"Evaluate the view that the Labour party remains true to its traditional values and principles"

What did Blair do to corporate tax?

He cut it from 33% to 28%

Main points that the Labour party HAS remained true to its traditional values and principles-

Economically labour still was unafraid to introduce taxation to fund welfare, labour still wanted to make welfare more accessible, Labour is still strong on offering more civil liberties

Labour becoming more corporate focused in comparison to their roots within trade unions-

Blair changes Clause IV of the Labour party constitution from supporting nationalisation to encouraging economic competition, private enterprise and producing more wealth for the nation

Main points that the Labour party has NOT remained true to its traditional values and principles-

Labour became more corporate focused under Blair, Labour under Blair had more focus on equality of opportunity than equity, Labour began to place strong law and order above maintaining civil liberties

Labour still uses high taxation to fund public spending-

Even when Blair cut corporation tax, he introduced stealth taxes which did not outwardly increase taxation, but still did make many pay more tax --> For example £5000 of windfall tax was levied by the govt, National Insurance rates rose for employers and employee in 2002

What did the 2019 Labour manifesto do to tax-

Income tax raises for those earning above £80k

Labour still wants welfare to be more widespread-

Scrapping universal tax (which allows welfare to be more accessible), bringing back EMA and making basic dentistry free

Example of Labour pushing for equality of opportunity-

'The New Deal'-> Blair spent £1.3billion on reducing unemployment by introducing training and education rather than welfare which would be the norm

Labour introducing more civil liberties-

2004 Civil partnerships act allowed gay couples to enter a civil partnership (more rights), In 2000 the ban on homosexuals in the military was lifted, the HRA 1998

Example of Labour infringing on civil liberties (anti-terrorism reforms)-

2001 Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act allowed detention of non-British nationals without trial for an indefinite time. Terrorism Act 2006 allowed for 28 day detention without trial for suspected terrorists.