Labour's biggest problem is not the economy, but its messaging

While she is not necessarily wrong to do so, this reasoning is, for whatever reason, no longer cutting through. People on benefits do not hear they’re becoming poorer and focus on the justification, because that’s not what impacts them.

It’s an ugly decision, an avoidable one, and something that has enraged charities, opposition parties, and her own MPs. They argue it’s callous, uncaring, and part of a wider cruel streak in the government that has also kept the two-child benefit cap, changed the winter fuel allowance, and gone after farmers.

Again, while this argument has merit, it also reflects a narrative that has taken hold because Labour has let it. While this government has undeniable failings, it has repeatedly failed to make the most of its achievements, focusing on defending its worst actions rather than celebrating its best.

The new administration has done many things which will improve the lives of citizens, but seems disinclined to drum it into voters in the same way they do the £22 billion black hole.

Consider the Employment Rights Bill, the biggest upgrade to workers rights for a generation, which protects against unfair dismissal, boosts workers on zero-hours contracts, has new protections for flexible working, sick pay and will ban fire and rehire practices. This is a genuine boost for workers, and Labour are barely mentioning it. When Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, visited Scotland to promote the bill, she didn’t even speak to a newspaper.

Then there’s the issue of funding for Scotland, a crucial area for Scottish Labour and their chances of taking Holyrood. The SNP have cried foul, saying they’re going to get less money than they expected, which is true, but it’s still more than a UK Government has ever given Scotland, and far more than was planned under the Tories. Scots are better off than they would have been because of the new Government, but other than Ian Murray, ministers are content to stay out of the argument, letting the SNP instead speak the loudest.

Even on devolved issues, such as ending the VAT exemption for private schools to improve the quality of education in state schools, i.e most of the children in the country, Labour MPs stay quiet. It’s an act that seeks to genuinely redistribute the wealth, even the playing field, and be an example of what the party could do in Scotland if they win.

I am not suggesting Labour has been perfect, and that I think we should all applaud as they push people into poverty rather than introduce a wealth tax. But it is baffling that they are so timid in highlighting the areas of genuine progress. Labour has made some difficult decisions. It must be better at explaining to voters the rare bits of change they were promised.