Entrepreneurial zeal in pursuit of gain is the fuel in the system

BELIEVE it or not, Bristol could once again determine the future of politics in the

UK.

Not because of our MPs, fine though they all are in their own ways – but instead because of the issue of how Labour will respond to the clear evidence of the “greening” of people’s thinking, and how the Green Party for its part responds to its surge in popularity.

Labour under Marvin Rees tried to grab some of the Green Party’s policies, such as pedestrianising the Old City in Bristol. It’s long overdue. The day after the Greens announced this, Labour stole the idea and adopted it.

The Greens pushed for 20mph limits city-wide as these help walking and cycling, Marvin Rees kicked it all into touch with the 2018 evidence review and the consultation. We know the upshot: people love and want lower and safer 20mph limits because of the benefits they bring. That debate is over, and the Greens and social justice won it.

For now, the challenge will be how a commercial society (which we are in – call it capitalist if you wish) can adapt to the challenges of climate change and adopt effective greener policies. There’s been a lot of greenwashing going on.

Profit is not a dirty word, it is excessive profits and unethical profits which are the issue. Anyone who thinks that “State socialism” was a good thing should go and visit Eastern European countries and ask them how it was to live under “socialism”.

Profit-seeking commercial society has raised living standards for billions of people. Entrepreneurial zeal in pursuit of gain is the fuel in the system. The real issue is where you draw the rules.

If local Labour wants to think about a new direction, it could be about “greening” our market system, and making it fairer for everyone. This could then feed into the national debate and even influence the fretful Labour HQ bigwigs.

If Labour needs new ideas to win people back, it should think about Equality and about Greening Capitalism. Reform for the benefit of the majority, not chucking the baby out with the bathwater.

Fred Smith Bristol