Miliband: Gordon Brown is inspirational
DAVID Miliband paid tribute to Gordon Brown today heralding the Prime Minister's “committed leadership” at the Labour Party conference.
The Foreign Secretary also attempted to pacify party doubters by insisting the Tories were “beatable” in a rallying cry to the party.
Mr Miliband - who has been at the centre of speculation that he wants to challenge Mr Brown for leadership – said the beleaguered party must “prove the fatalists wrong”.
Addressing Mr Brown directly he said: “Gordon, it’s not just the policy.
“It’s no exaggeration to say you have transformed the political debate about international development in this country over the last 11 years and we should take inspiration from you.”
He also hailed the crucial role the Prime Minister played in striking a deal to end the use of deadly cluster munitions.
He said: “Those talks were deadlocked. And the deadlock was broken by one man - our Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
“That is the sort of difference he makes in the world.”
The toughest day in government is 10 times better than the best day in opposition.
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In his wide-ranging speech, the foreign secretary also acknowledged the difficulties Labour had faced.
“Of course Government is tough,” he said. “It’s meant to be. Every day we have to prove ourselves, rightly.
“But the toughest day in Government is 10 times better than the best day in opposition.”
He added: “We know what we believe in this party. That everyone should have a fair chance and those who succeed should put something back.
“That if Government is not on your side then it’s a case of sink or swim.
“That a fair society is a necessity - not a strapline.
“And also that an age of massive change needs leadership from a party dedicated to change.”
Mr Miliband went on to praise the Prime Minister's “committed leadership” in tackling global poverty before attacking Tory leader David Cameron’s actions on the international stage.
He said: “Answer me this, Mr Cameron: how are you going to lead the European Union on climate change when you have said that your first act in Europe will not be about climate change, it will be to renegotiate the social chapter that gives rights to working people in Britain?
“How are you going to achieve a stronger European Union response in Russia, as you say is necessary, unless you are willing to support a common energy policy that allows us to negotiate with Russia on a fair basis?
“And how on Earth are you going to lead the world when you insist on dissing our strongest ally the United States and getting distant from our nearest allies in Europe.
He added: “Just as I hate defeatism about our country I hate defeatism about our party.
“These Tories are beatable. Let’s say it with conviction.”
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