The Labour Party

The Labour Party

The Labour Party has traditionally believed in Socialism, and

therefore they reject capitalist ideas and values, believing that

Capitalism produces huge wealth for some, and relative poverty for

many others. They rejected the idea of revolution, like the

Conservative party, preferring evolution, but remains committed to

achieving social goals associated with fairness, justice, and

equality.

Clause 4 of the 1918 Labour Party Constitution committed the party to

support the nationalisation of industry to provide the workers with

the 'fruit' of their labour, rather than the private ownership of

industry for private profit.

Traditionally, the labour party has stood for a belief in equality,

arguing for a permanent shift of power and wealth away from the rich,

privileged and powerful, to the poor, weak, and less privileged

members of society, in order to create a 'classless' society. The

Labour Party has also traditionally believed in equal opportunities

for everybody, and positive discrimination in favour of the poor,

underprivileged, and minority groups, to promote greater social

justice.

Furthermore, the Labour Party has traditionally believed in Social

Welfare, supporting state education, social services, and state

benefits, to ensure a minimum standard of living.

Finally, the Labour Party has traditionally been committed to Trade

Unionism, promoting and acknowledging Trade Union Rights, as well as

being affiliated with, and having strong links with many Trade Unions.

2. What Might the Labour Party argue are its achievements in the 20th

Century?

The Labour party arguably made many ac...

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First of all there was constitutional reform, with Tony Blair

rewriting the controversial Clause 4 of the 1918 Labour Party

Constitution, so that the Labour Party was no longer committed to the

nationalisation of key industries, which Thatcher had privatised.

Also, there was no talk of socialism or of the redistribution of

Wealth, with Blair making personal pledges over Tax, promises that he

stuck to, as Income Tax didn't increase. What's more, Blair introduced

the 'New Deal', as well as the national 'minimum wage', which helped

the poorest members of society. Finally, there was further

constitutional reform, with devolution for Scotland, Wales, and

Northern Ireland.

In general, 'New Labour' had moved to the centre of the political

spectrum, dropping some of their traditional believes in order to win

votes.