After more than a decade of disastrous government under the Conservatives, Britain is ready for change. Yet while the Tories are imploding, and despite the lack of much enthusiasm for Keir Starmer’s Labour party, the Liberal Democrats, whose annual party conference is underway in Bournemouth, have so far failed to capitalise.
Labour is unwilling to embrace the bold policies needed to get the UK out of its deepening rut. The closer the country gets to an election, the more eager the party has been to abandon the progressive measures it was previously committed to, from raising taxes for the wealthy and tech giants, to investing heavily in green infrastructure and abolishing the Conservatives’ cruel welfare policies. And despite the growing backlash against Brexit and the huge damage it has caused, Starmer – who once campaigned for a second referendum in Jeremy Corbyn’s cabinet – now refuses to consider rejoining the single market and customs union.
