UK Progressive Politics, a blog by Alan Ewing

 

 

UK PROGRESSIVE POLITICS

a blog by Alan Ewing

UK PROGRESSIVE POLITICS

a blog by Alan Ewing

For the majority of non-Tories, then progressive politics within the UK means The British Labour Party. At the time of writing the party is stuck in a post-Corbynite vacuum. The road to identity will not be an easy one as the Corbynites continue to be in denial about the 2019 General Election result, Labour’s worst since 1935. Meanwhile the social democratic centre-left has to find a way to remain true to Labour’s vision of equality, while fathoming a way to appeal to what, essentially, is a centre-right country. Tony Blair resolved this in the 1990s and took Labour to a record three-terms of government. The Tory government that Labour faces now is completely different from that which Blair faced.

The Tories have become Keynesian in their governing. The massive public spending and borrowing having been brought about by the Covid pandemic. This has put Labour on the wrong foot. Combined with BREXIT and traditional voter support for it, then the party has found itself in a cul-de-sac. Add to this the lack of trust regarding defence, national security and foreign policy brought about by Jeremy Corbyn, then it becomes clear to see the magnitude of the problem. Another problem is Scotland, where a rampant Scottish Independence Party have ridden the waves of BREXIT as Scotland voted REMAIN.

So where does Labour begin in reconstructing itself as a centre-left social democratic opposition? The place to begin would be from the bottom-up, with Universal Basic Income replacing the cruel Universal Credit, and the Bedroom Tax. This would create a secure, steady income for working people, and also cater for those unable to work. Jobcentres should be helpful career bases, not punitive stations. With welfare, comes the NHS, with pay rises supported by Universal Basic Income, lifting the rate of pay for Doctors and Nurses, while also conducting a review of the hours that they have to work. Dentistry and its shift to the private sector is another area that needs looking at, as well as certain GP fees.

Sound national security and defence policy are essential for any party to be elected to government. And in an age of climate change so is the need for a green economy, for this issue will dominate in years ahead. On Tax, then a fairer system where the billionaires and millionaires pay a great deal more would help with the redistribution of wealth through Universal Basic Income, which must become a cornerstone of Labour policy. This will help in winning back the red wall and Scotland. A post-Brexit policy that changes the deal to move back closer to Europe, while retaining what the people voted for would also make sense. Regarding Israel/Palestine, then Labour’s tradition position has always been for a Two-State solution.

These then are the challenges that Labour faces. It can’t swing back to Blairism, as that was a different time, while Corbynism has failed in the face of a conservative centre-right British nation. Government has to be from the centre. The British Labour Party can do this from the centre-left, and in so doing rediscover its identity as a left-wing social democratic party.

 

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