David Miliband and the death of New Labour

Perhaps ‘Red’ Ed deserves his moniker for the backing he received from Labour’s Unions but, whatever the reality of his supporters, I am struck by the similarities between the language and instincts of the two Miliband brothers. So here, very quickly is a comparison of the themes in Ed’s first speech as leader and David’s previous outings:

Ed: When you deprive Sheffield Forgemasters of a loan, a loan from which government would be paid back, you deprive Britain of the ability to lead the world in new technology. David: Never again should the Sheffield Forgemasters of this world be dependent on the U turns of ministers. (“The Change Britain Needs”, King Solomon Academy, London, August 2010) Ed: We have to challenge the old thinking that flexible labour markets are always the answer. David: By regulating – on working conditions, union recognition and minimum wages – to ensure flexible labour markets are fair labour markets.