{"text":[[{"start":5.6,"text":"The writer is a Labour former home secretary"}],[{"start":8.7,"text":"Over the last 10 days, the spectacle of what can only be described as a political circus has rightly focused minds on economic and political stability, with its knock-on effect on the UK’s place in the world."}],[{"start":21.049999999999997,"text":"But there is a threat which, in my view, damages the country far more: the potential election of a Reform UK-led government. That is why the parliamentary by-election in Makerfield in Greater Manchester could define our politics for years to come. Whether you support Sir Keir Starmer, or, for that matter, a party other than Labour, the outcome of this contest is more significant than any immediate rivalry. "}],[{"start":45.15,"text":"The lessons of Labour’s losses on May 7 in local elections across Britain still do not appear to have permeated to where there is influence and power, either within or outside the confines of Westminster."}],[{"start":56.349999999999994,"text":"I’m talking of the visible disintegration of our traditional democratic system, one in which the main political parties (in order to win) reach out to a much wider cohort of the electorate. Putting together a coalition of support which moderates extremes, isolates sectarianism and inevitably engages with social cohesion: this has been the glue that makes our society a civilised and functioning democracy."}],[{"start":81.6,"text":"London is almost a different “country” to the rest of the UK. Those living and working in the capital will be affected by the political earthquake that has reverberated across England, Scotland and Wales, but there is no doubt in my mind that they have not wholly grasped the full impact."}],[{"start":98,"text":"Quite simply, our democracy is in danger. The idea that a fragmented political landscape is good for us — meat and drink to those who are in favour of extreme versions of proportional representation — is for the birds. "}],[{"start":109.95,"text":"Fragmentation divides rather than unites; grievance politics emphasises our differences, exaggerates what separates us rather than what we hold in common and leads to a brutal environment. If you don’t believe me then read the words emailed to me by a South Yorkshire Labour councillor, who just lost their seat."}],[{"start":129.9,"text":"“It was beyond difficult on the doorstep during the past four months. I have never had so much hate thrown at me. Not anger, pure hate and vitriol . . . The flags were weaponised, neighbour feared neighbour . . . I was screamed at, sworn at, accused of supporting paedophiles, circled by off-road bikers, threats of urination when I leafleted. It was like this on a daily basis.”"}],[{"start":155.5,"text":"If you’re not shocked, you should be. This is the reality of politics in 2026. Which brings me to my central point. The very future of the Labour Party and labour movement as we’ve known it over the past century is now on the line. "}],[{"start":170.2,"text":"It’s true that Essex fell from the Conservatives to Reform UK, but in many parts of the country the Conservative vote held up. The 2024 cry of “anyone but the Conservatives” is now turned against the Labour government."}],[{"start":183.85,"text":"Labour grew from the grassroots of the trade union movement and the neighbourhood. Losing, in one night, nearly 1,500 councillors, Welsh Senedd seats, and failing to restore a prominent position in Scotland’s Holyrood has implications far beyond the prime minister’s survival."}],[{"start":202.1,"text":"In some major metropolitan areas, only a third of councillors were up for election this month, but other seats will be up for grabs next year and the year after, as will be key metropolitan mayors. The disintegration of Labour’s base in the community and throughout the country will sap the driving force of those who, day in day out, give their time and energy, mobilise their friends and family and have a voice in their localities."}],[{"start":226.85,"text":"Failing to understand the implications is to miss a critical challenge for Labour. If there is to be a rational opposition to Reform, then a coherent, comprehensive and responsible left-of-centre party is as crucial as restoring the Conservative Party of Disraeli and Macmillan. "}],[{"start":243.65,"text":"It is time for the entertainment to stop and for some very serious thinking and action. Politics is not a spectator sport; this is about the heart and essence of who we are. We need a civilised and respectful dialogue, together with an appreciation that this is a moment for bold measures. "}],[{"start":262.3,"text":"People of all political persuasions and none should pause and reflect on the potential calamity ahead, and take whatever small steps are available to them to help pull things back from the brink. "}],[{"start":274,"text":"The wellbeing of the nation depends on restoring decency and moderation in our political life. While this challenge is not confined to the UK, and can be seen across Europe and North America, it is the responsibility of those in a position of authority to counteract the ongoing corrosion of our body politic."}],[{"start":297.9,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1779004053_9964.mp3"}