10 Questions for Number 10
The Labour Government really does need to take a long hard look at its policies for the next decade if it is to renew itself in office. Here are ten questions I think we should be asking for the future. I know there are lots more – please get in touch if you have ideas of your own.
First, how are we going to meet the challenges of climate change? This is the world’s biggest problem and the reason David Cameron has prioritised it is that key groups of voters already understand this: young people and swing voters. In half the most marginal Labour-held seats, the Green Party vote is bigger than the majority.
Second, what is our vision of a good childhood? Of course Labour has made huge strides in tackling child poverty, providing childcare and Sure Start, but the reason the Archbishop of Canterbury is leading the headlines is that worries about children’s mental illness, consumerism and pressure tap into peoples’ everyday experience. When I was at the Children’s Society we spent a whole year preparing for this inquiry and I’m glad they’ve now found the money to carry the work forward because it’s centred on the children’s needs not the interests of the institutions or service providers.
Thirdly, people are interested in how to provide for a secure old age. Who will look after my Granny? How will we pay for her care?
Fourthly, the real security issue is how do we manage the tension between security and liberty? We all want both, and we have to strike a balance. But it is not yet clear that we have yet used all the ‘soft’ forms of power which help enhance security without threatening liberty.
Fifthly, in a globalised world is it helpful to consider economic prosperity, foreign policy, and security and migration in separate silos? The recent major waves of migration from new EU member states are not a security problem. Overall, open borders promote economic growth, but, disaggregated, the impact between low paid workers, the migrants themselves and the middle classes who are the main beneficiaries tells a more complex story. The choice is how to manage and sequence liberalisation in the best interest of communities.
Sixthly, how do we balance individual human rights and group cultural rights in a multicultural society, so that we promote both cohesion and diversity? Is equality the key hinge here?
Seventh, how do we ensure dynamic rural economies which are not just theme parks for visitors? Farmers have an essential role in shaping the landscape: do we need to control the supermarkets behaviour to ensure sustainability?
Eighth, do people have a right to medical treatments irrespective of the cost?
Ninth, how do we ensure everyone has a decent and affordable home?
Tenth, can we change the relationship between people, politicians and the media to strengthen democratic accountability and reduce the over-exposure of celebrities and trivia?
I am not saying this list is exhaustive, but at a focus group I held recently these questions about personal quality of life were high on the agenda and people had a real capacity and desire to imagine different futures. We should engage with them to re-energise our programme.
