The arguments over whether Labour should vote for, against or abstain on the welfare bill are pure gesture politics. It's going to pass anyway.
The tax credits cuts and new benefits cap will happen even if Labour, Len McClusky, the SNP and Caroline Lucas shake their fists at the nasty Tories all day long. It won't matter one jot.
Here's why: the Tories won the election. Let me say this very clearly so everyone understands: The Conservatives. Won. The. Election.
We lost. The only way Labour can introduce the policies it wants to and support low income families through a higher living wage and targeted tax credits is to win again in 2020. Opposing everything a newly elected Government does will not help win over the voters who have just voted for their manifesto and agenda.
Everyone knew the £12bn welfare cuts were coming and voted Tory not in spite of the pledge but because of it. Britain wants them to happen and it can't be ignored.
The only way to win again is regain trust on the economy and welfare. Supporting certain cuts to tax credits to reduce the deficit and create a surplus is one essential step to doing so.
There are many things to oppose but let's choose out battles carefully because "blanket opposition", as Harriet Harman calls it, is pointless.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment