Cities and regions such as Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and parts of Yorkshire where Labour has flourished because of the attitude of the local party activists and leaders.
GMB union Regional Political Officer, Neil Smith, urges Labour to listen to the people that matter.
Austerity, Brexit and lies shifted people to the right
Lessons for Labour page one: Let’s get back to our roots. Return to our original reason for existing. Listen to the people who matter, those who voted Atlee, Wilson and Blair into power in search of a New Jerusalem in this green and pleasant land.
The problem we have at the moment is that the nations and regions of the UK are not green or pleasant for working people. They are far from it because of the policies and actions of Tory governments of the last 11 years. Austerity, Brexit and lies have created a shift for too many people to the far right in their attitude towards our society. Cuts in services have undermined confidence in the public sector and has helped breed contempt and aggression towards public servants.
The corruption and nepotism attached to the Covid-19 pandemic and the blatant greed of the ruling politicians is undermining our democracy. Incompetence and buffoonery are seen as endearing when it comes to the Prime Minister, as promoted by the right-wing elements of the media.
All this yet the opposition is floundering in elections and polls. The Labour Party is not seen as a credible alternative as seen in recent results. Except of course it isn’t all results.
Labour candidates success when representing our communities
Lesson for Keir Starmer and Labour page two: Look around and smell the scent of victory. Success for Labour candidates that are seen as representative of our communities and people. New and old politicians who identify with Labour traditions and promote alternative economic and social strategies. Who in turn are identified as credible by voters?
Cities and regions such as Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and parts of Yorkshire where Labour has flourished because of the attitude of the local party activists and leaders.
Tackle issues the public see as priorities
Remember when the governing Labour Party tackled the issues that the public saw as priorities. Renowned for tackling poverty, improving education, creating, and supporting with resources the NHS, ensuring full employment, building much needed social housing. This is not naivety to suggest it is easy as we know the world has changed, but those are still things we need, and voters want. Labour needs to return to their traditional and original targets and to the route that carried it to victory in the past and Keir Starmer needs to look listen and learn. End of lesson for now.
Neil Smith
Political Officer
GMB union
North West & Irish Region
80 St Georges Road
Bolton
BL1 2DD
Tel: 01204 523011