I was at the TUC Congress in Brighton last week, and had an amazing time!

The debates were completely different to the way we do them in NUS and most student unions… Where we have a timed speech in favour, speech against, in favour, against again, and so on, the TUC just have speeches (the debates I watched were all in favour) with no set time limit! Several times, the Chair had to ask delegates taking speeches to make them as short as possible - as far as I could tell, this had no impact at all!! As I understand it, they do the debates in this way because everything in sorted out in compositing so consensus is created before the motions even make it onto Congress floor. I explained how we do it, and I don't think they believed me!

Another difference is the way in which fringe meetings operate. The order paper saw each day begin at 9.30am, break at lunch time for fringe meetings (all pre-booked and inserted into the order paper), reconvene at 2ish and then stop again at 5 for more fringe meetings. Topics for fringe meetings ranged from global poverty to the repeal of anti-trade unions laws, employment legislation to the launch of a feminist charter, and there were at least 10 to pick from each session, as well as the receptions which were hosted every evening.

I went to a fringe meeting in most sessions, and I think my favourite was the feminist charter - I haven't got my notes on me right now so will have to do a separate post on it another time, but I am very excited about it :) Put simply, the charter encompasses all the demands that women's groups, campaigns and organisations have been fighting for, and the proposers hope that this will be a starting point to re-create a united women's movement... Sign me up!

Those of you who watched any footage of the Congress will be aware that they had two prominent guest speakers - Blair and Clarke. I managed to watch both of them speak and, to be completely honest, have to say that not only did Mr Education get a better reception, but he also gave a better speech. The atmosphere when Blair spoke was flat at best and downright hostile at worst! He got a round of applause when he spoke about the minimum wage, another when he attacked Howard, but apart from that the feeling seemed to be that Blair is not, has never been and never will be "one of theirs". Not one of his best efforts! I went to a fringe immediately after which had all the fire, passion and determination sadly lacking from the Blair's speech. Trade Unionists for Prime Minister!!

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