Shortly before the General Election, we interviewed Ashley Dalton who has since been re elected as the MP for West Lancashire. Ms Dalton spoke to us about a number of things, including what inspired her to become an MP, her view of the the Conservatives’ record, and Labour’s foreign and domestic policy positions.
What inspired you to become an MP?
I had cancer 10 years ago and realised that I didn’t have forever to be the change I wanted to see in the world. When I got better, I decided that to make the NHS better, to help communities and people realise their full potential I needed to be in parliament.
As a parent and carer, how does the last 14 years of Conservative rule make you feel?
It’s been horrendous. We’ve seen the gradual dismantling of so many things the last Labour government brought in such as Sure Start, Education Maintenance Allowances, Tax credits etc. I’m not saying all of these things need to come back as they were; we need today’s solutions for today’s problems, but the Tories have cut services and imposed austerity and hardship on millions, our schools are crumbling and social care and the NHS are broken.
As an LGBT member of Parliament, how do you feel about anti-LGBT rhetoric from figures in government such as Kemi Badenoch, for example refusing to meet with leading LGBT campaigners?
What’s so alarming about the (outgoing) government’s approach to LGBT rights is their willingness to use LGBT people as a wedge issue to cause divisions and anxiety. The othering of trans people in particular is distressing to me. Labour will bring in a no loopholes trans inclusive ban on conversion therapy and we accept the need to improve access to healthcare for trans people and that this is not in conflict with sex based rights.
Given the disparity between Labour and the Conservatives in the polls, why do you think the Prime Minister chose early July for the election?
I don’t know, but I would guess that he had to weigh up how long he could hold his government and party together. I suspect he wasn’t sure he could stop a series of backbench rebellions or leadership challenges much longer.
As a member who was elected in a by-election, what was the selection process like for this and how do you interpret Labours success in recent by-elections such as Wellingborough, Kingswood, Blackpool South?
The selection for my by-election was much like any other. It was really quick though and so I had to be ready very quickly to speak to members and seek votes. The Labour Party has a very democratic process where usually party members choose their candidate and that’s how it was for me. Labour’s success in other recent by-elections points to the country’s real desire for change and a willingness of voters to trust Labour again.
What are the most pressing concerns facing a Labour government?
The first job is to get the economy stable. Everything else stems from this. Keir has announced 6 first steps which will be the things we will do first.
1. Deliver economic stability
2. Cut NHS waiting times
3. Launch a new border security command
4. Set up Great British Energy
5. Crack down on anti-social behaviour
6. Recruit 6500 new teachers
What would be your main priorities as an MP in government? Would they change from being in opposition? Will you have greater ability to influence change for your constituents?
They wouldn’t change but I hope I’ll be able to make more progress, and most have been in Labour’s manifesto. My priorities are education, which is front and centre of Labour’s offer; flooding, and Labour has already committed to setting up a new flood resilience taskforce; roads and potholes – we have already committed to fixing an additional million potholes a year; public transport – Labour will bring back locally controlled bus services and publicly owned railways. Keir Starmer has also committed to working with Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram to improve rail connectivity between Manchester and Liverpool with West Lancs being uniquely placed to benefit from these connections.
Figures from the House of Commons in 2023 showed that 66 MPs were from a BAME background, how would Labour open pathways to enable those from BAME backgrounds to be elected to Parliament, to make it more representative of the country as a whole?
The data is patchy as MPs aren’t required to state their ethnicity and we cannot make assumptions based on how people look. Having said that, the Labour Party runs a variety of programmes to help BAME and other underrepresented groups build the skills and networks to run for Parliament. Labour has the Bernie Grant leadership programme from BAME members and our selection process requires a BAME candidate on all shortlists wherever possible.
What will a Labour government do for students?
Labour will continue to support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements to go to university. We will continue to improve access and raise teaching standards. Labour will work with universities to deliver for students.
Given the mixed nature of Labour’s response to the Israel/Gaza conflict (Starmer on LBC with Nick Ferrari, abstaining on the SNP motion for ceasefire, to then softening that position, calling for a ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state.), do you anticipate this to be an issue for voters now and in the future?
It’s important to remember that Labour put forward its own amendment on Gaza that called for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages and a lasting settlement including a Palestinian state alongside a viable and secure Israel. This hasn’t changed. The SNP motion did not call for a release of hostages or a cessation of hostilities from both sides, so it was impossible for Labour to support. For some it may be an issue when thinking about voting, but suggestions that Labour does not support Palestine are untrue. Israel is a sovereign state and has the right to defend herself but she must abide by international law and we have maintained that position all along.
Would Labour stop arms sales to Israel?
The law is clear that the Government, whether Labour or not, cannot grant a license if there is a clear risk that items could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. There have been numerous allegations of serious breaches of humanitarian law by Israeli forces in the conduct of this campaign. The International Criminal Court is currently conducting an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by all parties in Gaza. Determining that the threshold for suspending arms licences has been crossed is a task for lawyers, not for politicians.
The Tory Government declined to publish the legal advice it has received on this issue. If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, the sale of those arms must be suspended.
Daniel and I would like to thank Ashley Dalton for taking the time out of her re-election campaign to complete this interview with us.
Interview / article organised and conducted by Zac Clark and Daniel Rimmer.