A report released by the Sunday Mail in December last year revealed that teachers and staff in Scottish schools had suffered over 22,000 physical and verbal attacks from 2021 - 2022. The problem isn’t the ideology behind the nurture-based approach to behavioural policy, it’s the ineffective implementation of the nurture policy that has essentially left teachers vulnerable to potential attacks and unable to correct varying cases of ill-discipline.

The current Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland rightly prioritises the development of young Scots into “lifelong learners”. The nurture-based approach to behavioural policy throughout public secondary schools in Scotland is crucial to ensuring that pupils from all social and economic demographics can be successful both academically and in the workplace. It is because of this that this policy has to reflect the general code of conduct and expectations of the workplace.

A Peebles High School teacher I spoke to said that this was not the case at the school: 

“There are very few workplaces that allow for staff to be verbally and physically abused with little consequence. Too few have any understanding on what the current behavioural policy is.”

The fact that this is the experience of any teacher in Scotland shows that clarifying the way in which the ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ is being implemented in schools is essential to maximising the quality of education in Scotland. In order to do this, the Scottish Government needs to reform the current flexible approach to the nurture-based behavioural policy so that it instead outlines specifically what the punishments are in cases of ill-discipline and how teachers and school staff have to respond to them. Not only would this better prepare Scottish pupils for starting work after school but would also eradicate the current confusion amongst school staff on how to properly enforce this policy, rather than persisting with a flexible approach that instead leaves significant and/or regular cases of ill-discipline by students going unpunished at the expense of the education of others. This should come with a mandatory training programme for all school staff in Scotland on the new implementation of behavioural policy. This would improve discipline throughout schools in Scotland on both a local and national scale.

Implementing the use of ‘Restraint and Seclusion into Scottish Law

Scottish Labour has been leading the discussion on this example of education policy with the consultation beginning on a new Members Bill by Daniel Johnson MSP to help protect school children and teachers from potential harm. The implementation of this Bill would ensure that the regulation and usage of the restraint and seclusion policy practices are outlined in law rather than being just guidance to teachers as they currently are. Physical restraint in a school is any procedure where one or more adults restrict a pupil’s physical movement or normal access to their own body. It is a method of last resort when all other de-escalation methods have been exhausted by the teacher if the specific case requires intervention to prevent the teacher(s) or student(s) from being harmed.  

This policy would be beneficial in improving Scottish education on both a local and national scale, as aninvestigation by the Children’s Commissioner found that only 18 of Scotland’s 32 authorities were able to provide any sort of data on the use of restraint and seclusion in Scotland’s schools. Further aims of the proposed legislation include that training for school staff will be put on a statutory basis and data on the use of seclusion and restraint will be required to be regularly published by the Scottish Government and reported to Parliament. A statutory basis for standards and training for all school staff will ensure that every school in Scotland is sufficiently training their staff to respond effectively to varying levels of bad behaviour in and outside of the classroom and on school grounds, whilst ensuring that pupils worth additional support needs are not subjected to the physical restraint response unless it is needed. 

The Absence of a National Behavioural Policy in Scottish State Schools; A Destructive Lack of Continuity

The key flaw to the curriculum for excellence that needs to be addressed is the principle of “child-led education”. Young people are being taught in a way that is not conducive with working in either the public or private sector. In some cases, this means that the challenging behaviour seen in schools are also spilling into the local communities which creates lasting damage and endangers the people living in them. An example of this happening was when a secondary school pupil was arrested for setting fire to the Peebles High School building in November 2019, forcing pupils to study either from home or elsewhere until February the next year. A similar case occurred when another Peebles High School pupil set fire to the swimming pool building in June last year, costing the Scottish Borders Council £1.1 million in repair costs and having a major impact on the 580 young people in the borders who rely on the facility for the Peebles ‘Learn to Swim Programme’. Cases like this are examples of a wider failure to support young people under the curriculum which directly leads to detrimental knock-on effects.

Overall, the Scottish Government should implement a national behavioural policy that is implemented in every secondary state school in Scotland. This approach to behavioural management needs to reflect the expectations and demands of the world of work. The fact that different senior management groups in different schools can enforce different behavioural policies and approaches has resulted in a complete lack of continuity and strategy whilst trying to establish what is supposed to be a national-wide curriculum. The proposed restraint and seclusion bill would also provide clarity for school staff whilst supporting pupils with additional support needs. 

