THE LABOUR PARTY: the way forward?

The following conclusions are based on Internet-list research, desk research, and field research in two parliamentary constituencies:

Party goals: 

New Labour’s mission is set out in the party constitution agreed in1995 and in the three party manifestos published 1997, 2001 and 2005. They represent a register of policy principles approved by majority vote within the party, and provide the legitimacy for past and future parliamentary legislation.

Most of these policy principles concern the delivery of social justice and are broadly consistent with old Labour values. However, some key areas of principle are not consistent with old Labour socialist values, for example:

·        new Labour is a party of the political centre, including the middle classes

·        new Labour’s economics are based on dynamic markets, liberalisation, and wealth creation

·        new Labour seeks to reform public services through competition and by becoming consumer-led

·        new Labour targets the needs of the poor without penalising the rich

·        new Labour favours a transatlantic approach (in both economic and foreign affairs)

Party labels: 

The official title of Labour is “the Labour party”. The term “new Labour” is used in general presentation to differentiate from old Labour  –  although “new Labour” has been Labour’s slogan since the mid 90’s, and in 2001 became stylised as “new Labour, new Britain”. This slogan was recently changed to “Britain forward not back”. The term “democratic socialist” was used as a label in the new version of clause four but the term did not gain currency. The term “social democrat” was often used by mainstream Labourites but rarely in formal communications. The current favoured term is  “progressive” or “progressive consensus” which was used extensively at the last party conference and was featured prominently in the 2005 party manifesto.

Party membership: 

Membership doubled following the new Labour mission, although membership levels are now consistent with the current three-party political system. The majority of ordinary members (approx 90%) are supporters of the party and play no active part in the party’s determination. A minority of members (approx 10%) are activists and participate in party activities. Many activists have opposed the new Labour mission during the second term and, on balance their participation probably had a negative effect on the result of the last election: their influence as supporters of the Socialist Campaign Group and other high profile pressure groups was disproportionate to their representation.

All-party policy: 

New Labour’s mission has been to deliver social justice by liberal economics. The Liberal Democrats are likely to follow a similar policy (see their Orange Book). The Tories may also follow suit if the social wing of their party wins power.

Europe: 

There is now evidence that new Labour’s economic and social model will be the preferred model in the EU particularly if Germany, the dominant member, has a change in political leadership. This will signal the cross party appeal of the new Labour model  bringing to an end the traditional divide between Left and Right and between socialism and conservatism. The divide is now being characterised as between “new Europe” and “old Europe”.

The Unions:

The Labour party’s historic link with the unions is no longer consistent with a one-nation centrist party. The interest of union members are compromised though an allegiance to a single party, and the emergence of super unions means that their voting rights become grossly distorted. There is also a growing conflict of interest over the reform of public services.

Overall Conclusion: 

New labour has delivered on its mission over two parliamentary terms. There is a possibility this can become a universal model for public policy throughout Europe. However the influence of old Labour is still strong and played a big part in undermining public confidence in the party leadership and the consequent reduced parliamentary majority. Old Labour thinking holds the balance of power within the UK. Old Labour thinking may also help sustain old Europe.

End

©Mike Allott July 2005

Feedback to mike@corporata.com