It’s “time for an English Labour Party” – Tristram Hunt urges Labour to rediscover patriotism

Tristram Hunt will argue that it is “time for an English Labour Party”.

In a speech today, the shadow education secretary, will say that this will help Labour solve its ‘England problem’. Jon Cruddas recently revealed that he and a group of other MPs were in the process of setting up an English Labour Party. Although the central party told us they hadn’t given this official sign off – Hunt’s intervention could put some pressure on them to further consider supporting these plans.

He will note that there has been a rise in support for both populism and patriotism that has hurt centre-left parties across Europe. Drawing on this analysis, he will urge Labour to take a stance that falls between the anti-austerity politics of parties like Syriza and Podemos and centre-right and nationalist parties.

To do this, he will say Labour must rediscover patriotism, arguing a lack of national pride has hurt the party in England. Labour, he will say, should ‘wrap itself in the flag, celebrating our national successes, such as the England’s women’s football team’s World Cup successes.’

Hunt, who is also a history lecturer, will explain:

“The nature and potency of the populist challenge makes a traditional ‘moderniser’ response inadequate.  

“What worked in 1997 fails to take account of the new national dimension of European politics.

“We need to ally the emotional connection, the patriotism and the grassroots engagement – with a more obviously ‘Blairite’ approach to regaining trust with the public finances. 

“A politics which is patriotic and prudent, compassionate and competent, emotionally intelligent and economically literate.”

In making his case for an English Labour Party, which he says will “complement” Labour’s “Scottish and Welsh counterparts”, Hunt will argue that this would help to address the threat the SNP pose to Labour:

If Scottish Labour needs to rediscover its cultural and emotional ties to the Scottish identity, then the Labour party in England needs to embrace our English identity. 

“I do not believe an English Labour Party will undermine solidarity with our colleagues in Scotland. 

“Remember, the story the SNP tell about the English is far removed from a traditionally nationalist politics of grievance. 

“Rather, it is far more an account of how England’s innate conservatism continually thwarts Scotland’s social justice ambitions. 

“Therefore, I believe reclaiming radical England; telling the story of England’s progressive achievements; can help to negate that damaging SNP story. 

“To remind us once again that so many of Scotland’s social justice ambitions are shared by the people of England; 

“And that in the face of the enormous challenge of globalisation – a strong, common union is the best way of realising them together.”

Hunt, who is backing Liz Kendall to be Labour leader, will also lay out an argument for the party to occupy the centre ground, while criticising leadership contender, Jeremy Corbyn’s, anti-austerity stance:

“Our body language and rhetoric seemed to imply that cutting the deficit was a begrudging concession to electoral expediency. 

“That were we given the choice we would rather not support the principle of balancing the books. This is nonsense. Jeremy Corbyn is a humane and decent advocate of our party’s left-wing tradition. Nevertheless, his argument against balancing the books is politically and economically bankrupt. 

“Any party that is serious about winning should not humour such posturing – all it does is end up hurting the communities we came into politics to represent.”