 

Harry Ness is a journalism student at Edinburgh Napier University who enjoys writing policy blogs and political campaigning. He is the U-19s Officer for Scottish Young Labour. He tweets @HarryNessLabour

The greenbelt is intended as a vehicle for promoting environmental growth and protecting green spaces by inhibiting housebuilding on certain land. However, given our ever growing population, this rigidity is unsustainable and fast becoming problematic. The idea of the greenbelt is, at its core, a positive one, albeit one that needs modernising when it comes to its implementation. 

A False Dichotomy 

Believe it or not, it is possible to promote green initiatives and environmental causes alongside mass housing delivery. The question is where and how? Starmer’s latest pledge that Labour would build on the greenbelt may be viewed as a step backward in the UK’s battle to achieve net zero by 2050. However, this could in fact be the necessary vehicle to be more radical and ambitious if the execution of Starmer’s words are executed more effectively and sustainably. 

What Is Radical?

A 15 point lead in the polls should provide credence to Starmer’s plans and therefore a licence to be more radical if he is able to ensure his electoral campaign manages expectations without being reckless. It is right that Starmer has to be politically pragmatic from an electoral perspective, given the size of his lead. We can only hope that more concrete policy plans will be outlined closer to next autumn. 

Radical is interpreted as a scary word, or something with negative connotations and highly unrealistic. But it is more of a measure of how drastic the change that is required. Even the lacklustre 300,000 homes per year promised in the Tory manifesto of 2019  does not look like it is taking shape, let alone standard housing targets or sufficient regulation. The backbench backlash gives Starmer an opportunity to show a united front and ensure housebuilding is central to the first term of a Labour government. 

The ambition for greater devolution would be paramount in Starmer’s wish for local councils to have more powers to build new homes. His narrative of ‘backing the builders’ is a positive recognition for a strong sense of direction from Labour’s housing plans. It is critical however that Starmer shows a measured approach, so that the green belt is not ripped up but more adjusted to allow for greater flexibilities in the planning system.  

Building On The Greenbelt

Labour would grant local areas the opportunity to build houses on the green belt, but only if development would not detract from ‘the beauty of our countryside’. It is necessary to recognise that ‘beauty’ is a subjective measure, so it makes it more difficult for Labour and the wider public to assess what this constitutes. As essential as this messaging is to Starmer’s pledge, we should be more proactive in incentivising positive green initiatives, planting trees and reducing carbon emissions in specific locations to ensure that green belt building is counteracted with positive and creative initiatives to improve air quality and establish more green spaces. The two are not mutually exclusive, it is not simply “to build on the green belt or not to build.”

The key to how this policy lands will be the framing. Starmer has outlined economic opportunity and fairness argument as his lead strategy, which should provide optimism for a generation of hopeful first-time buyers where the current status quo for homeowners is very bleak. Housing is the most cross-cutting sector that will drive how a future Labour government is able to implement their policies. Families are unable to get a fresh start without providing stable accommodation and building independence from their parents’ generation. School places and the overall generation of new towns play a huge factor in this, so it is critical that Starmer gets this right. 

The broken system is about giving local authorities autonomy to make decisions and approve new developments. This would not mean terminating any building on brownfield sites, but it is clear the current restrictive system is not sustainable in the longer term. The issue of planning will be a dividing line at the next general election. It will be interesting to see if Labour imposes yearly construction targets, or whether that would be deemed politically inconvenient should they not live up to the billing. 

It is important to understand that targets alone don’t deliver homes, but local autonomy and radical policy implementation on a mass scale will be the greatest driver for Starmer’s plans. Lisa Nandy, the Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, previously stated her opposition to building on the green belt and urged the need for more social housing so it is critical Labour can get on the same page before launching their manifesto. Greenbelt policy ultimately cannot be effectively implemented without the reform of planning laws and releasing land to build more housing. 

An Important Legacy

The greenbelt policy is a legacy of Atlee’s government and should not be discredited. It was initially designed to protect the environment in working-class urban constituencies. It is right that the  greenbelt provides an opportunity to give populations of big industrial cities access to nature and fresh air, although it has now resulted in the unsustainable decrease of city dwelling space. The policy needs to be modernised to reflect today’s society and growing spatial changes between generations and local communities. 

