LABOUR has been accused of failing the public in the most popular general election issues by not putting forward clear or progressive enough policies.

Communist Party chair Liz Payne accused Labour of falling short on the NHS, pensions, benefits and immigration.

She told the party’s political committee on Wednesday night that while Labour has promised to protect the NHS the leadership falls short of halting and reversing damaging privatisation including private finance initiative (PFI) contracts.

On pensions and benefits, Ms Payne urged Labour to oppose the demonisation of the poor, unemployed and disabled and focus instead on Britain’s huge inequalities in income and wealth.

“In the world’s sixth wealthiest economy, we can easily afford decent incomes for all by taxing the rich and big business, closing Britain’s overseas tax havens and scrapping nuclear weapons,” the newly elected CP chair declared.

On immigration, which some polls claim is in the top two of public concerns, she said the root cause of most dissatisfaction — zero-hours contracts, the lack of a living wage and gender pay inequality — should be addressed.

“Instead of demonising migrant workers, governments should ensure decent wages and working conditions for all.”

• The Communist Party will field its own candidates in at last eight seats across Britain, including Mollie Stevenson (Newcastle upon Tyne East), Robert Griffiths (Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney), Zoe Henessy (Glasgow North West), Ben Stevenson (Croydon North), Andy Chaffer (Birmingham Hodge Hill), Laura-Jane Rossington (Plymouth Sutton & Devonport), Steve Andrew (Sheffield Central) and Gerry Sables (North Devon).