Lord Falconer’s assessment of the government (Starmer’s team seen as ‘tired, same-again politicians’, says Labour peer, 9 August) does not acknowledge the depth of feeling on current issues, and his advice for the future is itself “same-again” and “tired”. After the last general election, Keir Starmer promised us hope and an assurance that the “broadest shoulders” would help to turn around the country after 14 years of disastrous and deeply damaging Conservative rule.
However, the public clearly didn’t think that axing disabled people’s benefits or removing heating allowances from pensioners fitted the “broadest shoulders” definition. Rather large “fuck-ups”, as Falconer puts it, in a handful of weeks. The pro-Israel, pro-US foreign policy agenda, while a terrible genocide unfolds in Gaza, has also proved deeply unpalatable.
The public feel duped and insulted by this “blue” Labour government, with its unashamedly authoritarian assault on democracy. I agree with the “same old, same old” sentiment: same lower- and middle-income earners paying the same price for the same old financiers, political lobbyists, rightwing campaign groups, global corporations, arms manufacturers and their vested interests.
Yes, the 10-year NHS plan is welcome, but the failure to tax the super-rich and initiatives such as the environmentally catastrophic planning reforms outweigh any positive steps. Falconer suggests No 10 should unapologetically drive through ideological change, but that approach is doomed. Less of the tone-deafness and failure to read the room, and more consultation, more humanity, are what the people want.
Sue Borges
Stowmarket, Suffolk
• Charles Falconer’s critique of Labour in government sums up the situation very well. I would just add that disillusionment and absence of hope combine to make this an unhappy, uneasy country. Yet our government apparently fails to see any link with increasing polarisation, conflict and crime. It’s proving a costly failure for us all, but especially for the people who are marginalised and vulnerable. We should expect better.
Paula Jones
London
