The only answer to a bad idea is a better idea
Liberal Populism Trump and Farage have an absolute right, as a matter of free speech, to say the silly (and often nasty) things they say. It is definitely our job to prevent them from doing the hateful things they promote. But ultimately the most important part of our job is to oppose their bad ideas by proposing better ones.
The Problem
Hateful Populism
Falling Into the Trap
For all the talk of Hitler and Wanna-be Fascists, the "liberals" are falling directly into the trap created by Trump and Farage. Democrats spend all their energy criticizing Trump as he "floods the zone" with deranged ideas. Worse yet, Keir Starmer seeks to be Farage-lite, a human rights lawyer limiting the European Convention on Human Rights to "stop the small boats", a trial barrister abolishing the right to jury trial.The Vilified Minority
Politicians seize upon a small group and stir up hatred against them, blaming them for the imagined (or real) problems of society. Most recently, immigrants, as if closing the border will make it all okay. But there's always another target: young black men on death row, trans people "challenging accepted norms", or Venezuelans using Fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction".
The Politics of Fear & Hatred
This is nothing new. It's thought to be easier to inspire hatred than decency. Yet this has not always been the case. In the Sixties and Seventies, democratic socialism was advancing, Labour introduced universal healthcare, the highest rate of income tax hovered over 90%, and the Left consistently made the case that the rich should pay their full share.
How the Right Reclaimed the Language
Starting in the Thatcher era, the pendulum swung. "Tax" and "socialism" became dirty words. The highest income tax rates fell from 83% to 45%. The cause of society's ills shifted from the rich failing to pay their dues to the vilified "benefit cheat". The Left ceded the language and, along with it, considerable political territory.
There has to be a better way.
And there is.Not all populism is right-wing
Latin America has been a cauldron over decades, alternating between the left-wing populism of Castro and Maduro, to the right-wing populism of Milei. Populism itself is not the enemy, hateful populism is.
Stop playing their game
Centre-left parties started opposing all tax rises, without distinguishing between taxes on the rich versus those less well off. Even Inheritance Tax, having peaked at 85% in 1969, fell to 40%, tarred by the Right as a "tax on death".
The Solution
Liberal Populism
The essential elements of an ideal LibPop idea. It's not about us, it's about our jury: the majority of people.
Appeals to the majority positively
Making lives happier rather than more miserable. Not about niche concerns or special interests, ideas that resonate with the many and improve their daily lives.
Doesn't cost the government much
It may even bring significant money into the government purse to do good for the majority. We're not promising magic money trees, these are ideas that can actually be funded.
Rapidly deliverable
Of course, we need long-term things like healthcare. But the essence of populist decisions is that they deliver something tangible quickly, else you'll be out of office before you're popular.
Tips scales toward the underprivileged
Benefits those who need it most, not those who are already wealthy. Genuine redistribution of power and resources to those who've been left behind.
Ideas in Action
Example: Cut Premier League ticket prices by 50%
Concrete, not abstract
While some may view this as the least substantive idea, it exemplifies Liberal Populism perfectly: it appeals to millions, costs the government nothing, can be delivered rapidly, and tips the scales away from billionaires toward ordinary fans.The problem
Many of the very people who are target voters in the 'Red Wall' seats are incensed with Premier League ticket prices, which now average around £60 a game. Football is, for many, the true religion, and they're being priced out.
The owners can take the hit
Look at the owners of Premier League clubs: only one has less than a billion pounds (Brentford), and their wealth goes up to £620 billion (the Saudis). Jim Ratcliffe, one of the richest men in the UK, says United's finances are "a mess", yet wants to build a new Old Trafford for £2 billion. The mess is from spending enormous sums on useless players.
Europe already does it
The big clubs in France, Germany, Italy and Spain already charge half as much as the English. This isn't radical, it's catching up with the continent.
There are many different ideas we should be promoting
The purpose of this site is to present some of them, and to solicit ideas from you. Whether liberal politicians seize on any of our ideas will be up to them, but they surely need our help.