Splitting the left vote risks another Tory victory | Letters
I’m a politically disenchanted member of Generation Z, dragging myself to the polls with little hope that any politician can significantly lift my spirits after fourteen years of Tory horror. But little hope is still hope. When I read Owen Jones’ article my heart sank, and I fear I may have to stare into the austere blue abyss for another five years (the Labor Party is in my blood. This is why I have just canceled my membership on March 21). Does Jones really help? He has made it clear in his article and video that voting for what feels like our only option to end Tory rule is a terrible idea. Despite his optimistic attempt to promote vague alternatives to Labour, I feel more cynical.
In every election I have voted in, the Conservatives have always won. They are good at winning. The first time I think my Labor vote could be used to oust them, Jones tries to convince us not to worry about it.
In the face of millions of extra pounds in campaign funding and changes to constituency boundaries, I have no confidence that Labor has this in the bag. Although the Greens care deeply about the future survival of our planet and some independents seek power for the people, dividing the left-wing vote is not practical. Starmer’s boring practicality is the best hope we have against a populist government rushing to the far right.
Clarice Francis
London
Owen Jones is urging people who think Labor has betrayed them in some way to back the Greens or independents at the next election. While voting for any of these candidates might assuage his own personal moral outrage at Labour’s perceived shortcomings, these groups are unlikely to form a government but could damage Keir Starmer’s chances of a parliamentary majority. So the question is: would he, and those who think like him, prefer the Tory Party to destroy the rest of the welfare state for another five years?
Richard Ellis
Stoke-on-Trent
Owen Jones’ article strikes a resonant chord. What is the point of being in government if the Labor Party does nothing to advance the fortunes of the less privileged members of society during its time in office? Jeremy Corbyn’s policies may not have succeeded in influencing the electorate, but they did demonstrate a positive and progressive intention and a direction that appealed to many.
I have just returned from an evening at the National Theater celebrating the achievement of Aneurin Bevan, the leading architect and inspiration for the NHS. While the play celebrates its creation, the play also eloquently makes the case for nursing the NHS back to health. The Labor Party must show real leadership and come up with policies that truly inspire.
Philip Huggett
London
Like Owen Jones, I am appalled by the dismantling of the Labor Party’s values and beliefs. Now 74 years old, I was also a lifelong supporter and member of the party, a working-class girl raised by a single mother who, like me, believed in shared support and care in society. I have two of her paintings of the Jarrow March on the wall in my home. I have been told many things, from “misguided” to “dangerous,” because of my views.
I resigned from the party when it became clear after the EU referendum that they would never raise the flag of opposition and change. As Tony Benn declared: “Dare to be a Daniel!” Our children and grandchildren deserve better.
Anita Roberts
Oulton Broad, Suffolk