In good times, people turn to Left wing parties, in bad times, they say, well, possibly Left-wing parties can't make those tough decisions... We've got to buck that trend

I suppose not everyone has a dad who wrote a book saying he didn't believe in the Parliamentary road to socialism.

Let the message go out - a new generation has taken charge of Labour which is optimistic about our country, optimistic about our world, optimistic about the power of politics. We are optimistic and together we will change Britain.

Think of how we challenged the impression that we taxed for its own sake and that we were hostile to business. We were right to change.

And think of how we challenged the idea of a male dominated Parliament with All-Women shortlists and made the cause of gender equality central to our government. We were right to do so.

Freedom and opportunity are precious gifts and the purpose of our politics is to expand them, for all our people.

This is a proud day and an important step forward in the fight for equality in Britain. The overwhelming majority of Labour MPs supported this change to make sure marriage reflects the value we place on long-term, loving relationships whoever you love.