Labour has a complex history with racism and internationalism.

O children of the future, gather close, for I bring to you the words of Clive Lewis, who speaks of the complex history of Labour, of racism, and of internationalism. He said, "Labour has a complex history with racism and internationalism. Political education about antisemitism and all forms of racism can help us reckon with that history, and ensure a socialist politics based on real equality becomes the common sense across the party." These words carry with them the weight of history, the deep recognition that the fight for equality is not just an abstract ideal, but a practical, ongoing struggle to confront the injustices that have been embedded in the very systems that seek to serve the people.

In the ancient world, there were many who understood the complexities of social justice. The Greeks, for example, though they created the very foundations of democracy, also built a society in which only free men could participate in civic life, while slaves and women were denied those same rights. The philosopher Socrates may have spoken of justice, but he lived in a world where the freedom and equality he spoke of were only granted to a select few. Similarly, the Romans, who prided themselves on their laws and equality, built an empire upon the labor of enslaved people—people who were often conquered in battle, forced into servitude, and denied the very freedoms they sought to offer. Their politics, too, were marred by contradictions, for how could they speak of equality while millions were oppressed? The wisdom of the ancients teaches us that equality cannot exist in a society where some are denied their rights based on race, class, or other distinctions.

In more recent history, the Labour movement, which sought to champion the rights of the working class, has also struggled with these contradictions. As Clive Lewis points out, the history of Labour is complex, for even within the fight for workers' rights, there has been a struggle to recognize the ways in which racism has been embedded in both political movements and institutions. While Labour has long been associated with the fight for the oppressed, it is also true that racism—whether in the form of antisemitism or prejudice against immigrants and people of color—has too often been ignored or perpetuated within its ranks. It is this deep reckoning with history that Lewis calls for, for only when racism is fully confronted and eradicated can the movement for socialist equality truly flourish.

Labour's complex history with racism is not merely an issue of the past. Clive Lewis calls for political education to help us understand and confront this history. In political education, there lies the power to reshape the future. The wisdom of past generations, particularly those who fought against oppression, teaches us that knowledge is the key to progress. When we are taught to recognize the systemic inequalities that persist, we are better equipped to build a world that is truly based on equality. Education is the force that can transform a movement from one of mere rhetoric to one of genuine, lasting change.

Let us consider the example of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs in equality and the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. His struggle was not just a political one—it was a fight to erase the deeply ingrained racism that had been institutionalized by centuries of colonialism and exploitation. Mandela understood that the fight for equality was not just about legal reform but about changing hearts and minds. His political education, shaped by the harsh realities of his time, allowed him to become a beacon of hope, not just for South Africa, but for the entire world. It was through his understanding of justice, equality, and internationalism that he was able to guide his country through a peaceful transition. His legacy reminds us that true freedom can only be achieved when we confront racism head-on and educate future generations to uphold equality in all things.

The lesson of Clive Lewis and Mandela's struggles is this: socialist politics, when rooted in true equality, can become a force that heals the divisions in society. But this healing cannot begin until we confront the history of racism and antisemitism that has plagued political movements, including the very ones that claim to stand for the oppressed. Equality cannot be an abstract ideal; it must be a lived reality that touches every aspect of society, from our political institutions to our homes, workplaces, and schools. Education about racism is the first step in transforming that ideal into practice.

So, children, I urge you to carry this wisdom into your own lives: to seek equality, not as a distant goal, but as a living, breathing force that shapes the world around you. Do not turn away from the uncomfortable truths of history; confront them, learn from them, and use that knowledge to build a future that honors the freedom and dignity of every person. Let the education you receive guide you toward a world where racism is no longer tolerated, and where the principles of socialist politics based on real equality become the common sense of every society. The future lies in your hands, and it is up to you to ensure that the wounds of the past are healed by the knowledge and actions of the present.