The Progress website seeks to foster debate about the future of the Labour party as a party of government. Those wishing to contribute to the debate should send a short pitch of no more than 100 words outlining what their proposed article would argue. Articles should normally be between 500-750 words, and conciseness is a principle which should be followed both to meet this word length criterion but also as a principle conducive to good, clear writing, although exceptions can be and are made for subjects requiring more space for a fuller discussion.
Articles should contribute to the debate on the future of the Labour party by:
- commenting on Labour party policy, including proposing policy or changes to policy that the party should adopt;
- commenting on the politics and history of the party;
- examining the organisational challenges the party faces, and the way in which the party communicates with the public, making proposals to explain how these can best be done.
The list above is not comprehensive and articles may also cover other areas as long as the article fulfils the aim of contributing to and enlightening the debate about the future of the Labour party. These may include, for example, reviews of newly released books about politics and society, pieces discussing the European and international political context, and articles examining British society and politics in general. Articles focusing on the policy, politics and history, or the organisation and communications of other political parties are welcome.
Article-writing: quick tips
Here are some quick tips for you to follow when writing your article:
- Try writing out the argument of your article in just 35 words. This should focus your argument and guide you when writing it in longer form.
- Try drafting a headline (up to eight words) which conveys the point of your article. This too should help you decide whether you yourself are clear in what you wish to say.
- Do not be afraid to clearly signpost the argument for the reader: ‘hold the reader by the hand’ as you go.
A useful structure in five paragraphs to follow may be:
Introduction: Outline the matter under discussion and explain why it is important for Labour (why the reader should carry on reading).
First paragraph: Outline the main arguments in favour of what you are saying and give evidence to support these.
Second paragraph: Explain what the counter-arguments are and why these fall in the face of the main arguments.
Third paragraph: Explain what the expected impact of what you are saying is.
Conclusion: Reiterate what the matter was and why your argument should be followed, including linking back to why this is important for Labour.
Successful articles often make a clear connection between the conclusion and the introduction, referring back to what was discussed at the very start.
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Article pitches should be sent to [email protected]. We aim to get back to everyone with feedback, though this may not always be possible. We may be able to advise on refocusing pitches and on redrafting articles themselves though we have limited capacity to do this on any extensive or ongoing basis.
We particularly welcome pitches from women and other groups underrepresented in politics.