Looking beyond the pandemic horizon

There is no doubt this has been a difficult year for the Labour Party and its leadership.

The pandemic has meant that the government dominates the news cycle and is able to set a strong narrative that Labour simply do not have the airtime, capacity, or funds to fight on all fronts. They also have the dilemma that in a time of national crisis, the public want the government to do well because they want to bring an end to the pandemic and be able to get back to their lives. Therefore, Labour have had to walk an incredibly challenging line between criticising the government for clear failures, such as the lack of testing in care homes and the scandal around PPE contracts, whilst not being seen to be over critical in a time where the public demand national unity from their politics (something that is not respected by the other side either). 

However, there have also been clear communication weaknesses from the Labour leadership team, with a lack of coherent messaging and strategy, and a tendency to be too reactive and not proactive enough. The result in the by-election in Batley and Spen today will be highly significant and, after disappointment in Hartlepool in May, even if Labour wins, there needs to be a stronger clearer message and narrative from the party.

This week is not just significant for a by-election, it also marked the resignation of the Health Secretary and the hint of a changing approach from the government. If we are to lift the final restrictions on July 19th, the government seems adamant there is no turning back. Despite a highly successful vaccine roll-out, the pandemic is by no stretch over – and Labour should continue to apply pressure to the failings which have already been highlighted. However, the party needs a message that proves to voters that Labour is ready to tackle some of the long-standing issues that the pandemic has highlighted and to set out a plan that offers a comprehensive alternative.

Coronavirus has led many people to confront how and where they live and work, and how their lifestyles and actions impact on the world around them. It has led to a resurgence of debate around issues such as healthcare, worker’s rights, climate change, housing, and regional inequality. Despite the government’s bluster, it is fundamentally weak on tackling these issues, with piecemeal policy that does not tackle wider structural problems – the failure to hit climate targets being a notable example. As the public feels like it can finally see past the horizon of the pandemic, this is an opportunity for Labour to reflect on the past year and begin to chart its own distinctive path on these policy issues.

A party in opposition is not there only to question and scrutinise the government, it is there to provide an alternative for voters. Labour cannot be continuously guided by others, and they cannot be pushed from pillar to post on policy by simply reacting to news one week to the next. They need to find the balance between keeping their finger to the pulse of the nation and listening to the electorate, whilst defending and championing the values that unite all Labour supporters.

Alice Pleasant
Lansons