1997-2007 Flashcards
(213 cards)
1
Q
In what ways did Blair seem ‘normal’ despite his upbringing?
A
- Supported his local football team Newcastle
- Made appearances in non political TV shows
- wore everyday clothes
- Was in a rock band in Uni
2
Q
What event in the early months of Blairs premiership make him seem in touch with the people?
A
The death of Diana after In August 1997 he was in power showed he was in touch. He used the Phrase ‘the people’s princess’ and urged the queen to make a public apperance contrasting the Royals seeming lack of Empathy
This led to Labour’s popularity to soar to 93%
3
Q
What was ‘the third way’?
A
A term used by Anthony Giddens at LSE to describe a middleway between the socialism of Old Labour and the Thatcherite policies of the Conservatives. Blair did not reverse Thatcherite policies or undo trade union reform - arguing it did not matter whether the state of private sector ran an industry as long as its quality was sufficient
4
Q
Why did many criticise Tony Blair’s Third way?
A
Many thought that he did not believe in anything and that he jettisoned ttraditional Labour policies and accpeted Thatcherite ones to stay in power.
5
Q
What were the constitutional changes made by NL?
A
- Devolution
- Parliament reforms
- Citizens rights
- ‘Sofa Government’
6
Q
What were the reasons behind devolution?
A
Scotalnd was becoming increasingly upset they were being ruled by Westminster, with 0 CON MPs elected in 1997
7
Q
Explain the process of devolution under NL?
A
Referendums were held in 1997:
- Scotalnd voted in favour of a devolviing power that had tax setting power with scottish parliament eastablished in Edinburgh
- Wales had a parliament set up but without tax setting power
- NI government was given devolved powers after the Good Friday agreement
- 1999 Election of an elected Mayor of London
8
Q
In what ways was devolution unsuccesful?
A
Labour hoped devolution would mean they would gain increased support, but Plaid Cymru and SNP gained the most
In 2000, Blair blocked Ken Livingstone becoming Mayor of London as he believed Livingstone represented the Loony Left but Livingstone ran independently and won with the official LAB candidate coming 3rd, Blair was forced to accept Livingstone back into the party.
9
Q
Why did NL decide to reform parliament?
A
Pre election discussions were held with Lib Dems and a comission led by Roy Jenkins reccomeded the FPTP system should be replaced.
10
Q
How succesful were the reforms to parliament?
A
Despite Roy Jenkins’ comission, it was met with a lukewarm response and no changes were made.
11
Q
Were the attempts to reform the house of lords succesful?
A
No, there was a messy compromise where hereditary peers were not abolished but instead limited to 92 - this was dissatisfactory for all
12
Q
What was the Citizens rights act?
A
A freedom of information act in 2000 that allowed the right to request information from public bodies. This meant in theory the public sector had to work at a higher standard
13
Q
What were the drawbacks of the citizens rights act?
A
Blair later described the act as a mistake as it prevented polticians from making difficult decisions, as they were fearful their decisions would be viewed by the public.
14
Q
What was the Human rights act?
A
The European Human rights convention was passed into British law within the Human rights act of 1998.
15
Q
What was the drawbacks of the 1998 Human rights act?
A
Some judges interpreted things differently, e.g. the UK government had to ammend anti - terrorist legislation which allowed the indefinite detainment of UK non nationals suspected of terrorist activities
16
Q
What was the ‘Sofa Governement’ of NL?
A
Blair substantially increased the size and influence of the PMs political office, policy office and press office which created a PM department. Many new staff positions were created like Jonathon powell being appointed head of staff and the emergence of intellectual influences that reformed downing street. The Cabinet was often only used once decisions had been made.
17
Q
What were the Drawbacks of the Sofa Government?
A
It has been described as the least experience Labour government that by passed long standing government structures.
During the Iraq war, Lord Butler accused the Sofa Govt of important decisions being made without proper ministerial discussions.
18
Q
What are the main areas of domestic policies under Blair?
A
- Education
- Health
- Law and Order
- Employment
- Citizens rights
19
Q
What was the ‘new deal’?
A
Term Labour applied to its social policies where it built on existing structures to provide fresh adminstration after 18 years of Conservatism
20
Q
What education policies did NL follow?
A
- Kept League tables and encouraged targets and specialist schools
- 2001 special delivery unit tried to insure reforms (increased accountability for parents) were delivered
- Funding increases
- Changes to teachers remunerations (salaries) to introduce a sort of performance related pay and more generous pay scale.
- Targets for more people to go to university
- New scheme to allow for deferred payment and bursaries for Low income families going to Uni
21
Q
How much did Education spending increase under NL?
A
- £21.43 Bn in 1997
- £34.36 BN in 2006
22
Q
What conservative education policies did Labour follow?
A
league tables
National cirriculum
Regime of regular testing and inspections
financial delegations to schools rather than LEAs
23
Q
What is evidence for success in education?
A
- Funding increased from £21.4 bn to £34.36 bn
- Teachers had a more generous pay scale
- better results and consistently higher pupil attainment
- Deferred payments and bursaries meant more went to university than ever before
24
Q
What is evidence for failures in education under Blair?
A
- Blair himself was not happy with the speed of change
- Critics argued pupils were just becoming better at specific tests, arguing schools were exam factories more concerened with their position in the league tables.
- Higher education took a backseat under Blair despite his aims and the conservative budget cuts
- University income + attendance remained lower than the 50% goal but there was a growth in overseas students
25
Why was spending on the NHS variable during Labour's time in power?
