I’ve been voting Labour for as long as I can remember. For the last few elections (at least three) I have had misgivings about their manifestos and leaders, but in a constituency where it’s historically been a two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives, I have voted for Labour.
I’ve recently written to my MP to say that this is no longer the case, and I want to explain why. I write this not to criticise, but more as an honest plea for a change of direction, so Labour becomes a party I can happily vote for again.
Don’t get me wrong, Labour has already implemented some very good policies after only months in office. Yet when I examine why I feel as I do, the root cause is my feeling that Labour has lost its sense of conscience, pursuing a set of technocratic policies which no longer appear to spring from a set of principles, a sense of soul.
Labour’s leaders: jumping on any criticism
I write this in some trepidation. On social media, let alone in the press, the last two Labour leaders have been the subject of considerable division, even among those who would define their politics as being on the left. When the previous government was in office, on social media I deliberately steered clear of such debates, thinking that they were harmful and a distraction from getting rid of what I considered to be a rotten government.
On social media in particular, the debate has been often extremely vicious between people who are nominally on the same side. Jeremy Corbyn had a set of champions who jumped on any criticism of his policy or behaviour and much vitriol was exchanged between ‘Corbynistas’ and ‘Starmerites’. Now Sir Keir has his own coterie of diehard supporters, who jump on every criticism and argue that he is playing n-dimensional chess or acting as a modern-day Hercules, cleaning up the Conservative Augean Stables.
The language too is toxic, with people dismissing other adults as ‘children’ and resorting to crude insults. Some people I previously respected have become boring with their tireless pouncing upon anyone who dares to complain.
Calling for a change of direction: cost of living policies
I wrote previously about the Winter Fuel Allowance. While I think there is a case for more means testing, I believe the cut-off point was too crude and would cause hardship to many. I’m pleased to see that the government has listened and revised this recently. But there are still several issues where a change of direction is called for.
On top of cuts in several other areas (see below), people are also being hit by swingeing price rises in utility bills. Regulators like Ofgem and Ofwat are spineless and wholly ineffective. People on limited budgets simply cannot afford price rises in double digit percentages by companies which are exemplars of mismanagement and naked profiteering (even before their benefits are cut). Yet uncapped bankers’ bonuses are OK again.
Benefit cuts harm the disadvantaged
The announcements on cutting the benefits budget are, for me, the most egregious policy choice. I understand that the new government inherited a terrible mess from the Conservatives, but I don’t feel that this policy is true to the principles on which Labour was founded. I think the party’s soul is about leaving no one behind, and the repetitive rhetoric about ‘working people’ is a slur and insult to those who, through no fault of their own, are incapable of working.
I don’t accept the arguments about the need to tackle disability benefits. If the changes to assessments are really because Labour are trying to improve the process, the approach should be simply about achieving that. Plucking an arbitrary figure out of the air to make ‘savings’ makes a mockery of this claim. I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to reassure and comfort friends and relatives who are both distraught and terrified by what this government is doing. If there is a budget deficit to be met the amount in question could be met by the amount that HMRC allow to go unchecked via tax evasion. The failure to make a noise about this or to consider a wealth tax feels all wrong to me.
Immigration policy for the right?
Keir Starmer’s recent announcements on immigration are another case in point. Those who defend Starmer’s speech point to the fact that Labour is keeping a manifesto pledge. While true, this is a deflection in my opinion. I’m all in favour of a sensible immigration policy. Despite their bluster, the Conservatives didn’t have one. Yet there’s no need for the accompanying rhetoric. It feels like Labour is more interested in chasing voters who have moved to Reform, while continuing to take hitherto stalwart supporters for granted. I don’t want to hear a party that uses language redolent of the Daily Mail. Labour’s press team needs replacing along with Morgan McSweeney, the chief SPAD.
Principled foreign policy
The lack of advocacy for ending the suffering in Gaza is horrifying and inhumane. I reject the relative silence on this issue. Silence is complicity.
Despite the positive recent deal with the EU, I’d like to see some statement of intent for our future in Europe. This would include a change to Labour’s Brexit red lines. Labour defenders argue rightly that rejoining the EU will be a long process. They also argue that declaring this would be a red rag to a hostile media, but I don’t accept that Labour of all parties should not be vocal about its principles. I’m yearning to see some conviction instead of political expediency.
A return to defined principles
My plea therefore is for Labour to show more sense of principle in its policies and actions. I don’t doubt the massive task they face after so many years of dismal government. I understand that it can’t all be fixed at once, but at present I’m not convinced that the issues most important to me are high enough on the agenda, if they are on it at all.
I wrote to my MP recently explaining these concerns and will be doing so quarterly, to explain what I’m hoping to see instead. I feel that the Overton Window needs to shift back towards the left a lot, but my patience is at an end.
I’m sure I’ll attract some flak for writing this, possibly even lose a few friends. I’m expecting to be called naïve, stupid, a child, but I’m not remaining silent any longer. I need to see that Labour still has a soul, to know for sure what principles it espouses. The recent spending review is a step in the right direction for me, and I’d like to see more of this.
I won’t use the ‘Red Tory’ rhetoric of more extreme detractors, but will simply plead that both in actions, and especially in rhetoric, we will see more daylight between Labour and the right-wing parties. The argument ‘vote Labour or get a Tory’ won’t wash any more.
I live in hope – but only just.
