"We need a story of growth that isn't aridly told from 30,000 feet, but speaks to the lived experience and to the prospects and opportunities of workers in the everyday economy. A sense of people progressing in their lives, of being invested in, is the absolute foundation stone of curbing disaffection with the incumbent parties and therefore doing something to turn the tide of populism."
"Calling on the government to devolve more power to regional mayors and prioritise investment in skills, training, transport and affordable housing, Haldane said it was self evident that a change in course was required. No governing party since 1983 has seen its polling fall so far in its first year in power. Support for Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK has surged, with backing from more than a quarter of voters."
"Earlier this year Haldane told the Guardian that the Reform leader was the closest Britain had to a tribune for the working class, as he warned Labour to do more to invest in struggling local areas. Starmer has said Britain will never surrender to far-right protesters who use the English flag as cover for violence and intimidation, after Saturday's march in central London and a summer of flag demonstrations."
Labour's current economic approach is failing many left-behind communities, contributing to voter neglect, disenfranchisement and rising support for far-right populism. A clear, grounded growth narrative is needed that links national strategy to everyday workers' prospects and shows tangible life progression. Greater devolution of powers to regional mayors and targeted investment in skills, training, transport and affordable housing are presented as priorities to revive local economies. Polling shows historic early-term declines for the governing party and surging support for Reform UK. Immediate policy reorientation before the autumn budget is urged to restore trust and curb disaffection.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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