Labour needs broader public engagement to succeed

A new report from the think tank Demos warns that Labour's goals may not succeed unless the government involves everyone, from businesses to the wider public. The report stresses that the traditional "command and control" style of leadership is no longer effective. Demos calls for what it describes as “mass mobilisation.” This means engaging businesses, charities, unions, and the public to help achieve important goals like economic growth, clean energy, crime reduction, and improving healthcare and education. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has emphasized the need to reshape government services. However, opinions in the government vary. Some officials favor empowering local communities to make decisions, while others support a more centralized approach. The report points out that the government cannot achieve its goals alone. It suggests the government must learn to share power. For instance, recent NHS changes have aimed to give more authority to local health organizations. To improve participation, Demos recommends using methods that directly involve the public, such as volunteering. It also proposes the creation of "mission councils" to bring together different sectors to work on specific goals. Polly Curtis, the chief executive of Demos, highlighted that a partnership approach is essential for governing effectively. Without this collaboration, the government risks failure in its missions. While the government has established a new unit to foster partnerships, Demos cautions that there is a danger of being too focused on internal matters. They worry that the government might miss the chance to unite the country around important shared goals. The Cabinet Office has been contacted for further comment on the report.