Despite their Hyperbolic '24 hours to save the NHS' campaign, there was little change from 1997 -1999 because of spending cuts. Policy was mostly unchanged until 199 with old labour secreatry for health Frank Dobson taking charge. Labour feared reform of the NHS would have to occur in their second term, but Blair announced without consulting Brown that spending would be increased to average EU level of TV interview.
26
What happened to Health spending under Blair?
Health spending tripled in a decade from £30 billion to £90 Billion
27
What is the evidence that the 3x increase in health spending was succesful?
- Improvements in cancer survival and heart diesease rates (although this was a global trend)
- A+E waiting times were reduced as serious injuries were prioritised
28
In what ways was Health under Blair unsuccesful?
- Blair wanted to encourage the notion of 'competition' between hospitals which many interpreted as a step toward privitisation
- Many believe the NHS reforms would have been more succesful if policy changes were implemented before funding was injected to encourage greater efficiency
- Explosion in obesity and diabetes rates were left untackled
- Ageing population, (1/6th of britain now senior) increase in medical and treatement costs due to improving tech meant massively increased government spending.
- The cost of the Private finance intiatives increased costs for hospitals in the long term as they had high debt repayments.
29
What was Blair's personal outlook on the issue of Crime?
Blair promised he would be 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' as he believed social exclsuion was a key cause of crime and the poor suffered the most from crime.
This contrasted the notion that conservatives were the only party that were tough on crime
30
What were the successes of law and order (crime) under Blair?
- estimates suggests that the 40 law and order acts passed meant 3000 new criminal offences were created
- Crime rates were lower in 2007 than they were in 1997
- 2002 police reform act created police community support officers (PCSOs) who had limited power and weren't police officers but it reduced the feeling of 'them and us' within local communities
31
What were the failures of law and order under Blair?
- Vairations in the wy crimes were recorded and the global trend of decreasing crime rates suggest that Blair's government was not solely responsible for the decrease in crime
- After 9/11 Blair had to balance civil liberties vs public safety - > A commons defeat in 2005 that attempted to increase the time for detention without trial to 90 days suggests that blair may have gotten this balance wrong with 49 LAB MPs voting against him.
- Greater immigration from the EU and areas of conflict created a further unease. Blairite home secretary Charles Clarke resigned in April 2006 over his departments inabillity to deport convicted criminals.
32
List all the improvements to citizens rights that took place under Blair?
- Winter Fuel allowance 1997
- Human rights act 1998
- Freedom of information act 2000
- Working families tax credit and child tax credit 1998
- Repeal of section 23 2008
- Civil partnership act 2004
- Gender recognition act 2004
33
What was the winter fuel allowance?
In 1997 the govt introduced a winter fuel allowance for seniors granting them £100 to pay for fuel
34
What were the disadvantages of the winter fuel allowance?
Criticised for being a universal payment when not all seniors needed it - it was attacked for being a waste of public money
35
What was the 1998 human rights act?
The UK was put under the existing European convention of human rights.
36
What was the Freedom of information act 2000?
Act required public authorities to grant right of access to they information they held as long as it didn't breach confidentiality laws
37
Disadvantages of the freedom of information act 2000?
Many Libertarians despised this and used stipulations within the act to avoid full discolsure
Blair later regretted the act, as it meant politicians often stopped making hard decisions, fearing the public would be able to see what they've done
38
What were the working families and child tax credit schemes 1998?
Both aimed to reduce child poverty by offering families with dependent children who's income was below a certain threshold to be entitled to a tax allowance that in effect increased their wages, this was based on number of children and income
This helped tackle social exclusion.
39
What did Blair do to the social exclusion unit to make it more effective?
He combined the Social exclusion unit with all parts of the welfare system - while it mostly failed at this, it was useful at defining what social exclusion would and that it was not solely an economic problem
40
What were the disadvantages of the working families and child tax credit?
Many criticised it for increasing the UK's 'dependency culture'
41
What was section 23?
A Thatcherite policy that declared an Local Authority could not intentionally promote or teach homosexuality.
42
What happened to section 23 under Blair?
Section 23 was repealed in 2003 after being delayed in the house of lords and helped remove stigmas, paving the way for the 'tolerant society' started by Jenkins
43
What was the 2004 civil partnership act?
Allowed same sex couples the same legal rights and protections as a male female partnership, this was contreversial in the general public, but passed relatively easily in the HOC
44
What was the 2004 gender recognition act?
Gave transsexuals' the legal right to change their gender and marry someone of a Newley assigned gender.
45
What were criticisms of Blair's domestic policies?
- Critics on the left were uncomfortable that the gap between rich and poor was widening
- The right argued reforms increased dependency culture and stifled work incentives -> this caused the resignation of Frank Field (minister of welfare) in 1998
- The left believed that in reforming itself as new Labour, traditional Labour policies were being left behind.
46
What were the 6 key areas of Blair's economy?
**- 1997-2001 (period of low spend)
- 2001-2007 (period of high spend) **
**- Pensions
- Employment **
- Borrowing
- Gold prices
47
What were the economic aims of Labour during their first four years in power?
Purpose was ' prudence with purpose' so that more money could be injected into the economy during their second term
Also to remove the image that LAB would increase taxes and borrowing to further spend
48
What is the general consensus on Brown after his first four years as chancellor?
Brown was widely seen as a succesful and competent chancellor - sticking to Labour's promise of sticking to conservative spending plans, keeping inflation down and increasing Britain's reserves
49
why do some criticise Brown's first four years as chancellor?
