Angela Rayner Calls for Labour to Fulfill Change Promise as Deadline Looms
In a powerful speech delivered last night, Labour's former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner intensified the debate about the party's future, urging immediate action to deliver the change promised to the British people. She emphasized that voters opted for Labour to transform a system they see as rigged against their interests, disillusioned by a government that failed to stand up for them.
Bold Actions and Core Values
Rayner asserted that the Labour party excels when it embraces boldness, steadfastly upholds its values, and demonstrates tangible delivery. She stressed that the driving mission must be to represent working people, confronting vested interests head-on without hesitation. Examples cited include the employment rights bill, which provided stronger rights and security for millions after decades of low pay and insecurity, the Renters' Rights Act that banned no-fault evictions and curbed rent hikes, and the draft leasehold and commonhold bill aimed at capping ground rents and addressing excessive charges.
Addressing Public Perception and Systemic Challenges
However, Rayner acknowledged a critical issue: the public perceives Labour as defending the status quo and aligning with the establishment rather than challenging it. She called for the party to proudly showcase achievements that reflect Labour values, driven by a commitment to do what is right. Yet, she warned this is insufficient to prove the ability to deliver promised change. The next battles must be fought vigorously to demonstrate that the rigged system can be overcome.
The Cost of Living Crisis as a Pivotal Issue
Rayner identified the cost of living emergency as the defining issue of our time, a crisis years in the making that has crushed living standards and thwarted the ambitions of millions. She argued that Labour must unequivocally show whose side it is on, noting that the survival of social democratic parties, including Labour, is at stake. Drawing parallels with centre-left successes in Canada, Australia, and Norway, she highlighted how progressive governments that prioritize people and lower costs can prevail over rightwing populism.
Proposed Solutions and Constitutional Reforms
To tackle this, Rayner advocated for a renewed focus on reducing prices for food, energy, and water, expanding childcare, building more homes and council housing, cutting commute costs, supporting high streets, and boosting wages. She emphasized that these are essentials based on fairness, integral to the social contract. Additionally, she discussed the importance of government intervention in breaking generational poverty and fostering an economy that values collective success through partnership between an active state and a dynamic private sector.
Devolution and Systemic Change
Rayner also addressed constitutional reforms, such as devolving New York-style licensing powers to the mayor of London to revitalize areas like Oxford Street and Soho, and further devolution to local communities. She argued that changing the constitution, including implementing votes at 16 and shaking up the Westminster system, is crucial to putting power back in people's hands.
Upholding Fairness and Countering Populism
She warned that without answers to systemic failures, rightwing populists will offer their own, often based on division and fear. Rayner stressed the need for a system based on rules and fairness, enforced by the state, while cautioning against abrupt policy changes that breach trust, such as altering immigration rules for those who have contributed lawfully. She condemned opponents who use lies and division for political gain, asserting that Reform UK sides with vested interests against the people.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, Rayner issued a rallying cry: Labour must rebuild the nation and the party by proving it is on the side of working people. With no safe ground and time running out, she urged the party to ensure the change people desperately want is seen and felt, delivered by a Labour government. Angela Rayner, the Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, delivered this speech at the spring reception of the campaign group Mainstream.
