New Labour Flashcards
The Attlee government marked…
- The nationalisation of key industries
- The establishment of the Welfare state
- The National Health Service
Summum of British socialism.
What did the Callaghan government mark the end of?
The end of ‘tax and spend’ statist consensus.
What happened in 1983 to 92?
A modernisation of the Labour Party under Kinnock.
What was Blair’s project for the labour party?
Blair wanted to modernise the party, to the extent of calling it “New Labour”. He had the aim of confronting four major changes;
- Electoral change ( against Tory policies)
- Sociological change ( demise of working class)
- International change (globalisation)
- Ideological change ( socialism and the fall of communism )
What did the original Clause IV state ?
To improve
- equitable distribution
- common ownership of the means of production, distribution or exchange.
- Control of each economy, while serving the public interest
What did Blair’s “revised” Clause IV state?
- dynamic economy
- serving the public interest
- forces of partnership and cooperation
What did Anthony Giddens believe in when he wrote about “New Times”?
- Idea of constraining the state but investing in
education, infrastructure, and communications to compete in the global economy.
Why was Blair’s new political vision criticised ?
Because it was vague and sometimes incoherent, and there were many concessions to neoliberal economics. It was often seen as the latest form of social-democratic revisionism.
What were the main reasons for the UK’s recession in 1991-92?
High interest rates, falling house prices, and an overvalued exchange rate.
What was the “New Deal”?
Reforms on Welfare reforms.
What was Blair’s second term predominated by?
Foreign policy, particularly with Iraq and the aftermath of 9/11.
Why is Blair often despised for?
He is often held personally responsible for the extreme violence in Iraq.
