Political Parties - Topic 2.2 Flashcards
The origins of the established political parties
What economic policy does the modern Conservative Party follow?
The Johnson government’s commitment to high public spending to level up society reflected a ‘big government’ approach to the economy, reminiscent of the one-nation government of Macmillan. Public spending in 2021 was 42% of the economy; to finance increased public spending in 2021, Rishi Sunak increased corporation tax and NI.
After Liz Truss’ brief stint in office, Sunak responded to the recession with higher taxs and dramatic cuts in public spending, reminiscent of ‘good housekeeping’ of Thatcher. This suggests the party is in a transition period between encouraging growth or balancing the budget.
What welfare policy does the modern Conservative Party follow?
In 1997 when Blair introduced a minimum wage, the Tories claimed this interfered in the free market. In 2015, George Osborne introduced a living wage to provide extra support for the lesast well paid. Johnson established a new secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities. All Tory PMs have emphasised the party’s commitment to the NHS.
The Universal Credit system suggests an anti-dependency approach more associated with Thatcherism.
What law and order policy does the modern Conservative Party follow?
Recent Tory government have committed to strict enforcement of law and order. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 passed under May gives the government enhanced powers of surveillance to protect national security. Johnson committed to increasing police powers over public protests in legislation such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. The appointment as home secretary of strident critics of liberalism such as Priti Patel and Suella Braverman has further demonstrated an uncompromising Thatcherite approach to law and order.
What foreign policy does the modern Conservative Party follow?
Johnson’s negotiation of the withdrawl of the UK from the EU demonstrated a New Right commitment to sovereign borders. In 2020, Boris Johnson announced a £16.5 billion increase in UK defence spending - the biggest boost in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. The UK joined AUKUS in 2021 and also went on a carrier strike group was also sent on a world tour, training with allied forces and sailing through the South China Sea. Truss and Sunak were similarly hawkish, providing strong opposition to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, criticising China and seeking close ties with the US.
Where have the Conservatives been in conflict with each other since 2016?
- Truss’ willingness to borrow to finance tax cuts and avoid public spending cuts provoked outrage from fiscally responsible Tories, to maintain confidence in the pound
- Although Truss was eager to slash taxes to encourage growth, Johnson and Sunak have been prepared to keep taxes high to maintain public services
- May’s memorable warning in 2002 of the Tories becoming the ‘nasty party’ committed Cameron to make the party more inclusive and progressive. Priti Patel and Suella Braverman adopted more socially conservative policies, strenuously attacking ‘political correctness’ and emphasising toughness
- Truss quickly announced she was ending the ban on fracking and wanted to expand North Sea gas and oil extraction; Sunak immediately reimposed the ban
What economic policy does the modern Labour Party follow?
Following its landslide defeat in 2019, Labour has adopted a more centrist social democrat approach to the economy. Labour is therefore no longer committed to the nationalisation of energy firms. However, in the 2024 Election, Starmer’s promise of a publicly owned energy company, GBE, demonstrated a left-wing faith in government-led enterprise. In terms of taxation, Labour is still more likely than the Tories to tax wealth. However, Starmer has also been keen not to alienate business, noting in a pamphlet for the Fabian Society to ‘partner to private enterprise’.
What welfare policy does the modern Labour Party follow?
Starmer’s promise of a Great Renewal of the NHS represents a traditional left-wing commitment to the health service. Labour is also committed to abolishin Universal Credit because they claim it traps people in poverty. Labour’s has removed the charitable status of independent schools and channelling those funds into the state sector and abolishing tuition fees represents a traditionally socialist approach to education.
What law and order policy does the modern Labour Party follow?
Starmer has positioned the Labour Party as being harder on criminals than the Tories. Labour has pledged to strengthen the law on crimes specifically directed against women and girls and increase the number of police on the street.
What foreign policy does the modern Labour Party follow?
Labour has also re-emphasised the party’s traditional commitment to NATO and an independent nuclear deterrent. To Starmer, Labour’s support for the UK’s nukes is a ‘non-negotiable’ and when Russia invaded Ukraine, he made clear that Labour MPs should not join anti-NATO Stop the War Coalition demonstrations. Since being PM, he’s been seen taking a very active role in the security of Ukraine and has been a leader in the joint cooperation of Europe in support of NATO due to fears of Trump in office.
How was the Labour Party changed with Kier Starmer?
Starmer has distanced Labour from the democratic socialism represented by Corbyn, however, it would be misleading to suggest that Labour has re-embraced the principles of Tony Blair and New Labour. Instead, Labour remain committed to achieving social justice through a mixed economy rather than embracing capitalism and so its current philosophy owes more to Crosland than Giddens.
Constitutionally, Starmer has sought to distance Labour from the Tories, promising an elected House of Lords and more power devolved to local authorities, devolved governments, and English mayors. Starmer’s proposals are a far cry from a big government approach to government often associated with traditional socialism.
What economic policy do the modern Liberal Democrats follow?
A strong social democrat influence on the party can be seen in its commitment to increasing income tax by 1p. The £7bn raised would then be ring-fenced for the NHS. The Lib Dems would also invest £150bn on green infrastructure over 3 years.
What welfare policy do the modern Liberal Democrats follow?
As a result of their commitment to social justice the Lib Dems would restore the university maintenance grant to encourage young peple from disadvtanged backgrounds to attend uni. They would also provide free childcare for pre-school children.
What law and order policy do the modern Liberal Democrats follow?
The Lib Dems’ support for community policing to discourage crime and develop trust highlights its preventative approach to law and order. Its commitment to the legislation of cannabis demonstrates the continued influence of J.S. MIll and the ‘self-harm’ principle within the party.
What foreign policy do the modern Liberal Democrats follow?
As an internationalist party, the Lib Dems want the strongest possible relationship with the EU. The moral principles of the party can also be seen in its commitment not to cut overseas aid. However, the Lib Dems support the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent and NATO membership as necessary to protect British security interests.
How have the Liberal Democrats changed after the Coalition?
As the Lib Dems combine values of the Liberal and Social Democratic parties, its ideas cover a broad spectrum. This has sometimes results in an uneasy relationship between the social democratic left and Lib Dems who support a less-interventionist, more neo-liberal approach to the economy. Those on the liberal side of the party are sometimes referred to as Orange Book liberals after the 2004 book. Recent Lib Dem leaders have emphasised issues connected with social justice. However, core principles of international and constitutional reform provide the Lib Dems with a coherent ideology.
