LET’S rewind to 1997, the last time a new Labour government was elected at Westminster.
That moment was marked by the anthem Things Can Only Get Better by D:ream. And indeed, things did get better for the people of these islands.
The 1997 Labour government delivered more for working people than any other in modern history. Policies like the minimum wage, Sure Start, child tax credits and devolution for Scotland, transformed lives.
Beyond these policies, Labour presided over the longest period of economic growth in UK history, creating an economy that worked for everyone.
The result? More than two million children lifted out of poverty and working families finally rewarded for their efforts.
When Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, Labour continued this legacy. His leadership saw the UK navigate the global financial crisis, negotiate debt cancellation for the world’s poorest nations, and pass the world’s first Climate Change Act.
Labour have a proud history of delivering in government.
With Labour back in government, it is about time that working families across the UK were rewarded for their efforts once more.
If the 1997 Labour government had been judged on its first 10 weeks, the verdict would not have been kind.
Some on the left criticised the chancellor’s pledge to follow Tory tax and spending plans for the first term of government. Some on the right said the government was “anti-business” for policies like the minimum wage.
Some said too bold, others too meek. Today, critics echo similar complaints. But actions speak louder than words.
Already, Labour have abolished the Rwanda policy, increased pensions by £460 a year and ended the longstanding rail worker dispute.
Much more is on the way, including a New Deal for Working People and a repeal of the draconian Trade Union Act. And Keir Starmer has been honest with Britain that his government will also have to make some unpopular decisions – at least in the short term – to fill the £22 billion hole in the nation’s finances left by the Tories.
We won’t all agree with all of those decisions, just like we don’t all agree with some decisions of the SNP Scottish Government.
But it is the job of governments to make those decisions. They should be judged on the legacy they leave.
Just like in 1997, Labour are beginning to turn the tide after 14 years of disgraceful Conservative rule.
Even First Minister John Swinney has acknowledged the positive impact that a UK Labour government can have, commending the Prime Minister’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood.
There’s a new opportunity over the next 20 months for both governments to work together for the benefit of Scotland.
The Labour government offers a fresh start.
Here in Glasgow, Labour stand ready to work with colleagues in Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government. There is much for us to achieve, let’s use the end of the Tory government as a new opportunity.
And things will get better, again.
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