Political parties

Glossary page 65

Old Labour (social democracy)

Old Labour (social democracy)

Key Labour principles embodying nationalism, redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor and the provision of continually improving welfare and state services, which largely rejected Thatcherite/free-market reforms or a Blairite approach.

New Labour (third way)

A revision to the traditional Labour values and ideals represented by Old Labour. Influenced by Anthony Gidden’s, the ‘third way’ saw Labour shift in emphasis from a heavy focus on the working class to a wider class base, and a less robust alliance with trade unions.

One Nation

A paternalistic approach adopted by Conservatives under the leadership of Benjamin Disraeli in the 19th Century and continues by David Cameron and Theresa May in the 21st century, that the rich have an obligation to help the poor.

New Right

There are two elements - (i) the neo-Conservatives who want the state to take a more authoritarian approach to morality and law and order and (ii) the neo-Liberals who endorsed the free-market approach and the rolling back of the state in people’s lives and businesses.

Classical Liberals

Classical liberalism is a philosophy developed by early liberals who believed that individual freedom would best be achieved with the state playing a minimal role.

Modern Liberals

Modern liberalism emerged as a reaction against free-market capitalism, believing this has led to many individuals not being free. Freedom could no longer simply be defined as ‘being left alone’

Party Systems

The way or manner in which political parties in a political system are grouped and structed. There are several variants that could apply to the UK, these include one-party dominant, two-party, two-and-a-half party and multi-party systems.

Left-wing

A widely-used term for those who desire change, reform and alteration to the way in which society operates. Often this involves radical criticisms of the capitalism made by liberal and socialist parties,

Right-wing

This term reflects support for the status quo, little or no change, stressing the need for order, stability and hierarchy - generally relates to Conservative parties.