Jonathan Freedland’s stern warning is justified (Starmer’s government cannot fail because Farage awaits, December 6). A return to parochial nationalism, which blames immigration for Britain’s squeezed living standards and underfunding of public services, could see Labor take over if Starmer’s growth strategy stalls in the coming years. be. President Donald Trump’s protectionism and corporate tax cuts could soon attract more foreign investment into the already strong U.S. economy, further weakening the U.S. economic recovery.
Labor needs to show practical improvements that voters will recognize. Closely related deeper issues also require attention. A period of economic pessimism and disillusionment with traditional British politics leaves many people feeling helpless and unable to control their own destiny. This sentiment is often manipulated by far-right chauvinists who promote social division. To counter this, voters need a personal stake in democracy through collective debate and real experience of true public accountability.
That’s why stronger trade unions, tenant associations and similar local democratic organizations are key to counterbalancing right-wing populism. Labor can do more to support these organizations. Westminster’s measures to improve parliamentary standards and better codes of conduct are welcome, but a broader democratic culture is essential if people are to regain a sense of control over their lives. be. “Delivering” is important, but it is not enough.
john chowcat
kent bridge
Jonathan Friedland is certainly right when he says that people are not fascinated by statistical goals, but by what they perceive to be effective in their daily lives. And messages alone cannot inspire hope. But his call for the current government to provide good for the people remains framed in terms of democracy as what a benevolent ruler can provide to a greedy consumer. In such relationships, the utopian politics of populism is always likely to win.
People turn to the magical thinking of demagogues like Nigel Farage when experience shows that they have no meaningful voice in major democratic decisions. To counter the populist threat, we need to prove that people’s voices really matter. This requires an unprecedented democratic communication strategy aimed at integrating the values and preferences of all communities in the ongoing political dialogue.
Stephen Coleman
Professor of Political Communication, University of Leeds
Jonathan Freedland’s article on lowering the price of essential goods, eggs and milk, reducing NHS waiting lists and seeing GPs may sound short-termist, but that’s what people want, and they’re what people want. can be physically associated. Talk of inflation and the retail price index is not meant to be disrespectful to people who are trying to feed their families, live hand to mouth, and go to their GP. What we want is now, not tomorrow.
Anthony Papadopoulos
brighton
Jonathan Friedland is absolutely right. People do need to see improvements in their lives, but they also need to stop blaming immigrants and asylum seekers for their ills. This Labor government will be at the mercy of popular nationalism, while continuing to use the ugly rhetoric and fear-mongering of the Conservatives and the far right.
Colleen Molloy
leicester
Jonathan Friedland writes about the naivety of our new government. Indeed, what radical governments need is an explanation of who we are and, perhaps more importantly, who our enemies are. Populists recognize this and have succeeded in promoting both.
rodney barker
Professor Emeritus of Government, London School of Economics
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