He inherited an inflation of 2.8% and a generally favourable economic position. John major said in his final downing street speech 'the incoming government will inherit the most benevolent set of economic statistics of any incoming government since before the First World War'
50
Why did tensions rise between Brown and Blair regarding economic management?
Often, Brown would devise economic policy within his own circle without consulting blair - like in the 1999 budget which brown kept under wraps from blair
51
What did Brown do with the Bank of England?
Brown made the BofE seperate from the government in 1998, TMT the gov would set an inflation target and the BofE would set the interest rates to reach this point.
52
What was Gordon Brown's 'golden rule'?
Brown established the 'Golden rule' which stated the government would only borrow money for investment and not day to day spending.
53
What were the reactions to Brown's golden rule and BofE policy?
Met with high applaud - as chancellors had often used it to manufacture short term booms for political gains. The BofE also passed on regulatory powers to the FSA
54
What quote suggests the period of 'prudence with a purpose was greatly succesful?
The IMF said 'The American Neo Liberal model of deregulation and incentivised capitalism had elevated Britain's attractiveness for foreign capital to that of the Cayman Islands'
55
When did the Labour government start to increase its spending?
In July 1998 Brown announced £40 billion in spending over 3 years, leading to an increase in spending in schools and hospitals, improving exam results and waiting lists.
56
How did the Labour government spend more without raising taxation or borrowing?
LAB continued the Private finance initiative - but this often led to buildings having a large debt
57
Why do some people criticise the spending period of Gordon Brown's time as chancellor?
Govt spending did not reach the same levels as Major's government until 2002
58
How did Brown's policy affect pensions?
Brown announced a tax on dividens which companies paid to their investors. As pension funds invest in the stock exchange, pensions became less valuable.
59
what is some evidence that the tax on dividends negatively impacted pensions and other parts of the economy?
- £8bn in pensions lost by 2007
- the savings ratio fell from 9.7% to 3.7% from 1997-2007
- The total value of UK shares were £120bn lower than they otherwise were
60
What was the tax on Dividends payments and example of?
One of NL's 'stealth taxes'
61
What happened to employment under NL?
Employment increased by 2.5 million to 29.1million
62
In what ways were employment levels not as positive as they initially seemed?
- the rise in unemployment had not been focused among the unskilled an youth, with 5.4mn people of working age who had never had a job
- Many jobs were created in the public sector, Britain became a 'client state' with 37% working in pubic sector which is considered unproductive by some
63
What meant the government had to borrow?
The increase in public sector workers improved services but increased government costs
64
How much did Brown have to borrow and why was it impactful?
Brown borrowed £100 million, which was initially unnoticed thanks to relative stabillity in the global market, but in 2007 the GFC hit Britain harder as it had a greater debt level
65
Explain what happened to gold prices with Labour?
Between 1997-2002 gold prices were falling, so Britain sold of 13 million ounces (half of its reserves) to China.
By 2003 prices recovered, and Britain had lost $3billion worth of assets
66
Explain the positives of the economy under Blair?
- General 'feel good factor'
- Interest rates remained low and £ increased by 14%
- More attractive venue for FDI as BofE made seperate and the creation of the FSA
- 97-07 was a decade long boom
- House prices increased repidly
- Phones and PC's became more common place and cheaper
- Inflation was kept under control at an average of 1.4% from 1997-2007
- Record number of 29.1 million employed (2.5million more)
- Economic growth was consistently above 2% (higher than all competitors other than USA)
- Living standards boomed
67
Explain the negatives of the economy under Blair?
- Stealth taxes (live dividends tax) went against promises
- £8bn lost in pensions
- 5.4 million of working age had still never worked
- 'client state' creation 37% in public sector
- entered downing street with favourable economic conditions
- Economists argue consumer boom was built on ever increasing debt and house prices
- Effect of brown pension tax meant longer time spent working
- £100 million borrowed
- $3 bn assets of gold lost
- accused of leaving the UK vulnerable to the GFC -> Brown 'failed to build a roof while the sun was shining'.
68
What events had taken place that meant the foundations for peace in Northern Ireland had been set up?
John Major had made huge strides toward peace, with the help of Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had meant the principles upon which peace could be founded were established.
69
How did the Labour government maintain support of Republicans?
Tony Blair had a good working relationship with the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
70
How did the Labour government maintain support of the paramilitaries?
The secretary of State for NI Mo mowlam also kept paramilitaries on board by visiting them in the Maze prison.
71
When were the Good Friday agreement negotiations?
They were in April 1998 and they went on for 17 hours after the deadline set by senator george mitchell had been passed.
72
Why were there fears the negotiations would break down on April 9th 1998?
On April 9th 1988, Jeffrey Donaldson stormed out of the meeting due to a lack of progress on the IRA decomissioning its arms.
73
What was Blair's personal role in the NI good friday agreement negotiatios?
Blair was essential in reasurring the UUP member David Trimble that Sinn Fein could be trusted,
Blair made a dramatic invtervention arriving at belfast to break a deadlock
74
What event led to the IRA seeing a large decrease in Funding?
After 9/11, Americans stopped offering financial aid after witnessing terrorism first hand, as well as the 7/7 london bombings.
75
When did the IRA agree to give up its weapons?
On July 28th 2005, the IRA agreed to pledge itself to completely peaceful means.
76
How did changing demographics affect the situation in NI?
By 2001, 40% of NI was Catholic and 45% was protestant, contrasting to 35% catholic and 63% catholic in 1961. Iain Paisley and other unionists had to accept the growing catholicm.
77
What made Iain Paisley change his stance and agree to the good friday agreement?
