I notice, not only that George Eaton thinks that
Labour will "survive the next general election as a united force", because of
the "new consensus being forged in the PLP", but also, that he declines to
suggest they can win it (Politics, 28th October, 2016). A wise decision, with
this unity only based on Trident, Nato, constitutional reform such as PR, and an
anti-austerity programme; there have to be more policies which resonate with the
young, and with voters flirting with Ukip or the Greens. A detailed proposal to
regulate private landlordism, and to ensure fair rents, and decent housing for
all, is a must, whilst polls have revealed already the popularity of railway
nationalisation. Miliband made horrendous errors,
but he was right to focus on energy costs, and if all Labour MPs cannot find
common ground in higher taxes for the rich, and tougher legislation on tax
avoidance and evasion, one must question their reasons for being in the party in
the first place.
May`s government will inevitably continue to
support divisive policies, like the return of grammar schools, whilst there will
also be Tory divisions over Brexit, and problems putting the prime minister`s
warm words into practice, so plenty for an opposition to unite against. The
Labour party`s survival should not be the focus of the PLP, but victory in the
next election!
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