Britain needs a Labour government - here's why

Will we be seeing Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister come 9th June? (Image: PoliticsHome)

I'm sorry but I feel I must intervene and express my true annoyance over this farcical general election. For those reading from abroad, Britain has to endure yet another election, just two years after having one, and three years before it was meant to be scheduled for. Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy to exercise my democratic right to vote, but not under the circumstances UK faces itself today.

I have a long list of reasons for why this general election is a bad idea, but I'll shortlist these here and conclude why Britain would really benefit from a Labour government. Yes, Labour. While the party's chances of winning a majority is slim - according to polls - the last thing I want is to see them lose seats to this Conservative government under false pretences. Theresa May has so much to answer for, I am finding it difficult to structure my arguments against her regime.

I'll start with Europe. This election, I have no doubt, is the second European referendum. Theresa May won't say this to you but honestly, the EU exit is the primary reason for her calling a national vote so soon after triggering Article 50. The Tories certainly fooled the Liberal Democrats here, as Tim Farron's party are basing their campaign on wanting one once an EU exit deal with the other European nations has been established, whenever that'll be. The Prime Minister insists Europe isn't her primary reason to hold an election, yet, the timing proves otherwise.

Many know Theresa May's European motives and Brussels aren't liking what they hear. She can claim that they'll do anything to jeopardise any deal being made. However, her openness to disagree with them is reckless. Their red tape clauses are clear, and if we want to speculate what type of exit Britons want, a messy divorce isn't one. They aren't the scary bureaucrats the British media pictures them to be. They are visibly frustrated about May, but for her to negotiate the best deal for the UK, instead of attracting a war of words, listen.

Theresa May with Tim Farron (Image: Daily Mirror)

The current exit strategy clearly isn't working and remember, we'll have two years of this, once the Article 50 process ends. The Liberal Democrats pledge Brits should vote on the negotiated deal once it is on the table, yet, I question this. Should they have some government power, mirroring that of the 2010-15 coalition, would they not trust their judgement and negotiating skills? Having them anywhere near Downing Street, I fear, would make this leaving process lengthier, and increasingly painful.

Labour offer the best European strategy. The press may disagree, yet, they ought to believe it. Most of the voters who bothered to show up in the EU referendum said they wanted the UK to Leave. I bet most of those want to just Leave, and not want to think about how messy a 'divorce' could be. Labour genuinely accepts the result (as too do Brussels) and they are the only party who are willing to give EU what they want, such as freedom of movement with relative restrictions, and therefore we get our certain 'freedoms' many campaigned for in return. That'll satisfy the hundred percent rather than the 52 the Tories claim to represent and Lib Dems' 48. For economic certainty, we need this so-called 'divorce' to be short and sweet, and the bill won't rocket as high as hyped in the press.

Unfortunately, however, many won't see Labour in a positive light. Instantly, Theresa May has gotten personal. She's made it clear to the public of the choice. She interprets that she offers a 'strong, stable leadership' and brands Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn 'chaotic' and 'dangerous'. I fear she believes she's bigger than the party she represents. Yet, neither leader should be personal as May nor Corbyn will feature on my ballot paper. They will do in the constituencies of Maidenhead and Islington North respectively, but myself and 65 million others won't. This isn't the United States where Presidential candidates are offered on every ballot paper.

If you're asking me, May offers anything but 'strong' or 'stable' leadership skills. It would be good to know her actual views on key issues. Many believed she was an ardent Remain campaigner in the EU referendum, yet since becoming Prime Minister, her standpoint has dramatically shifted. She can claim it's because 'the people have chosen', yet it doesn't hide the fact that the vote was close enough to split the nation.

Amber Rudd was most passionate pro-EU Tory. What's changed?

In this instance, May and her colleagues are puppy dogs. They are followers to the apparent majority and don't believe in their true policies just incase they may be seen as unpopular. Do they even trust their own judgement? In particular, I'm thinking of Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson and Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Their views have completely flipped as if the referendum never happened. Don't people enter politics to stand for what they believe in?

Corbyn meanwhile has been a backbencher since 1983, and his views have been incredibly clear. His positive passion for the public services - to which everyone relies on - is explicit. He is pro-peace and anti-conflict. I agree with him on nuclear and getting rid of Trident. The more those who think we need it to defend ourselves, subconsciously they really want to use them as an excuse. And to those who point out his apparent associations with 'extreme' pro-Palestine (or as the press call them 'anti-Semitic') groups and former IRA members - if you don't want them causing problems, you need to turn to Corbyn to sort them out. He is far from dangerous. Trust me, I voted Liz Kendall in the 2015 leadership election.

In addition, Labour can satisfy the Tories 'One Nation' message with ease. By keeping Scotland sweet through continued investment and no needless bickering, the SNP won't feel so compelled to break away from the UK. May and Davidson have done nothing positive to ease tensions. Wales has a Labour Assembly government and through building partnerships and spreading wealth across the north, that'll be the Northern Powerhouse Tory dream a reality. A Labour government is capable of getting the nation to be proud Brits as they did in 1997 when Tony Blair went to power. A vote for Labour isn't a 'vote to the left' - for those who read my blog, the only wings I believe in are chicken. Labour offer convenience and normality. It is important to get back to basics.

All Labour need to do is to execute their arguments with conviction. It does not help when we have Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott delivering a 'car crash' interview or two about policing. There is a lot of campaigning to go. Abbott isn't pitching to be Britain's Home Secretary, neither is Corbyn (or May) for Prime Minister. These could happen as a consequence yet cabinet reshuffles at the start of Parliament have taken place in the past.

So when you vote on Thursday 8th June, think about the candidates who vow to represent your constituency. On the national picture too, how would you want the UK to look? Corbyn's vision may be dull but if it's bland Britain that'll look after everyone without any thrills and spills, then Labour government is the one you should be voting for. If you're looking for unpredictable and a government that can't form their own views due to their hidden insecurities then vote Tories.