Paisley was persuaded that unless protestants would adapt, they would become the marginalised group. He was told it would be better to become part of a power sharing government than to become a marginalised resistance.
78
When did the UVF agree to give up weapons?
A year after the IRA in May 2006 it committed to peaceful means, paving the way for the St. Andrews agreement.
79
What were the main terms of the good friday agreement?
- NI's union with britain was guaranteed for as long as the people of NI wanted it
- ROI withdrew territorial claim from NI
- A NI assembly with a new power sharing executive was set up as well as a devolved assembly
- All terrorist prisoners were to be released as a gesture of goodwill
- Parties should use their influence to decomission arms
- There would be an independent comission to oversee the reform of policing.
80
What were the results of the Good Friday agreement Referrendum?
On 22nd may 1998 the results were:
- NI: 71% in favour
- ROI: 94% in favour
81
Why was there some opposition to the good friday agreement?
Sinn Finn Leader Gerry Adams was concerned of republican backlash of them 'selling out'
David Trimble and other unionists feared the powerful negative influence of Iain Paisley at the Head of the Hardline DUP
These concerns were realisd in the 1998 Omagh bombing that killed 30 people carried out by the continuity IRA
82
What were the disagreements in NI after the Good Friday agreement?
- Whether paramilitaries were actually decommissioning arms
- Over the early release of prisoners
- The rights of the protestant orange order to march on their traditional route
- The devolved government in Stormont had to be suspended from 2002-2006 until the St. Andrews agreement reiterated key elements of the good Friday agreement.
83
When was the St Andrews agreement signed?
October 2006
84
What did the St Andrews agreement do?
Restored the NI assembly in Stormont
Sinn Fein accepted the authority of the police service of northern ireland which had replaced RUC
85
What were the results of the St Andrews agreement election?
DUP won with 36 seats
Sinn Fein 2nd with 28
Official unionists 18
SDLP = 16
86
What two key events occured in 2007 regarding NI?
The new NI executive came into being, with Iain Paisley as first minister and Martin Mcguiness (Sinn Fein leader) as deputy PM
In 2007 the British army also announced the end of their mission in NI where it had been operating since 1969
87
What were the reasons the Good Friday agreement was signed?
- Both sides trusted the chair of the talks (ex - senator George Mitchell)
- The actions of Major and the Downing street Declaration
- Blair had a good working relationship with Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
- Mo Mowlam won over paramilitaries by visiting them in the maze prison
- The sense of futillity of violence that were quickened by the events of 9/11 that reduced financial aid from Americans to the IRA
88
What quote from former IRA gunman Eamon Collins summarises the attitudes of both sides by the turn of the 21st century?
'I like to think both sides looked into a Bosnia-style abyss, gulped and then stood back'
89
How much had the population increased by 2007?
The population had reached 60.5 million, a five million increase compared to 1971, and 2 million more than 2001
90
How much had the median age of the UK increased by?
Increased from:
1971 = 34
2006 = 39
91
How much of the population were seniors by 2007?
1/6 (1 in 10) were over 65, 1 million over the age of 85
92
How much had life expectancy increased by 2007?
Life expectancy reached 79.5 compared to 69 years in 1961
93
What were the impacts of the population shift (ageing population)?
Welfare services paid by taxation increased
Ever rising cost of medical tech meant it became more expensive to pay for
Proportionately declining working population had to pay an increasing tax burden
94
What happened to immigration under Blair?
In 1998 the increase in population from immigration overtook the natural increase
from 1991-2006 3 million immigrants entered the UK
95
Explain the number of immigrants and where they came from?
1 million indians (largest ethnic minority)
970,000 were Carribean or African descent
Ethnic minorities made up 7% of the population
96
What was the 2nd largest religious group?
Muslims with a population of 1.6 million
97
What are the arguments for and against immigrants' impact on the economy?
One side suggests they play a vital role in the economy filling in low paying jobs, the other argue they contribute little in tax and eventually demand higher wages.
98
What events led to increased immigration?
The Asenscion of 10 countries to the EU (eastern Europe)
People displaced by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
99
By 2005, what % of people supported multiculturalism in Britain?
62% said it made Britain a better place, whilst 32% said it threatened Britain
100
Who was Paul Boateng?
First black cabinet minister - secretary of the treasury in 2002
101
How did institutions promote multiculturalism?
Schools, local gov and corporations launched initiatives to celebrate multicultural Britain
102
What nationwide events/moments helped celebrate multiculturalism?
In 2005, London succesfully bid on the 2012 Olympics, with multiculturalism being one of its key selling points.
The notting hill Carnival also attracted millions and had become much more peaceful
103
What was economists perception on migrants?
Many agreed they filled labour shortages, brought skills to the UK, set up useful small businesses and most were young and active workers who did not take heavy demands on public services
104
How did the NL government attempt to ease tensions regarding multiculturalism?
In 2006, the religious hatred act was passed which helped protect people from being discriminated upon - but the act went through in a watered down from and added little to existing laws on inditement
105
What was the MacPherson report?
Tue 1998 Macpherson report investigated the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawerence, and identified problems of institutional racism within the Met after the crown court failed to prosecute the white muderers due to a lack of evidence
106
Explain how the 7/7 London bombings negatively impacted multiculturalism?
On 7th July 2005, 4 British Muslims used suicide bombs on 3 underground trains and a bus, killing 52 people. It was believed the perptrators had been integrated into society, with the leader Mohammed Sadique Khan being a well respecte dcommunity worker in West Yorkshire.
107
How was the Succesful Olympic bid undermined?
