Politics · United Kingdom · 8 hrs ago
Editorial argues Labour can improve lives without waiting for growth
An editorial argues that Labour should not make social progress depend on economic growth in the UK.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made growth a central goal, echoing an approach previously championed by Keir Starmer.
Economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal argue that restoring past growth levels may not be realistic, and that higher growth would not resolve affordability problems in struggling towns.
They point to the contrast between Manchester’s booming city centre and towns such as Oldham and Wigan.
The editorial says redistribution and stronger local services can improve lives now, including through transport, utilities and care.
It cites Greater Manchester’s publicly controlled buses and capped fares as one example.
Burnham’s Middleton development corporation is being shaped by residents and local businesses, with the aim of improving everyday services and local economic networks.
The Guardian argues Labour can improve living standards without waiting for faster economic growth.
The editorial says growth is unlikely to return to former levels and would not resolve entrenched affordability problems in places such as Oldham and Wigan.
Economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal argue for focusing on essential services and infrastructure in local communities.
The editorial points to Greater Manchester’s publicly controlled buses and capped fares as an example of action that can improve everyday life.
It says devolution should give local communities more power, rather than channel it to outside investors.
- Who
- The Guardian editorial, drawing on economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal, discusses Labour’s economic approach.
- What
- The editorial argues that Labour can improve lives through redistribution and investment in local essentials without waiting for economic growth.
- When
- Published on 3 November 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom, with examples from Greater Manchester and towns including Oldham, Wigan and Middleton.
- Why
- The editorial says growth may not return to former levels and would not by itself address affordability and other entrenched problems.
Labour’s growth-focused approach
The Guardian editorial and economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal
Economic strategy
Labour’s growth-focused approach
Labour leaders have linked the scale of their political offer to generating growth.
The Guardian editorial and economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal
The editorial argues that improving lives need not wait for growth.
Growth and social provision
Labour’s growth-focused approach
John Healey said, “Without growth, there is no social democracy.
The Guardian editorial and economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal
The editorial says redistribution and investment in local services and infrastructure can improve lives even without faster growth.
Keir Starmer said that growth must become Labour’s obsession.
Chancellor John Healey told the Labour party conference, “Without growth, there is no social democracy.
Andy Burnham’s last acts as mayor included signing off on a mayoral development corporation for Middleton.
The Guardian published its editorial arguing that Labour need not wait for growth to improve lives.
- Publication date
- 3 November 2026
- Economists cited
- Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal
- Greater Manchester buses
- Taken back under public control and fares capped
- Middleton
- Town near Manchester; a mayoral development corporation was signed off
- Labour growth slogan
- Growth must become Labour’s obsession” was said by Keir Starmer ahead of the 2024 general election
1 source
What people are saying
Without growth, there is no social democracy.
How do low-income places work? What do we need to do to get them to work better?
What are the basics, the necessities that we need … for people to have a decent civilised life?