In the aftermath of Labour's win in #BatleyAndSpen, and in particular the many comments thereon, a thread on the huge the challenges the party faces. 1/11
On all sides of the party there are many people who seek to offer prescriptions of what is needed to revive Labour's fortunes. Their views are strongly held. It seems impossible that evidence, of any kind, will shift them. 2/
The problem is that these strongly-held clear prescriptions, clash. Much of the comment fails to acknowledge that all the 'solutions' face loud, heart-felt opposition within the party. 3/
Here are five of the big issues of the day. The Labour position (by which I mean the position not of the leadership, but the membership and (potential) voters) on each of them is, to deploy understatement, unclear. 4/
1. Brexit. Should we embrace it; seek to improve the operation of the TCA and NI Protocol; seek to join the CU and SM; or rejoin? 5/
2. The economy. Is there a 'magic money tree', what limits should there be on spending, and how should any extra revenue which may be needed be found? 6/
3. Winning elections. Is Labour thinking hard about some sort of progressive alliance? Or does it think it can win alone? 7/
4. COVID. What does Labour's version of 'living with the virus' mean? What steps will it take for health, education, etc? 8/
5. Culture wars and identity politics. Somehow, Labour has yet to fashion a narrative in response to Conservative 'will of the people' flag-waving. 9/
What's most depressing is that these (in some cases difficult) issues are rarely debated (at least openly).
Instead, we see a proxy war, centred around personalities - Corbyn, Blair, Starmer, Burnham, Rayner etc. 10/
Instead, we see a proxy war, centred around personalities - Corbyn, Blair, Starmer, Burnham, Rayner etc. 10/
In an environment where the various sides, each convinced of their own position, are failing to talk to each other, it is difficult to see progress can be made. 11/11
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