The 7/7 bombings by Muslim British suicide bombers took place the next day.
108
What other bomb events occured after 7/7?
two weeks later on July 21st 2005, 4 more suicide bombers from ethiopia and somalia attempted similar attacks which failed.
109
What were the two main responses regarding societal integration after the 7/7 and other bombings?
Some wondered how British people could feel so isolated from society, arguing more should be done and that they felt isolated due to Britain's foreign policy
Others believed there was a need for greater security
110
What was done to make immigrants feel more integrated into society following the 7/7 attacks?
In 2006 the secretary of state for local government was created, which attempted to support communities and prevent social exclusion
111
What was done to increase security following the 7/7 attacks?
in 2006 the National identity card act was passed, and the 2006 terrorist act increased the time a suspect could be held for without charge to 28 days -> this was less than the 90 days the government hoped for.
People also believed this was too similar to internement and would provoke terrorist responses
112
How did the % of people who regarded immigration a vital issue change from 2001-2007?
2001: 3%
2007: 30%
113
What 'other events' occured that increased race tensions?
- a Danish cartoon posted satirical cartoons of the prophet mohammed, causing 300 muslims to march around London in Protest
- Support for UKIP increased and heightened anxieites towards multiculturalism
- Newspapers like the daily express focused on the problems of Multiculturalism rather than the positives
- 2001 Riots in Bradford, Manchester and Oldham suggested race had not been integrated in socially deprived areas
114
By the end of Blair's premiership, what % of people placed Immigration controls as their primary concern?
- By the end of his premiership, Blair had failed to remove multiculturalism as a political controversy, with 44% placing immigration control as their greatest concern
115
What is the judgement regarding the extent to which Britain was a multicultural society by 2007?
Institutions had made progress in encouraging a multicultural society (Paul Boateng, Schools local gov and corporation initiatives as well as religious hatred act) but tensions exacerbated by the 7/7 bombings and later attacks increased anxieties towards many immigrants causing immigration controls to remain a high priority among the electorate by 2007.
116
What were the 5 pledges of the LAB government?
cut class sizes
Cut NHS waiting times
get U25s off benefits and into work
fast track punishment for repeat young offenders
legislate for a scottish parliament in first year of government office
117
How much did education spending increase under Blair?
Increased to 5.6% of GDP
118
What happened to the number of people who attended university?
by 2004 2.4 million went to uni, double that of 1990 (but short of Blair's ambitious 50% target
119
How many new schools opened under Blair?
1,000
120
How many new qualified teachers under blair?
35,000
121
WHat were the positives of education under Blair?
- Improved exam results
- reduced class sizes
- 1000 new schools
- spending increased to 5.6% of GDP
- 35,000 new teachers
- 'Excellence in cities' plan set up to provide special funding for underachieving schools in depreived areas
122
What were the negatives of education under blair?
- More succesful schools opened in more affluent areas, with quality of schools often determined by where someone lived
- Tuition fees emerged in 2008, and costed £3000 by 2006
- these meant that only 3% of university students came from socially deprived areas.
123
What was Blair's outlook on workers' rights/trade unions?
He believed 'the labour governmennt is not the political arm of anyone but the British people' and was determined to eradicate the 'destructive and debillitating' culture of the old Labour movement where trade unions used their block votes and financing of the party to dictate Labour policy
124
Why did Blair want to be rid of trade unions in the Labour party?
He believed it damaged the Labour party politically, and limited the potential of creating a 'knowledge economy' thinking TU would restrict porductivity and competitiveness
125
How did individual workers rights improve?
Instead of increasing trade union power, Blair improved the rights of indivdual workers by:
- Reducing the qualifying period before protection against unfair dismissal could be claimed
- The European Working Time Directive fixed max hours for over 3 million workers
- Blair opted Britain back into the social chapter meaning they followed EU social and workers rights
- Improved maternity and paternity benefits
'New Deal' training programmes were set up for the unemployed providing 1 on 1 training to get into work
126
How were workers' wages improved under Blair?
- Take home pay and lving standards increased (though much was based off personal debt)
- The national minimum wage was introduced in 1999, setting it at £3/hr for 18-22 year olds and £3.60/hr for other workers
- Working tax credits (WTCs) were introduced to provide a top up for low income famalies (but this was seen as unsustainable)
127
What were the negatives for workers under Blair?
- Trade unions criticised the government for using outsiurcing and the private finance initiative and extending privitisation
128
How did women benefit from the improved workers rights under NL?
- Women benefitted dispraporitonately as they essentially constituted the majority of workers in low pay categories
- For the first time women became seen as an essential part of the workforce
- Improved paid maternity leave
129
How did NL directly improve the position of Women?
NL increased the number of female MPs, with 120 women entering the houses of parliament, 101 of which from Labour making Parliament more representative of the general population
130
What happened to the % of women working under Blair?
By 2000, 73% of women with children under 13 were working, partly due to the fact 3-4 year olds were entitled to 12.5 hours/week of nursery education
131
What was the gender pay gap like under Blair?
Unfortuantely the gender pay gap persisted with women's pay only 87% of mens
132
What was the 'New Deal' programme?
Targetted 17-25 year olds not in work or education by offering 1-1 job advice that made them have to go into education, training, working on an environmental project or volunteering
133
How succesful was the 'new deal' programme?
By mid 2000s, 160,000 young people had found a job through the programme
134
What were ASBOs?
Antisocial behaviour orders were a court order that put limits on what a defendant could do (e.g curfew) and by 2005, 41% of ASBOs went to U17s
135
What were the extra parliamentary movements under Blair?
