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Recently, a poll indicated that Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has surpassed both the Labour Party and Conservatives for the first time. Seeking an escape from these political developments, I turned to Jonathan Coe’s latest novel, The Proof of My Innocence. This work provides a unique narrative set against the backdrop of Liz Truss’s brief premiership and deviates from Coe’s typical state-of-the-nation commentary seen in works like Middle England and Bournville. Instead, it examines a significant theme: the evolution of British conservatism since the 1980s into a radical force exemplified by Brexit, Boris Johnson, and Kwasi Kwarteng’s budget.
Coe’s adept storytelling and empathy shine through as he navigates various social landscapes. However, his viewpoint often remains aligned with a beleaguered liberal-left perspective. Toward the book’s conclusion, a young character reflects on societal shifts that have fueled contemporary unrest, noting a move from consensus to a focus on individualism and libertarianism where personal accountability reigns. A pivotal moment involves a secretive scheme to privatize the NHS, revealing a troubling trend where public integrity is overshadowed by private financial interests.
This narrative of self-serving motives disguised as patriotism illustrates a progressive critique of Britain’s political decline. As I finished The Proof of My Innocence, parallels emerged in the political arena, particularly within the House of Commons.
During a recent session of prime minister’s questions, Keir Starmer leveraged a pre-arranged backbench query to highlight concerns regarding Reform’s intentions for the NHS. Labour’s research indicates that Farage’s pro-insurance healthcare stance is viewed warily in critical constituencies that Reform aims to capture in the 2029 elections. As the upcoming council elections approach, expect to see more of this dynamic as Starmer attempts to realign blue-collar voters away from a resurgent coalition reminiscent of the 2019 Brexit campaign.
Indeed, the adage “when in doubt, campaign on the NHS” seems etched into the fabric of British centre-left politics. This response appears to reflect Labour’s anxiety in light of Farage’s increasing prominence. However, as radical right ideologies gain traction across Western democracies, mere defensive postures masked in technocratic discussions about policy effectiveness may not suffice.
Labour appears to be losing connection with its working-class base. Among non-graduates, younger men, and those in towns feeling left behind, Farage is gaining ground. The prospect of an electoral alignment between Reform and the Conservatives is now back on the table, reigniting the remain/leave divide that never truly vanished. This divide has always encompassed broader cultural and economic fractures, capturing a yearning among blue-collar voters for liberation from a globalized capitalism that undermines their agency and dignity.
The aftermath of the pandemic-induced upheaval within the Conservative Party created a crucial moment for a transformative social-democratic approach to the systemic trust issues faced by voters. Unfortunately, Labour’s response has been perceived as complacent, mistaking its electoral victory as validation for reverting to a “business as usual” strategy. After witnessing dwindling poll numbers, the party is now leaning towards implementing stricter rhetoric on immigration, likely in a bid to reinforce its standing against Farage’s movement.
This lack of ambition and insight is disheartening. Nevertheless, there might be an opportunity to learn from past missteps as the 2029 elections loom. Positive news emerges with the resurgence of the oft-maligned Blue Labour movement within Downing Street, which seems to be gaining traction. A new caucus of supportive MPs has formed, including members from the former Corbynite faction, suggesting a potential shift in Labour’s direction.
Founded in 2009 by the unconventional peer Maurice Glasman, Blue Labour aimed to protect working-class communities from the adverse effects of free-market capitalism. However, the movement faced backlash, particularly for advocating restrictions on cheaper migrant labor. Its support for Brexit, coupled with an emphasis on community values, further alienated more secular liberal progressives who deemed it too controversial.
Despite these challenges, Blue Labour’s insights regarding Western democracies’ dilemmas in the 21st century remain relevant. Although its immigration stance clashes with the views of Labour’s liberal faction, it was always situated within a broader critique of capitalism and leftist policies that advocates must address to effectively counter Farage’s right-wing agenda.
Over the last 25 years, progressive parties have increasingly aligned with middle-class interests, focusing on urban issues and individual rights rather than prioritizing social class. As highlighted by Blue Labour, this shift has hindered significant critiques of the economic and social repercussions brought on by an economy skewed toward the ambitions of financial capital. The resulting divisions—both among individuals and regions—have further entrenched the disparity between perceived winners and losers in society.
Phyl, Coe’s youthful protagonist in The Proof of My Innocence, encapsulates a critical insight: Thatcherism laid the groundwork for a self-centered, “me first” culture. Yet Faragism, while an extension of this legacy, introduces an exclusionary brand of identity politics. In light of these challenging political dynamics, the principles of Blue Labour could play a crucial role in providing a viable counter-narrative. There is an urgent need for this ideology to re-enter the political discourse.
Source
www.theguardian.com