16 May 2017•Update: 16 May 2017
By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON
As the U.K.’s main opposition Labour Party launched its manifesto on Tuesday, leader Jeremy Corbyn promised the country a “better future” under his governance.
The already-leaked document contained populist measures such as freezing income tax and national insurance for those earning less than £80,000 ($103,000) as well as promising caps on energy bills for households on an average income.
Labour’s manifesto pledges also included keeping defense spending at 2 percent of GDP -- a requirement as a NATO member and also a promise made by Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May.
However, although surveys have suggested the public like Labour’s ideas, they do not envisage the party as a credible alternative government or Corbyn as the new British prime minister.
Yesterday’s appointment by Corbyn of a former communist as a senior campaign team member also raised eyebrows. Andrew Murray was until recently an important figure in the country’s powerful Unite trade union.
Corbyn later defended the appointment.
In the Tuesday launch of the manifesto -- entitled ‘For the Many not the Few’ -- Corbyn said “the opinion is changing and moving towards Labour”.
Corbyn also said seven years of Conservative governments had held back the U.K.
Pledges
Speaking in Bradford, northern England, and flanked by Labour’s shadow cabinet, Corbyn said his party would raise the minimum wage to £10 ($12.80) an hour by 2020 and would scrap so-called ‘zero hour’ contracts.
Revealing Labour’s left-ward direction under his leadership, Corbyn also promised to re-nationalize the country’s rail and water networks.
The manifesto also says British lawmakers should have a “meaningful vote” on any final Brexit deal and to fight to retain the benefits of the European single market and customs union.
Targeting Conservative Brexit plans, Corbyn claimed they would turn the country into a tax heaven.
However, latest surveys show the ruling Conservatives still maintain a firm lead, despite some campaigning setbacks.
May’s live Facebook Q&A appearance on Monday drew a negative reaction from many viewers in the form of a storm of angry-face emojis but also garnered around 4,000 likes.
A surprise question from Corbyn asked May why she refused to debate live with him and other party leaders.
May said she preferred taking questions directly from voters but Corbyn later on blasted her answer on Twitter: “It’s weak leadership to hide from your record.”
