankers for instance and earn a lot less.

[@Thamyris13]

jawadc97 I'm not sure I agree with that. www.askivy.net/articles/investment-banking/investment-banking-lifestyle/working-hours-in-investment-banking Summary is investment bankers work 70 - 100 hours per week. This is a popular meme, however there are very few lazy rich people, and the ones who either inherited or are geniuses. Wealth is typically a product of incredible will and hard work, starting in school.

[@GeriatricFan1963]

Thamyris Vision Helps when you make a few embezzlements though; after all, it only takes one bad apple to destroy the economy, and I understand there are several...

[@Thamyris13]

Edward Hunter Pointless comment is pointless?

[@cath8373]

Did i genuinely just see them selling bibs for babies with 'Little Iron Lady' on them

[@romanroids2329]

this baby is not for burping.

[@umaryakubu5115]

DOES BABIES RISE GOLDEN.

[@jamesmiddleton6340]

Would you consider going on the Rubin Report? I don't agree with most of your positions but I like your videos and I think you'd suit Dave Rubin's interview format.

[@spookycheeseballs]

That's a little bit harsh Gary.True but a little bit harsh ;o)

[@gbrading]

Ah, that rare and distinguished breed: Young Tories.

[@edwardhoulton8725]

Maybe you should come to Wigan and see how wonderfully labour runs the place

[@mikecunningham4682]

That Attack of the Clones comment broke me.

[@danielbentham758]

As opposed to non binaries with green hair

[@samfentem284]

Being from Birmingham myself I'm completely bemused as to why the conference is there, we are literally one of the least Tory cities along with Liverpool in the whole country. Birmingham city centre may well have been rejuvenated, but nechells is a prime example of so many places in our city that have been ignored by the torys and new labour before them. I'm ashamed to say that I live in one of the only conservative constituencies in the Birmingham :(

[@samfentem284]

Also Birmingham is an incredibly multi cultural city and their vile xenophobia is not welcome there.

[@bluevozhak]

Lol it also voted for Brexit so sod off with your bilkered view of your city, it clearly is not of the same mindset as you.

[@samfentem284]

I voted for brexit also, but the debate over that is much wider than just immigration surely?

[@Thamyris13]

Because the Tories are not an echo chamber. They have consistently over the past 30 years tired to reach out to the working class. Having the conference where they are not strong reaches out to those who disagree. Rather than holding it in Stratford upon Avon or somewhere.

[@MalcolmCampbell]

When people talk about the immigration they are really complaining about a lack of sovereignty, which was the main issue for the referendum. A government that couldn't adapt to the quickly changing circumstances because their powers were outsourced abroad. It's a real issue, but it's like complaining about having a sore throat when the problem is you have the flu. Also, Conservatives aren't that bad, they're just people with different views. They believe in empowering individuals to help themselves, so that those people can be proud of their own achievements. Forget the football style tribalism that comes from most of the commenters here.

[@MaxHeadRush]

3:44 oh dear. Says it all really.

[@dylanbrownie]

Please do a long interview with Ruth Davidson and/or Anna Soubry. They are two Tories I have a lot of respect for.

[@Thamyris13]

"They are two Tories I agree with a lot, and I would like to hear more viewpoints that do not challenge my opinions".

[@GiraffeFeatures]

Thamyris Vision No, he simply commented on a couple of MPs that he has respect for. You realise people are allowed to have differing opinions other than your own and it's not because they don't want to be 'challenged' but simply because it's refreshing to hear someone that speaks sense *to them*.

[@deadfish3789]

As Soubry's constituent I can tell you that her replies to emails have not always been especially helpful. I can accept disagreement with what I say, but she flatly contradicted some things I said which I knew to be facts. That being said, her reaction to the referendum has been admirable in my opinion

[@TheVectensis]

You are a strange person.

[@reellezahl]

and Kenneth Clarke!

[@TheRiceFrameofMind]

It's interesting when you ask whether your life has improved under the Tory government. I would have to say absolutely not, I've had to wait ages on an operation I've needed and multiple doctors have told me that years back they'd have been able to do it much sooner, uni fees, not being able to afford rent and had to move back in with my parents, mental health support, underpaid on my job, etc.

[@JoelJoel321]

Those four guys at 3:50, are like clones of each other... creepy.

[@sithius99]

Lost it at the idea of Owen waking up to May's smiling mug every morning.

