Welcome to Left Foot Forward. We have put together this short video to mark our launch. You can sign up for our daily politics summary by clicking here.
Left Foot Forward is a new political blog for progressives. We provide evidence-based analysis on British politics, news and policy developments.
We are a non-partisan blog. Because we are progressive and because of the aims we’re committed to, we often find ourselves in agreement with left of centre policies and politicians. But we are focused purely on the quality of policies and furthering progressive goals, rather than on promoting individual politicians and parties.
We have been inspired by our U.S. sister site, Think Progress, and have therefore adopted their approach to blogging by setting out our beliefs and categorising our stories accordingly.
We are fighting for:
1. A proactive and sustainable economic policy that creates jobs, pulls Britain out of recession and towards a low-carbon and more equitable future.
2. Public services that work for, and are accountable to, local people and leave no one behind.
3. Safe communities where poverty and inequality are tackled, and the victims of crime are put first.
4. A multilateral foreign policy to tackle climate change, poverty, nuclear proliferation, genocide, terrorism, and disease.
We are fighting against:
1. Public greed and attempts by politicians and public servants to line their own pockets.
2. Administrative incompetence whether it takes place at the national, regional, or local level.
3. Media manipulation and bias to support a hidden agenda.
4. The threat of racism and extremism.
To reach hundreds of thousands of new readers and to make the biggest impact we can in the next general election, we need to grow our donor base substantially.
That's why in 2024, we are seeking to generate 150 additional regular donors to support Left Foot Forward's work.
We still need another 124 people to donate to hit the target. You can help. Donate today.
18 Responses to “Welcome to Left Foot Forward!”
willstraw
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the comment. We look forward to the debate! In answer to your questions:
Luke makes a good case here although about why progressives should not be too slavish about there ideology although to my mind a good definition is that we seek to shape the world as it evolves around us rather than seeking to conserve what has passed. We also cover quite a lot of ground with the items that we are fighting for and against as you acknowledge. Fair point on putting victims first – we have tried to make sure that all our statements are not “motherhood and apple pie.” The key distinction in that aim is about “tackling poverty and inequality” which I think is a genuine dividing line.
It’s a reasonable question to ask whether I share my father’s political views. Naturally we share many of the same values but it would be a rare son who followed all their parent’s opinions. I opposed him publicly on tuition fees and have opposed him privately on many others (not least the need for PR). We have already published articles that oppose Labour government and will do so many more times.
Thanks,
Will
NickR
Let me be honest with you Will. You should listen to you Father and the labour party and put an end to this useless website. Your dad has funded your upbringing so I don’t think the cabinet would be too happy if they found out Jack was directly funding an anti-labour website. Despite being a labour MP I rarely see eye to eye with the cabinet or your dad but websites like this are not helping anbody in the general election or in general so please; don’t quit your day job and put an end to this farce.
Soho Politico
Yeah @JamieSport, it’s Will Straw’s new site. Go and LOL at his deeply awkward welcome video http://bit.ly/SWrIm
Caroline Sick Of The Lies
NickR – Why so cynical? I’m sure Will can immediately confirm that his dad obviously sent him to a local comprehensive school…
… and as a Labour MP yourself I’m sure your kids go to the local comp as well…
… I remember Jack Straw claiming not to support the privatisation of the Post Office to his constituency and joining a ‘picket’ line outside the building then going in and voting for it’s privatisation in the commons.
Luckily for the country we’ve got less than 9 months of this pain left before all you lot get whacked at the election.
And I’m a lifelong Labour voter btw.
willstraw
I spoke to Nick Raynsford’s office this morning and they confirmed that the comment sent at 7.53pm from NickR was a hoax.