POLITICAL PARTIES
2.1 – Political Parties
FEATURES
Left-wing political ideas Right-wing political ideas
Those on the left of British politics have a positive view of The right wing of British politics focuses more on the
the state and a collectivist view of society importance of giving the individual as much control
over their own life as possible.
The wealthier in society should pay a higher share of the Governments should aim to keep taxation as low as
cost of this redistributive taxation. To reduce wealth possible and trade union influence needs to be limited
inequality. The government should also pay a major role in order to encourage the smooth operation of the
in the economy through the nationalisation of key market.
industries.
Redistribution of wealth
1. Communism - From every man his ability, to every
man his need (you can only produce the
equivalent value of what you will take)
2. Equality of outcome
3. Reduction of extreme wealth inequality - Tony
Blair scrapped Clause IV in 1994 - this is when the
Labour party became pro business instead of just
prioritising unions. Therefore you can do this
point to a lesser extent.
They believe that the government should reduce Right-wing politicians reject left-wing attempts to
inequality and encourage social cohesion by providing an encourage greater equality and believe that the free
extensive welfare state. market operates best when there is as little
government interference as possible.
Big Government
Cradle to grave
Nationalising utilities - water, gas, electricity,
broadband (its being argued for)
Left wing politicians have generally enjoyed close relations Companies operate most efficiently when there is
with the trade union movement since the unions also competition, so nationalised firms are best privatised.
represent the economic interests of the working class.
Socially, the left embraces multiculturalism. It is also Although economically libertarian, the right wing is
socially libertarian and so supports giving alternative socially conservative and so emphasises the
lifestyles equal status with more traditional ones. importance of a shared national identity and
encourages traditional lifestyles.
A political party comprises of those with similar ideological views.
Conservatives united that taxes should be kept low - individual's money, not that state's
Labour - encouraging social justice.
Within a party different factions will emphasise different areas of policy. For example, the conservatives are likely to
be less economically libertarian and more socially libertarian than thr New Right, moving them closer to New Labour.
The left of the Labour party, represented by Jeremy Corbyn and Momentum, strongly favours redistributive taxation
and nationalisation, which New Labour distanced itself from under Blair.
CONCENSUS POLITICS ADVERSARY POLITICS
2.1 – Political Parties
FEATURES
Left-wing political ideas Right-wing political ideas
Those on the left of British politics have a positive view of The right wing of British politics focuses more on the
the state and a collectivist view of society importance of giving the individual as much control
over their own life as possible.
The wealthier in society should pay a higher share of the Governments should aim to keep taxation as low as
cost of this redistributive taxation. To reduce wealth possible and trade union influence needs to be limited
inequality. The government should also pay a major role in order to encourage the smooth operation of the
in the economy through the nationalisation of key market.
industries.
Redistribution of wealth
1. Communism - From every man his ability, to every
man his need (you can only produce the
equivalent value of what you will take)
2. Equality of outcome
3. Reduction of extreme wealth inequality - Tony
Blair scrapped Clause IV in 1994 - this is when the
Labour party became pro business instead of just
prioritising unions. Therefore you can do this
point to a lesser extent.
They believe that the government should reduce Right-wing politicians reject left-wing attempts to
inequality and encourage social cohesion by providing an encourage greater equality and believe that the free
extensive welfare state. market operates best when there is as little
government interference as possible.
Big Government
Cradle to grave
Nationalising utilities - water, gas, electricity,
broadband (its being argued for)
Left wing politicians have generally enjoyed close relations Companies operate most efficiently when there is
with the trade union movement since the unions also competition, so nationalised firms are best privatised.
represent the economic interests of the working class.
Socially, the left embraces multiculturalism. It is also Although economically libertarian, the right wing is
socially libertarian and so supports giving alternative socially conservative and so emphasises the
lifestyles equal status with more traditional ones. importance of a shared national identity and
encourages traditional lifestyles.
A political party comprises of those with similar ideological views.
Conservatives united that taxes should be kept low - individual's money, not that state's
Labour - encouraging social justice.
Within a party different factions will emphasise different areas of policy. For example, the conservatives are likely to
be less economically libertarian and more socially libertarian than thr New Right, moving them closer to New Labour.
The left of the Labour party, represented by Jeremy Corbyn and Momentum, strongly favours redistributive taxation
and nationalisation, which New Labour distanced itself from under Blair.
CONCENSUS POLITICS ADVERSARY POLITICS
