Labour Party

7:46am Monday 14th July 2008

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UNION leaders have been suggesting recently a return to Labour's socialist past is the only hope for the future. Some Labour backbenchers have even nodded in agreement.

It was those economic policies, a belief in nationalisation and high taxes which brought down Clement Attlee's government despite the huge majority achieved in 1945.

Harold Wilson (1964-70), and the Wilson/Callaghan government (1974-79), were also brought down by these disastrous policies, as well as their failure to curb excessive union power and the economic chaos it created.

The conflict of interests between the trade unions and the requirements of a successful economy has destroyed every Labour government.

Margaret Thatcher's victories of 1979, 83, and 87, brought the success of privatisation, low tax policies and trade union reform which, in effect, sent Labour to political purgatory.

Labour was saved by Mrs Thatcher's downfall, John Major's failure and by keeping a significant distance from union domination in favour of rational economies under John Smith and Tony Blair.

The concessions the party has since made to its trade union paymasters, the subsequent increase in strike action and the increasing demands of the trade unions for more money and power will almost certainly damage this Labour government.

Des More, Darlington.