Labour Party’s Report on the Future of the UK: A Step in the Right Direction

I was pleased to see the Labour party’s new report on the future of the UK put the focus fair and square on spreading power and funding throughout the country.

I was pleased to see the Labour party’s new report on the future of the UK put the focus fair and square on spreading power and funding throughout the country.

At least they agree with the Conservatives on the diagnosis of the problem (as described in the government’s Levelling Up white paper).

Power is too centralised in the UK and this has weakened the economy, and a weak economy erodes trust in our political process as a result.

Both sides also agree about the answer - reform the way funding is delivered and put money in the control of local leaders best placed to tackle local priorities.

Now I’m a businessman and not a politician - so I won’t unpack the party political aspects of either side’s proposals.

I’m interested in solutions and how quickly we can implement them.

For me what’s needed to inspire this process into action faster is to focus on its human dimension.

When we start with people and meeting their needs - in their families and in their communities - that’s when we see meaningful change.

The two parties have spotted there’s talent and energy going to waste around our nation - what they can’t seem to do is unleash it.

I want to show them how to do it - using the power of covenants.

It may sound like an old-fashioned word but it’s a concept that will work.

People today are crying out for something to believe in. Some of us have our religious faith - but millions feel abandoned by their leaders.

The beauty of covenants is that they align everyone’s interests.

Assets and resources are held in civic trusts throughout the country so no-one can misuse the underlying public goods.

Accountability is at the local level. People can see how their services are delivered and how their money is spent.

We are all obligated to each other and we all have a voice.

This is the key to rebuilding trust and restoring economic health to our body politic.

#phillipullmann #covenant #purpose #business #socialentrepeur #uklabourparty