Turning a deaf ear to Labour’s listening tour
In a bid to get back in touch with public opinion, Labour have announced that they’re sending senior party figures on what they’re calling a “listening tour”. They say they’re particularly keen to listen to voters’ views on immigration.
Kicking off the tour is the former leadership candidate Andy Burnham. It would be interesting to read a diary of his experiences… Listening Tour: Day One I knock on the door of a house. It’s opened by a man.
“Good morning, fellow ordinary bloke,” I say. “I’m Andy Burnham, and I like football and crisps. I’ve come to listen to your opinions. What do you think about immigration?”
“Well,” says the man. “I accept that it’s brought economic advantages, but I’m concerned that we don’t have enough houses, schools and hospitals even for the people already living here, let alone the hundreds of thousands who arrive from abroad each year. In my view, we need to cut immigration substantially, and for that reason, I’m voting to leave the EU.”
“That’s really interesting,” I say, with a friendly smile. “I come from the north. I’m really close to my family and I enjoy going to the pub with my mates for a pint of beer.”
“So do Labour want to leave the EU, then?” he asks.
“My team is Everton Football Club,” I say. “I’ve got three kids and I’m having chips for tea.”
It’s so good to get out of the Westminster bubble and start listening to people. Listening Tour: Day Two I talk to a man at his place of work.
“Hello, hard-working man,” I say. “I’m Andy Burnham, and my favourite music is The Beatles. I’m here to listen while you talk. How many refugees do you think Britain should take?”
“Would you mind leaving the control tower please, sir,” he says. “I’m in the middle of landing a plane.”
“I see,” I reply, nodding. “And do you think we should reduce our international aid budget?”
Sadly our conversation is cut short at this point, but at least I get to ask the police for their views, too. Listening Tour: Day Three I stop a woman in the street.
“Hello, normal woman,” I say. “I’m Andy Burnham, and I like ice cream and watching the telly. I’m here to stand in silence while your lips move. Do you think Labour have got it wrong on immigration?”
“I’m not all that bothered about immigration,” she says. “The reason I wouldn’t vote Labour is I don’t like your leader.”
“I see,” I say, making sure not to smile. “Who would you rather we’d picked to be our leader? Anyone in particular?”
“Good question,” she says. “The other three candidates were even worse.”
Obviously it’s important to canvass the public’s views on immigration, but there are times when you encounter real ignorance and prejudice.