The era of New Labour, 1997-2007 Flashcards
1
Q
When did Tony Blair become Prime Minister and what was unique about his political background?
A
Blair became PM in 1997. He hadn’t joined Labour until after Oxford and his father supported the Conservatives, allowing him to modernise the party more easily.
2
Q
What was Blair’s leadership style and media image?
A
Charismatic, media-savvy, appeared on non-political TV. He presented himself as ordinary (casual clothes, rock band at uni, Newcastle United fan).
3
Q
What significant statement did Blair make after Princess Diana’s death?
A
He called her the ‘people’s princess,’ boosting his popularity to 93% in an internal Labour poll.
4
Q
What was ‘The Third Way’?
A
A middle path between Old Labour socialism and Thatcherite free-market policies. Developed by Anthony Giddens; it accepted private/public/charity involvement in services based on quality, not ideology.
5
Q
What criticism did Blair face regarding Labour ideology?
A
Critics said he abandoned traditional Labour values just to win power and had no real ideological core.
6
Q
What role did Gordon Brown play in Blair’s government?
A
Chancellor of the Exchequer (1997–2007), controlling economic and domestic policy.
7
Q
Why did tensions rise between Blair and Brown post-2001?
A
Brown believed Blair had agreed to step down in his second term. His supporters pressured Blair to resign, contributing to Blair stepping down in 2007.
8
Q
What major acts of devolution occurred under Blair?
A
- 1997: Referendums held in Scotland and Wales.
- 1998: Scotland Act and Government of Wales Act – Scottish Parliament with tax powers; Welsh Assembly with limited powers.
- 1998: Good Friday Agreement led to devolved government in Northern Ireland.
- 2000: First London mayoral election.
9
Q
What was the result of the 2004 referendum in the northeast of England?
A
It overwhelmingly rejected devolution, halting further devolution plans.
10
Q
What happened in the 2000 London mayoral election?
A
Blair blocked Ken Livingstone from standing for Labour; he ran as an independent and won. Blair was forced to readmit him into Labour.
11
Q
What changes were made to the House of Lords in 1999?
A
House of Lords Act reduced hereditary peers to 92. Reform was seen as an unsatisfactory compromise.
12
Q
What was the Jenkins Report and its outcome?
A
In 1998, it recommended replacing FPTP with a more proportional voting system, but no changes were made.
13
Q
What was the Freedom of Information Act (2000)?
A
Gave people the right to request information from public bodies. By 2006, 100,000+ requests annually. Blair later called it a mistake.
14
Q
What did the Human Rights Act (1998) do?
A
Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into British law. In 2004, it forced the government to amend anti-terror legislation.
15
Q
What were Labour’s 1997 manifesto pledges and were they met by 2001?
A
Focused on improving public services. By 2001, all five pledges had been met.
16
Q
What was Blair’s priority for education?
A
‘Education, education, education’ – continued league tables, inspections, targets, and more specialist schools.
17
Q
What approach did Labour take to law and order?
A
‘Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime’ – social exclusion measures + longer sentences.
18
Q
What was the purpose of the 2001 Special Delivery Unit?
A
Ensured reform implementation through target setting for health and education services.
19
Q
What rural issues did Blair’s government face?
A
- 2000: Fuel protests over rising prices.
- 2001: Foot-and-mouth crisis led to a cull of 10 million animals.
- 2002: 500,000 people marched with the Countryside Alliance against the hunting ban (passed in 2004).
20
Q
What were Gordon Brown’s key early economic priorities (1997)?
A
- Keep inflation low.
- Control government spending.
- Appear pro-business.
- Escape Labour’s ‘tax-and-spend’ image.
21
Q
What major economic reform did Brown make in 1997?
A
Gave the Bank of England independence to set interest rates to meet inflation targets.
22
Q
How did Brown use Treasury rules and PFI?
A
Limited government borrowing; used Private Finance Initiative (PFI) to fund public service projects.
23
Q
What were the economic results by 2007?
A
Inflation controlled, record employment, high living standards, consumer boom. Criticism from economists like Will Hutton warned it was credit-fueled.
24
Q
Who were the key figures involved in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations?
