Perhaps the clearest takeaway from Labour Conference, held this week in Liverpool, was the party’s positioning of Reform UK as it’s main political rival. Both within the Conference Hall and on the fringes, MPs and Ministers frequently cited Nigel Farage’s party as the most potent threat to Labour values. The most passionate rallying cry came from the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband who accused Reform of “importing a net zero culture war” that will put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.
Amid a backdrop of worsening polling and open discussions of a leadership challenge, the Prime Minister and the recently reshuffled cabinet used the prospect of a Reform Government to unite party members behind a vision of “patriotic renewal” and a rejection of the "politics of grievance”.
So, what can members expect from the Government in the coming months in terms of policy? On this, the ACE team has picked up some clues within the events outside the main hall:
Housing: Labour have clearly embraced the YIMBY (Yes in My Back Yard) agenda, with Housing Secretary Steve Reed donning his new Trump-style ‘Build, Baby, Build’ merchandise. With the Planning & Infrastructure Bill nearing Royal Assent and the Government confirming that it will progress work on the next generation of new towns across England, attention has now turned to policies which can incentivise delivery. Policy proposals discussed on the fringes of conference included taking stronger actions against councils which have not adopted a local plan and implementing zoning systems with presumptions in favour of developments in close proximity to transport infrastructure such as railway stations.
Tax & Spend: There was an acceptance amongst MPs that the upcoming Autumn Budget will be difficult for the party and will inevitably include some form of increase in taxation. However, many saw this as an opportunity to hit hard against the quirks of the tax system which stifle consistent economic growth and to push for further simplification. Updating outdated council tax bands was frequently raised as a potential method to raise revenue, and Labour MP Chris Curtis even floated the idea of the abolition of National Insurance contributions.
Energy: In his speech to party members, Ed Miliband announced plans to introduce legislation banning fracking permanently in England as well as a series of campaigns in constituencies that sit above shale gas reserves. The challenge of delivery remained prescient as Labour politicians grappled with how to lower bills for voters whilst creating jobs and growth.
Transport: Heidi Alexander used her address to members to recommit the Government to Northern Powerhouse Rail and additionally outlined how the forthcoming Railways Bill would continue the Government’s rail nationalisation plans by uniting the management of track and train.