Environmentalism
The countryside alliance
Focus groups
Scepticism on traditional policies
Corruption
136
What organisations helped environmentalism to grow?
- Greenpeace 1971
- Friends of the earth 1969
137
How were environemntalists succesful?
Succesful in encouraging western governments to go green, with all major political parties accepting climate change in their constitutions.
138
What did the government do to make Britain more Ecologically friendly?
- the 1990 Landfill directive standardised the EUs waste disposal which helped reduce methane emissions
- from 2003 onwards, household waste was required to be collected in a regulated way so that aprrpriate materials could be recycled
139
What was the countryside alliance?
The countryside alliance was a far right extra parliamentary group that were angered by the labour governments intended ban on fox hunting.
140
What did the Countryside alliance argue?
They argued Labour was an 'urban' party and did not understand the true nature of the countryside
141
What were the results of the countryside alliance debate?
in september 2002, 400,000 supporters marched the streets of London as part of the countryside alliance, but in September 2004, the ban went ahead and became law in 2006
142
What was the impacts of focus groups on Blair's government?
The ignoring of the large fox hunting and Iraq war protest suggested direct democracy was not working, therefore more influence was exerted through focus groups and lobbies rather than the Public. These typically were members of a certain group that only represented themselves
143
What were areas of scepticism about traditional governemnt policies?
- New generation of MPs who had no life experience who went straight from Uni to HOC
- the growth of centeral government meaning parliament held less power
- MPs becoming increasingly percieved as useless and becoming 'lobby fodder'
144
What was a large scandal that rocked the Labour party?
The 'cash for honours' scandal, where government figures were accused of giving honours in exchange for labour party donations. There was no prosecution, but it looked bad when they had taken the moral high ground on John Majors sleazy government
145
Why was there increeased anger towards all MPs?
- In 2006, there was public dismay at Parliament voting itself copper bottom pensions at a time when pensions were sharply falling in value
- Figures show that in 2007, £337,000 of taxpayers money was used for MPs travelling expenses.
146
How did the EU develop from 1997 - 2007?
- Rapid expansion to 27 members Mostly from Eastern Europe
- Far more regulations imposed (3000 in 2006)
- Agreement to create a constitution for the EU
147
How many more regulations came into force under Blair?
in 2006, 3,000 new regulations were imposed, with 80% of those being accepted into the UK
148
What was Blair's opinions on Europe?
Blair was deeply committed to Europe, wanting Britain at 'the heart of Europe' by developing a more positive relationship within Europe, arguing for a 'third way'
149
What was Blair's 'third way'?
Argued there didn't need to be the divide between superstaters and those who preffered a free market nation state
Spoke of the EU as a group of soverieng nation states that collaborated on economic and political matters. The third way was intended for home consumption. as the EU was intent on greater integration and federalism and was just waiting for Britain to catch up.
150
How did blair attempt to reform the Common Agricultural policy?
Blair decleared in exchange for the expensive CAP policy being reformed, he would drop the Veto principle and accept majority voting.
151
Why did the attempts to reform CAP fail?
Blto France and Germany CAPs purpose was to keep French agriculture competitive so the removal of CAP was non negotiable
152
Why was Britain a net loser under CAP?
France recieved 22% of funding, Germany 14% - Britain only recieved 9%
153
WHat was Blairs position on joining the Euro?
Blair was more concerned with the politiical implications of joining the Euro, but believed it would help put Britain 'closer to the heart of Europe' and enhance his standing
154
What was Brown's position on Joining the Euro?
Brown was concerened with the long term economic benefits, and used 5 key tests to determine whether it would have positive impacts on inflation, employment, trade and the economy.
155
Why did Britain not join the Euro?
polls showed that the public was very in favour of not joining and it failed all of Brown's 5 tests
156
Why was Britain paying disproportionately more budget contributions become a contentious area in 2004?
When the A10 countries expanded into the EU in 2004, Britain said it would pay its 'fair share of the expansion' but it would not give up the annual rebate Thatcher had recieved off Europe in the 1980s
157
How did Blair fail to reform CAP and reduce budget contributions?
Despite his efforts, Blair did not reform CAP and when Europe requested, Britain increased it s budget contributions.
In 2006, Blair negotiated away the rebate and budget conrtibutions increased to £7 billion
158
How did Britain become more integrated into Europe despite its 'odd one out' look?
Britain was the most compliant of all EU countries, with 3,000 new regulations accepted by 2006 which were rarely debated or met resistance in Parliament. 80% of all new regulations came from Europe
159
What was the TCE (Europe)?
In 2004, 27 members met to sign the Treaty eastablishing a constitution for Europe (TCE)
160
WHy was the TCE rejected in Britain?
Blair decided the issue of whether it should be ratified should be put to a referrendum, but France and Denmark had already held one where it had been rejected, as a result, the ratification was declared a dead issue and did not occur.
161
What was the TCEs replacement?
In 2007 in Lisbon the reform treaty came into fruition, and was accepted as Brown (PM) declared there was no need for ratification as it was not an official constitution and it passed in MArch 2008 through Labours majority
162
What were all the places involved in Blairs' foreign policy?
- Europe
- Yugosolavia
- Sierra Leone
- Afghanistan
- USA
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
163
What are the 3 sections of Blair's foreign policy?
- Initial success in Sierra Leone and Yugoslavia
- Europe
- Special relationship with US and invasion of Iraq
164
Why did Blair believe Britain need to intefere in Yugoslavia?
