The Guardian view on Labour’s semantic shift: it’s the party of work, not workers | Editorial
Sir Keir Starmer’s rhetoric frames cutting welfare for sick and disabled people not as a punitive act, but a compassionate nudge toward productivityIt is a principle long observed in British politics that the Labour party, when uncertain of its convictions and in search of a popular identity, will reassure itself that the answer lies in a new slogan. That it has chosen to declare itself the “party of work” rather than the “party of workers” is not, on the face of it, a significant semantic shift. But in politics, words matter. And this subtle rebranding effort says a lot – perhaps more than Labour intended – about where the party now stands in relation to class, social justice and its historical roots.Labour was never merely a party that supported people in work. It was a party of workers – an important distinction. It was not just about wage labour as an abstract good but about those who perform it, their dignity, security and place in society. To be a party of workers was to recognise the structures that exploit them and seek redress. It is a position tied to broader ideals of equality, family life and community identity.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
Sir Keir Starmer’s rhetoric frames cutting welfare for sick and disabled people not as a punitive act, but a compassionate nudge toward productivity
It is a principle long observed in British politics that the Labour party, when uncertain of its convictions and in search of a popular identity, will reassure itself that the answer lies in a new slogan. That it has chosen to declare itself the “party of work” rather than the “party of workers” is not, on the face of it, a significant semantic shift. But in politics, words matter. And this subtle rebranding effort says a lot – perhaps more than Labour intended – about where the party now stands in relation to class, social justice and its historical roots.
Labour was never merely a party that supported people in work. It was a party of workers – an important distinction. It was not just about wage labour as an abstract good but about those who perform it, their dignity, security and place in society. To be a party of workers was to recognise the structures that exploit them and seek redress. It is a position tied to broader ideals of equality, family life and community identity.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
