Week 3 British Politics- New Labour New Labour- a new party 1997-2010 Chose 4 year term in 1997-2001 instead of the usual 5 years due to popularity Traditional Old labour policies weren't appealing to the public as it was deemed too lef Party reformed under John smith afer his death in 1994. Tony Blair moved party from a socialist party to more centrist within the lines of continental social democratic parties Less influence of trade unions- damaged relation with Unions Party statue reform- "common ownership of the means of production" replaced by strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone Concept of citizenship A citizen is a participatory member of a political community. Citizenship is gained by meeting the legal requirements of a national, state, or local government. A nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens. In return, citizens are expected to obey their country's laws and defend it against its enemies. New Britain Labour accepted Thatcher's privatisation and deregulation, no roll back on Thatcher's anti-union legislation e.g. Trade union act 1984 BUT Accepted Scottish devolution as well as Wales and N.Ireland Strong commitment to welfare state and redistribution of wealth as politically and morally okay Inclusion of all members of society: multiculturalism, social progressiveness which the traditional majority conservatives didn't offer. Everyone should feel some ownership in the British State Major economic reforms National minimum wage- very successful in distributing workers rights Welfare to work- activation policies to get people engaged in the economy or education in return for financial support Support for low earning workers through in work tax credits Reform for health and safety regulations. Basic assumptions is that you will return from work or activities safely Accepting number of EU regulations on rules governing work places and public access places Focus on environment issues- compulsory teaching of green topics in school, fuel price escalator, first long term target on CO2, funding for alternative energies
Week 3 British Politics- New Labour A new society Promotion of multiculturalism- declaring different races, religion and cultures as valuable in society e.g. Notting Hill carnival Emphasis of freedom e.g. freedom of information, Scotland act 1998, HUMAN RIGHT ACT Blair era legislation ofen failed to distinguish between human rights as a general concept and political rights linked to citizenship ( human right and civil right). This created misinformation and uncertainty in the population. Blairs human rights act 1998 Legislation creating new incitement offences and regulation on public contact between members of different background in society. E.g. race relation act 2000 Foreign policy- special relationship with USA- Iraq war Domestically transformed Britain Legacy- communities, not society Blair era legislation effective in reducing racial tensions however interest in real multiculturalism remains limited as people cherished their own culture