Political Parties in the UK notes

Political Parties in the UK

The Party System

  • Definition of a Two-Party System: A two-party system is one where members of just two major parties typically occupy more than 85% of the seats in the House of Commons.

  • Formation and Evolution of Political Parties:

    • Initially, parties originated within Parliament and later expanded to include the public.

    • Political parties do not represent a single coherent political philosophy but rather a coalition of various opinions and groups.

    • The primary goal of parties is to gain power through forming coalitions.

  • Influence and Structure:

    • Parties do not infiltrate every aspect of public life.

    • The Members of Parliament (MPs) from a party usually hold the most power within that party.

    • Non-MP members have limited powers, including:

    • Electing the leader of the party.

    • Presenting their views at annual meetings.

    • Becoming candidates for local elections.

    • All party powers are constrained by the necessity for perceived unity.

Historical Outline

  • Key Historical Parties:

    • Tories (17th-18th centuries):

    • Initially supporters of James II, prioritizing his hereditary claim over his Roman Catholic faith, representing the idea of "divine-right absolute power of the monarch."

    • Whigs:

    • Opposed the ascension of James II.

  • 19th Century Development:

    • The Conservatives emerged from the Tory faction.

    • The Liberals developed from the Whig faction.

    • Modern Terminology:

    • Tory equates to Conservative; the term Whig holds little modern meaning.

Political Spectrum

  • Key Principles:

    • Left-wing:

    • Advocates for an equal society.

    • Believes in substantial government involvement in citizens’ lives.

    • Supports higher taxes for the wealthy and welfare for those in need, along with government regulation of businesses.

    • Views inequality as inevitable and thinks government intervention should be limited.

    • Asserts that the economy should be regulated by market forces to encourage innovation and growth through lower taxes.

    • Right-wing:

    • Emphasizes lower government involvement, advocating for less intervention and letting the economy self-regulate.

  • Progressive vs. Traditional Values:

    • Progressive policies: e.g., support for same-sex marriage.

    • Traditional values: e.g., monarchy.

  • Examples of Key Legislation:

    • NHS Act of 1946: Established free healthcare for all citizens.

    • Tax Allowance for Married Couples (2014): Implemented reduced income tax for married couples.

  • Main Political Parties:

    • Labour Party, Green Party.

    • Conservative Party, UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party).

The Present Situation

  • Conservative Party:

    • Nicknamed “the Tories”; situated on the right of the political spectrum.

    • Characterized by hierarchical authority with minimal government interference in the economy, lower income tax rates, but reduced welfare and social services.

    • Held government from 1979 to 1997 and again from 2010 to present.

    • Under Margaret Thatcher, the party implemented extensive reforms in education, welfare, and housing.

    • Leadership tends to have a significant amount of authority.

    • Typical voter base: predominantly the wealthier segments of society and a minority of the working class.

    • Financial support largely comes from business donations.

  • Labour Party:

    • Formed in the early 20th century, uniting trade unionists and intellectuals.

    • Plaaced left of centre, advocating for equality and social welfare.

    • Originally opposed conservative reforms but later accepted some measures.

    • Governed from 1997 to 2010 and earlier up to 1979.

    • Maintained historical ties to trade unions but has shifted to obtaining more funding from business people.

    • Harnesses a voter base comprising the working class and segments of the middle class.

  • Liberal Democratic Party:

    • Formed in the 1980s through the merger of the Liberals (historically known as Whigs) and the Social Democrats (breakaway Labour faction).

    • Positions itself at the centre or slightly left of centre, advocating pro-EU stances, environmental concern, increased local governmental powers, and electoral reform.

    • Voter base primarily consists of the middle class.

    • Operates with significantly less funding compared to major parties.

Smaller Parties

  • Nationalist Parties:

    • Scotland: Scottish National Party (SNP).

    • Wales: Plaid Cymru.

    • Northern Ireland:

    • Protestant: Democratic Unionists, Ulster Unionists.

    • Catholic: Sinn Féin; Social Democratic and Labour Party.

  • Other Notable Smaller Parties:

    • The Green Party: Focused on environmental issues.

    • The British National Party: Advocated against immigration.

    • The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP): Eurosceptic.

    • The Brexit Party, currently known as the Reform Party.