New Labour in Power Precedents and Prospects

The first book to provide a much-needed analysis of the current state of the party and insight into longer term trends, "New Labour in Power" helps readers to explore both past and present in order to better understand the future.
The book explores Tony Blair's victory through both its historical context and the words of contemporary media commentators, journalists, economists and politicians, including Austin Mitchell, Peter Shore, Peter Jay, A. H. Halsey and Vernon Bogdanor. It combines historical, political and practical approaches to the questions raised by the Labour election victory and addresses core themes such as Europe, the economy, welfare, education, defense and the constitution.

New Labour in Power combines historical, political and practical approaches to the questions raised by the Labour election victory. Addressing core themes such as Europe, the economy, welfare, education, and the constitution, this volume provides an assessment of the new era. This book explores Blair's victory through its historical context and the words of contemporary media commentators, journalists, economists and politicians. This book includes much-needed analysis of the current state of the party and invaluable insight into longer term trends.

Acknowledgements Preface Contributors 1. Introduction Brian Brivati and Tim Bale 2. Economic policy: lessons from past Labour Governments Jim Tomlinson, Commentaries: Edmund Dell, Peter Jay 3. From welfare state to post-welfare society? Labour's social policy in historical and contemporary perspective Nicholas Ellison, Commentaries: A.H. Halsey, Christopher Price 4. The moral agenda David Walker, Commentaries: Joe Bailey, Michael Phelan 5. Managing the state Gerard Alexander, Commentaries: Edward Plowden, Martin Smith 6. The Constitution, Part I: Blair's agenda Edward Pearce, Commentary: Austin Mitchell 7. Foreign, defence and European affairs John Young, Commentary: Geoffrey Warner 8. Managing the party and the trade unions Tim Bale, Commentaries: Patrick Seyd, Peter Shore 9. Earthquake or watershed? New Labour in Power Brian Brivati Index Appendix: ICBH and CUSP.

Tim Bale, Brian Brivati