Labour - The Politics Series

Today saw the release of the Labour Manifesto, and I'm thrilled to be hosting the first interview in our Politics Series (see this introduction for some background, and Johnny's great post on why Christians disagree on Politics). I won't take up any more reading time, so please enjoy Ian's responses to our questions (in bold) ahead of the General Election. For more on Ian, see the bottom of the post.

-{ How would you describe your party’s political vision in one sentence? }-

Labour is the party of the common life.

-{ What myth/accusation/misunderstanding about your party most frustrates you? }-

I would say the perception that Labour’s relationship with the trade union movement is a bad thing.  In fact, it is a good thing and a source of strength providing a connection between politics and working people that is vitally important.

-{ What one thing your party has done in the last 25 years makes you, as a Christian, most proud? }-

The way in which Gordon Brown worked with churches – and church led initiatives – such as Make Poverty History and the Jubilee Campaign – to reduce the debt for poorer nations. Labour is a party with an internationalist disposition as well as being the party of the United Kingdom.

-{ Is there any particular in your faith/Christianity that motivates you in your political work? }-

For me the biblical stress on social justice as articulated by the Old Testament prophets and Jesus’s announcement that the gospel is the good news for the poor is central. It should inspire us and keep us accountable as much as society mitigates against these imperatives. The simple but powerful message of the love of God for all people should also shape our politics.  It needs to be rooted in love and humanity. Without a spirit inspired theology, politics can become shrill, utilitarian and inhuman.

-{ How did you first get into politics? }-

I remember the Miners Strike in 1984 and 1985 and how divided the UK felt at the time. I disagreed with the policies of the then Government and my politics was shaped in this period. I would talk alot to my Grandmother about her family’s experiences in the 1930s. Good people could not find work and there was a tremendous sense of betrayal following the Great War. This was clearly an idealistic time and I came to understand why the NHS and the welfare state had to be built (thanks God) by the Attlee and Bevan. I joined the Labour Party and it has been a journey ever since.

-{ Why should be people vote and be involved in society? }-

People should consider voting as politics shapes our lives and communities. If we don’t vote how can we comment or complain about how society is ordered? Democracy isn’t perfect but it is a gift to be celebrated. God calls us to be involved in society and voting is a small but significant expression of that.

-{ What is the most important area/issue this election? }-

How we can construct a politics of the common good in order to build a peaceful and just society? We need a more generous, prayerful and human approach to politics. Issues such as identity, welfare and immigration can be divisive. If the election can broker a different way to approach these matters, then that would be welcome.

-{ What two policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want Christians in particular to know about? }-

Support religious liberty and freedom of worship – both at home and abroad – aided by the appointment of a new envoy for religious freedom

Labour will introduce a Jobs Guarantee for the long term unemployed. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the dignity of work. This should not be denied to anyone through the scourge of unemployment and we should not idolise the market as ultimate.

-{ What other five policies/priorities which your party has this election do you want everyone to know? }-

1. Labour will raise the National Minimum Wage to £8

2. Demand an end to the exploitation of those who have been trafficked by enforcing existing legislation on modern slavery.

3. Labour will guarantee every school leaver that gets the right grades has an apprenticeship.

4. Labour will introduce 25 hours free childcare

5. Ensure a co-ordinated Government approach to food policy

-{ In a sentence, why should someone vote for your party on May 7th? }-

Labour is best placed to address the financial problems we face in a humane and just way. Too much of the pain in reducing the deficit has fallen on those with no voice and no choice.

-{ Where can someone find out more about their local Labour candidate? }-

www.labour.org.uk

This link goes straight to the list of Labour’s candidates: http://www2.labour.org.uk/candidates

Ian Geary - Executive Member, CSM/Christians on the Left

Ian works in Parliament for Stephen Timms MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Employment and Faith Envoy. He lives in Rotherhithe, South East London with his super wife and their three wonderful young children.

Ian has served on the CSM/Christians on the Left Executive since 2010 and has helped in the development of the Labour Neighbours Project and Christians in Politics engagement with Theological Colleges. He is passionate about the common good and seeing the church connect with working class communities and for that matter this applies to the Labour Party as well.

You can follow Ian on Twitter here.

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I hope this interview on Labour's policies and vision has helped you think through your vote if you link politics to faith. Watch this blog or our social media feeds for updates over the coming weeks. In the meantime, I'd love to connect with you via Facebook, or you can find myself and Johnny on Twitter.