[@RedJet-bq6fq]

I actually just purely admire this video, its format and the way the interview and just how everything in general was carried out. Its super effective and taught a thing or two, and this vid's great. legit cheers mate!

[@techtipsuk]

Love the typical Tory boys at 4 mins, totally clueless about the real world.

[@katiemiaana]

That face at the end, something straight out of 1984

[@spex357]

I've seen the wages in my trade plummet to pre 1980's levels. It was the Blair era that set them on the downward slide (after Thatcher and dot.com) with it's "lets rub their noses in it" policy, we are still living with it as the Tory's have done nothing about it up to now. There has been talk about unscrupulous bosses but neither party has done anything about it, bar mention it occasionally. Funny how Theresa's demand for a list of how many foreign workers company's are employing has got the business men up in arms. Before you say we need the skills, not one immigrant worker in my trade where skilled in what we where doing, they have been allowed to lash it on for a cheap price, now the bosses have the price set for a gang of migrants sharing a house on £30 a day and they still can't do the job, I blame Blair and Straw and so do lots of others. Labours policies have altered the life's of hundreds of thousands, and not for the better, parading around the Tory conference like your the better party for everyone is laughable in the extreme.

[@aidanrogers4438]

I hope you took some holy water in there with you, Owen.

[@laurenceconnelly9694]

Batman Jr. KY you mean!

[@beautifulspirit7420]

Owen wouldn't touch anything Christian with a barge pole (unless he was cute of course).

[@tossell1969]

"I will always vote tory" "That woman who's in now" Aww, the tory voter. So educated. So 1950s

[@peteradaniel]

Another great vid Owen, thanks.

[@SoulRippster]

"A country that works for everyone" if you're a banker and not a foreigner.

[@D33PTHINKA]

Voted Brexit, voting Labour... but the system needs reform, we should vote on policies not candidacy. The people should have direct democratic control and not be blind sided by scapegoats and divided by the dualistic fallacy. It's the forces behind the faces that matter. The wealth divide is ridiculous, look up the stats. Austerity? Money doesn't just disappear, it moves.

[@chitandaeru5236]

I couldn't be more disgusted with the looks on their faces at 4:02. The sheer indifference and mild light-heartedness are appalling. They don't have a clue about what the poorer parts of Brum would say. All they can offer is a mere 'I hope so'??????? How dare you. I come from a poor part of Birmingham and we are all STRUGGLING. Very little has changed for the better and in fact, it has become WORSE in some cases. Their half-hearted 'I think so' and 'I hope so' makes a mockery of the working classes. Stop your elitism and your lies and your political mind games and ENGAGE WITH US.

[@TheAlbinoskunk]

I think the issue with asking people on the street whether their lives have improved is that they don't really have realistic images of what positive change would look like. "my life hasn't gotten better because I'm still living in a shitty house in a shitty area and my job still pays a shitty wage" essentially. But it's easy to be dissatisfied, what is more difficult is to understand sustainable, viable changes that a government could realistically make, within the limits under which they operate - and noticing such changes when they happen. I mean, I understand that it is probably easier to make such observations from a position of privilege, but just presenting these clumsy views because they're the "voice of the people" isn't really helpful

[@tomimpala]

There's gonna be a divide in Labour. New Labour is essentially "I can't believe it's not Tory" and now we're seeing so many Blairites leave Corbyn. I love that Labour is going back to the left, but it won't be an easy transition. Corbyn has been democratically voted in by Labour voters, if there are still Labour members left that don't agree with him, they should find a party that more represents them. You want a big tent, but you don't want a tent that covers the left and the center right!

[@manvbees]

I think what Owen is surprised about is the politeness and eloquence of the people at the conference. if a tory went to the labour conference and tried to have the same discussions what would the response be like? even when Owen goes into the most impoverished areas he struggles to find any pro labour support. The average person knows that the country faces difficult challenges and there is no magic quick fix. certainly none that labour could provide.

[@Simalacrum]

Hey Owen, can I just say it's great that you interview and challenge people on all sides, and let Conservatives say what they want as well as Labour and other left wing politicians? I think politicial division and demonisation of the opposition are one of the greatest issues facing politics all over the world. It's important to challenge right wing ideas and criticise the Tory government, but we need to stop this movement of calling people 'scum' for disagreeing with us, and calling others 'evil' for what they believe.

