The Guardian view on Labour’s control freakery: the party once tolerated dissent. Now it treats it as treason

The problem isn’t disunity – it’s policy. Sir Keir Starmer dodges popular economic solutions and confuses control for leadershipSir Keir Starmer’s crackdown on dissent has been a troubling hallmark of his leadership. Muzzling protest over welfare cuts won’t make the policies fairer or more popular. He seems more focused on obedience than legitimacy. The timing – days before parliament rises – caught many Labour MPs off-guard. Some thought the leadership was softening; even Downing Street had preached “the need to bring people with us”. This week shows that the old instinct still dominates.Three out of the four MPs suspended – Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan‑Jordan – were elected in 2024. Their suspensions are probably meant to deter newly arrived MPs from stepping out of line. Each built an early political identity by standing up to the government. Mr Leishman opposed the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery. Mr Hinchliff defied planning reform on environmental grounds. Mr Duncan-Jordan criticised cuts to winter fuel payments.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...

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Trump’s 50-day Russian sanctions pause will cost more lives — and achieve nothing

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