A group of Labour MPs is preparing to set out a new policy agenda aimed at defeating rightwing populism, with proposals that include a Swiss-style deal with the European Union, lower electricity prices, a firmer defence of climate policy and a reduced dependence on Washington.
The ideas are being gathered in a new collection of essays, with contributions from a range of Labour figures. Among them is the former cabinet minister Anneliese Dodds, who argues for a major reassessment of the UK-US relationship.
Dodds says alliances should be built on “a hardheaded assessment of which nations share our values and goals.” Her contribution points to a broader argument within the group: that Labour should respond to the political appeal of the right not only through rhetoric, but by offering practical policies that address economic pressure, energy costs and Britain’s place in the world.
The proposed approach combines domestic and international themes. Lower electricity prices are presented as part of the answer to concerns about the cost of living, while a more robust defence of climate policy suggests the group wants Labour to resist attempts to frame environmental action as a political liability. At the same time, the call for a Swiss-style deal with the EU reflects a desire for closer and more workable relations with Europe after Brexit.
Another element of the argument is strategic independence. By calling for reduced dependence on the USA, the MPs are suggesting that Britain should not assume its interests automatically align with those of Washington. Instead, they want a foreign policy shaped by a more selective judgment about partnerships and shared priorities.
The collection of essays is intended to make the case that Labour should meet the challenge of rightwing populism with a clearer and more confident policy offer. Rather than simply reacting to opponents, the group is putting forward a set of proposals that they believe could speak to voters who feel let down by the current political and economic settlement.
The intervention adds to debate inside Labour about how the party should position itself in a political landscape shaped by economic insecurity, the climate agenda and tensions in international alliances. By linking energy policy, Europe, climate and foreign policy, the MPs are presenting a broad argument for how Labour might build a stronger response to populist politics.
