Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP at Westminster, criticizes Labour’s approach under Keir Starmer, advocating for a progressive political agenda alongside Plaid Cymru, as internal divisions intensify within the Labour Party over race relations and policy direction.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, will make an appeal to Plaid Cymru members advocating for a united front against the prevailing politics at Westminster. In his forthcoming speech, Flynn will criticize Labour’s Keir Starmer for endorsing what he describes as “new Thatcherism,” arguing for a progressive political agenda that includes investment in public services, fostering a closer relationship with the EU, tackling cost of living and poverty issues, and promoting an ethical foreign policy. Labour’s Ian Murray, in turn, has accused Flynn of being too closely allied with oil and gas interests and criticized the SNP’s handling of the NHS in Scotland. This dialogue underscores a widening division within UK politics, as various parties articulate their differing visions for the country’s future, notably with SNP and Plaid Cymru each advocating for independence referendums in Scotland and Wales.
Compounding Labour’s challenges, Baroness Lawrence, Labour’s race relations adviser appointed in 2020, has voiced her dissatisfaction with Starmer’s attentiveness towards race relation concerns within the party. Following a private meeting with black, Asian, and minority ethnic MPs and peers, Lawrence expressed frustration over perceived gatekeeping by individuals close to Starmer and the party’s handling of complaints from ethnic minority voters, including the protracted investigation involving Diane Abbott. Despite these criticisms, Lawrence recognizes Starmer’s dedication to fighting racism and promoting equality. This situation arrives amidst broader scrutiny over Labour’s approach to racial discrimination, particularly in light of the Forde report’s revelations of a “hierarchy of racism” within the party.
Moreover, socialist commentator Owen Jones announced his departure from the Labour Party, attributing his decision to Starmer’s alleged departure from policies that Jones believes would improve people’s lives. Jones criticized Starmer for moving away from the commitments made during his campaign for leadership, a situation that has left many on the party’s left feeling marginalized. Jones’s exit represents a growing fissure within the Labour Party, as disenchanted members seek alternatives that align more closely with their political ideologies. His decision to support candidates running against Labour aims to exert pressure on the party to adopt more left-leaning stances, a tactic similar to that employed by Reform UK against the Tories.
These developments reveal deepening ideological and strategic divides within UK political parties, as leaders and members grapple with aligning their policies and practices with their constituents’ expectations and the evolving political landscape.