Blair believed liberal intervention was needed to prevent the massacres and ethnic cleansing that had occured in the Balkans
165
How did Blair intervene in Yugoslavia?
When Serbians started launching attacks on kosovo, Blair decoted himself to persuade a reluctant clinton to interven.
In 1999, a prolonged NATO bombing campaign forced slobodan Milosevic to withdraw forces out of Kosovo with this early success moulding much of Blair's later foreign policy
166
What evidence shows that British intervention in Yugoslavia was succesful?
After the bombing campaign serb forces withdrew
Only 2 British soldiers died ii Yugoslavia as a part of a helicopter training accident, giving Blair confidence in his own analysis
167
What happened regarding Blair in Sierra Leone?
In 2000, rebel forces in Sierra Leone civil war threatened to take over the capital of Freetown, and blair sent British forces over. This was intially to evacuate foreigners from the country, but they ended up supporting UN peacekeeping forces and secured the capital, ending the civil war by 2001.
168
What was the Blair doctorine?
Blair believed that diplomacy should be tried first, but if this did not work the use of force was to oblige aggresor states was needed.
169
Why did Clinton and Blair both get along?
Both of their governments had been shaped by the 'third way' with both democrats often discussing how to be a succesful centre left party. In 2002, Blair got Bill Clinton to talk at the annual Labour party conference
170
What earlier events solidified Blair's opinion that a strong bond with the US was needed?
The failure of EU forces to deal with yugoslavia in the 90s blair was adamant that a strong relationship with the US was needed to defend the New world order established after the civil war.
171
Why was the Bush-Blair dynamic criticised?
Over a range of policies Blair and Bush alienated typical allies, Blair believed he could mirror Thatcher and Reagan by keeping Bush in check when he proposed excessvie foreign policy. However, the partnership was not of equals and Bush often ignored Blair instead listening to his hardline Neo-con advisors - this led many to suggest British foreign policy was shaped too much by Bush.
172
What was Blair's statement on 9/11 and the ensuing war on terror?
He said he would stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with the US' and that it was not a case of the US against terror but rather the world vs terror. the language used and Blair + Bushes religous backgrounds suggested they were launching a crusade. Blairs' solidarity with Americans menat he was praised further fuelling his confidence and hubris
173
Explain how 9/11 started the war on terror?
On september 11th 2001, Al Qaeda hijacked 4 American Planes two hit the twin towers, one hit the pentagon and the other crashed into a field in Pittsburgh, killing over 3,000 and kickstarting the war on terror.
174
What was the dodgey dossier?
The joint intelligence committee had given blair the dodgey dossier that claimed to have evidence that saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction programme that had the capacity to strike Britian within 45 minutes - this was actually related to tactical battlefield weapons not nuclear warheads
175
What was UN resolution 1441 and why was it significant?
UN resolution 1441 required Hussein to prove he had abandoned the WMD programme but it did not authorise the invasion of Iraq - for that another resolution had to be passed
176
Why could the US and UK not gain support of allies?
The UN could not create a 2nd resolution authorising an invasion as Russia and China said they would veto it. They also tried to involved France and Germany, but they found the grounds for invasion unconvincing
177
Explain the events of the invasion of Iraq?
On march 20th 2003, US and British forces Invaded Iraq.
The invasion swiftly overthrew Hussein by 2003. And by 2005, Britain declared 'the major fighting is over'
178
Why was the after effects of the Iraq war so bad?
The speed at which the incasion had been planned and conducted meant that there was little thought on what to do once Hussein had been toppled. After he was deposed in 2003, rival muslim muslim factions vied for power, meaning allied forced had to remain
179
List some specific examples of the reactions to the Invasion of Iraq?
Mass anti war protests from the public, 2 million protesters marched through piccadilly circus in a 'stop the war' protest.
Former Foreign secretary Robin cook resigned from government because Blair had 'neither public nor international support'
Rebel Labour MP George Galloway set up his own anti war party 'respect believing Blair was the initiator of the war
180
List some specific examples of the reactions to the Invasion of Iraq?
Mass anti war protests from the public, 2 million protesters marched through piccadilly circus in a 'stop the war' protest.
Former Foreign secretary Robin cook resigned from government because Blair had 'neither public nor international support'
Rebel Labour MP George Galloway set up his own anti war party 'respect believing Blair was the initiator of the war
181
What following political crisis further damaged Blair's reputation?
The death of Dr David Kelly
182
Explain the events/controversy of david kelly's death?
In July 2003, Dr David Kelly - a UK weapons expert working for the government - Committed suicide after confiding to the journalist Andrew GIlligan that the government had 'sexed up' the dodgey dossier that Blair had used to justify the war, largely by the govts chief spin doctor alastair campbell
183
What events during the war made it seem even more unjustified?
Despiterighorous searching, there was no evidence of WMD making the war seem increasingly immoral
184
What did the 2004 Hutton report find?
The hutton report found that the government had not had any direct intervention in Kelly's death but it thickened the legallity and morallity of the war.
185
What was the position of Iraq by the time Blair left office?
Iraq remained in a state of chaos and war, with British troops showing no signs of leaving.
186
Explain the judgement on Blair foreign policy?
By 2007, Blair's optimistic outlook for a larger role in the 'heart of Europe' seemed mostly illusory, with the nation's attention divided between the US and the EU and the nation increasingly submissive to European federalism than ever before. Blair's initial successes in Sierra Leone and Yugoslavia while successful built up a hubris that meant Blair became increasingly assured and confident in his own judgements. In conjunction with the special relationship with Bush, this resulted in the politically damning invasion of Iraq that sparked global anti war protests and fatally damaged Blair's reputation. Still struggling with conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, Britain was evidently over extended leaving Blair foreign policy with a mixed record and Britain's global position as uncertain of its role on the world stage as it was in 1997.