[@gbjanuary]

It certainly doesn't work for the unemployed, sick and disabled Tories love cause misery.

[@RennyJackson]

Owen is 100% right that the Tory conference is a million miles away from inner city Brum. In a weird way I admire the Tories ability to appeal to people who are from another planet to their social-economic core.

[@AliHussain-fz7pd]

You can't go round asking people if the country has got better over the course of the last 6 years as a Labour voter, when we all know that in 96, Blair effectively did away with the Labour party, launched Tory Lite, embraced big capital, bowed to corporate interest, & opened the floodgates to mass immigration.The Tories couldn't have slammed on the brakes if they tried, the last 6 years have been focused on recovering national debt, a ploy that any Govt would've had to undertake. Spin.

[@joshking5974]

Owen you are a fine specimen,keep up the good journalism!

[@gavin-uk4094]

@Owen Jones "I went along to the 2016 conference... before heading to one of the city's poorest areas to see if the country is really working for the people who live there". And for how many years has Theresa May been Prime Minister? Seem to remember your (rightly) defending Gordon Brown in 2008, over a year after he became PM, on the grounds that it takes a long time to bring about real change...

[@denzel270]

Gordon bought about real change. He sold our gold reserves at the lowest ever price and borrowed billions to allow Labour to give benefits to people the country could not afford. He also ended boom and bust. Sorry, he presided over the country going bust.

[@IveJustHadAPiss]

I think Owen really enjoyed talking to those smart, handsome young Tory boys. :D

[@GiraffeFeatures]

IveJustHadAPiss Not forgetting the ever so handsome Eric Pickles too.

[@IveJustHadAPiss]

Cor!

[@boycefranks2874]

The problem with labour is that Labour was in power for a very long time (at government and council level) and the rich grew richer faster than under the previous Tory government. Labour is not seen as a solution - they, like US-Hilary, are seen as part of the establishment. Corbyn may be sincere but he heads (I can't say 'leads' just yet) a party which sells its soul for power at the first sniff of an election. Gordon Brown and Tony Blair has wrecked the reputation of the 'worker's party'. Even their biggest socialists are now Lords (Prescott,et all). I think there is going to be a decade of penitence before people trust them again (and only because memory fades eventually). Sad but true.

[@drg-ex1zx]

Hi Owen I love your channel but please could you put subtitles in each one of your videos? english is not my first language and that would help me quite a lot to understand everything (I'm still not used to british accents and its slang). I know that youtube has an option to enable subtitles but these are not correct, could you please do it? Thanks!

[@davidv.8655]

I don't understand the problem. We have at least a free trade deal already, whether they want to give us one or not. We give them 2 options .option 1 ..a free trade deal. Job done let's move on. Or option 2 we give them a reciprocal tariff deal whatever they wish. We then sell to any EU businesses at free trade prices the government will then pay the tariff, in the full knowledge that they sell more to us than we do to them. The EU then pays us a massive contribution for the excess for ever more. . We know that they will choose option 2 even though it hurts the EU people. If they don't the EU would collapse. And more importantly they would be out of a job...how corrupt an organisation is that.

[@JAMAICADOCK]

Grammar Schools and Broadband for the shires - yep, that just about covers everyone.

[@scottspencer6899]

What happened to Owens videos on Teresa may and Cameron? They had a yellow coloured thumbnail picture have they been deleted?

[@benjamenhartley8658]

that guy with a curly tash... Discuss

[@JackSmith-hp5kh]

Borats english cousin

[@johnwheatley5641]

Top bloke!

[@TomsGreenMind]

I'd never vote Tory, but they are running our country until the next election. So I hope they can actually make this country work for everyone, regardless of my political allegiance. Lets hope Brexit and more Tory governing doesn't set us back further than the mess, the Tories are always too pleased to mention, Labour left us in 6 years ago.

[@stephenmason1028]

Anyone who loves and thinks of their fellow countrymen more than their own ideals is deserving of praise indeed. Please accept mine...a Republican from the states who knows this sentiment you speak of very well these past 8 years.

[@stephenmason1028]

Anyone who loves and thinks of their fellow countrymen more than their own ideals is deserving of praise indeed. Please accept mine...a Republican from the states who knows this sentiment you speak of very well these past 8 years.

[@tomimpala]

The Democrats are horrible, but the Republicans are insane.

