Letter : Hugh and cry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."Today Gaitskell looks like a political dinosaur," writes Brian Brivati, comparing him with Tony Blair ("He ain't no Hugh Gaitskell", 26 May). Well of course he does, Gaitskell died almost 40 years ago. To contrast the views held by two people separated by four decades, without any meaningful attempt to explain the different circumstances, is the stuff of the historical kindergarten. Is Brivati saying that Gaitskell would hold exactly the same views today that he held in 1956? If so, he does the former Labour leader a great disservice. Moreover Brivati declares that Labour is no longer committed to greater equality, yet ignores Blair's repeated aim of putting power, wealth and responsibility in the hands of the many and not the few. He also gives Blair no credit for achieving what Gaitskell could not on reform of Clause IV.
David Cairns
London SW19
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments