I’m a politically disenchanted member of gen Z who is dragging herself to the polls with little hope that any politician can significantly raise my spirits after 14 years of Tory horror. But little hope is still hope. When I read Owen Jones’s article my heart sank, and I fear facing another five years staring into the austere blue abyss (The Labour party is in my blood. Here’s why I’ve just cancelled my membership, 21 March). Is Jones really helping? He’s made it clear in his article and video that voting for what feels like our only option to end Tory rule is a terrible idea. Despite his optimistic attempt to promote vague alternatives to Labour, I feel more cynical.
In every election I have voted in, the Conservatives have always won. They’re good at winning. The first time I think my Labour vote could be used to oust them, Jones tries to convince us not to bother.
Up against millions more pounds in campaign funding, and constituency boundary changes, I’m not confident Labour has this one in the bag. Though the Greens care deeply about our planet’s future survival and some independents are seeking power for the people, splitting the left-leaning vote is not practical. Starmer-branded boring practicality is the best hope we have against a populist government rushing to the extreme right.
Clarice Francis
London
• Owen Jones recommends that people who think that Labour has somehow betrayed them should support the Greens or independents at the next election. While voting for one of these candidates might well assuage his own personal moral outrage at Labour’s supposed failings, these groups are never likely to form a government, but could well damage Keir Starmer’s chance of securing a parliamentary majority. So, the questions is: would he, and those who think like him, prefer to have another five years of the Tory party smashing up what’s left of the welfare state?
Richard Ellis
Stoke-on-Trent
• Owen Jones’s article strikes a resonant chord. What is the point of being in government if the Labour party does nothing in office to move forward the lot of the less privileged members of society? Jeremy Corbyn’s policies may have failed to sway the electorate, but they did show positive and progressive intent and a direction of travel that appealed to a great many.
I’ve just returned from an evening at the National Theatre celebrating the achievement of Aneurin Bevan, the leading architect and inspiration for the NHS. While celebrating its foundation, the play also eloquently makes the case for nursing the NHS back to health. The Labour party must show real leadership and devise policies that truly inspire.
Philip Huggett
London
• Like Owen Jones, I too am dismayed by the dismantling of Labour party values and beliefs. Now 74 years old, I too was a lifelong supporter and member of the party, a working-class girl raised by a single mother who believed, as I do, in shared support and care in society. I have two of her paintings of the Jarrow March on the wall of my home. I have been called many things, from “misguided” to “dangerous”, because of my views.
I resigned my membership of the party when it became clear after the EU referendum that they would never raise the flag of opposition and change. As Tony Benn declared: “Dare to be a Daniel!” Our children and grandchildren deserve better.
Anita Roberts
Oulton Broad, Suffolk
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