2010 coalition Flashcards
Macdonald Gladstone coalition
- MacDonald - saw Labour could prosper in partnership with the Liberals because its candidates could expect to be elected only by winning over the votes of Liberal workingmen. - logic of the 1903 electoral between MacDonald and Liberal Chief Whip, Herbert Gladstone. - Labour fielded 50 candidates of whom 31 were not opposed by the Liberals.
- In retrospect its easy to see the 1903 pact as a historic error for Liberalism.
- Labour successes during 1906-7 coincided with the deflation of Liberal hopes in Parliament.
The electoral pact restricted Labour’s growth, but it was not the only explanation for the party’s patchy development.
WW1 Coalition
- World War I (1915-1918): The first significant coalition government in UK history was formed during World War I. The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, formed a coalition with the Conservative Party and a faction of the Liberal Party known as the “Liberal Unionists.” David Lloyd George replaced Asquith as Prime Minister in 1916, leading the coalition government throughout the remainder of the war.
WW2 Coalition
- World War II (1940-1945): Another notable coalition government was formed during World War II in response to the threat of Nazi Germany. The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, formed a coalition with the Labour Party and the Liberal Party. This “national government” continued to govern throughout the war and into the early post-war period, with Churchill serving as Prime Minister until 1945.
Cameron redirecting the party
Hepell- Only following Cameron’s election as leader in 2005 did the Conservatives make a sustained effort to renew their ideological direction.
Cameron’s rebranding
o Important aspect of Cameron’s rebranding of the Conservative Party was the effort to demonstrate that the party had moved beyond Thatcherism. - debated how far this was driven by a perceived electoral necessity, versus a sense in which the party felt a genuine need to alter or refresh direction in the wake of societal change.
Cameron- need for Tory rebranding
o Following a third successive election defeat, the case for more far-reaching reappraisal of the party’s stance became overwhelming. Cameron - effort to distance himself from Thatcherism - 1st to explicitly distance himself from the perceived excessive individualism of Thatcherism. He also drew upon the ‘one nation’ theme within Conservatism that Thatcher had arguably eschewed.
Cameron on big government
- Centralization of power which occurred during the 1980s. - strong government from the centre. Cameron believed that state centralism had produced regrettable consequences.
- Didn’t like big government - 2006 under Blair’s proposal for ID cards- Cameron criticised on grounds of big government: plans to introduce identity cards risk ending up as a “monument to the failure of big government”, Conservative leader David Cameron has warned.
o Cameron drew on more libertarian strands of conservatism which fear the way government may be tempted to abuse the information it collects centrally regarding its citizens
Nick Clegg as new era of Lds
- Nick Clegg’s election as leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2007 in part represented a new ascendancy for the so-called ‘Orange Book’ tendencies - party moved in a more economically liberal direction - break with the more social democratic tone of the previous leadership.
2010 election results
- The election result was a hung parliament, with no party winning an outright majority of seats in the House of Commons. The Conservatives emerged as the largest party, winning 306 seats, followed by Labour with 258 seats, and the Liberal Democrats with 57 seats.
One nation conservatism
One Nation: emphasizes social cohesion, inclusivity, and a commitment to reducing inequalities within society. Paternalism in society. Also support from the establishment. Society developing in organic way- classes intact (hierarchy) but those higher with obligation to those lower. Social obligation not individualism
One-Nation Conservatives advocate for the role of the state to provide a stable and strong government but to resist any actions which would seek to extinguish the individual rights of citizens.
An example of a paternalist One-Nation Conservatism includes building safety nets for unemployed citizens to protect them from extreme poverty.
David Cameron as a one nation Conservative
o broaden the appeal of the Conservative Party and appeal to a wider range of voters, including those who may have been skeptical of traditional Conservative policies or values. He sought to present the Conservative Party as a modern, forward-thinking, and inclusive political force that was capable of governing in the national interest and addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of the 21st century.
o David Cameron frequently used the language and rhetoric of One Nation Conservatism to emphasize his commitment to social justice, community cohesion, and reducing inequalities within society. He spoke about the importance of “building a bigger, stronger society” and “spreading prosperity to all.”
Cameron on welfare blaming
- Heppell: Whereas Thatcherites had sometimes singles out particular groups as living undesirable, possible immoral lives on welfare benefit, Cameron largely avoided blaming specific groups or lifestyles. Cameron recognized diversity n living arrangements and different types of family makeup
Cameron and Neo-liberal ideology
- Heppell- Cameron neo-liberal ideology is by itself insufficient, his broad philosophy is one which not only endorses much of the neo-liberal critique of the state, but seeks to push the project of state retrenchment further. He wanted to show how conservative and liberal modes of political thought complement one another.
