On further reflection yesterday’s King’s Speech looks like the dreams of a well intentioned teenager who simply does not understand local politics. Why? Well, come and look here.
’….my Government’s priority is to make the difficult but necessary long-term decisions to change this country for the better.’ As an aspiration, this objective has my total support.And Keir Starmer has not disagreed. But where is the muscle? Can this government realistically cite the long-term aspirations without cross-party support? The King did not mention it. But without it this aspiration is dead.
’……..my Ministers will seek to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and reform grid connections ……..’. Missed this aspiration earlier. It is equally worthy. And equally lacks muscle. What happens when local people oppose new pylons and turbines near them? Where in the speech is all important recognition that sometimes local priorities will conflict with national needs? Where is the acceptance that when this happens a mechanism will be essential to break the local impass? This leadership is asleep.,
’My Government will deliver a long term plan to regenerate towns and put local people in control of their future? Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! If only. I love the words. I love the meaning. If only it was not all a dream. These are grown up words with grown up meanings. Which, with my utmost respect to the King are without foundations. Where is the plan? After 13 years! Where is the cross-party support? Where is the long term muscle? Where is the mechanism to resolve local v. national conflicts? This leader, or his party are hibernating.
Is it time for the government to show some humility? Recognise that after 13 years in power short-term
policy eruptions built on small state manias have failed: or at least they need dignified adjustment, best carried out by another party with vital Tory support.? Now this U turn would be radical and the value of the redemption dividend paid to the Conservatives would be hugh and growing as they hold Labour’s nose to the proverbial grindstone. What a blessing it could be, which might transform attitudes, create bridges and stop destructive political polarisation.
This is my dream. Naive too?
Ian Campbell
8 November 2023