Greenbelts occupy approximately 12-13% of the area of England, and it is regressive to say that there should never be alterations of these spaces. The principle of preserving green spaces can still exist whilst delivering on new homes, specifically good quality housing that is affordable in today’s climate. Starmer’s ambition to expand homeownership is one that is popular and transformative, so we will have to play the waiting game to see the policy detail in these proposals. 

Alfie Cairns works in housing policy and legislation, previously in the education sector. He joined the Fabian Society in late 2022 and has a keen interest in progressive politics, economic development, education and social mobility. Alfie is currently co-chair of a school governors board and has previously volunteered with climate action campaigns, and racial justice organisations including Every Future Foundation. 

Before delving deeper into our main topic today, it's essential to comment on the FT's June series, "The Starmer Project", that the article we are rebutting belongs to. This series is devoted to examining the strategies and intentions of Labour leader Keir Starmer, particularly his efforts to bring a diverse party under a single, unified banner. Starting from the article "Labour’s surprisingly bold economic agenda", I plan to scrutinise the majority of the articles in the series, always offering a socialist perspective against the neoliberal views expressed by the FT.

On this occasion, I will argue that Starmer's leadership is marked by a courageous and necessary advance towards an equitable and sustainable future, emphasising the party’s long-standing commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability and workers' empowerment. While critical examination of political leaders is important, it's equally crucial to remember that Labour has a long-standing tradition of reconciling diverse political viewpoints with practical action. Starmer's approach should be seen less as marginalising and more about fostering consensus that can deliver tangible progress for the British people.

Moreover, with an election in sight, it is essential not to let electoral competitiveness overshadow Labour's long-standing mission: to build a fairer, more equal society.

Analysing "Labour’s Ambitious Economic Agenda"

Now, addressing the article in hand, several points warrant discussion from a socialist standpoint:

Towards A Greener Economy

Starmer's commitment to the green transition is a bold step towards safeguarding the future of our planet. His proposal to invest £28bn annually until 2030 reflects an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Drawing parallels with "Bidenomics", (as if that should have a negative connotation) this plan exemplifies the potential for state intervention to redirect the trajectory of our economy towards ecological balance. 

Biden’s plan was necessary, as is Starmer’s. These plans are not only timely, but also in line with the progressive societal and economic transformations taking place globally: a trend towards a more interventionist and socially conscious approach to policy.

The pillars of what is called 'Bidenomics' include: increased government spending on social programs, infrastructure, and climate change initiatives; progressive tax reforms targeting the wealthy and corporations; and a focus on labour rights and healthcare expansion. These principles align in several ways with the Labour Party's economic agenda, which also emphasises social welfare, environmental sustainability and a more progressive taxation system. 

Concerns about the affordability of this transition must be weighed against the dire costs of climate inaction. The investment is not just a plan for green technology; it is a commitment to the preservation of our planet and a testament to Labour's understanding of the existential climate crisis.

Reimagining Workers' Rights

A cornerstone of Labour's strategy lies in elevating the rights of workers, which aligns with the tenets of democratic socialism. The plans to overhaul employment law are not merely legal changes; they represent a paradigm shift towards a more balanced power dynamic between employers and employees. This commitment to human dignity and justice in the workplace should not be minimised, but rather hailed as a critical move towards a more equitable society.

Rather than burdensome, these changes are necessary to motivate, secure, and ensure a productive workforce that can contribute to the long-term success of the economy.

Striking A Balance In Fiscal Responsibility

Despite accusations of fiscal irresponsibility, Labour's plan is fundamentally about investing in our shared future. The party leadership’s commitment to seeing debt fall as a share of GDP after five years is actually an example of the above. This approach is emblematic of a philosophy that considers the long-term welfare of the people, rather than just immediate political gains. By balancing economic realities with social necessities, such as addressing the enduring problems in British society like the ineffectiveness of the NHS and other public services to meet their aim, Labour's plan seeks to build a future that is both sustainable and compassionate. As socialists, we understand that economic decisions are not just about numbers, but are also about values and priorities.

