Evaluate the view that the labour party is no longer a socialist party? (30)

What is your intro?

Socialism is the belief in common ownership, so they seek to nationalise industry to do that. They have a collectivist approach – welfare. They also believe in equality and social justice.

What is the socialist position in the economy?

the socialist position of this is for nationalisation of industries. High taxation – welfare.

Evidence this has not been abandoned

they have stayed socialist. E.g. 2019 Corbyn’s manifesto pledge to nationalise key industries (Royal Mail, National grid, railways and water)

Evidence this has been abandoned

no longer socialist because: E.g. Blair’s third way approach – amends Clause 4 of the Labour party constitution, ending commitment to mass nationalisation 1995. 1997 Election commitment to preserve Tory tax rates.

What is the socialist position on welfare?

Welfare – the socialist position is cradle to grave welfare, no one left behind. Inspired by Keynes and Beveridge. Every citizen would be covered, regardless of income (NHS).

Evidence this has not been abandoned

They have stayed socialist. E.g. there was a party line vote against the welfare reform act 2012, Corbyn’s 2019 manifesto to build £100,00 council homes a year- plans for a new department of hosuing and to scrap universal credit and replace it

Evidence this has been abandoned

no longer socialist. E.g. In 2015 Labour back the government’s £16bn welfare cut, Harman (party leader) abstained from the vote.

What is the socialist position on foreign policy

Foreign Policy – The EU is a free-market organisation that bans excessive state aid to businesses. Socialists therefore disagree ideologically with the whole neoliberal basis for the EU. Also, socialists oppose war.

Evidence this has not been abandoned

Corbyn 2015 opposed nuclear deterrent (campaign for nuclear disarmament), Corbyn also refused to oppose Brexit, wants withdrawal from NATO and removal of trident nuclear weapons.

Evidence this has been abandoned

no longer socialist. E.g. Kier Starmer’s Pro-EU stance. Blair following Bush into Iraq war 2003- more hawkish foreign policy

What is the socialist position on law and order

Evidence this has not been abandoned

Corbyn against anything tories have done

Evidence this has been abandoned

'tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime' - blair 1997, anti terrorism legislation