Sunak and Starmer risk getting too comfortable at PMQs
Spectator (UK)Dec 24, 2022
UK: Labour's Kier Starmer Supports Devolution of Power from Westminster, Abolition of House of Lords
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The Facts
On Monday, the leader of the UK Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, pledged to devolve power away from the political center of Westminster if his party wins the next general election.
If elected PM, Starmer promises to introduce the "biggest ever transfer of power from Westminster to the British people." The announcement comes in tandem with the release of a new report by Labour, entitled 'A New Britain'.
The Spin
Left narrative
With this report comes the reinvigoration of Labour as the party of democratic and constitutional reform. After more than a decade of conservative governance, the current system has become synonymous with Tory cronyism, while faith in UK politics is at an all-time low. With a convincing poll lead, Labour should be confident it will soon get the opportunity to address many of the deep-rooted issues being faced by the UK.
Right narrative
Although some constitutional reform is indeed needed, the fact that the latest half-baked reforms have been proposed by Gordon Brown and the Labour Party are ironic when considering that Brown's record for reform as PM was itself so poor. Change should occur, but with our constitutional arrangements being based upon respect for convention, tradition, and the responsible use of Royal prerogative, caution must be applied.
