Concerns Over Recent Political Exchanges
Lady Carr, the top judge of England and Wales, has expressed that she is “deeply troubled” by the exchanges that took place during last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) involving Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch. The topic at hand was a Palestinian family from Gaza who sought sanctuary in the UK. This family had applied through a scheme that was originally reserved for Ukrainians. (Desperate circumstances often drive individuals to seek desperate measures. Additionally, one must question why there exists an ethnic hierarchy among asylum seekers.) Although their claim was initially dismissed, senior tribunal judges allowed an appeal this past January.
Badenoch criticized the Prime Minister for the judicial decision, and he acquiesced, stating, “She’s right. It’s the wrong decision,” while promising to tackle the “loophole.” Starmer, once a respected lawyer who championed judicial independence, has now shifted to a political stance that is arguably more disreputable than that of Liz Truss or Boris Johnson. Unlike them, who remained steadfast in their political beliefs, Starmer seems to be a shape-shifter, showing little regard for the historical commitments to human rights that his party has upheld.
It makes one wonder if Starmer has won over Morgan McSweeney, Labour’s equivalent of Dominic Cummings. In their new book, Get In, authors Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund reveal that McSweeney perceives the Prime Minister as akin to an HR manager. The current trajectory suggests that Starmer is mainstreaming the demonization of migrants and adopting various populist messages and policies. Labour has begun publishing TV footage of forced deportations while vowing to permanently deny citizenship to all adult refugees arriving through irregular routes, even those with legitimate reasons to seek asylum.
Among the 148 signatories of a letter expressing concern over these policies are Christina McAnea, the general secretary of Unison who supports Starmer, along with nine Church of England bishops. They warn that such policies could foster “toxic politics” and legitimize far-right tactics that aim to “bring hate and disorder to our streets.”
What was once a party that espoused enlightened values and internationalism has now morphed into a monolithic, absolutist, and uncivilized entity. Labour appears to dismiss voters who prioritize equality, justice, redistribution, fair wages, compassion, humane immigration laws, diversity, and cultural heterogeneity. Ironically, we, the party’s most reliable base, are treated as the enemy within. How did we arrive at this point?
- Initially, Starmer’s inner circle purged left-wing members.
- Then they targeted alleged antisemites—some real, some imagined.
- Next, they exhibited a performative stance of unwavering support for Israel while displaying scant empathy for Palestinians, such as when Starmer stated that Israel “has the right” to withhold essential resources like power and water from Gaza shortly after the Hamas attacks.
Following the appalling racist attacks on Dianne Abbott by a Tory donor, Starmer and his team expressed concern. Yet, as Abbott notes in her book, the concern felt hollow, as they were simultaneously planning her exit. Remarkably, she won her seat again in the last election.
In that same election, respected economist and equality advocate Faiza Shaheen was dropped from contention due to tweets she had liked regarding Israel. Her candidacy in Chingford, Iain Duncan Smith’s constituency, had garnered the endorsement of local activists, and she could have won. Several others also faced similar cancellations, while loyalists were rewarded with seats—McSweeney’s wife among the fortunate ones.
The Shift Towards Right-Wing Policies
Now, Labour is taking a hard stance against immigration and individuals on benefits, including those with disabilities. Meanwhile, they seek to flatter and cater to the affluent.
This shift appears aimed at winning over Reform voters—the only political game currently in play. Middle-class and liberal voters have been disparaged and sidelined by the Tories, Reform, and now Labour, despite being the very people who vote, pay taxes, volunteer, and genuinely care about the state of our nation. Minorities are also disregarded in Labour’s strategy, as one member of Starmer’s circle candidly remarked, “They will vote for us whatever. And you will too. They are our captive voters.”
This sense of captivity may soon break. If Starmer aims solely to appeal to Reform enthusiasts, believing that we will reluctantly support blue Labour, he is mistaken. Some liberals will remain loyal because Labour is their political tribe; however, many of us have reached our breaking point.
Even though I have great respect for our diligent local MP Rupa Huq, should the party continue its rightward march, it will lose my vote. In fact, I may even spoil my ballot in protest.
Reflecting on the Past
In 1987, I joined a select network known as the Successor Generation, now referred to as the British-American Project. Its mission was to ensure that young influencers maintained the “special relationship” between the US and the UK.
As a budding journalist, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to lunch at an exclusive venue. Approximately 40 of us gathered to eat and converse while mysterious figures roamed the room, listening intently. I felt like one of the chosen few. Each year, we met for a week in either the UK or the US, mingling with powerful individuals, attending lavish events, and engaging in meaningful discussions. My inaugural gathering took place in St. Louis. Over the subsequent six years, I encountered numerous extraordinary individuals (and some rather loathsome ones too), honed my debating skills with adversaries, and forged lasting friendships.
However, the focus on an idealized special relationship began to feel more like indoctrination and was, quite frankly, inherently unequal. How many times can one endure Americans asserting that our healthcare system is a failure due to its socialist nature, or that Black single mothers are merely exploiting the state for financial gain? Ultimately, I chose to stop attending.
Donald Trump’s abhorrent politics have sparked widespread revulsion among our populace. People are beginning to recognize that the special relationship has always been unequal, where we were the supplicants and they the masters. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to liberate ourselves from that unholy alliance and American dominance.
A Recent Conversation
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Georgina Jackson—a young, intelligent woman with a head full of black curls and striking greenish eyes. She serves as a personal assistant for Peter York, a friend known for co-authoring the insightful book Sloane Ranger, which delves into class, manners, and style. His latest brilliant work, A Dead Cat On Your Table, explores the ways in which we are manipulated politically.
Georgina suggested we grab coffee, and so we did, sipping mochas and engaging in deep conversation. She captures stunning photographs of dancers in old working men’s clubs and edgy, hidden venues, portraying moments of lovers kissing and young, stylish individuals. Her work is evocative, reminiscent of vintage French movie posters, and it opened my eyes to another side of London.
To the older generations: consider befriending the young rather than harboring resentment towards them. It’s truly the best way to maintain a youthful spirit.
Yasmin’s Pick
Our son surprised us with tickets to a performance at Ronnie Scott’s, the iconic old jazz club in Soho, along with some funds for lunch. Matt Holborn and his band were celebrating the life of the American jazz violinist Stuff Smith, who was a prominent figure in the first half of the last century.
The venue was packed. My partner, Mr. Brown, is an avid jazz enthusiast, while I often find his preferred music a bit too abstract and cacophonic for my taste. However, this particular performance was nothing short of celestial and rapturous. Caught up in the moment, I accidentally knocked over my wine glass, causing it to shatter and cut my finger. The band paused, checking to ensure I was alright. Who does that? I ended up purchasing their CD, as they truly deserve to be better known.
