Beyond Division: ‘Multicultural Nationalism’ and the White Working-Class

Sam Taylor Hill, John Denham and Tariq Modood consider a way for progressives to counter the divisions being exploited by Reform UK and the Conservatives

Hats depicting the England flag and the Union Jack. Photo: Steve Hawkins Photography

Keir Starmer’s regret at talking of an “island of strangers” was widely seen as a defeat for the newly resurgent ‘Blue Labour’ faction – even if his Government’s white paper still claimed that uncontrolled immigration has caused “incalculable damage”.

But what should Labour’s relationship be with white working-class voters? And, more fundamentally, how can we all live together?

In our view, the answers lie in a ‘multicultural nationalism’ that creates explicit space for white working-class experiences, views, and aspirations within a cohesive diverse nation.

Fifteen years ago, Blue Labour was a radical communitarian grouping saying little about immigration. Indeed, it was partially defined by its support for the community-based living wage campaign of the hyper-diverse Citizens UK.

In its recent reinvention, Blue Labour posits that Labour should mirror Reform UK’s appeal to immigration-sceptical and socially-conservative white and predominantly working-class voters.

It remains to be seen whether Starmer will fully realise that this approach won’t undermine Nigel Farage’s offer of ‘the real thing’ – but may send more liberal supporters towards the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, or Jeremy Corbyn’s new party of the left.

But Labour cannot turn its back on white working-class voters.

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