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The Brendan O'Neill Show

299: Liam Halligan: Why Labour isn’t working

Sep 19, 2024
Liam Halligan, a columnist for the Sunday Telegraph and co-host of Planet Normal, discusses the Labour government's early missteps and the challenges ahead. He critiques their approach to the housing crisis and warns against chasing the elusive 'center ground.' The conversation dives into the impact of tribalism on political debate, and the risks posed by net-zero policies. Halligan also highlights the disconnect between mainstream media and the views of disillusioned voters, arguing for a more representative political discourse.
01:11:17

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Labour government's support is superficial, driven primarily by opposition to the Tories rather than genuine public approval or enthusiasm.
  • Starmer's leadership contrasts sharply with Blair's era, as current policies lack the ambition and trust that once characterized the Labour Party.

Deep dives

Shallow Support for the Labour Government

The current support for the Labour government is characterized as broad but shallow, largely stemming from a sentiment of 'not being the Tories.' Despite obtaining a significant majority in the July 2024 general election, the party garnered fewer votes than its predecessors under Jeremy Corbyn in 2017 and 2019, marking a concerning decline in genuine public support. The recent electoral results indicate a troubling disconnect, as a substantial majority of voters, approximately 80%, did not choose Labour, revealing a loveless relationship between the party and the electorate. This sentiment is compounded by actions that have alarmed both those who supported and opposed Labour, suggesting potential volatility in their political standing moving forward.

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