Making the Case for Progressive Politics and Policies

‘Last year, … I said we must be the advocates, the ambassadors, and the agents of hope. And I believe that is true for us now more than ever.’

— Alison McGovern, Labour MP for Birkenhead, opening conference speech.

After attending the Progressive Britain Conference on Saturday May 10th, in London, and hearing from ministers and organisations in progressive policy-making spheres such as The Good Growth Foundation and The Progressive Policy Institute, it is clear that there is an urgent need for progressive policies and decision-making to be at the very heart of government strategy.

What are Britain’s main political issues?

Immigration

Immigration played a crucial role in the 2016 Brexit referendum, with concerns over EU freedom of movement cited as a major reason for people voting to leave the EU. Empowering campaign slogans like ‘Take Back Control’ captured the widespread desire for greater control over borders, tapping into anxieties about cultural change, pressure on public services, and job competition. Economically, the debate is complex. Many studies, including one by the Migration Observatory of Oxford University, indicate that immigrants play a crucial role in the UK economy, addressing vital skill shortages and enhancing tax income. Nonetheless, there are growing concerns about the downward pressure on wages in low-skilled industries and the effects of a growing population on housing and public services.

‘We are going through the biggest general shift of thought in my lifetime.’

— Paul Mason, The Guardian, from Britain and the New World Order session.

Violence Against Women and Girls

Statistics paint a stark picture. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that approximately 1.6 million women in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024. Likewise, thousands of women experience sexual violence, harassment, and stalking annually, with numerous additional incidents often remaining unreported because of fear, shame, or lack of faith in the system. Notable tragedies such as the murders of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa, and Zara Aleena have ignited widespread anger and renewed demands for systemic reform. These instances reveal that women remain a vulnerable group in both the private and public spheres.

Welfare System

The benefits system in the UK has faced challenges in keeping up with increasing living expenses and stagnant wages. Numerous individuals dependent on benefits continue to live below the poverty threshold, with millions experiencing ‘working poverty’ — a phrase that refers to those who are employed but still struggle to cover their expenses. The Trussell Trust, the biggest food bank network in the UK, has indicated unprecedented demand in recent years. Delays and reductions in their Universal Credit payments have been cited as the main reason for people requiring emergency food assistance

Criminal Justice System

Britain’s criminal justice system (CJS) is a key pillar of its democracy, aiming to ensure public safety, the rule of law, and the provision of justice. Nonetheless, in recent times, it has faced growing criticism for being sluggish, lacking resources, and frequently unfair. These issues erode public trust in the system and endanger the interests of both victims and defendants. Years of austerity and budget reductions have caused the CJS to struggle with increasing demand. Legal aid funding has been reduced, leading to a decline in the number of defendants who can obtain quality legal representation. This has resulted in a dual system where affluent defendants can secure superior legal representation, while those who depend on legal aid often encounter less favourable results.

What is British Progressive Politics?

Progressive movements have arisen over time as reactions to social and economic turmoil. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States experienced the Progressive Era, which advocated for labour rights, women’s voting rights, and antitrust laws. In the UK, the emergence of progressive politics is strongly associated with the development of the Labour Party and the post-war welfare state, which established entities such as the National Health Service (NHS). Progressive think tanks like The Progressive Policy Institute, established by Will Marshall, and Labour-oriented Progressive Britain, led by chair Alison McGovern MP and overseen by Adam Langleben, play a crucial role in advising the government on which progressive policies to implement and modify to attract voters. 

‘What we are up against is a bunch on the far right and people who claim to be progressive.’

— Rt Hon Darren Jones, closing speech.

How can Progressive Politics help Young people?

Progressive politics, emphasising social justice, economic equality, and environmental sustainability, provides a robust framework for tackling the issues that matter to today’s youth. By addressing the climate emergency, broadening educational access, and establishing more equitable economic structures, progressive policies can greatly enhance the lives and prospects of future generations.

There are seven core areas where progressive policies and politics can assist young people. These focus areas include: Economic Opportunities and Equitable Pay; Accessible Education and Lowered Student Debt; Housing Affordability and Stability; Climate Action and Environmental Justice; Mental Health and Wellness; Political Empowerment and Democratic Reforms; as well as Social Justice and Inclusivity.

While progressive politics is nothing new, the need to implement strategies that help people overcome present difficulties is a matter of national urgency. As we move towards a more automated future, with greater job insecurity and a need to redefine our purpose in the age of generative AI, a progressive action plan is what this country needs if it is to remain on a competitive footing and thrive.

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