While the FT highlights the potential challenges that Labour could face, such as high borrowing costs and the reaction of capital markets, it is essential to remember that any economic policy has inherent risks. Fiscal policy has inherent risks that the Truss government failed to identify and address in time. They were forced to U-turn, lest we forget. A key part of Labour's future manifesto is ensuring that any fiscal commitments are accompanied by robust risk management strategies.

Public Services and the Common Good

Starmer’s measured approach towards public services reflects an understanding of the need for sustainable reform. Abandoning populist promises like abolishing university tuition fees in favour of realistic and targeted improvements, such as Reynolds’ industrial strategy, underscores Labour's commitment to the common good. Starmer’s plans for insourcing public services further underline how the party prioritises improving services for all, rather than outsourcing to the highest bidder.

Radical In Its Economics, But Not A Radical Departure From Reality

Labour's economic agenda, as outlined under Starmer and Reeves, is a courageous advance towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Rather than a radical departure, it is a reaffirmation of the party’s long-standing commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of workers. Critics may call it ambitious, but for socialists, it is a vision of the future that is worth fighting for. In scrutinising "The Starmer Project", it's essential to recognise Labour’s unyielding commitment to an economy that works for everyone, not the few.

Aristeidis Grivokostopoulos is a dedicated professional in the intersection of financial services and technology, having worked in firms that operate, advise and invest in these fields. He is a graduate, and then returning student, at LSE, with an interest in monetary history and the emergence of venture investing in Europe. He joined the Fabian Society in late 2022, where now he holds a role in the Young Fabians London network, as he wanted to become more informed and active in progressive politics and policy. His aim is to transfer knowledge and experience from Britain to my homeland, Greece, as well as the other way around.

Cecilia Jastrzembska considers the male dominance of the British media.

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Alex Kyriacou-Drummond reflects on his experience standing in a safe Tory seat in this year's local elections, and the lessons Labour can draw.

Alasdair Dow suggests that we should pay attention to the Americanisation of British politics.

Continuing our series of pieces highlighting Young Fabians standing in May's local elections, we hear from Kashmire Hawker, candidate for Penn in Wolverhampton.

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Laurie Wilcockson explains why he feels the controversy around Labour's attacks ads is overblown.

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The YF Economy and Finance Network responds to the Chancellor's Spring Statement of Wednesday 15th March.

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Alasdair Dow considers the Welsh relationship with the Union.

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Our Women’s Officer and Young European Socialists Feminist Co-ordinator, Tina Bhartwas, reports back from the recent #ProgressivesSpeakUp School for Young Elected Politicians in Valencia.

Young Fabians Chair James Potts reviews Shadow secretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Lisa Nandy's new book, All In.

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This St Patrick's Day, Connor Veighy of the Northern Irish Labour Party makes the case for Labour to stand candidates for election in Northern Ireland.

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Kicking off a week of pieces to mark International Women's Day 2023, Kerrie Portman discusses her experience of the ways in which women are overlooked and excluded from politics.

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This week is International Children of Alcoholics Week 2023. An anonymous author writes on the impact of living as a child of alcoholics, and the help available from charities.

James Prentice identifies rental market problems as a source of housing shortages in small towns, and offers some solutions.

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With the debate over trans prisoners in the spotlight, Lauren Davison argues we risk missing bigger issues in prisons that need to be tackled

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Jewish Labour vice-chair and Labour PPC Sarah Sackman offers a reflection on Holocaust Memorial Day, and this years theme, Ordinary People

After last week's court ruling banning wild camping on Dartmoor, Jesse Mattinson explains the case and what he thinks Labour should do next

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With the railways beset by cancellations and strikes, Nathan Farrington suggests reforms to create a user-centred, integrated public transport system 

The Young Fabians Economy and Finance Network give their monthly report on the state of the British economy, amid rolling strike action and continued inflation.

The YF Economy and Finance Network provide an overview of their Reclaiming the Heartlands pamphlet, produced jointly with the Fabians

In this long read analysis, Josh Thomas explains how history demonstrates the dubious nature of Russia's claims over Crimea and the Donbass.

