We will have a new Labour leader today.
Whichever Miliband brother it is there is a clear need for them to move Labour left.
Let’s be honest: that won’t be hard. But I note the old beasts are still fighting back — saying Labour must follow the neoliberal line.
They’re wrong.
People are frightened in this country.
Frightened of what neoliberalism is doing to the country. What it is doing to them. To those all around them.
I believe a large number value and want what the state supplies.
I believe a large number will be willing to pay for it.
I believe Labour has to give them that choice.
And it must argue for jobs.
For investment.
For a Green New Deal.
For tax justice.
For regulated banks.
For greater equality.
For more progressive taxation.
For more opportunity for most, not great opportunity for a few.
Most of all it must say people come first.
That means people before the City.
But also people having a right to be heard — yes — liberty is key.
And if that’s to happen Labour needs to commit to democracy — electoral reform, reform of the Lords, a commitment to a free press, a commitment to letting people earn their livings in their own businesses if they want, a commitment to people having a right to work for fair pay, a commitment to supporting the weakest in communities- and giving real opportunity to the rest and expecting them within reason to take it, a commitment to justice that is affordable and a commitment to equality that lets people feel proud to be members of their community. A commitment to fair tax for all, not just some. A commitment to providing essential services free at the point of supply. A commitment to the state when it is the best mechanism to supply services (as so often it is). A commitment to the employees of the state — and to treat them as respected members of the community, which is not the case under this government. And a commitment to business when it can perform best. A commitment to honour free speech, association and the right to dissent, to organise and protest. A commitment to deliver a state that enhances the well being of ordinary people above all else in this country — even if at the expense of some with power and influence.
That’s what moving left means.
That’s what this country wants.
It’s a benchmark tested by jobs being available, housing being affordable, pensions being meaningful, education delivering opportunity, health care liberating those who really suffer. And yet more than that — it’s tested by people feeling that they belong. That they can, as a result of what the government does, live without fear: the fear of inability, unemployment, homelessness, ill health, old age, misfortune and exclusion. And which then lets them take the risks that vibrant communities both encourage and foster.
That’s what a new Labour leader has to deliver.
That’s the benchmark I’m setting.
It’s ambitious.
It is deliverable.
It’s what I want a government to do.
I hope a Miliband can.
Thanks for reading this post.
You can share this post on social media of your choice by clicking these icons:
You can subscribe to this blog's daily email here.
And if you would like to support this blog you can, here:
“It’s what I want a government to do.”
Me too!
[…] And gives the best chance of delivery of what I want. […]
Trouble is that Labour will not now get into Government to do this
@Stephen Griffiths
A man wins a big mandate outside the Westminster village and you say he has no chance of taking the country with him?
Why
DM offered Blair again – the nightmare scenario of no choice at all in the UK electoral system
Ed offers the prospect of real change
Of course that does not guarantee success
But a guarantee of ConDem continuity is worse
The mandate was from the Unions not the members or MPs
@Stephen Griffiths
Respectfully, that’s nonsense
I’m not a member of the Labour party
But I respect it’s right to set its electoral rules to reflect those who support it – on a one person one vote basis
The Tories allow this influence by granting peerages and the like
The Labour party is explicit, chose to create an electoral college and has used it
The only gripe is that the election was not maybe one member one vot with each weighted equally – when Ed won hands down
But to say the result was in any way a union win is daft – it was a win for Labour party democracy to get more than 300,000 people voting
And a sure sign of his appeal in the country amongst people who will be hit very hard by this government
Have to say I am really pleased. Back to the party lead by Kinnock, which had one distinguishing feature – it was unelectable!