Progress is a political organisation linked to the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, founded in 1996. It is broadly viewed as supportive of the leadership of the party, being pro-former leader Tony Blair. Progress publishes a monthly magazine of the same name and occasional pamphlets, and organises conferences and other events.
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Progress states its aims as follows:
"Progress is an organisation of Labour party members which aims to promote a radical and progressive politics for the 21st century.
We seek to discuss, develop and advance the means to create a more free, equal and democratic Britain, which plays an active role in Europe and the wider world.
Diverse and inclusive, we work to improve the level and quality of debate both within the Labour party, and between the party and the wider progressive community."
Progress was founded by Paul Richards, Liam Byrne and Derek Draper, the former aide to Peter Mandelson, as an organisation to maintain the dialogue between Labour's new leadership under Tony Blair. It has organised many events and conferences, and hosted several important speeches by senior party figures. Its annual conference has become a staple of the political calendar with many cabinet ministers and other leading politicians attending.
Lord David Sainsbury has provided substantial funding for Progress, donating £250,000 in 2008.[1]
Progress, together with Biteback Publishing breleased 'The Purple Book' in September 2011. The current leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, will wrote a foreword for the book. Progress gives an outline of what the book will contain on their website: 'The Labour party is currently going through a thorough and wide ranging policy review. The Purple Book aims to give the best of the non-statist Labour traditions a footing in forming a winning coalition for Labour.' Authors included: Alan Milburn, Peter Mandelson, Jacqui Smith, Tessa Jowell, Andrew Adonis, Caroline Flint, Douglas Alexander, Frank Field, Liam Byrne, Ivan Lewis, Rachel Reeves, Tristram Hunt, Liz Kendall and Jenny Chapman. There were ideas such as foundation trusts providing GP services, a credit system in education, crime commissioners, directly-elected mayors and 'hasbos'.
Progress is chaired by MP and former Minister Stephen Twigg. Its vice chairs are Tristram Hunt MP, Liz Kendall MP, Bridget Phillipson MP, Rachel Reeves MP, Jonathan Reynolds MP, Anas Sarwar MP, John Woodcock MP.
Progress’ honorary president is Alan Milburn, the former Secretary of State for Health and MP for Darlington.
There have been six directors of Progress since its inception.
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