Comment

New Ground 69
Autumn 2005

Making Green Politics Work for the Reds

How the environment can help reconnect disillusioned Labour voters

For many in the Labour Party, losing core support to the Liberal Democrats was one of the most depressing aspects of Election Night 2005. Though the New Labour 'big tent' was inevitably going to become loose at the edges after eight years in power, the fall of Labour seats to the Lib Dems represented an alarming development for the party.

The primary explanation for this shift in support is, of course, anger about the war in Iraq. Indeed, in key seats such as Hornsey and Wood Green, dismay at Labour's foreign policy led many on the left to switch their support to the Lib Dems. However, our post Election research with those who switched has shown that anger over the war was often part of a wider narrative of frustration with Labour's performance in Government. Though the war acts as an emotive symbol of their disappointment, many voice wider concerns that Labour in power has not been as progressive as they thought it should have been.

For many voters who have gravitated towards the Liberal Democrats, the environment represents a key issue. Yet it is an issue that has been too easily dismissed by politicians and the media alike. It is seen as lacking the personal relevance of health and education, or the emotional edge of law and order. It is thought to be of only low level interest to those vital 'middle England' voters. However, for left-wing voters who switched from Labour, the environment has a symbolic importance. When exploring the values and policies that matter, wider quality of life issues are high on the agenda. The environment is a vital component of any list generated by this key group. So, by demonstrating Labour's 'green' credentials, the party can seek to win back the disappointed.

Our research identifies four areas which the party needs to focus on. Firstly, Labour needs to own the 'quality of life' agenda, and communicate more single mindedly on policies and actions that seek to improve the environment in which we live. Beyond top-of-mind concerns on the NHS and education, we have detected strong and growing concerns about over-development, the state of the countryside, air quality and pollution. Labour needs to refine a set of policies and messages around protecting and safeguarding our quality of life in this respect.

In many cases, this is about communication on a local level as well as a national level. The Lib Dems are effective at giving a local perspective to a national debate, which of course is highly relevant to environmental issues. Labour therefore needs to demonstrate its commitment to local initiatives - whether that be on public transport, community recycling or local environmental protection. It means talking about the specifics that are being achieved on the ground.

Thirdly, we see a major opportunity for Labour to lead the debate on choices around sustainable living. Progressive voters are much more inclined to buy FairTrade products, and to be more active and passionate about recycling, energy-saving ideas and ethical consumption. As the debate grows around how we can balance our consumer aspirations with our environmental responsibilities, Labour should be at the forefront of promoting ideas and thinking on sustainable choices. We need to lead this debate, and show that sustainable living is not a passing fad, or an onerous duty.

Above all else, Labour needs to position itself as the only party that can tackle the issue of climate change, on both a national and international stage. This need is all the more pressing post the devastation of Katrina in New Orleans, but, consistently over the past five years, we have seen this issue move from being a minority academic concern to one that is increasingly salient amongst a wider audience. The tipping point has now begun and adopting a clear lead on the issue, Labour politicians can convince voters that only they have the potential to re-shape this debate and respond to its urgency.

Of course, Labour has a big task ahead. Labour switchers are also looking for delivery on public services, reassurance on crime and immigration, and a different emphasis on foreign policy. However, the environment can be a short-hand for the quality of life agenda - and by connecting the local and national, the urgent and the longer term - offers a real opportunity for Labour. Proving that only Labour can lead on the environment, can help re-build the progressive coalition and win back support.

Deborah Mattinson is Joint Chief Executive of Opinion Leader Research and a trustee of the Green Alliance

Graeme Trayner is a director at Opinion Leader Research