This has been an awful few weeks with terror attacks and the tragic, seemingly preventable Grenfell Tower fire. Such horrors, of course, demand a political response and it is a challenge for politicians to strike the right balance when the scale and frequency of events is almost overwhelming.
Despite media criticism, mostly they have got it right but there is much to do and the past few weeks in several ways are speeding up a desire for a new narrative in politics. Gone is the reluctant acceptance of austerity, as the belief becomes more widespread that sacrifices over the past decade have been unfairly shared.
Consequently, there is growing support for the Labour Party’s priorities. Corbyn rides high after the election result, whilst unsurprisingly Theresa May is a diminished figure with many predicting her demise, some say imminently. The Queen’s Speech simply confirms her vulnerability. So this week’s comment is an attempt to put some perspective into aspects of political discourse.
First, Labour’s economic priorities. Scandalously under analysed during the election, they need to be challenged as they will ultimately impoverish the very people they seek to support. The Conservative Party must win back the economic argument for backing business, keeping taxes as low as possible and helping people with their aspirations. None of this involves a lack of focus on protecting the vulnerable. The Conservatives simply need a fresh approach, making the case for the above, combined with thoughtful arguments for long-term investment in public services in return for legitimate reform.
And, for all the disastrous missteps Theresa May has made, there is no credible successor yet visible and until there is, she should stay in place. Those commentators who demand her head now are mistaken. Her faults have been endlessly explored but she often starts from good intentions and she should be allowed time to develop a new narrative on Europe, adopting a more consensual, even at times cross-party approach to the terms of Brexit. She should also be allowed to pursue her genuine desire to make some aspects of capitalism work better for all stakeholders which at least, if poorly presented in the past, touches on the more legitimate aspects of Corbyn’s agenda.
We certainly do not need another election when the Conservative Party as a whole could be rightly blamed for the current mess we are in. Those hoping to lead the Conservative Party should use their time wisely to work on a new narrative; re-balancing the impact of austerity, investing in the fabric of the country and embracing a new partnership with Europe. It says a good deal when Ken Clarke, aged 76 and Father of the House, still often remains the most credible voice of moderate, pro-European, but often radical Conservatism, a model for future leadership candidates to contemplate…
Inside Right Politics 