Labour's Covenant
The UK is living through a time of extraordinary change. No part of the old political settlement, including what was the centre, remains unaffected. In this new period, who and what does Labour stand for? What is its purpose?
Following the 2019 general election, Labour Together published its General Election Review analysing the causes of Labour’s defeat. It called for a big change economic agenda rooted in people’s lives and communities, combined with the values of family, work and community, to build a new coalition of voters around a story of national renewal. In June 2020 we decided to follow our own advice and take on the task. We set up the Resources for National Renewal programme to develop Labour’s national story involving over 100 policy experts, academics, politicians, councillors and journalists.
Labour's Covenant is the result of our joint efforts.
Events
WEBINAR 1: What is Labour’s covenant? Thursday 3 February, ONLINE
WEBINAR 2: Why place is the new politics, Thursday 17th February, ONLINE
WEBINAR 3: The national economy and Labour’s renewal, Thursday 3 March, ONLINE
WEBINAR 4: A Labour politics of land and nature, 17th March, ONLINE
WEBINAR 5: Geopolitics and Labour’s foreign policy, Thursday 31 March, ONLINE
WEBINAR 6: Governing for Change, Thursday 16 June, ONLINE
What is Labour's Covenant?
Join us for a session to explore what Labour’s Covenant is and how it might work in practice, with Shabana Mahmood MP (Shadow Cabinet and National Campaign Coordinator), Jonathan Rutherford (Author of Labour’s Covenant), Jon Cruddas MP and chaired by Sienna Rodgers (Editor, Labour List).
Why place is the new politics
Join us for a session to explore why places are becomming a definitng part of political identities, with Alex Norris (Shadow Minister, Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), John Tomaney (Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University College London), Jessica Studdert (Deputy Chief Executive, New Local) and chaired by Hannah O'Rourke, Labour Together.
The national economy and Labour's renewal
Labour’s Covenant calls for a new kind of national economy, rescued from the forgotten annals of Labour history and tradition. Join us for a session exploring this radical economic programme, and how Labour can move beyond the current model of rentier capitalism that dominates the British economy.
A labour politics of land and nature
Politics has failed to generate a larger vision of how individuals might live lives better in tune with their natural surroundings. With climate collapse being the key challenge of our decade, Labour needs a new approach to the politics of land and nature. Join us for a session where we’ll be exploring how Labour can establish a broad, national coalition of support for a green politics of nature.
Geopolitics and Labour's foreign policy
Labour has always been the party of patriotism and internationalism. Its future foreign policy will be shaped by its history of nation- and institution-building and its representation of the labour interest. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Britain must balance protecting its own national interests with creating international cooperation in the face of climate change, monopoly tech platforms, pandemics and the threats of China and Russia. Join us for a session where we explore the strategic challenges facing a future Labour foreign policy.
Governing for change
The Labour Party traditionally takes little interest in the statecraft needed for effective government. Instead of seeing Westminster as the only site of effective action, Labour needs to recognise and coordinate centres of legitimate and autonomous power across the UK. That change must, in turn, be reflected in a new pluralist politics and a radical rethinking of the constitution of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the relationship between them and the United Kingdom. Join us for a session to explore what how Labour's statecraft might be updated.
Responses
A round up of responses to Labour's Covenant from across the movement.