Hi Joe,

Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the occasional positive comment. We both want a Labour government and I’m all for dialogue and bridge building.

I confess I did not overstate the benefits which New Labour brought, but I stand by my critique (rather than ‘litany of assertions’) including ‘unreserved support for the free market, its weakening of worker and union rights and the manufacturing a more ‘flexible’ workforce, its deregulation of finance, its widespread back door privatisation including crippling debts for our beloved NHS, its reductions in state protection for the most vulnerable and above all the Iraq war’. I certainly did not have the intention of implying that anyone who wishes to ‘stay in the Party’ has to ‘denounce all the work we did’. I recall the initial, palpable relief when the Conservatives were finally ousted, though I wish it had been John Smith in the driving seat rather than Tony Blair.

I stated quite clearly that Corbyn is not the ideal leader, but it’s a stretch to take from my letter that Labour should ‘postpone any hope of winning an election until a new messiah emerges’. If Labour would unite — either under Corbyn or Owen Smith — I have no doubt we could win an election as millions are now utterly dismayed by the Conservatives. Overcoming powerful and influential media and corporate interests who can afford huge investment in persuasive communication is a huge problem but I hope you recall the surge that Milliband experienced when he confornted Murdoch over phone hacking.

Concerning Unions, while of course they are as uneven as pretty much any group of people, I stated it seems sensible for a Labour Party to work with and support them, not least in order to avoid over-dependence upon powerful corporate and elite interests. I agree with you when you write that we should ‘rebuild the unions….but not as narrow syndicalists led by bureaucrats every bit as remote as worst of politicians’.

When I wrote the letter, Bernie Sanders was still in the running and every opinion poll (usual caveats) I could find gave him a huge lead over Trump in a head to head whereas most polls, then and now, put Trump and Clinton pretty much level.

I hope Jeremy — who many detractors describe as ‘decent and principled’, though certainly no manager — does recognise his limitations and the PLP and SPADS are able to work with him to develop the competencies he needs to successfully lead the party. I’m all for utilising expertise. I’d also like to see Labour Comms radically overhauled and improved, and while avoiding outright spin I believe proactive, sophisticated and ethical persuasive communication is essential in order for Labour to improve its electability regardless of who wins the leadership election. Huge rallies are refreshing and healthy but certainly won’t win general elections on their own — just look at Podemos who attracted tens of thousands to their rallies.

On reflection I regret overstating the issue of ‘uncontrolled migration’: clearly the emphasis should be upon regulation of minimum wage and working conditions which are the main causes of economic migration, combined with provision of adequet public services and affordable housing in areas where they are most needed, and as you suggest, the solutions must be international. Like John Smith, I’m a huge supporter of “Labour’s proud history of international action”.

Like you I am immensely pleased that ‘young people are seeking change and hope to find it in the Labour Party’ — very encouraging for the future don’t you think? I think it is one of the great ironies of recent developments that while Jeremy relentlessly espouses the importance of community and the involvement of the Party in shaping labour policy and narrative — including and especially for him the ‘rank and file’ membership — many on both ‘sides’ stay focused on the ‘messianic faith’ (as you call it) that everything could be magically resolved by a ‘purification ritual’. We need bridges not bonfires.

Of course we need renewal! And we desperately need to find a way to reactivate the founding Labour principles of unity and solidarity. Corbyn will almost certainly win the leadership election and then the tough choices will begin for Labour supporters and especially the disenfranchised in the PLP: do we just keep on fighting and undermining each other and damage our chances of becoming a Government even more, or do we all give it our best shot, focus on the grotesque behaviour and policies of the Conservatives and see where we are down the line? I appreciate you and many others think Labour has no chance of winning a majority under Corbyn. However, to prefer a Conservative Government to a Corbyn led Labour Party seems perverse to me and sadly we have limited time and options.