Politics for the people, not just the privileged

The British people want change, they voted for change. And we will continue to vote for change until we get it.

Theresa May learnt nothing from the arrogance and sense of entitlement of Hillary Clinton. Luckily Jeremy Corbyn did learn something from the authentic and popular approach of Bernie Sanders. The Conservatives deserved to loose.

On her first day as Prime Minister, Theresa May said she wanted a government that works for all the people not just the privileged few and then proceeded to do nothing about it. She then said at the Conservative conference that she was outlining her plan but the speech contained no proposals, only rhetoric and platitudes. So for a party that shows good intentions and then does nothing, this is what happens. The people want change.

Ok, what change do we want?

The fundamental problem of our time is the extreme economic inequality that exists in society which in turn causes incessant financial hardship suffered by millions every day and prevents good people from leading a full and purposeful life. Unless a government addressees this head on then we will not make progress. There are some very practical answers but the successive governments do very little. This election result clearly shows an appetite for a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Could Labour deliver?

Labour did well but it still showed no strategic plan to tackle this fundamental problem, it just offered a mish-mash of policies, a few of which would make a difference, like stronger stance on a living wage, more funds for NHS and education and replacing council tax with a more equitable Land Value Tax. Labour also proposed higher taxes on higher incomes but virtually ignored higher taxes on wealth. Yes, Labour talked of ending austerity but did not outline exactly how we could then move from here to prosperity.

Where is the new agenda?

In my book From Here to Prosperity, I outline a political agenda that proposes just five key polices that would achieve this, a very clear vision and strategic plan. As a country the people of the UK have created and continue to create enough wealth to ensure that everyone has the opportunity of a good life. The problem is this wealth is accumulated in the hands of the few. So we need to stop taxing those on low incomes and by that I mean the 80% of people who earn under £32,000 per year and ask the super wealthy to return more of the wealth we all helped create. Not only will it cause no hardship, it will increase demand, boost jobs and move us all from here to prosperity.