The Labour Party (1980s-present)

Question 1

What is socialism?

Answer 1

a social & economic system characterised by public ownership of the means of production (factories, businesses etc) & co-operative management of the economy (government plan & run the economy in the public interest)

Question 2

State the key principles of socialism

Answer 2

• the state needs to create a better life for its citizens
• equality in both social & economic areas
• belief in collectivism & universalism i.e. man achieves his goals when working collectively instead of individually & these goals should be shared out universally
• state ownership of property is preferable over private ownership as it is for the common good
• the economy should be managed & planned by government in the interests of citizens; private business cannot be trusted
• taxes should be progressive, the rich should pay more, the poor less
• there should be equality of opportunity, everybody should have an equal start in life
• freedom of religion & speech
• Trade unions are essential to protect workers rights

Question 3

What are the origins of the Labour Party (Old Labour)?

Answer 3

• established in 1900 as the political arm (strength) of the trade union movement in order to give it representation in parliament
• became the party of working class representation - but has never been a ‘Marxist’ party since it is not committed to a revolutionary overthrow of the capitalist free market
• Socialist roots, although over the years it moderated its policies & was really only considered socialist in ‘spirit’

Question 4

What are the origins of the Labour Party (Old Labour)?

Answer 4

• established in 1900 as the political arm (strength) of the trade union movement in order to give it representation in parliament

Question 5

What are the core beliefs of Old Labour?

Answer 5

• nationalisation - government runs key industries in the interests of workers & the nation; dislike privatisation as they think it places the control in the hands of the elite
• redistributive taxation - wealthier in society par higher taxation
• extensive welfare state for the public shown in Clement Attlee’s government

Question 6

Define welfare state

Answer 6

• a system whereby the state (country) undertakes (begins) to protect the health & well-being of its citizens, especially those in financial or social need, by the means of grants (donations), pensions, & other benefits
• the foundations for a modern welfare state in the UK were laid by the Beveridge Report of 1942; proposals such as the establishment of a National Health Service (NHS) & the National Insurance Scheme were implemented by the Labour administration in 1948