We know what today’s Labour Party is not. It is not anti-Semitic. It is not in favour of Jeremy Corbyn standing as a Labour candidate. It is mostly not unpatriotic. It is mostly not in favour of public sector strikes but negotiated settlements. The list of tepid stances goes on.
More policy specifics needed…
We know what it is for. A series of missionary positions were announced today; growth, making the UK a green energy superpower, safer streets, an improved NHS, raising education standards. Laudable aims with a long-term approach advocated, but details to follow.
After today’s speech by Starmer, are voters any clearer where Labour really stands on tax and spend, poorly delivered public services including the NHS, business friendly policies, levelling up, immigration, a renewed relationship with Europe? Are they for the individual versus the State or vice versa?
Labour’s lack of definition is ok for now, but not as we get closer to the election. The Tories will raise their game and, with plenty of money to back them, will uncover the discrepancies at the heart of Starmer’s Labour Party, not least a focus on his backing of Corbyn for 4 years.
You will know what the Tories stand for; Brexit, public sector reform, ultimately the goal of lower taxes, and some element of social conservatism. And an unforgettable reputation for general economic incompetence, which Sunak will struggle to overcome. They really can’t get away with the goal of halving inflation by the way which, statistically, will happen anyway!
None of this may matter, of course. The public is heartedly sick of the Tories currently, Starmer’s dull competence is rightly in vogue, and luck seems to be with him. Not just the Tories’ implosion but Nicola Sturgeon’s imminent departure must surely be worth a few extra Labour seats in Scotland.
Is this enough? Probably, but if I were Labour, I wouldn’t take the risk. Time to listen to that old master, Tony Blair, one feels and deliver some memorable specifics now.
Inside Right Politics 