The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Are Labour "clutching at straws" on growth?
Jan 30, 2025
George Eaton, Senior Editor at the New Statesman, and Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Political Editor, dive into the dynamics of Labour's recent growth speech. They discuss whether the party's efforts are genuine or merely a change in rhetoric. The duo also tackles the charisma gap surrounding leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, revealing how this impacts voter connection. Additionally, they explore the media’s treatment of the Liberal Democrats, highlighting the challenges of gaining coverage in a tense political atmosphere.
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Labour's Growth Pivot
- Labour's economic focus has shifted from a gloomy outlook to emphasizing growth.
- This shift aims to address concerns about wages, living standards, and public services.
Oxford-Cambridge Corridor
- Labour's proposed Oxford-Cambridge corridor is not a new idea; it has existed for decades.
- This raises concerns about recycling old ideas and a focus on the South East, neglecting other regions.
Contradictory Policies
- Labour's growth announcements appear contradictory, like Heathrow expansion versus Net Zero commitment.
- This seeming panic reflects the tension between economic growth and environmental concerns.