This seems very accurate to me. While immigration is massively important and basically the existential threat to us, it has to be united with a general vision. Burnham’s pathetic invocation of hope is politics at its most threadbare and dishonest, but it’s true that people need a positive vision to unite behind. Reform should be looking to give a narrative beyond ‘its broken’ to ‘and this is what we are offering instead’. They don’t articulate that, but the Right needs an I Have a Dream narrative to sell. The stupid thing is that such a narrative could very easily be constructed.
We also need a new political class to accept the existing system is broken and the people need a far greater say in our governance thus improving our democracy.
The right's overemphasis on immigration might end up damaging their chances of political success, when they are the most likely to prioritise policies that attempt to deal with the problem...awkward yes, but surely they need to link their No1 issue with all the areas of British life that would be greatly improved by tackling the immigration crisis?
Surely it’s not too difficult for Reform to link the No1 issue of immigration to the economy, government spending and taxes, the NHS and health, education, housing, social care, crime and policing, defence policy, etc? Instead of coming up with some policies and spokesmen they’re fighting a pointless battle in Clacton and will be forced to do so again as the Establishment ties them up in knots. Not looking good for the right.
I suppose it fits with your oft repeated point that the right needs credible plans for government, that address all matters of concern, not just immigration. Even if you convince a large group of voters that most of their other ills (jobs, housing, health, schools, crime) are downstream of immigration, you still need solid and clear plans to fix these other issues beyond “send them all back”.
Reform really underperformed particularly in the hinterland of Wigan, Bury, Bolton, Tameside & Stockport which if their PR is to believed is their natural turf. Perhaps their candidate, a Sarah Beeney wannabee, from one of the cities more exclusive post codes didn't cut it with their core vote. Labour did as well as can be expected, with charisma free candidate.
You would think given all the city swagger both parties could've come up with better prospects for a decent contest but I guess both neither Team Farage nor Team Burnham felt they would benefit from a six week public slanging match given the delicacy of their respective circumstances. Shame really.
As I wrote on Turbulent Times this morning democracy has one stale around the world as the 'people' realise voting doesn't change things.
What we need is a complete overhaul of our governance and democracy that gives the people real power and turns our politicians into our servants instead of our masters.
Here is the best template for change I've seen since involved in its set up in 2012.
The Right needs to come up with a coherent narrative that resonates with the concerns of potential supporters - who, as you say, are not concerned solely with immigration. Immigration is the Right's USP, which is good to have, but that isn't enough. They also need to be telling a story that seems positive and optimistic, and promises a better life for their supporters in ways that they can understand. It also needs to allow people to feel good about themselves, in moral terms, for accepting it.
This seems very accurate to me. While immigration is massively important and basically the existential threat to us, it has to be united with a general vision. Burnham’s pathetic invocation of hope is politics at its most threadbare and dishonest, but it’s true that people need a positive vision to unite behind. Reform should be looking to give a narrative beyond ‘its broken’ to ‘and this is what we are offering instead’. They don’t articulate that, but the Right needs an I Have a Dream narrative to sell. The stupid thing is that such a narrative could very easily be constructed.
We also need a new political class to accept the existing system is broken and the people need a far greater say in our governance thus improving our democracy.
https://harrogateagenda.org.uk
The right's overemphasis on immigration might end up damaging their chances of political success, when they are the most likely to prioritise policies that attempt to deal with the problem...awkward yes, but surely they need to link their No1 issue with all the areas of British life that would be greatly improved by tackling the immigration crisis?
Surely it’s not too difficult for Reform to link the No1 issue of immigration to the economy, government spending and taxes, the NHS and health, education, housing, social care, crime and policing, defence policy, etc? Instead of coming up with some policies and spokesmen they’re fighting a pointless battle in Clacton and will be forced to do so again as the Establishment ties them up in knots. Not looking good for the right.
I suppose it fits with your oft repeated point that the right needs credible plans for government, that address all matters of concern, not just immigration. Even if you convince a large group of voters that most of their other ills (jobs, housing, health, schools, crime) are downstream of immigration, you still need solid and clear plans to fix these other issues beyond “send them all back”.
Reform really underperformed particularly in the hinterland of Wigan, Bury, Bolton, Tameside & Stockport which if their PR is to believed is their natural turf. Perhaps their candidate, a Sarah Beeney wannabee, from one of the cities more exclusive post codes didn't cut it with their core vote. Labour did as well as can be expected, with charisma free candidate.
You would think given all the city swagger both parties could've come up with better prospects for a decent contest but I guess both neither Team Farage nor Team Burnham felt they would benefit from a six week public slanging match given the delicacy of their respective circumstances. Shame really.
As I wrote on Turbulent Times this morning democracy has one stale around the world as the 'people' realise voting doesn't change things.
What we need is a complete overhaul of our governance and democracy that gives the people real power and turns our politicians into our servants instead of our masters.
Here is the best template for change I've seen since involved in its set up in 2012.
https://harrogateagenda.org.uk
The Right needs to come up with a coherent narrative that resonates with the concerns of potential supporters - who, as you say, are not concerned solely with immigration. Immigration is the Right's USP, which is good to have, but that isn't enough. They also need to be telling a story that seems positive and optimistic, and promises a better life for their supporters in ways that they can understand. It also needs to allow people to feel good about themselves, in moral terms, for accepting it.