Lack of patriotism hit Labour, says MP

LABOUR’S lack of patriotism damaged it in England and the party must now “wrap itself” in the St George’s Cross to win back voters, the shadow education secretary will say.

Tristram Hunt will tell the party it must embrace its English identity and embark on a “relentless” drive to build Labour’s economic credibility if it is to return to power.

Backing plans for an English Labour Party, he will say it is also time for more devolution to towns and cities. Voters are more likely to put their trust in nationalist or right-wing parties to defend the national culture and Labour must show it is proud to celebrate “love of country” to win back support. The party must chart a course between the populist politics of Greece’s Syriza and the resurgent right-wing as it now starts the rebuilding process, he will say.

Mr Hunt, who is backing Liz Kendall in the Labour leadership contest, will say: “We need to ally the emotional connection, the patriotism and the grassroots engagement, with a more obviously ‘Blairite’ approach to regaining trust with the public finances.

“A politics which is patriotic and prudent, compassionate and competent, emotionally intelligent and economically literate.” He will add: “It is time for an English Labour Party to complement our Scottish and Welsh counterparts.”