A
- Tony Blair
- George Mitchell (chair)
- John Hume (SDLP)
- Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness (Sinn Féin)
- David Trimble (UUP)
- Bertie Ahern (Irish PM)
- Mo Mowlam (NI Secretary of State)
25
When was the Good Friday Agreement reached and what happened next?
Reached on 10 April 1998; referendums held on 22 May – 71% voted ‘yes’ in NI, 94% in the Republic of Ireland.
26
What were the key elements of the Good Friday Agreement?
* Power-sharing Assembly and Executive.
* Strengthened UK-Ireland-NI ties.
* Commitment to decommissioning.
* Policing reform.
* Early release of prisoners.
* UK/Republic gave up claim to NI.
27
What challenges followed the Good Friday Agreement?
* 1998: Omagh bombing by dissident republicans killed 30.
* 2002: Devolved institutions suspended.
* 2006: St Andrews Agreement reinstated key principles.
* DUP overtook UUP among unionists.
28
What is considered Blair’s greatest single achievement?
His ongoing involvement and success in Northern Ireland, especially the Good Friday Agreement.
29
When did the Conservative Party suffer a major electoral defeat leading to John Major’s resignation?
May 1997.
30
Who succeeded John Major as Conservative Party leader in June 1997?
William Hague.
31
When did the Conservatives suffer their second electoral defeat under Hague?
June 2001.
32
Who became Conservative leader after the 2001 defeat?
Iain Duncan Smith.
33
Who replaced Iain Duncan Smith as leader and when?
Michael Howard in May 2003.
34
When did David Cameron become leader of the Conservative Party?
December 2005.
35
What key divisions existed in the Conservative Party after 1997?
Divisions over Europe, Thatcher's legacy, social liberalism, and modernisation.
36
What was the political composition of the post-1997 Conservative Party regarding Europe?
145 of the remaining 165 MPs were Eurosceptic.
37
Why did William Hague win the 1997 leadership contest?
He had fewer enemies than his rivals, was backed by Thatcher, and was seen as a fresh start.
38
What leadership rule did Hague introduce for future contests?
MPs would narrow down candidates to two, and the final vote would go to party members.
39
Why was this new leadership system controversial?
The average party member was aged 64, risking selecting leaders out of touch with the wider electorate.
40
What did Hague rule out to unify the party on Europe?
Entry into a single currency 'in the foreseeable future'.
41
What speech in 1999 caused controversy and suggested Thatcherism needed to be reconsidered?
Peter Lilley’s speech warning against further privatisation and public suspicion of continued Thatcherite reforms.
42
What symbolic moment undermined Hague’s 2001 campaign?
Thatcher appeared at a rally referencing 'The Mummy Returns'.
43
What core policies did Hague focus on in the 2001 election?
'Save the pound' campaign and a hardline stance on immigration.
44
Why did Duncan Smith win the leadership?
Negative votes against Kenneth Clarke and Michael Portillo.
45
What was Duncan Smith's social policy approach called?
Compassionate Conservatism.
46
What symbolic visit did Duncan Smith make to emphasise social concern?
Easterhouse estate in Glasgow.
47
What socially conservative policies did the Conservatives support under Duncan Smith?
Opposed repeal of Section 28 and unmarried couples adopting.
48
Why was Duncan Smith removed as leader in 2003?
A vote of no confidence amid controversy over his wife's salary.
49
Why was Howard chosen as leader in 2003?
He was a unifying figure acceptable to both Mods and Rockers.
50
What did Howard abandon from Duncan Smith’s agenda?
Work on social justice.
51
What key modernisers did Howard promote?
* David Cameron (shadow education secretary)
* George Osborne (shadow chancellor)
52
What was Howard’s leadership legacy?
Brought stability and better organisation, but seen as old-fashioned and too right-wing.
53
How did Cameron secure leadership in 2005?
He impressed with a note-free speech at the Conservative Party Conference.
54
What key policy areas did Cameron emphasise to modernise the party?
* Climate change
* Gay rights
* NHS support
* Increased overseas aid
* Less focus on Europe
55
What image did Cameron aim to shed from the Conservatives?
Being intolerant, old-fashioned, and obsessed with Europe.
56
What helped Cameron’s Conservatives appear electable again?
Labour’s declining popularity post-2003 and Cameron’s centrist, inclusive policies.
57
What nickname did critics on the right use for Cameron's leadership?