Cameron on 2 major issues post war
- Cameron argues that post-war British politics has been bedevilled by 2 problems. The first is excessive statism and the tendency of governments to believe they can solve problems through legislation or technocratic management.
Second is excessive individualism, and a tendency to assume that if people obtain sufficient income this will necessarily lead to positive social outcomes.
2 aspects of Thatcherism that Cameron says are mistaken
o the issue of poverty - argued that the Conservatives had been wrong to reject the concept of ‘relative poverty’. - this involved the recognition that market reforms and general economic growth do not of themselves resolve embedded social problems and can, in aspects, exacerbate them. - emerged the coalition’s later pledge to keep New Labour’s foals concerning the long-term elimination of child poverty.
o centralisation of power which occurred during the 1980s. - strong government from the centre. Cameron believed that state centralism had produced regrettable consequences
Conservative manifesto on constitutional change
- Conservative manifesto also contained proposals for constitutional change - promised they would ‘equalize the size of constituency electorate’ to ensure that ‘every vote will have equal value.’ - also replace current HoL.
EU reform in Tory manifesto
o Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty
o Opposition to Further EU Integration: The manifesto expressed opposition to further transfers of power to the EU, stating that any future treaties that proposed significant changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU would be subject to a referendum.
o Repatriation of Powers: The manifesto called for the repatriation of certain powers from the EU to the UK, particularly in areas such as social and employment legislation, criminal justice, and immigration. The Conservative Party argued that the EU should focus on areas where cooperation was necessary, such as trade and security, while allowing member states greater flexibility and control over domestic policies.
o Promotion of Free Trade: The manifesto emphasized the importance of promoting free trade and economic cooperation within Europe, also advocating for stronger trade relationships with emerging markets outside the EU. The Conservative Party stated its commitment to the single market but expressed skepticism towards further political integration within the EU.
Lisbon treaty
the Lisbon Treaty had transferred significant powers to the EU and that the British people should have the opportunity to have their say on the treaty through a referendum.
The treaty expanded the powers of the European Parliament, giving it a greater say in EU legislation and budgetary matters.
Lib Dem manifesto key pledges
- The critical issues for the Liberal Democrats were agreements on electoral reform, higher education funding and nuclear energy.
Lib Dem manifesto and voting system
- Lib Dem manifesto - proposed introduction of a proportional voting system - preference for STV, a reduction in the number of MPs, lowering of the voting age, establishment of fixed-term parliaments,
Lib Dem manifesto on constitutional changes
replacement of the HoL with a fully elected second chamber. Draft a written constitution for Britain.
Lib Dem manifesto on EU
o The Liberal Democrats expressed strong support for continued membership in the EU. The party highlighted the importance of EU cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and environmental protection.
o emphasized the importance of the EU single market.
o reform of the EU to make it more democratic, transparent, and accountable. The party advocated for measures to increase the role of national parliaments in EU decision-making and to streamline EU institutions to make them more efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs.
o Continued opposition to the euro
o Importance of EU cooperation in addressing climate change
agreement between LD and Tories - welfare
- There was a high degree of consensus between the 2 main political parties about the need to reform welfare to do more to help claimants out of dependency and into work.
- Cameron and Clegg have spoken of the necessity of ‘muscular liberalism’ a liberalism which holds true to the liberal insistence on liberties, but which is not relativist or agnostic on moral issues - involved finding ways to allow people to take on responsibility within local communities.
- Heppell- Clegg and Cameron seem in strong agreement regarding the need for limited state intervention.
compatibility of Clegg and Cameron
- Seldon - Note that Cameron may have been happier in coalition with Nick Clegg than with the right wing of his own party. -> equally that Clegg might have been more comfortable in coalition with Cameron than with the left of his party.
LD and Tory agreement over constitutional change
- Overlap on agendas for constitutional change - devolution, HoL reform, use of referendums to decide on UK’s position in EU and some form of electoral reform.
5 issues on which LD and Tories could ‘agree to differ’
as listed by programme for government
o in addition to the AV proposal, these were university tuition fees, renewal of Trident, nuclear power, and provision for a tax allowance for married couples.
AV whipped government bill for the referendum but freedom to campaign for or against AV
* Coalition government pledged to effect ‘a fundamental shift of power from Westminster to people’ by giving new powers to local councils and local communities, and to continue the process of devolving powers to Wales and Scotland.
Cameron and party image/. outsourcing policy
Seldon- Cameron’s attempt to ‘change’ the Conservative Party was initially divorced from a serious engagement with policy. On becoming leader, he immediately focused on style over substance, placing policy development in the hands of ‘policy groups’, scheduled to report in 18 months. In the short term, the emphasis was on the need for ‘drastic changes to the party’s image’.
how was coalition formalised
The Liberal Democrats were unwilling to enter into coalition without a formal agreement being struck over certain measures of constitutional reform. For the first time in modern political history a government of the United Kingdom was founded on a binding commitment to introduce a programme of constitutional reform.
