Keir Starmer did something remarkable in his New Year speech. He shifted the arcane and rather tired agenda of constitutional reform and devolution onto territory voters actually care about – having a direct influence over the decisions that affect their lives. By committing to a Take Back Control Bill, Starmer has responded directly to the extremely well-evidenced and widespread frustration of people who feel ignored by government. This would effect “a huge power shift out of Westminster” and be designed to give people “control over their lives and their community”.
This is much needed but there is a big risk of failure. There is a high chance – given the institutional mindset of government officialdom – that reform becomes merely a shuffling of powers from Whitehall to town halls with little thought given to the genuine empowerment of communities. If the Take Back Control Bill is to do as it promises, a Labour government will need to inject some fresh thinking.
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