[@TomsGreenMind]

This is exactly the problem. It's not about party v party, tribe v tribe it's about people. Tories are in government, like it or not, and I'd rather see them succeed for the good of the country than fail just so the party I support can get into government. Labour's job is to hold them accountable for all their promises and pledges.

[@tomimpala]

Tom ... Was that toward me? lol

[@vulorb]

Before asking them if they think things has changed in the last 6 years the question should be did you vote in the general election. Am a strong believer in if you didn't use your vote you have no opinion!

[@4455matthew]

but, tbh, what would almost anybody say when asked, have 'things' gotten better in the last six years? what does that even mean to the average person walking around?

[@22coza]

I don't think the question is could Britain survive a hard brexit, i think the question is would the EU survive a hard brexit? Let me explain. . . . People are saying we won't be able to stay in the free market unless we to some form or another knuckle under for free movement especially but certainly other issues and that our economy is more than likely going to falter with the introduction of trade tariffs between us and the EU. I'd like to point out that Britain is the 3rd Largest economy in the EU and one of only 9 member states which actually pays in more than we take out, in fact we pay in as much as the bottom 6 of the 9 countries which do actually pay in so the instant we leave that's a £13 billion shortfall the EU will have to recoup from Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Denmark and Finland the brunt of which would fall squarely on Germany and France to keep EU funding at current levels pretty hefty but certainly doable. So lets also assume for a minute that all talks break down with the EU no deal has been struck and the EU immediately starts punitive tariffs, now there is no way Europe would do that without us retaliating and putting tariffs on all European goods so the 12% of all EU goods that are exported to us including the £34 billion worth of goods that France exports to us and the £89 billion from Germany is immediately taxed. Yes we export around 45% of our products to the EU but we still are a net importer so its not all that bad especially when you consider that we have just reclaimed £13 billion which will go some way to offset the trade tariffs while the EU will have just swallowed a £13 billion hole in their expenses. especially if Scotland leaves the UK an joins the EU and expects the same level of funding it gets now, so its something of a money pit at the moment so that's another expense (sorry Scotland your awesome but you know its true) But i hear you say, without the Free trade deal business will flee the UK and flock to the EU which is true, but it will take quite awhile for new business to really get set up in another country by which point the EU will probably be crumbling even more than it is now, so any companies that do leave may indeed flock back, given the realities of life in a few years time. So from my point of view will a ''hard brexit'' hurt Britain? Most assuredly but i also imagine it contains within it the seeds of the utter destruction of the EU as a political entity. So to my mind it seems more sensible that some form of deal will be made where Britain retains access to the EU tariff free zone in exchange for a fraction of what we pay in now, adherence to EU safety and labour standards and preferential treatment in any immigration controls which may be erected in the future or at least that's what i think would suit both parties best or be in the mutual interest. If that's what happens who knows? No one has ever accused politicians of being rational or forward looking. Most are idiotic self serving and greedy but we shall see.

[@ryanrodgersss]

Ruth Davidson " you big lefty" priceless

[@tomimpala]

We... We need a test to be eligible to vote. We can make these test questions public, but at some point you must take this test in order to be able to vote. You'd have to outline the policies of every major party; Conversative, Labour, UKIP, Greens, Lib Dems, SNP (If in Scotland), etc... so that we have a voting populous that knows what they're doing. The amount of people voting against their interest is staggering and something needs to be done. I'll just say again that these questions would be publicly known and wouldn't be difficult at all, it's just to filter out people that vote for a party, not policy substance. Alternatively, we need an upsurge of new media. The ability to frame a piece of news is control over your audience. You can freely leave out important details in a report, or emphasize small aspects of something, you can villainize or verify a person. The internet's a great place for all information to be available to everyone. The only problem is that people now have a means of sticking to their own circles. Liberal people only visit liberal sites and vice versa. Because of this, we need online shows to get the two sides talking to each other with an audience that can pitch in and fact check. For example, look at Secular Talk speaking to Sargon of Akkad on a live show. There were no political games, no biased media moderating the whole thing, it was just two people putting their ideas in front of an audience - An audience which can then respond!! The internet gives us what TV can't, a level playing field where anyone can pitch in an idea and then be fact checked by everyone.

[@romanroids2329]

Theresa BAE

[@andrewwatson4244]

Cameron made all them speeches about labour wanting to borrow more.......... How things change.

[@tomimpala]

"A platitude that works for every politician."

