10.2.09: Richard Mollet has written in the Farnham Herald about the choice facing the country in the forthcoming election:

As the General Election nears, it is becoming increasingly clear that voters in South West Surrey face a straightforward choice, between two very different approaches being put before them.

The Conservatives’ expressed aim is to start drastically cutting public spending as soon as possible, hitting services like policing, transport and education.

On the other hand, Labour – along with a great many independent economic commentators  – recognise that the worst thing to do as we emerge from the global recession is to choke our recovery.  This is not to say there will not be belt-tightening.  But it will be done in a measured way so as to maintain help to the vulnerable, not punish them for the mistakes of others.

But it isn’t just economic theory that guides Labour’s hand.   For our party, providing everyone with decent schools, pensions and hospitals is not an onerous duty, to be quickly handed over to the private sector or charities.  For Labour, it is the entire point of being in government.

Both parties talk about ensuring fairness, spreading opportunity and empowering individuals.  But such words are utterly meaningless unless they are backed up by policies which give them effect.   The only way to achieve those aims is through sustained investment of the sort we have seen over the last 13 years; not swingeing cuts and a yearning to create a shrivelled state.

So with that clear choice in mind, I and the South West Surrey Labour Party are looking forward to making our case to voters over the coming weeks and months.