Josh Thomas explains why Nigeria's political situation has moral and geopolitical relevance for the West

Lauren Davison argues that we should support Labour's plans for reform of community sentencing to tackle antisocial behaviour and reduce reoffending

John Cordner interviews academics and Labour peers to discover what Labour can learn from the workings of Germany's Bundesrat in devising its second chamber of "nations and regions".

Reed James makes the case for Labour to embrace a broader set of reforms beyond the Brown Report.

James Prentice argues for the introduction of a quota to increase the number of students from a deprived background attending top universities

The Young Fabians Economy and Finance Network give their response to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement of Thursday 17th November 2022.

YF International Officer Panny Antoniou writes about his attendance at the YES Bureau in Istanbul

Marcus Cameron assesses the unfairness of charges within the NHS dental system.

To mark Estranged Students Solidarity Week, Tina Bhartwas shares her own experience as an estranged student, and suggests ways that we can show support.

Tom Taylor analyses the public persona of Boris Johnson, and suggests what Keir Starmer can learn from the former Prime Minister.

After the passage of the Elections Act 2022, Jack Callaghan explains how the bill will damage democracy, and disproportionately impact young voters.

Luke Williams makes the case for expanding the ability for elected officials to be removed from office, expanding on the recall petition system introduced in 2015.

Will Coxon looks at the extent of money from Russian oligarchs in London, suggesting why regulation of foreign investment is needed.

Chris Wongsosaputro suggests how cities and towns can become more environmentally friendly through urban infill.

Connor Escudero highlights the importance of COP 27 as the climate conference takes place in Egypt, suggesting how the conference can be successful.

Jack Callaghan assesses what the next Labour Government can do to tackle mental health, reacting to Rosena Allin-Khan’s conference speech.

Jack Callaghan outlines the importance of a united Labour Party ahead of the next general election, in contrast to the drama of Conservative infighting of recent months.

After delegates at Labour Party conference voted to back Proportional Representation, Harry Burden makes the case for the importance of this potential change to our voting system.

To mark Black History Month, Welsh Finance Minister Vaughan Gething writes about the actions of the Welsh Labour Government to tackle racism in the country.

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Wrapping up the Young Fabians Environment Network’s blog series, Councils and the Climate Crisis: Taking Action Locally, Charlie Hicks, a councillor on Oxfordshire County Council, outlines the role that local authorities can play in shifting transport to being more environmentally friendly. 

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Ashley Halstead previews the LGBTQ+ Co-operators Policy Document, which was released this morning. You can read the document here. 

Cassian Siminicianu puts forward an unconventional critique of economic immigration under Capitalism.

After being on the first ever Elizabeth line train this week, James Potts outlines the importance of the project, and makes the case for continued investment in railway by the next Labour government.

With polling showing Labour tied with the Tories on the issue of the economy, Matthew Oulton assesses the importance of the public trusting Labour with the economy for the next general election. 

As the government plans to only partially ratify the Istanbul Convention, Maariyah Rashid assesses the importance of full ratification to protect women and girls against violence.

As Keir Starmer faces an investigation over a potential breach of lockdown rules, Laurie Wilcockson assesses the unlikely scenario that he does receive a fine.

After the UK finished in second place in the Eurovision Song Contest last weekend, Sarina Kiayani argues that Eurovision results are politically motivated. 

After missing out on a seat on Westminster City Council in this May’s local elections, David Parton shares his advice about coping with electoral defeat. 

George Richmond details his experience standing in the traditionally ‘unwinnable’ rural seat of Burford in the Cotswolds in this May’s local elections.  

After positive results for the Labour Party in Worthing, Ingrid Allan looks at why traditional Tory voters are turning away from the Conservative Party.

Through his experience caring for a disabled family member, Elliot Sloman suggests measures that must be taken to make up for the adverse impact of lockdown restrictions on the lives of disabled people.

In Part III of his blog series on inflation, James Bartholmeusz looks at how a future Labour government can approach inflation. 

The Young Fabians Economy and Finance Network provide a view on the key stats for the UK economy for April 2022.

George Fairhurst previews an upcoming event series from the Young Fabians International Network, which will explore the Arab Spring through five regions.

Harry Burden criticises the recently announced government plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, assessing the practicality of the newly announced policy. 

In the second instalment of a blog series on inflation, James Bartholomeusz suggests the impact of the Cost of Living crisis on monetary policy.