Why it’s silly to focus on Labour’s manifesto pledges | Letter
Manifestos are not binding contracts – good politics is about being able to react to circumstances, says Tony WrightMartin Kettle is right to describe as “irresponsible” Labour’s manifesto commitment not...
By Guardian Staff · The Guardian Opinion
Manifestos are not binding contracts – good politics is about being able to react to circumstances, says Tony Wright Martin Kettle is right to describe as “irresponsible” Labour’s manifesto commitment not to raise any of the main revenue-raising taxes ( Rachel Reeves’s budget has inflamed, not calmed, Britain’s febrile mood, 27 November ). This was like sending an army into battle with its most effective weapons removed. It was also quite unnecessary, as Labour was going to win anyway because people just wanted the Tories out. It would have been possible for Labour to say that it had no desire or intention to raise taxes while also saying that it all depended on the economic circumstances in which it found itself. That would have been the sensible position and would have removed the straitjacket that the government is now in. Continue reading...