[@ABizzyBYT]

It just seems like they are all in conservative bubble and the Tories seem good at bubbles. When will it pop?

[@JDrakeify]

In fairness that same charge could be leveled at a pretty large section of the Labour Party

[@ABizzyBYT]

that's a fair comment

[@bakedbeanishdragon]

Why are they still selling 'new labour'-based stuff? I would've thought that since Corbyn became leader new labour wasn't really a thing anymore.

[@williamkopanchuk]

Owen is a very BRAVE person! Tories are a very dangerous specie. It is like to be in a Roman Colosseum Arena full of Lions.

[@splashstrike]

It would be far more dangerous for a right winger to go the Labour convention. They'd be booed, egged or spat at like Diane James was.

[@juandenz2008]

I'm not from the UK and I'm not a Tory, but honestly I don't think the current labour party inspires confidence ! Also it is unfortunate that Europe is being so nasty about Brexit. Surely if free trade is such a good thing and europe is trying to sign free trade deals with the US, why not sign one with Britain ? Especially since nearly half the people wanted to stay in Europe ? I don't think Theresa May is against the poorest people in Britain, with a reduction in immigration there should be an increase in wages to the working class and hopefully less pressure on housing. Ideally I would like to see policies that tax the richest people more and crack down on tax havens and tax dodging multinationals, but that might be a bridge too far for the Conservatives.

[@ginj4ninj4180]

Europe is being harsh to stop a trend of people exiting the EU. If they're soft on the UK a lot more countries are more likely to want to leave.

[@Somecrazyshish]

Those younger lads you spoke to are I think endemic of the problems in politics. They are disconnected from reality and that one boy says that things should be better as employment is on the up. Some politicians and politicos will never look past the numbers and statistics, where they feel safe, and go and look into the reality of public opinion which is far harder to distort. Governing a country goes far beyond making the numbers look good. Government is about providing everyone with a genuine quality of life and that takes real effort but the last 19 years of government has been about making the numbers suit their arguments and nothing more.

[@Nuron666]

We dont have a choice. We have to stick with the conservatives. Mass immigration/ Mass refugee influx = Labour Controlled immigration/ Controlled refugee influx = Conservatives.

[@wjfox2006]

Immigrants bring a net economic benefit measured in the tens of billions of pounds. Why would you want to stop that?

[@philuk5154]

wjfox2006 the country is overcrowded now, you need to start thinking long term. How long can the UK sustain the current levels of immigration? I'm sorry but as much as we might be enjoying benefits today it'll soon come crashing down, immigration is good but controlled immigration. Why do we pay six months job seekers allowance to EU citizens until they find an unskilled job? It's madness. I'm thinking about my children's future and their children. Labour really needs to get on board with this one if they don't want to die as a party

[@Nuron666]

+wjfox2006 - people are not totally against immigration, they are just against the kind of immigration system we have now. The majority would prefer a different system. Something like what they have in Dubai for example. A selective work permit system, where the incomer will never be allowed to claim citizenship, unless they are highly educated as Doctors, Surgeons and Scientists. Every other incomer will be on temporary work visas. They should also not be able to bring their children and families into the country. Their sole purpose should be to work and nothing else. A system such as this will stop any kind of colonisation by foreign incomers taking place. If we had this system from the start back in the 1960's, Europe could have avoided Islamic terrorism and racial tensions.

[@gary-9340]

Conservatives broke immigration records

[@philuk5154]

Gary - more like the EU broke immigration levels. Or was you under the impression the tories had a say in it?

[@aperson22222]

Very interesting comments from Ruth Davidson. I hope you can get an interview with her some time.

[@stas182]

Essentially everything Owen Jones stands for is demolished in Thomas Sowell's books. Also, what Owen, and the Left more generally, do not seem to understand is that the inequality and poverty that they speak of is mostly driven by the decline of the 2-parent married nuclear household. If one compares the poverty rate for single mothers raising children and 2-parent married households, there is an enormous difference in poverty rates. Yet the Left keeps emphasising the need for a vast welfare state - which has had the unintended consequence of subsidising broken families - essentially replacing the nuclear family with the welfare state. Countless social problems would largely be eliminated if strong family units were the norm - which was the case until the no-judgement multicultural doctrine which began in the 1960s. That decade was the triumph of the Left-wing social vision which has been so detrimental to Western societies.

