New book shows tackling inequality is how Labour fights Reform
As the Labour government approaches a year in power, this new book argues that it needs to prioritise tackling inequality through new, innovative policies based on progressive Labour values to combat the threat of Reform and hold its electoral coalition together.
‘Making Equal – New Visions for Opportunity and Growth’ is released to mark the 125th anniversary of Ruskin College, Oxford and brings together 21 leaders from politics, policy and academia.
It features contributions from Lord David Blunkett, Baroness Hilary Armstrong, Lord John Bird (Founder of the Big Issue), Phil Collins (ex Chief Speech Writer for Tony Blair), Justine Greening (former Secretary of State for Education), Rupa Huq (MP for Ealing Central and Acton) and Jon Cruddas (ex MP for Dagenham and Rainham).
It includes chapters on what a new Ministry of Poverty could look like, how to reboot further and higher education for the 21st century, changing how we tax, regulate and organise the economy and creating new ways of combating digital exclusion.
The book offers a roadmap for Labour to regain momentum and deliver transformational change for its new and traditional supporters who are bearing the brunt of the UK’s sweeping inequality. This roadmap has 5 key features.
A more ambitious focus on early years education that goes beyond the present ill-defined Opportunity Mission with a reboot of the successful Sure Start programme.
Putting lifelong learning at the centre of what Labour offers to lower-income communities, expanding adult education, apprenticeships and universities.
A new post-levelling up regional inequality strategy targeting neighbourhoods most in need which learns from what has worked before in the UK and abroad.
An aspirational social mobility offer delivered in partnership with businesses that includes those from all backgrounds in all places.
A focus on Labour’s traditional progressive values fighting inequality and extending justice to differentiate it from the political opposition.
Ruskin College was founded in 1899 to offer opportunities for those from all backgrounds to enter higher education. It has been at the heart of the Labour movement for over 100 years and a home for progressive thought.
As co-editor of the book, Professor Graeme Atherton, Vice-Principal of Ruskin College states:
“Inequality is at the centre of the challenge facing Labour. Unless it can offer realistic progress for the millions who have fallen behind in the 2020s, its agenda will unravel in front of our eyes. The ideas in this book can stop this from happening.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information about the book, please contact Frances Sit on frances.sit@uwl.ac.uk.
A copy of the book can be ordered at https://bookstore.emerald.com/making-equal-pb-9781836089193.html.
For more information on Ruskin College and Ruskin Institute for Social Equity (RISE) please go to https://www.ruskin.ac.uk/. Since 2021, Ruskin College has been part of the University of West London group.
There will be an event to mark the publication of the book on 18th June 2025 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the House of Commons hosted by Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton. To attend the event, please contact Frances Sit on frances.sit@uwl.ac.uk.
The majority of contributors have spoken at Ruskin College over the last 3 years as part of the Ruskin College Lecture Series.
