Ian Gibson: Disappointed? I am angry! Let's show some conviction

Whilst it was a sunny Friday morning in Norwich and after a hectic night at the local elections and a day canvassing and knocking on doors, I find I am somewhat angry.

We lost good councillors, potential councillors and for the next few weeks we will hear nothing else but analysis by past ministers, MPs, think-tanks, and political editors of the "Bad Night for Labour".

For some time now the word "disappointed" has been bandied around in Labour circles. It reached its zenith in the last few weeks with the removal of the 10p income tax band and its effects on people of all ages. The full extent of the Government's policy has yet to be quantified or qualified. Its effect on the poorer members of our society has been devastating and although Labour has admitted this and moved to rectify it, opposition parties exploited it. Unless there is repositioning of the Government in the next six months, in relation to the rich and poor in society, then it is hard to believe more quiescent Labour MPs will take it on the chin quietly.

It's not the vulnerability of their seats but the belief we have achieved so many apparently "hidden" successes unknown to the public (and members?). The Labour ideal is about improving people's lot, and we have done that by stealth, but on the big issues we have failed to engage with the public. Leaden, boring, dispatch box deliveries beautifully read but with no passion, or belief (I think of recent debate on the Energy Bill) is no substitute for a lively performance steeped in conviction. If MPs are bored, how about the public?

So what can be done to reignite Labour Party members and avoid self-combustion? We need to be talking of positive policies which improve people's lives and will show Labour at its best. We have been in power for 10 years and it's time to take stock. We must look at which policies have worked and which have not; we must look at what the public wants. We must move on from Blairite policies on ID cards, Trident missiles and futile wars with astronomical costs. The need for affordable housing and a national council house building programme remains. We must be seen to be "moving forward" on issues like carbon neutral housing, flooding, cliff erosion and seabed change. These are problems we encounter with constituents week in and week out.

Another way to help the less well off is an examination of how to take them out of taxation altogether. I hope this is under way in time for the next pre-Budget report. We can, at the same time, support agency workers' rights, the need for a publicly owned railway system and quality care for the elderly. Delivering equal health facilities and treatments would be welcome, as would the immediate restoration of the link between pensions and average wage now.

But with significant change we will re-establish the dialogue with our public which "Big Listen" and other fatuous campaigns have failed to deliver. So a new dawn, a more focused approach showing what we stand for and how we will deliver. A Britain where new ideas are tried out in relation to public demand is now essential.

I believe Gordon Brown can lead the Labour Party into a new phase. I believe there are many in Government who wish to see a Britain more at ease with itself incorporating all the groups and with different beliefs and values. It can be done with strong leadership which gains its strengths from understanding of the people; "without vision the people perish". There are still Labour activists who think that being "nice" to the other parties is all that is needed. Members are losing their hard edge.

Ian Gibson is the Labour MP for Norwich North

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