As Keir Starmer prepares for his speech at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, the political landscape is momentarily cast back to 1983. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Neil Kinnock’s impactful address, where he criticized the Militant faction for their “impossible promises.” This speech is considered one of the most significant in British political history, as Kinnock aimed to reshape Labour into a more electable party after a disheartening defeat under Michael Foot.
Reflecting on Political Challenges
Kinnock’s leadership emerged from a tumultuous time for Labour. The party had suffered its worst electoral defeat since the 1930s, finishing with a mere 209 MPs. Factors contributing to this loss included a fragmented anti-Tory vote, the early signs of a false economic recovery, and the impact of the Falklands War. Kinnock explained, “Given the catastrophic divisions within the Labour Party and the desertions to the SDP, we simply weren’t credible.”
- 1983 electoral defeat: 209 MPs
- Factors: anti-Tory vote split, false economic recovery, Falklands War
Kinnock expressed a deep sense of duty in stepping up to lead, emphasizing that effective talent was absent due to significant resignations from the party. His leadership lingered under the weight of two election defeats, which he described as “using up the prime of your life.” Nevertheless, Kinnock was determined to shift the party’s focus towards winning elections rather than ideological debates.
Confronting the Ultra-Left
By the 1980s, Militant and other ultra-left elements had gained influence within Labour councils, particularly in cities like Liverpool and London. Despite prior attempts to address this challenge, Kinnock noted they were largely ineffective. He believed that the policies endorsed by these factions could not appeal to a significant portion of the electorate.
“The constitution was being abused, and there was no way these policies could gain broad support,” Kinnock stated, recalling that he could not address Militant’s influence sooner due to the miners’ strike diverting attention.
The Pivotal Conference Speech
As the 1985 Labour Party conference approached, events escalated when the Militant-controlled Liverpool City Council issued 90-day redundancy notices to workers. This action galvanized Kinnock, prompting him to address the conference and take a firm stance against the ultra-left.
“I knew what I wanted to say, and it had to be said, even if it meant risking my position,” Kinnock reflected. The urgency to confront these issues outweighed any concerns he had about the speech’s reception.
During the address, Kinnock’s confrontation of Militant provoked strong reactions from the audience, including protests from some party members. Yet, amidst این tumult, he received encouragement from his wife, Glenys, who vocally supported him during the speech.
The Broader Message of the Speech
Kinnock sought to speak not just to Labour members but to the public at large. He aimed to convey messages of justice, freedom, and common sense, framing them within the context of Labour’s role in shaping society. His political ideology centered on the enabling state and a commitment to democratic socialism.
- Key themes: justice, freedom, common sense, environmental security
Despite the focus on confronting Militant, Kinnock expressed regret that this significant speech has been remembered primarily for those confrontations rather than its broader ideological messages. He believes that the essence of his address was lost in the ensuing chaos.
Conclusion
Looking back, Kinnock reflects on his legacy with a sense of complexity. While he recognizes his contributions to Labour’s survival, he emphasizes that the party’s changes were driven by a collective desire to win elections. As the Labour Party continues to evolve, Kinnock’s speech remains a pivotal moment in understanding the struggle to articulate a viable political identity amidst internal strife.
