The Labour Party in Blackpool: Quotes of the day

'We should learn the lessons of history. We should remember that we haven't merely come to Blackpool for the rock. We've come for the rock of socialist ages.' - Arthur Scargill, president of the NUM.

'We need a minimum wage because we will not build industries that are an international success on the back of wages that are an international disgrace.' - Robin Cook, Labour trade and industry spokesman.

'There can be no doubt that the real culprits . . . are the Tory ministers who at one and the same time played both Pontius Pilate and puppet master.' - Jimmy Knapp, RMT general secretary, apportioning blame for the signal workers' dispute.

'Our conference, unlike that of the Liberal Democrats, will not be a contest between the delegates and the leadership.' - David Blunkett, party chair.

Yesterday's decisions

THE conference agreed:

Full employment must be top priority. No target set.

Speedy introduction of a minimum wage. No level set.

Retain and uprate universal Child Benefit. Review structure of benefits to ensure anyone in work should be better off.

Endorsed the Social Chapter.

Anti-union legislation to be replaced by 'fair and balanced' laws in line with the ILO.

Review of the CSA.

Universal rights to vocational education and training.

Conference rejected:

Renationalisation of gas, water and electricity.

Today's business

Tony Blair will address conference. There will be debates on:

Environment policy, including rural affairs, animal rights and housing.

Internal party business.