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In many ways I feel we have come full circle. In 1997 at the start of the Labour government there was tremendous optimism and hope and the country was in a state of positive delirium. Though a Labour government has indeed achieved many things, including massive investment in schools and the NHS, introduction of the working tax credits to alleviate poverty and the minimum wage there are things I feel the party at all levels needs to reflect on. The key battle ground at the next election may well be trust-yes that word again, that so haunted the previous Conservative government.
Currently we are in the middle of the worst economic crisis probably for a generation-the depth and severity of which may well be more prolonged than at first thought. Perhaps the most intangible problem is the eventual true cost of the banks' bailout. The one consolation, however, is that one day we can hope we return profits from selling government stakes in these institutions - but that will not be any time soon. The up-shot is that politicians need to be up front and honest about the situation. With falling revenues for the Exchequer, and increased unemployment, the maths is simple: either raise taxes or cut spending-or indeed both.
“If it means saying sorry, we must do it. Not the Cameron way, but in the true way.”
I was heartened to hear that Labour are contemplating a new 45% tax rate for those earning over £150,000. You could argue that this is 'old' Labour - but it's what many Labour supporters wished was done earlier. Boris Johnson, London Mayor, at once stated we shouldn't clobber the rich. Why the hell not? Labour needs to do more to provide real distinction from the Tories-and this is one way.
I would like to have seen Labour do more to tackle the issue of debt head on. Many people are asking why the economy needs to run on borrowed money in the first place. Why can't we as a country aspire to live within our means? No interest payments, no debt and no bailiffs. Sounds like heaven, no? Why can't we balance our budgets? Surely it's better to run a VW Golf (that you own) than to borrow beyond your means for a Bentley? Especially if it's going to be repossessed!
Trust has also been slowly declining since the Iraq war and the subsequent unsuccessful attempts at trying to explain the decision. Many people are still hurting that a Labour government firstly allowed it to happen but did so ignoring the vast majority of public opinion. Since then we have also had certain ministers claiming huge expenses, which may well be within the letter of the law but not what is expected of elected officials. In my view Tony McNulty, should hand back the 60 or so thousand pounds he claimed for his parents house while having another home not so far down the road. This saps trust of the public, who expect and indeed deserve better judgement.
So what must Labour do to win again? I would argue it needs to be honest and go back to the traditional Labour values. Where mistakes have been made, let us hold our hands up, learn and move on. If it means saying sorry, we must do it. Not the Cameron way, but in the true way. This may go a long way in winning back the trust of the people.
Photo source: Kmiec Ramblings
Opinions expressed on this group blog are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Blackburn Labour Party.
