Readers respond to an article by John Harris on where the seeds of Labour’s renewal lie
John Harris is right (Labour’s crisis comes from the huge gap between politics and people, 9 May), but just reconnecting with “the wonders of ordinary life” won’t be enough. Labour should be asking itself some existential questions – what is it for, what does it really want? If the answer is “power above all else”, then it’s not going to happen, because the Tories do that so much better. Voters know that what’s going on in this country isn’t right, but they’ll play safe and go along with it until the opposition can bring itself to tear into our divisive and self-seeking status quo with real anger and compassion for those who suffer social injustice.
Deeply felt moral conviction always commands respect; it communicates like focus group policies never can. Today’s truths, asserted with clarity, courage and a vision for the future, can surely persuade voters that a better way is there for the taking.
Tim Shelton-Jones
Brighton, East Sussex
