Jim McMahon

I beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for the co-operative sector. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Turner, in this important debate. I pay tribute to those leading this great movement in our co-operative societies, our mutuals and the Co-operative party, of which I am proud to be the chair. My thanks go to the national executive committee and to our general secretary, Joe Fortune, and his team for their tireless work in growing and strengthening co-operation across the United Kingdom. This year, as we mark the UN International Year of Co-operatives, it is fitting to reflect on the difference that co-operation makes, and the extraordinary opportunities available to us. The roots of our movement run deep, back to 1844 and the Rochdale pioneers: 27 working people who, through solidarity, challenged exploitation and built something that was lasting.[Official Report, 22 October 2025; Vol. 773, c. 4WC.] (Correction) Their values of open membership, democratic control, member participation, autonomy and education all remain a living framework for economic democracy today. If their call to give working people power and a voice was important then, I think we can all agree that that call is ever more urgent today.