[@Glenbot3000]

OWEN WTF? YOU'RE TAKING SHOTS OF MY OLD MAN'S LOCAL AND I JUST HAPPEN TO BE HALF WAY ACROSS THE WORLD???!!?!!?!

[@mike-wi8wm]

I remember watching Owen at last year's conference and being upset with the Tories in power running the country into the ground. However, I remember being hopeful and looking forward to a better Britain. Now a year on with Labour in tatters, May in charge with ever more right wing policies regressive policies and Britain's reputation and economy ruined with the June 23rd Brexit vote. I do not know how Owen stays positive, the UK is in such a mess.

[@Thamyris13]

Your right May campaigning for and voting for same sex marriage is so regressive. Trying to return to an education system from a time when social mobility was much better is sooo right wing. Increased minimum wage, increased tax free allowance.Moving closer to direct democracy. 2 female priministers. Seriously are you delusional? The Tories are center left, Labour is now far left.

[@samhill3503]

Wrong, Labour is half centre left and half far left, but the Tories are split too, half centre right, and half far right. The only difference between the two is that power is more important to Tories than what they believe in, so they pretend to be unified.

[@Thamyris13]

Jane Hill I take your point. But my view is labour is more like 30% far left, 70% centre left. The Tories are 30% centre right, and 70% centre left. Difference is the Tories the 70% is in charge not the 30%.

[@mike-wi8wm]

Thamyris Vision Your view isn't very valid if you failed to understand that May has a mixed record on LGBT rights. Get your facts right if you want to have a conversation.

[@samhill3503]

I disagree with your claim that the loony free marketeers on the right of the Tory Party are "centre right", also, if the Tory Party were 70% centre left as you claim, then I think you'd see inequality diminishing, but I think waiting for the Tories to make policy that helps even over 40% of the country (let alone "making a country that works for everyone") would be a bit like waiting for England to win the World Cup.

[@ChickpeatheTortie]

@ 3.50 that creepy collection is tomorrow's leadership.

[@barry1972-b3i]

Basically someone who hasnt got a job,will be given job regardless if they not interested in or motivated to enjoy.Brexit here we come.

[@izzypowell3197]

This conference *almost* pleasantly surprised me until the bunch at 3:41 popped up. I'm honestly grossed out that these people got to monopolise Birmingham for four whole days (delaying the number 9 bus, I might add!).

[@simonhksc2119]

Until we have more devolution, and more representation of places like Birmingham and working class areas of the north, then these places will remain forgotten. This was not the EU's fault. You can blame successive governments, both Tory and Labour for this.

[@IThinkItsForYou]

When Owen Jones asks, How hard will it be? I can't help feeling a little saucy!

[@antonrudenham3259]

So Jones,it's all about wiping the smirk off the faces of Tory politicians and getting them on the run again is it? Don't you see how you come across to us here? You seem to be primarily concerned with removing the Tories from power and not with the well being of our country. Also,if you truly believe that Corbyn is the answer then you haven't understood the question.

[@nickUK88]

Owen, isn't there a sky studio you should be stamping around in somewhere?

[@marvintpandroid2213]

English public school system annual jamboree

[@AaronTheHumanist]

is it not the case that many people struggling have this view that their issues are the Government's fault? whoever it is, it's always the state at fault? A lot of the effort has to be the individuals. Some people you could knock on their door with a thousand pounds cash, a brand new car and a job for them to start work in on Monday, and they still wouldn't be happy.

[@ruthbashford3176]

Jones suffers from Toryphobia and Trumpphobia. I sympathize as I also suffered from Toryphobia in the 1980s. Hated the Tories and Mrs. Thatcher. It wasn't until I looked at Islamic countries that I realised that life, especially for a woman, is not too bad in the UK even under the Tories.

[@draculanova6548]

So May she'll 'run a country that works for everyone'. And then as soon as she says you go and interview people and ask them if the country's working for them, expecting that by some magic the moment she says those words everything will change and the county will magically get better. Does it not occur to you that she needs time?

[@MrBulpo]

I struggle to put up with the delusions of the Conservative party then again the woman who said nothing has gotten better but she would always vote for them just means that they really don't need to make the country any fairer.... social mobility shouldn't be tackled, inequality and poverty will get left by the wayside all in the name of big businesses and profits.... I hope people begin to see that they deserve better but they wont be seeing change any time soon under Theresa May or the Conservatives.

