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David Miliband sets out vision for victory
VISION FOR VICTORY ... South Shields MP David Miliband.
SOUTH Shields MP David Miliband says Labour needs a “restless rethinking” of its purpose and policies if it is to return to power.
In his highest-profile move into the political frontline since being defeated by his brother Ed in the 2010 Labour leadership poll, the former foreign secretary set out his vision for the party.
He said Labour must admit “loud and clear” where it got things wrong while in power, but, in what may be seen as a defence of New Labour against his brother’s criticisms, he insisted that the party must assert that its positives between 1997 and 2010 “far outstripped the mistakes”.
Mr Miliband was careful to praise his younger brother’s leadership, but his decision to set out his own thoughts on Labour’s future direction, in an essay in the New Statesman, inevitably sparked speculation that he has not ruled out a return to the party’s top ranks.
Mr Miliband told the publication that his brother should be given credit for preventing disunity in Labour ranks since the 2010 general election defeat, had shown he understands the need for a policy rethink and had spoken “powerfully and correctly” about welfare.
But he warned that there were elements within Labour who wanted to respond to defeat by retreating to “big state” social democracy.
Labour must show they are “reformers of the state and not just its defenders”.
Mr Miliband’s plan included:
* balancing the aim of equality with an embrace of the ideas of merit, rights and responsibilities;
* support for devolution of power to local communities;
* “a politics of economic growth, not just redistribution and regulation”, and;
* continued modernisation of party structures – possibly including open primaries for mayoral candidates
He said Labour must learn from former leader Tony Blair’s example and update its approach while remaining true to its beliefs.
“We said that it was vital to reform the statement of our principles to reflect what we believed.
“We changed our policy, better to fulfil our values, not abandon them.
“That is what we have to do again – not because we have changed but because the world has changed.”
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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Comments
There are 3 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
bohemianblogger
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 03:12 PMIf you're not middle class, theyre not interested! Both Labour and Unions have knifed the working class of Britain in the back and David 5 jobs just adds that twists to the blade. I want to see someone standing up to represent the true working class of Britain, yet again we are forgotten or should I say ignored. Representative Labour politicians taking multiple jobs, Unions piulling high salaried teachers on strike leaving parents no choice but to take a day off work, which the working class can ill afford, the list goes on and it absolutely sickens me.
geordie999
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 04:56 PMAgree Boldon Lad new labour it seems only cares about what it can make for itself ?
BoldonLad
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 04:27 PMWell, he has certainly managed to make himself richer, so maybe he can work some of this magic for the rest of us, maybe show us how to exploit a few tax "loopholes" so we do not have to pay as much tax, or get nice little earners like £50,000 for a few dasy work. Yes, I am sure he can help us all to be better capitalists.
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