A rejection of Thatcherism.
58
What were the core reasons for Conservative defeats in both 2001 and 2005?
* Weak leadership
* Internal divisions
* Failure to modernise
* Labour’s popularity
* First-past-the-post system
59
Why was the 2001 defeat especially humiliating?
No progress was made after the 1997 loss—the worst result since 1832.
60
What campaign gaffes damaged Hague in 2001?
* Baseball cap
* Carnival appearance
* Claim of drinking 14 pints as a teen
61
What was the 2005 Conservative manifesto labelled by Michael Portillo?
The 'Victor Meldrew manifesto'.
62
What scandal reinforced doubts about Tory modernisation in 2005?
A deputy chairman promised the party would be more radically Thatcherite in government.
63
What happened to trade union membership under New Labour (1997–2007)?
Trade union membership declined from 29% to 26%.
64
Did New Labour repeal Conservative trade union laws from 1979–1997?
No, New Labour did not repeal the Conservative trade union legislation.
65
Why did New Labour distance itself from the trade unions?
They believed trade union influence made Labour unelectable in the 1980s.
66
How did New Labour handle outsourcing and privatisation?
Outsourcing and PFI continued; New Labour extended privatisation.
67
What happened with the RMT union in 2004?
The RMT was expelled from the Labour Party.
68
What was the significance of the European Social Chapter under New Labour?
Britain opted back in, granting rights like three months unpaid parental leave.
69
How did New Labour view globalisation?
As an opportunity to build a knowledge economy.
70
What was the New Deal programme?
Aimed to support the unemployed with training, voluntary work, or subsidised placements.
71
What criticisms were made of the New Deal?
Support was limited; sanctions for non-participation were seen as unfair.
72
What were the policies on ‘making work pay’?
Introduction of the National Minimum Wage and tax credits for low-income earners.
73
How did Labour increase female representation in Parliament in 1997?
Introduced all-women shortlists in half of their most winnable seats.
74
Who became the first female Foreign Secretary?
Margaret Beckett.
75
What childcare policy changes were made by 2007?
All 3- and 4-year-olds were entitled to 12.5 hours/week of free nursery education.
76
What policy supported women with caring responsibilities?
Pension credits were granted to women unable to work due to caring duties.
77
What progress did women make in business leadership?
FTSE 100 companies with no women on the board dropped from 36% to 24%.
78
What were the criticisms of New Labour’s gender policies?
Women earned only 87% of men's wages in 2007.
79
Why did New Labour appeal to young people?
Blair was the youngest PM elected and promoted a modern image.
80
What was the Social Exclusion Unit (1997)?
Aimed to tackle issues like poverty and lack of opportunity for youth.
81
What were Sure Start centres?
Provided support and information to families with young children.
82
What was Blair’s pledge on child poverty?
Pledged to end child poverty in 20 years.
83
What was the Connexions service?
Advised teenagers on their post-school choices.
84
What was Labour’s university target for young people?
50% of young people to attend university.
85
What were the concerns about NEETs?
Nearly 20% of young people were Not in Education, Employment or Training.
86
What was an ASBO?
A court order limiting behaviour, often given to under-17s.
87
What factors increased immigration between 1997 and 2007?
Globalisation, EU expansion, wars, and skills shortages.
88
Who was the first black cabinet minister and when?
Paul Boateng in 2002.
89
What evidence showed the rise of multicultural Britain?
Mosques, cultural celebrations, and the 2012 Olympics bid.
90
What did the 1998 Macpherson Report highlight?
Institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police.
91
What did BBC Chairman Greg Dyke say in 2001?
Called the BBC 'hideously white'.
92
What was the impact of the 7 July 2005 London bombings?
52 killed by 4 suicide bombers.
93
What happened after the 21 July 2005 attempted attacks?
Jean Charles de Menezes was wrongly killed by police.
94
What security laws were passed in response to terrorism?
National Identity Card Act and the Terrorism Act.
95
What were the opposing responses to terrorism?
Calls for improved community relations vs. increased security.
96
How did public opinion on immigration change?
Seen as vital by 3% of voters in 2001, rising to nearly 30% by 2007.
97
What criticisms were made by groups like Migration Watch?
Rapid immigration overstretched services and caused job competition.