Constitutional reform under coalition
- 2011 Fixed Term Parliament Act: It removes the prime minister’s discretion to dissolve parliament and allows early elections only in two circumstances:
o If a motion for an early general election is agreed by at least two thirds of the whole House;
o If a motion of no confidence in the government is passed and the House does not express confidence in a government within fourteen days.
o To call an early election the government would have to instruct its MPs to pass a motion of no confidence in their own cabinet. A defeat, however, is not sufficient to bring about an election. The Act provides for a fourteen-day period to form an alternative government in the event that a government suffers defeat in a no-confidence vote.
HoL reform under coalition
- Hol reform: 2012 – LD proposed replacing the appointed members of the House of Lords with elected representatives, thereby creating a more democratic upper chamber. However, their efforts to push through legislation for an elected House of Lords- was abandoned on account of Tory opposition
- Hol reform 2014- allows Lords to resign or retire + excludes members who commit serious crimes which lead to going to jail for at least one year. Before hereditary peers could only revoke their privilege
Coalition on state spending
- Coalition - projected a different role for the state - involves rolling back of government initiatives and reducing state spending on social policies.
o Coalition’s commitment to a smaller state is reflected in their decision to try to cut the public deficit considerably more quickly than the Labour government has intended to do.
o Massive cuts in local government spending
the average annual real increases in spending remained small – between 0.6 per cent and 0.9 per cent.
In 2010 the government announced a five-year austerity plan aimed at reducing the country’s massive deficit, which had been fueled by bank bailouts and stimulus spending in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis some of the British government’s deepest spending cuts since WW2 including reductions to welfare entitlements and the dismissal of up to 500,000 public-sector employees, as well as phasing in a pension eligibility age increase from 65 to 66 four years earlier than had been planned
Local gov spending cuts under coalition
The coalition government reduced central government grants to local authorities, leading to a decrease in overall funding for local government services.
Coalition council tax measures
As part of its austerity measures, the coalition government introduced a council tax freeze, limiting the ability of local authorities to increase council tax rates to generate additional revenue. While this policy was intended to provide relief to households facing financial hardship, it also placed additional financial pressure on local councils
Tax reform under coalition
o Increase on the tax free threshold – seen as lib Dem victory
The personal income tax allowance was gradually increased over the course of the coalition government’s tenure, reaching £10,000 by the 2014-2015 tax year. This policy change meant that individuals could earn up to £10,000 per year without paying any income tax.
effectively increased the tax burden on higher earners. For example, the coalition government froze the higher rate income tax threshold and reduced the higher rate tax relief on pension contributions for high earners.
o The coalition government increased the rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) from 5% to 6% in January 2011 and subsequently to 9.5% in November 2015. IPT is a tax on general insurance premiums, such as car, home, and pet insurance, and the increase was intended to raise additional revenue from insurance providers and policyholders.
Capital gains tax changes under coalition
o The coalition government increased the rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for higher and additional rate taxpayers. From June 2010, the rate of CGT was increased from 18% to 28% for higher and additional rate taxpayers, while the rate for basic rate taxpayers remained at 18%.
Coalition VAT
o One of the most notable tax increases introduced by the coalition government was an increase in the standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 20% in January 2011.
Bank levy under coalition
o The coalition government introduced a bank levy, which was a tax on the balance sheets of banks and building societies. The bank levy was designed to raise revenue from the financial sector and ensure that banks made a fair contribution to reducing the budget deficit following the financial crisis.
marriage (same sex couples) act
2013
o allow same sex couples to marry in civil and religious ceremonies.
o But protect those religious organisations and their representatives who don’t wish to conduct marriages of same sex couples from successful legal challenge.
o Divergence from the British family policies which had marked British politics.
Universal credit
2013
The coalition government introduced Universal Credit, a new benefit designed to replace a range of existing means-tested benefits and tax credits, including Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Working Tax Credit. Universal Credit aimed to simplify the welfare system, streamline administration, and ensure that work always pays by tapering benefits as claimants’ earnings increase. Began with local rollout.
Coalition benefit cap
- 2013- The coalition government introduced a cap on the total amount of benefits that a household can receive to encourage work and reduce dependency on welfare. The benefit cap initially set at £26,000 per year per household.
disability benefits under coalition
- Stricter and more frequent WCAs for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Incapacity Benefit claimants were introduced from around 2010 onwards, with the introduction of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The WCA aimed to assess claimants’ ability to work and determine their eligibility for benefits based on their health condition or disability.
work incentives under coalition
- The coalition government increased the use of sanctions, penalties, and conditionality within the welfare system to encourage compliance with work-related requirements and discourage fraudulent or inappropriate claims. Sanctions could result in reductions or suspensions of benefit payments for claimants who failed to meet their obligations or engage with support and employment services.
triple lock on pensions
- 2010 ‘triple lock’ on basic state pension – seen as lib Dem victory
o The triple lock guarantees that the basic state pension will increase annually by the highest of three measures: inflation (as measured by the Consumer Prices Index), average earnings growth, or 2.5%.