[@ManiacMike]

Both labour and conservatives have blocked KZbin comments

[@kingmatt2563DABEST]

Excluding the Middle Class is not an economy that works for everyone Owen.

[@AbigailRumsey]

Ha! Talking to Ruth Davidson: "you big leftie"

[@robyourtime]

Why don't they clean up those plastic toys lying in the grass? They're lazy and jealous.

[@Roble30ttt]

I think your at risk of stereotyping voters here. They won a small majority which means most people feel like they agree with these people more than any other party.

[@jds3816]

Many of these people seem really out of touch with the current situation in Britain if they believe things have improved in the last 6 years.

[@Bert86]

I don't understand how you can let Ruth Davidson say what she said and then not challenge her on it, or at least show the clip of you challenging her on it. "what are you doing in the conservative party then ?"

[@laurejon]

Anna Soubrey and her friends the 1% and the metropolitan elite have had a lot of prosperity from Freedom of Movement, its not surprising they wish to continue with it. Unfortunately the working classes that did not share in that prosperity have a vastly different opinion and have voted to leave the EU and all membership entails.

[@jerrydominguez1862]

Is it the picture quality or is there really more than a hint of UKiP purple?

[@stephenmason1028]

This video is a credit to you. Too bad, like the man said, it's only once a year.

[@silverfox8004]

Owen, the young conservatives you spoke looked hand picked to suit the narrative I'm afraid. And quite right, pigger11, the Conservatives would not achieve power without the votes of the working men/women of this country. So the question is, why is Labour not attracting their votes? Historically, the majority of votes in general elections come from the centre ground, and Corbyns Labour Party is perceived to be a long way left of that. My dad, who is 79, has voted Labour all his life, but only in the last few days has said that he will not vote Labour whilst Corbyn is the leader. Have Labour supporters learnt nothing from the Michael Foot days? They have either erased that period from their memories or, as has been mentioned before, a large volume of the support for Corbyn is from younger people, who couldn't have experienced that period.

[@lukegarcia3238]

Owen! just saw you on BBC talking about 'is it moral to avoid tax' I think the phrase worth using when trying to differentiate between private individuals (small scale avoidance) large companies is WEALTH EXTRACTION!!! as coined by Michael Hudson 'Killing The Host' great book

[@curtismorgan5055]

I couldn't see any black or Asian people. I saw very few women, typically older white men. There were a few young people but one thing you couldn't deny, they were all unbelievably posh. How can anyone think that the Tories represent the nation, when in their own conference party, there is no representation other than posh white male. Look at the stark differences between this and the Labour Party conference. Their conference was a whole lot more diverse. Yet it makes me sad that so many people, including the working class vote Conservative.

[@NymeriaMeliae]

A country that works for everyone? Then tell me why my 5 year old daughter only gets to see a speech therapist once a year despite requiring help?

[@MrDollify]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on grammar schools Owen. I hated being clever in a comprehensive as it meant being picked on for that fact. They are unfair

[@masterscone532]

Owen, that was a scary poster of T. May. I hope you didn't hang it up.

[@dank1893]

At 3:43 you see some of the worst humans on the planet. The guy on the right drinking his smart water the overpriced ‘free market’ version of a daily necessity and then the guy who casually said ‘oh yeah well employments on the up’ implying that as long as you’re employed well everything must be great, never mind healthcare, education, infrastructure etc as long as you earn money even if it’s pennies on a zero hours contract that everything’s fine now hold that thought I’m off on my 3rd gap year

[@shelleyscloud3651]

Priti is the worst example I've ever encountered (the competition is stiff) of cold ambition triumphing over ability

[@FlowerBoyWorld]

OMG i reeeeeally thought this was merkel on the poster in the thumbnail can't even ...

[@bumface3]

with reference to closing comments: Doesn't matter about Tory problems. Labour are so retrograde now nobody but a hardened labour supporter will vote for them and they will bottom out between 25-30% of the vote, hence another Tory government.

[@Jay92925]

He has a picture of kier hardy on his walls? Seems a bit like when a soviet house had a picture of Stalin in pride of place, or the Kim’s hanging on the wall in North Korea

[@BudFieldsPPTS]

Regardless of the brexit terms and conditions, the UK had best be preparing, right now, for an exit from the EU, no free trade association, and begin to set up it's own, independent trade position in the world, not the WTO. Now, its the only fair and beneficial way of waiting for the Article 50 initiation.