Internal labour divisions Flashcards
Why was there a split, who did it involve and what did it do?
There were differences in ideology and personalities between Nye Bevan and Hugh Gaistkell. This split seriously harmed the effectiveness of Labour’s opposition to the tories.
Describe Nye Bevan.
- A hero to the labour left.
- Resigned from gov in 1951 to protest against prescription charges.
- Gained support of many Labour Mps and trade unionists
Describe Gaitskell.
- Introduced prescription charges.
- On the Right of the Labour Party and became leader in 1955, defeating Bevan in the election.
Describe what the left wingers wanted the party to be and their view on UND.
- They wanted the party to be more socialist.
- 1957- Bevan announced his opposition to the UND, arguing it ‘would send a British Foreign Secretary naked into the conference-chamber’.
- However many labour left wingers joined the CND and this may have turned some voters away.
What did Frank Cousins do?
Became leader of one of the most powerful trade unions (Transport and General Workers Union) in 1956.
Led fierce union opposition to Gaitskell over Britain’s nuclear weapons.
When was the Blackpool conference and what happened?
1959- Gaitskell put forward the idea of abolishing clause 4 (nationalisation) but he backed down after fierce opposition from the left and union leaders.
When was the Scarborough conference and what happened?
1960- Gaitskell gave an emotional speech trying to convince the conference to reject UND. He lost the vote in 1960 but he overturned that result a year later.
How had Labours political position improved after 1960?
They appeared more united. In 1963, Gaitskell’s death paved the way for Labour to elect Harold Wilson as leader.
