Miliband’s speech was meant to reach beyond the hall. “I aspire to be your Prime
Minister,” he told country, “to fulfil the promise of Britain.” But, after an hour long speech, it is not wholly clear what the “promise of Britain” is.
Miliband offered the hand of partnership to small businesses, the ordinary working family, those who want a cheap further education, working mothers, but it was not clear what they would obtain from the Labour leader. This was a speech virtually bereft of policy direction or a coherent theme. We have a clear idea of what and whom Miliband is against, but very little idea of what he is for. For instance, he declared himself a believer in people but was reluctant to talk about devolving power from the state. Even if the country was listening with rapt attention to the leader of the opposition, it would be making an almost blind choice in supporting him.
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