At the recent Fabian Society Conference, Wes Streeting articulated a critical perspective on the challenges posed by the far-right, asserting that mere delivery of services is insufficient to counteract their influence. Streeting emphasized the necessity for progressive parties to actively confront far-right ideologies rather than merely responding to them. This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the Labour Party regarding the rise of far-right sentiments, particularly in light of the increasing popularity of the Reform party, which has capitalized on economic dissatisfaction and anti-migrant rhetoric [d03872c0].
Nathan Phillips, writing for LabourList, critiques Streeting's arguments for potentially echoing far-right talking points, particularly regarding issues of diversity and equality. He points to the Dagenham model, developed by Morgan McSweeney, which focuses on localized delivery of services. While this model has shown promise at a local level, Phillips argues that it lacks scalability on a national scale, raising questions about its effectiveness in broader contexts [d03872c0].
The article warns that failing to engage in the ideological battle against far-right narratives could lead to a significant setback for progressive politics, drawing historical parallels to the Weimar Republic's experience with appeasement. Phillips stresses the importance of Labour not only addressing economic grievances but also challenging the narratives that fuel far-right support. He argues that without a robust counter-narrative, the far-right will continue to gain traction, undermining the principles of equality and social justice that progressive parties stand for [d03872c0].