John Harris bemoans the fact that "our new political culture has superseded the dominance of what some call centrism", and argues that the welfare state and the "post war education system were basically the work of centrists" (With no centrist path our politics will completely lose its bearings, 27/08/18). It was that education system which designated at least 75% of our children to a largely inferior education in secondary modern schools, a situation which was remedied by the more left-wing, Anthony Crosland. The "centrist" Blair government might have created the minimum wage, but set at such a low level it did nothing to decrease inequality or the pay ratio. "Centrist" Cameron is praised for the "equal marriage" legislation, but his hugely damaging and unnecessary austerity policies, which amongst other things, destroyed the "centrist" creation, Sure Start, conveniently get no mention. What sort of governments created the housing, care and teacher recruitment crises?
This country neither needs nor wants "centrist" policies, which, with their lack of regulation, do lead to "financial crashes", as Harris acknowledges, tenant and worker exploitation, and scant regard for the work done by state employees. What it does need is an end to the rip-off culture which all governments in the last forty years have encouraged, and a move towards a fairer and more just society, starting with increased taxation for the rich, and more state investment and involvement in transport and energy provision. Does Harris really believe a "centrist" government would do any of those things?
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