Labour’s Manifesto – A future fair for all
Today the Labour Party unveiled its manifesto: A Future Fair For All.
This manifesto doesn’t trumpet the achievements that have been made in thirteen years of Labour government; rather it is a vision of how we can continue to improve, building on a solid foundation, enabling people to demand the best from their services and government.
There are too many proposals to list in full, although here are five that are worth noting:
• Referendums on reforms to be made to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The referendums gauge public support for a fully elected Second Chamber and reforming the electoral system for the House of Commons, changing to the alternative vote system.
• To increase democratic accountability, if an MP is found to be responsible for financial misconduct, they can be subject to a right of recall.
• A living wage for all employees of Whitehall Departments. Coupled with requiring Ministerial approval of wages for all government employees paid over £150,000, Labour are showing that the public sector can lead the way.
• In the NHS, targets will be transformed into legally enforceable guarantees, and routine check-ups will be available for over-40s with a major expansion of diagnostic testing. This builds on Labour’s guarantee that if a patient is suspected of having cancer they will see a specialist within two weeks.
• Labour will redress the work/family balance, increasing the leave that fathers are entitled to from two weeks to four. Further to this parents’ rights to request flexible working hours will be strengthened.
These proposals above are by no means exhaustive, but they are indicative of a Labour Party that is still the progressive force in politics in the UK. If you’re interested in browsing the manifesto in its entirety it can be downloaded in full here.
