12 Comments
User's avatar
Ellie Rofe's avatar

I just wanted to say thank you for your work and sticking so hard to your principles.

You represent the left that I believed in. One that wasn't built entirely on flimsy identity politics, luxury beliefs and contemptuous/contemptible oikophobia.

It's been a joy to discover your work.

Hopefully some of those 'old left' principles can be preserved - somewhere - in the massive realignment that's happening.

In the US the Dems still don't seem to realise that they left a huge gap in the market that the Republicans are now taking full advantage of - whether genuinely or as a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The Dems are now seen as the enemy of the average man/woman (but man especially), unless he happens to want to be condescended to by people who hate him, while they radicalise his entire world and throw a few benefits at him as compensation.

Bessent is positioning his strategy as one that brings the economy back to the common man, after the globalists have ripped it away from them. Whether it works or not, the messaging is striking from the Republicans.

I see Labour trying to do it, but it's totally unconvincing. Who on earth will believe that Starmer or any of his cabinet care about the average person in Britain when they've done everything they can to demonise and deprioritise them?

Expand full comment
Paul Embery's avatar

Thanks, Ellie, for such a thoughtful contribution.

Expand full comment
Malcolm Coury's avatar

You're a star, Paul. Your values are what Labour used to stand for, so it's very pleasing to see you interrogate the current Labour Party who are unrecognisable hypocrites who no longer stand up working Britains. Keep up your fantastic work.

Expand full comment
Jane Noble Knight's avatar

Excellent way to spend my time this morning listening to this. The sensible face of Labour. Where on earth have all the others gone who I remember growing up? Real characters. Politicians mostly have no life experience any more. That’s a huge failing. As a floating voter, I’d vote Labour if they were all like you, Paul. I can’t give higher praise than that.

Expand full comment
Paul Embery's avatar

Many thanks, Jane.

Expand full comment
Sarah Sammut's avatar

Excellent interview.

Expand full comment
Kate's avatar

Much respect Paul, long time admirer, recent Substack subscriber, even though I’m on the right of the divide, but you talk my language, most of the time🫶

Expand full comment
Paul Embery's avatar

Thank you, Kate.

Expand full comment
Lorraine Houghton's avatar

So many times I sit and think - how has this or that happened? How have we become so divided and aggressive towards each other. Why have my own views and beliefs changed so much, when I was so indoctrinated towards group think. Even to the extent of questioning - am I a bad person because there is so much I don’t agree with? And, there it is laid out and explained. Thank you Paul. Although I am very worried about this country and all of our communities. I can’t see an end to the things that under the umbrella of inclusion, cause so much divide. Let’s hope we can find a way through for all our communities sake.

Expand full comment
Nicholas Cooper's avatar

The very qualities of the UK culture based upon Christian values has opened the door to those that wish to kill it... its like the man sawing the branch he's sitting on.

Expand full comment
David Waddington's avatar

There comes a time when you realise that it is already too late. One may shout from the rooftops, even throw down a few slates but nothing is going to change. The crowd looks up for a moment, then momentum and pressure from those behind drives them on regardless. That is the tide of history.

Expand full comment
Tracy Hill's avatar

Fantastic interview, Paul. What is so wonderful is that when you speak you use a calm level tone and present a balanced response with logic and evidence. Too many commentators display outrage and exasperation which whilst completely understandable alienates those who oppose these views. If you talk sense there is no need to show outrage. I think it serves to draw people to you and listen more closely. And being a trade unionist is an added bonus because they can't write you off as "far-right". I agree with every word you said in this interview. Pure sense. Bravo. Keep up the exceptional work.

Expand full comment