Labour’s sensibles should push back harder.

Labour's sensibles should push back harder.

The Labour Party’s Struggle for Unity in the Wake of the Paris Attacks

Oldham West and Royton Labour Party MPs

The tragic events in Paris have not only had a profound impact on the world but have also laid bare the deep divides within the UK’s Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn, the party’s newly appointed leader, has come under fire for his response to the debates that have ensued since the attacks. His handling of the situation has only served to highlight the perception that he is ill-equipped to lead the party and has further alienated those members who were already skeptical of his leadership.

One of the key issues that has caused division within the party is Corbyn’s refusal to allow Labour MPs a free vote on British intervention in Syria. His initial opposition to the use of lethal force, which he later reversed, and his association with the anti-West Stop the War group have also sparked outrage among MPs who were previously willing to tolerate him.

At a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Corbyn faced heated opposition from his own MPs. His vague and unsatisfactory answers, coupled with the frustration caused by Diane Abbott, the shadow development secretary, who decided to work through a pile of correspondence during the debate on Syria, reinforced the perception of the party being led by a leader who lacks depth and conviction.

However, despite these mounting criticisms, Corbyn is likely to remain in power for the foreseeable future. Having garnered a significant majority in the leadership election, the consensus among moderate Labour MPs is that he should fall naturally rather than be forcefully ousted. The hope is that, once faced with the realities of his leadership, his supporters will recognize the need for a more modern and grounded alternative.

Nevertheless, the recent events have brought the party closer to the realization that Corbyn’s leadership is hopelessly inadequate. The upcoming by-election in Oldham West and Royton, where the populist UK Independence Party is a serious presence, will be a crucial test of Corbyn’s ability to win back working-class voters who have been drawn to UKIP. However, early indications suggest that his straight-talking style is not resonating with the electorate. As one resident stated, “He’s an idiot, his foreign policy is totally out of date.” Another resident expressed their disappointment with Corbyn’s stance on defending Britain, alienating even traditional socialist voters.

If Labour fails to win the seat convincingly, MPs across the party should be concerned about their prospects. It is no longer a question of whether Labour can breach 30% in the next election but whether it will suffer a 20% decline. Daily political churn often goes unnoticed by voters, but certain issues stand out. Labour’s uncertainty in standing up for British citizens has been noted, and this uncertainty is damaging the party’s image. The moderates within the party, while adopting a different emphasis from Corbyn, must go beyond waiting for him to step down. They need to actively work towards unseating him and building a grassroots base that can counter the support that initially propelled him into power.

The current political landscape provides an opportunity for reflection and action within the Labour Party. The split caused by Corbyn’s divisive leadership and his inability to provide clear, strong leadership in difficult times has become increasingly evident. Now, more than ever, the party needs to find a leader who can unite and inspire its members, while appealing to a broader base of voters. The survival of the party depends on their ability to recognize the need for change and usher in a new era of effective leadership.