Growth has been elusive for UK governments for decades, and with Brexit challenges now part of the mix, Labour will have its work cut out to deliver on its pledges.
The UK of 2024 is very different than 1997. Back then, Britons had hope for the future. Today, many are disaffected and cynical, hoping things won’t continue to get worse.
The Labour leader has sent mixed signals over the years.
The Conservatives’ manifesto relies on efficiency savings, welfare cuts and a crackdown on tax evasion.
Benjamin Cremel/Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo
Tax evasion crackdowns, efficiency savings and welfare cuts are easy political sells – but getting these measures to deliver large amounts of revenue is much more difficult.
Comparing Keir Starmer’s 2024 election manifesto with Tony Blair’s 1997 document is a helpful way to understand why the vision is grander than is being portrayed.