187
Who were all of the Conservative party leaders under Blair?
William Hague
Iain Duncan Smith
Michael Howard
David Cameron
188
When were the elections during Blair's Premiership?
1997
2001
2005
189
Who were the candidates for conservative leader post 1997?
Heseltine (Pulled out due to ill health)
Micahel Portillio (lost his seat)
Kenneth clarke (Anyone but clark attitude)
William Hague
John Redwood
Peter Lilley
190
Why did WIlliam Hague win the 1997 CON leadership contests?
The Leadership campaign was dominated by an 'anoyone but Clarke' attitude
Two key contenders Micheal hesseltine and Portillo pulled out because of Ill health and loss of his own seat
He was youthful at 36, but it was mostly becuase of this he had few enemies and rivals
191
How did William Hague attempt to unite the Conservatives?
He temporarily ruled out joining the Euro, helping somewhat unite the party.
192
In what ways was there a conservative divide over Thatcherism?
THe public was becoming increasingly against Privitisation, with talks of Royal Mail being privitised. Peter Lilley Criticised Thatcherism in a 1999 speech with Hague forced to stand by Thatcher, failing to make progress in the polls
193
What were the conservative party seen as under Thatcher?
Uncaring ('the nasty party')
Intolerant
Obssessed with Europe
194
Why did Iain Duncan Smith win the 2001 leadership contest after William Hauge failed to impact Labour's majority?
The negative voting of Kenneth Clarke and Portillo.
Portillo was disliked by many conesrvartives as he rebranded himself as a social liberal, angering many traditional conservatives
195
What were the successes of Iain Duncan smith's Conservative party leadership?
He made efforts to introduce compassionate conservatism by visiting deprived easterhouse estate in Glasgow
196
What were the failures of Iain Duncan Smith's leadership of the Conservative party?
- He had little political Charisma compared to Blair
- He was Aggresively Eurosceptic and opened up more European divides
- CONs remained socially conservative, voting against section 8s repeal
- The party was split between modernisers (Mods like cameron and Osborne) and Traditonalists (Rockers)
- He also supported Britain's controversial entry into the Iraq war, leaving the Liberal Democrats as the only Anti war party
- Amid Speculation he paid his wife a salary as a 'secretary' he was faced with a vote of no confidence.
197
Who replaced Iain Duncan Smith ?
Michael Howard replaced him unopposed
198
Was Michael Howard a moderniser or traditionalist?
Moderniser, despite being on the right wing of the party
199
Why was Michael Howard somewhat succesful at uniting the party?
He took office as a unifying figure between the Mods and rockers, with many supporting him due to the state of the party rather than him as a political figure
200
Who replaced Michael Howard?
Howard was replaced by David Cameron following an impressive note free speech at the conservative conference
201
How did Cameron attempt to gain support from more than the 'Core' conservative voters?
- He insisted the conservatives would seriously tackle climate change
- Was in favour of gay rights
- Praised the NHS' treatment of his disabled son
- They spoke less of Europe
- Promised to remain consistent with Labour's current level of spending
The party became more tolerant, centrist and outward looking
202
How succesful was Cameron's modernisation attempt?
Very, as it was harder for the Labour party to criticise them especially as Labour became less popular. The conservatives looked electable for the first time since 1997.
However, Tebbit and other traditiional conservatives criticised the 'rejection of Thatcherism'
203
How many seats did Labour win and what was their majority in the 1997 GE?
418 seats with a 179 seat majority
204
What % of the vote did LAB have in the 1997 election ?
43.2%
205
How many seats did CON lose in the 1997 election and what was their voter share?
Lost 178 seats and won 30% of the vote
206
What happens to voter turnout from the 1997 - 2001 election?
Voter turnout fell from 71% to 59% as many were sure LAB would win
207
What happened to Labour in the 2001 election?
Majority fell slightly to 167, as did % of the vote, falling to 40.7%
Seats fell from 418 - 413
208
What happened to Labour in the 3rd 2005 election?
Majority fell by 101 to 67 seats
only won 35.2% of vote
48 seats lost while conservatives gained 33 seats
209
What happened to Labour and conservative voter share over the 3 election?
The Conservatives weren't gaining support from the electorate, winning ~ 30% of the voter share each election, the Labour party was just losing support: falling from 43.2%->40.7% -> 35.2%
210
Why did Labour win the 2001 election?
Dpmestic policy succes
Blair personal appeal
Achieving pledge card aims
Tight government fiscal spending
End of 'Tax and spend' reputation
Success of Good friday agreement
211
Why did the conservatives lose the 2001 GE ?
Tactical voting
Distorting effects of FPTP
Right wing policies on immigration and currency
Europe divisions
Thatcherism divisions
Divisions over Modernisation
Hague's association with teenage speeches, attempts to look ordinary compared to blair (Baseball cap, notting hill carnival and 14 pints brag)
212
Why did Labour win the 2005 GE?
Increased spending
Success of GF agreement
Economic growth
Education success
Health success
213
Why did the conservatives lose the 2005 GE?
Distorting effects of the FPTP system
Duncan smith's weak leadership
Obsession over Europe and social conservatism
Failure to appeal to northern cities, youth and women.
Seen as the 'Nasty party'
Immigration, law and order, tax, public spending cuts and their links to Thatcherism.
