According to this United Kingdom (UK) study, the share of the voting age population rejecting establishment parties in advanced democracies has doubled over the last 50 years. Disillusionment with politicians, declining trust in democratic institutions and growing support for right-wing populists creates an existential threat for traditional parties. This report states that this threat can’t be stemmed with bureaucratic, business-as-usual politics. Instead, it proposes established parties must radically change how they govern – challenging the status quo, overhauling failing systems and picking fights on behalf of working people.

The report proposes the UK Labour Government must not be afraid to 'go insurgent' and pick enemies. It defines what an insurgent government should stand for and how it can deliver real change.

Recommendations for government 

• Publicly be more vocal – and pick more fights – on insurgent causes that show who they are for and against.  
• Deploy the spokespeople who are most likely to connect with voters at risk of disengaging or turning to the populist right, regardless of whether they are responsible for the relevant policy areas.
• Proactively work with communities and/or external organisations who can deploy trusted communicators on these insurgent agendas to champion the change needed.
• Take a digital-first approach to communication – using the materials created through the strategy above – to connect directly with voters.