This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7630567.stm

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 22 Version 23
Brown's message for Labour rebels Brown's message for Labour rebels
(10 minutes later)
Gordon Brown has said it is Labour's "duty" to focus on the challenges facing the country not the party's internal disagreements.Gordon Brown has said it is Labour's "duty" to focus on the challenges facing the country not the party's internal disagreements.
In his keynote speech to the Labour Party conference in Manchester, Mr Brown said he wanted to build a new "fair society" for all.In his keynote speech to the Labour Party conference in Manchester, Mr Brown said he wanted to build a new "fair society" for all.
And he announced that from next year people with cancer will not pay prescription charges in a £250m move. And he announced that from next year people with cancer will not pay prescription charges.
In a surprise move, he was introduced to delegates by wife Sarah.In a surprise move, he was introduced to delegates by wife Sarah.
After a lengthy ovation, Mrs Brown praised her husband's motivation to work for the "best interests of the people" before introducing video clips depicting key moments of his premiership.After a lengthy ovation, Mrs Brown praised her husband's motivation to work for the "best interests of the people" before introducing video clips depicting key moments of his premiership.
ApologyApology
Mr Brown began the speech by apologising for scrapping the 10p tax band.Mr Brown began the speech by apologising for scrapping the 10p tax band.
My children aren't props; they're people Gordon Brown > Is Brown still under threat?Conference at-a-glanceSend us your comments My children aren't props; they're people Gordon Brown Is Brown still under threat?Conference at-a-glanceSend us your comments
"What happened with 10p stung me because it really hurt that suddenly people felt I wasn't on the side of people on middle and modest incomes - because on the side of hard working families is the only place I've ever wanted to be. And from now on it's the only place I ever will be.""What happened with 10p stung me because it really hurt that suddenly people felt I wasn't on the side of people on middle and modest incomes - because on the side of hard working families is the only place I've ever wanted to be. And from now on it's the only place I ever will be."
And in a highly personal passage, he took a swipe at politicians who use their families to gain media coverage, saying: "My children aren't props; they're people."And in a highly personal passage, he took a swipe at politicians who use their families to gain media coverage, saying: "My children aren't props; they're people."
The prime minister is trying to reassert his authority over the party and bury talk of a leadership challenge.The prime minister is trying to reassert his authority over the party and bury talk of a leadership challenge.
'Fair chances''Fair chances'
He is spelling out a vision of "a Britain of fair chances for all and fair rules applied to all".He is spelling out a vision of "a Britain of fair chances for all and fair rules applied to all".
He repeated his plan to extend free nursery places for all two-year-olds over the next 10 years - and he pledged to enshrine in law Labour's promise to end child poverty.He repeated his plan to extend free nursery places for all two-year-olds over the next 10 years - and he pledged to enshrine in law Labour's promise to end child poverty.
And he unveiled a £300m plan to offer free computers and internet access for more than a million children from low income families to boost their chances in the jobs market.And he unveiled a £300m plan to offer free computers and internet access for more than a million children from low income families to boost their chances in the jobs market.
Sarah Brown introduced her husband before his speechSarah Brown introduced her husband before his speech
And he said that in addition to free prescriptions for cancer sufferers, charges would also be waived for anyone suffering from a long-term illness.And he said that in addition to free prescriptions for cancer sufferers, charges would also be waived for anyone suffering from a long-term illness.
Mr Brown also hailed Labour's latest crackdowns on benefit cheats and crime.Mr Brown also hailed Labour's latest crackdowns on benefit cheats and crime.
"The dole is only for those looking for work or actively preparing for it. That's only fair to the people pulling their weight."The dole is only for those looking for work or actively preparing for it. That's only fair to the people pulling their weight.
"And let me be clear about the new Labour policy on crime; taking action on the causes of crime will never mean indulging those who perpetrate it. Fairness demands that we both punish and prevent.""And let me be clear about the new Labour policy on crime; taking action on the causes of crime will never mean indulging those who perpetrate it. Fairness demands that we both punish and prevent."
'Tory novices''Tory novices'
He also launched an attack on Conservative shadow chancellor George Osborne, saying he could not be trusted to run the economy.He also launched an attack on Conservative shadow chancellor George Osborne, saying he could not be trusted to run the economy.
"I am all in favour of apprenticeships, but let me tell you this is no time for a novice," Mr Brown told delegates to loud applause."I am all in favour of apprenticeships, but let me tell you this is no time for a novice," Mr Brown told delegates to loud applause.
He said the Tories had nothing to offer for the future "because they are still prisoners of the their past".He said the Tories had nothing to offer for the future "because they are still prisoners of the their past".
And he hit back at Tory claims society is "broken," saying: "I think it's the best country in the world - I believe in Britain."And he hit back at Tory claims society is "broken," saying: "I think it's the best country in the world - I believe in Britain."
The speech comes amid continued speculation about a challenge from Foreign Secretary David Miliband.The speech comes amid continued speculation about a challenge from Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
LIVE COVERAGE There will be live text coverage of Gordon Brown's speech, including all the build-up and reaction afterwards, starting from 1300 BST Miliband feared 'Heseltine moment'Read Nick Robinson's blogLIVE COVERAGE There will be live text coverage of Gordon Brown's speech, including all the build-up and reaction afterwards, starting from 1300 BST Miliband feared 'Heseltine moment'Read Nick Robinson's blog
During his speech on Monday, Mr Miliband praised Mr Brown twice, but for past achievements, and spoke of the need for "leadership from the party of change".During his speech on Monday, Mr Miliband praised Mr Brown twice, but for past achievements, and spoke of the need for "leadership from the party of change".
Afterwards, when his staff told him that his speech was being given six marks out of 10, Mr Miliband replied: "I couldn't have gone any further. It would have been a Heseltine moment."Afterwards, when his staff told him that his speech was being given six marks out of 10, Mr Miliband replied: "I couldn't have gone any further. It would have been a Heseltine moment."
Mr Miliband, who has gone out of his way to call for Labour to unite behind Mr Brown, was apparently referring to one of the occasions when Michael Heseltine challenged the leadership of Margaret Thatcher.Mr Miliband, who has gone out of his way to call for Labour to unite behind Mr Brown, was apparently referring to one of the occasions when Michael Heseltine challenged the leadership of Margaret Thatcher.
A succession of cabinet ministers and delegates at the conference have called for unity, after a week in which 13 Labour MPs - one of them a minister - called for a leadership contest.A succession of cabinet ministers and delegates at the conference have called for unity, after a week in which 13 Labour MPs - one of them a minister - called for a leadership contest.
Mr Miliband described the BBC story about the overheard conversation as "hearsay" with "absolutely no basis" and he said the BBC "should know better than that".Mr Miliband described the BBC story about the overheard conversation as "hearsay" with "absolutely no basis" and he said the BBC "should know better than that".