Heppell and Seawright- 3 major strands of coalition:
- the critique offered of post-war British politics, particularly the ideological positions pursued by the Thatcher governments - emphasis is that neo-liberal economics have been necessary, but that on their own they are insufficient to create a strong society and effective politics:
- Second is the anti-statist emphasis of the coalition, which seeks to downplay the extent to which central government can or should direct services.
- the ‘rolling out’ of society which argues communities and individuals must be empowered through decentralized and localized forms of governance.
Coalition stance on cuts
The coalition stance on cuts reflects a neo-liberal belief that as the state is ‘rolled back’ the private sector will produce the demand and jobs required to produce economic growth.
neo-liberalism
free-market capitalism, limited government intervention in the economy, deregulation, privatization, and reductions in government spending and taxation
higher education under coalition
- Ultimately, a compromise was reached in which the coalition government agreed to raise the cap on tuition fees in England, despite significant opposition from within the Liberal Democrat ranks. The coalition government introduced legislation to increase the cap from £3,000 per year to £9,000 per year for undergraduate tuition fees, effective from the 2012-2013 academic year.- massive sacrifice for lib Dems
Pupil premium
2011
– Lib Dem victory:
o additional funding provided to publicly funded schools to support the education of disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers.
o The Pupil Premium is allocated based on the number of pupils eligible for free school meals (or those who have been eligible in the past six years), as well as pupils who are in care or have parents in the armed forces.
Health and social care act
2012
o This was a major restructuring of the NHS, aimed at increasing competition, empowering healthcare providers, and decentralizing decision-making.
o Key elements included the creation of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), which allowed groups of GPs to commission services for their patients, and the introduction of competition from private and voluntary sectors to provide NHS services.
o The Act also established Health and Wellbeing Boards to bring together local authorities, CCGs, and other partners to develop strategies for improving health and social care in their areas.
NHS spending under coalition
- The Spending Review used 2010/11 as the baseline year for a planned cash rise in NHS spending of £10.6 billion over four years to 2014/15. Using the forecasts for inflation at the time, this cash rise was equivalent to a cumulative real rise of 0.34 per cent – or just under 0.1 per cent per year for four years. The plan therefore was to increase NHS spending by around £100 million in real terms each year from 2011/12 to 2014/15 inclusive.
NHS staffing under coalition
the NHS will employ fewer staff at the end of this Parliament; although rebalanced towards clinical staffing and front-line support… administration costs decreased from a baseline of £4.5 billion to £3.04 billion in 2013/14 in cash terms – a reduction of 33 per cent in cash terms and around 36 per cent in real terms.
* between May 2010 and October 2014, total NHS staff increased by around 10,800 – a rise of just over 1 per cent. as well as the large drop in management staff (reduced by 18 per cent – taking staffing back to 2006 levels)
o total staff per 1,000 population has reduced by around 2 per cent as have the numbers of GPs (‒3 per cent) and qualified nursing staff (‒2 per cent).
Nicholson Challenge
announced in 2009, implemented throughout Cameron’s tenure
o aimed to achieve £20 billion in efficiency savings by 2015.
o It involved various cost-saving measures such as reducing administrative costs, improving procurement practices, and increasing productivity within the NHS workforce.
o The savings generated were intended to be reinvested into frontline services to improve patient care.
o Involved setting targets and benchmarks for key performance indicators such as waiting times, patient outcomes, and service quality. This involved initiatives to enhance clinical efficiency, optimize patient flow through healthcare pathways, and maximize the use of resources to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
London Riots
2011- On the night of August 6 a different sort of firestorm broke out when a protest against the killing of a young man by police earlier in the week erupted in widespread rioting in the North London area of Tottenham. In the succeeding days, riots, looting, and arson, mostly by young people, escalated wildly and became the worst rioting that the capital had seen in decades. The riots spread not only to other areas of Greater London but also to other British cities including Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham… large police presence and mass arrests
European Union act
- the European Union Act 2011, which included a provision known as the “referendum lock.” This legislation required a referendum to be held in the event of any proposed transfer of powers from the UK to the EU or any future treaty that would transfer significant powers to the EU- seen as a compromise.
European Arrest Warrant
- agreed to opt back into the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) in 2014. The EAW allows for the extradition of individuals between EU member states for the purpose of facing criminal prosecution or serving a sentence.
