ABSTRACT
Matthew Taylor, head of the pro-Labour think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, calling for ‘more constructive but critical engagement’ by the left with the New Labour Government, has claimed that:1
You can’t understand New Labour unless you get to grips with the reality-rhetoric dichotomy. This is the left’s big opportunity? Where the rhetoric is conservative but the reality radical fiscal redistribution, the left should sing the government’s praises, celebrating the pursuit of social justice. When the rhetoric is ambitious but the reality less convincing (ending poverty, making work family-friendly) the left should show how the vision can be matched by action without committing political suicide.
