The Daily Mail has criticised the Labour Government for setting up ’67 taxpayer-funded reviews, taskforces, and consultations in their first 150 days’ rather than focusing on delivering policies. But that is a complete misunderstanding of how Government works. The number 67 should be seen as a badge of honour and shows that Labour is on a path to delivery.
Governments have, in the past, used consultations as a way of delaying decisions. The classic of its type would be to publish a White Paper or Green Paper to show that a government is serious about an issue. The previous Conservative governments would keep looking at housing, planning, and social care rather than promoting actual policies. Who could forget the mega Levelling Up White Paper that spent over 300 pages opining on history rather than putting forward policies?
That is not the case with the consultations being launched by Labour. These are, by and large, real attempts to explore issues. It shows that Ministers are eager to work with others and develop policies that work and will be effective.
Typically, if any government launches straight into a policy and introduces legislation, mistakes will be made and there will be unintended consequences. Government, ministers, and civil servants need to receive feedback and hear about the experiences, data, evidence, and real-life examples that good engagement brings.
Consultations and engagement are a huge positive. They are a sign of partnership and a willingness to work with organisations and communities. Consultations are useful. They do not show a weak government; they show a strong government. The suggestion that they are simply a cost to taxpayers ignores what happens if government introduces a policy that does not work or has unforeseen ramifications, and the even larger costs involved.
When any organisation sees a consultation on a relevant issue, the default assumption should be that a response is needed. It can constructively help to shape a policy and make it workable.
This does involve time and resources, so it is not zero-cost for an organisation, but early involvement can be much more effective.
Consider the alternative. If a government were to simply introduce policies, then it would set itself against swathes of organisations and businesses. It would be accused of acting in a dictatorial manner. I cannot imagine that the Daily Mail would welcome Keir Starmer acting in such a way.
Former Conservative MP, GB News presenter, and reality TV star Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg may now believe that ‘to govern is to choose – to govern is not to review,’ but that was not the approach taken by the governments in which he was an MP and Minister.
Having 67 formal opportunities for organisations to engage is the first stage in introducing policies. If, like some previous governments, it is used to delay action, then it would be a sign of failure. But, for Labour, it shows an urgency to get on the job of changing Britain and implementing its manifesto.
We should look forward to more consultations. It will show momentum and a desire to deliver change. Engagement is a sign of strength, not weakness, and leads to better outcomes.