98
What were the economic arguments for immigration?
Migrants filled labour shortages and contributed economically.
99
What Treaty was signed in 1997 and what was its purpose?
The Treaty of Amsterdam aimed to amend and consolidate existing EU treaties.
100
What major economic development occurred in the EU in 1999?
The launch of the Euro as a common European currency.
101
What did the Treaty of Nice aim to do?
Reform EU institutions to cope with expansion.
102
When did the EU expand to 25 states and which countries joined?
In 2004 – Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia.
103
What treaty attempted to create an EU constitution?
The establishment of an EU constitution in 2004.
104
What countries joined the EU in 2007, expanding it to 27 members?
Bulgaria and Romania.
105
What replaced the failed EU constitution in 2007?
The Treaty of Lisbon aimed to increase efficiency and democracy.
106
What was Tony Blair’s approach to Europe?
Blair promoted a more positive UK-EU relationship, rejoined the European Social Chapter, and supported EU enlargement.
107
Why did Britain not join the Euro in 1999?
Gordon Brown set strict economic tests that were unlikely to be met.
108
What issues did Blair focus on in EU foreign policy?
Climate change, world trade, aid to Africa, and global terrorism post-9/11.
109
Which European leaders did Blair maintain strong relations with?
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
110
Who was US President when Blair was first elected in 1997?
Bill Clinton.
111
What political ideas connected New Labour and the US Democrats?
Shared belief in the Third Way.
112
Who became US President in 2000?
George W. Bush.
113
Why did Blair want to maintain the ‘special relationship’?
To keep the US engaged in European affairs and uphold NATO’s post-Cold War role.
114
What major criticism did Blair face regarding his relationship with Bush?
That British foreign policy was overly influenced by US priorities.
115
What role did Blair play in the Kosovo conflict?
Persuaded Clinton to support NATO bombing against Serbia.
116
What was the result of NATO's 1999 campaign in Yugoslavia?
Serbia withdrew from Kosovo.
117
Why did Britain intervene in Sierra Leone in 2000?
To evacuate foreigners and then support UN peacekeepers during the civil war.
118
What was the outcome of the Sierra Leone intervention?
British involvement helped end the civil war in 2001.
119
What triggered the invasion of Afghanistan?
The 9/11 terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda on 11 September 2001.
120
When did Britain join the US in invading Afghanistan?
7 October 2001.
121
What was the initial goal in Afghanistan?
Overthrow the Taliban and expel Al-Qaeda.
122
What challenges followed the invasion of Afghanistan?
Taliban regrouped by 2006–07; democratic progress was slow.
123
What were the main reasons cited for invading Iraq?
Fears of WMDs and a potential link with Al-Qaeda.
124
When did the Iraq invasion begin?
March 2003.
125
What international issue surrounded the Iraq War?
Dispute over the need for a second UN resolution authorizing force.
126
What was the ‘coalition of the willing’?
Countries backing the US-led invasion: UK, Poland, Italy, etc.
127
What was the result of the Iraq War by April 2003?
Saddam Hussein was overthrown, but instability persisted.
128
How many ministers resigned over Iraq, and who was the most notable?
Four ministers, including Robin Cook (Foreign Secretary).
129
What was the public response to the Iraq War in the UK?
Over 1 million people marched in London in February 2003 in protest.
130
What major criticism emerged post-invasion?
No WMDs were found; claims of exaggeration; accusations of prisoner mistreatment.
131
What happened to Saddam Hussein?
Overthrown in April 2003; executed in 2006.
132
When did Gordon Brown announce British withdrawal from Iraq?
December 2007.
133
What were New Labour's 1997 foreign policy goals?
* Make the UK a leading European player
* Promote ethical foreign policy
* Build a world community of nations
* Foster people’s diplomacy
134
What was the impact of the Iraq War on Britain’s global standing?
* Damaged Blair’s reputation
* Undermined public support for interventionism
* Made Britain seem a junior partner to the US
* Weakened Britain’s EU position due to division over Iraq
135
How was Blair’s role in the Middle East peace process affected by the Iraq War?
His credibility was weakened due to close ties with Bush and the invasion of Iraq.
136
What was the UK’s status in foreign affairs by 2007?
Still a major power, but facing uncertainty over its future role and relationships.
