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Leading the way: Lessons for Labour from Europe

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As Labour prepares for government, incoming ministers would be wise to look beyond the UK for examples of progressive policy that have already worked. Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, has already promised to emulate the successes of the Biden administration in the US. But we should also look to our more immediate neighbours: in many places across Europe, socialists and social democrats never stopped winning, and have been exploring innovative solutions to the challenges a Labour government will need to address from Westminster.

The Fabian Society and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) asked politicians and activists from across Europe for words of advice for UK Labour. The responses bring together insights from as far afield as Galați in eastern Romania and as close to home as the Labour government in Wales. Much of what Labour can learn aligns with its current policy priorities, including devolution, environmental sustainability and social housebuilding.

Contributors: Nina Abrahamczik, Lucian Andrei, Isabel Carvalhais MEP, Jane Davidson, Emma Fastesson Lindgren, Jernej Pikalo, Michaela Kauer, Beata Moskal-Słaniewska, Anne Van Lancker and Jens Zimmermann MdB.

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Iggy Wood

Iggy Wood is the assistant editor at the Fabian Society. He previously worked in an NHS community health team.

@IggyWood

Ania Skrzypek

Ania Skrzypek is director of research and training at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies.

@Ania_Skrzypek

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