Industrial Future

Britain was once the ‘workshop of the world’ – thirty years on from Margaret Thatcher’s savage and wilful destruction of much of our manufacturing capability, the result is clear for all to see. Entire communities which relied on local industry have been ruined. These communities, which were once close-knit and virtually crime free, have in turn become dens of social problems. Whereas once Britain was able to provide for itself, we are now reliant on raw materials from elsewhere, and we often have to invade and occupy other countries in order to secure them.

Respect rejects the notion that Britain has to be solely reliant on a future based on financial services; the playing-about of numbers on screens which generate wealth for only a tiny percentage. We support the idea of a balanced economy with industry as a key part of it – an industry where the workers are properly treated and where they are guaranteed a job for life.

Respect believes in Labour values – the kind of values that were abandoned under New Labour. Britain needs a Labour party, one which stands up for those whose interests are entire and separate to those of the people who employ labour. If Labour are not up to the job, Respect will stand for these values.