Labour launches ‘radical’ manifesto

Published November 22, 2019
Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it “the most radical and ambitious plan to transform our country in decades” and a “once-in-a-generation chance of real change”. — AP/File
Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it “the most radical and ambitious plan to transform our country in decades” and a “once-in-a-generation chance of real change”. — AP/File

BIRMINGHAM: Britain’s main opposition Labour party on Thursday unveiled its general election manifesto, promising a radical agenda for social change, including nationalising key industries and a controversial second referendum on Brexit.

Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it “the most radical and ambitious plan to transform our country in decades” and a “once-in-a-generation chance of real change”.

Key pledges included the nationalisation of the rail, water, energy and broadband networks, in addition to huge investment in public services, corporate reforms and the introduction of a 32-hour working week.

Labour has promised a “green industrial revolution” to tackle what Corbyn called “the climate emergency”, by focusing new jobs and industries on efforts to tackle global warming.

Labour says that within six months of taking office, it will strike a new exit deal with the European Union and hold a second referendum on Britain’s membership.

“The British people have the final say. Our government will carry it out, whatever the result of that vote is,” Corbyn told an audience of party activists and media.

At the manifesto launch in Birmingham, central England, he said the programme was “full of popular policies that the political establishment has blocked for a generation”.

The manifesto includes big-ticket promises such as a five per cent pay rise for public sector workers and the abolition of university tuition fees.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...