Political Parties - Divisions Flashcards
(26 cards)
Brexit and the EU (1997–2019) - the Conservatives
• Deep-rooted split between Eurosceptics and Europhiles.
• David Cameron’s 2016 EU referendum aimed to unite the party but intensified division.
• In 2019, 21 MPs (e.g. Ken Clarke, Dominic Grieve) lost the whip for backing legislation to block a no-deal Brexit.
• High-profile resignations included Amber Rudd and Philip Hammond.
Theresa May’s Brexit Deal (2017–2019) - the Conservatives
• Fierce internal opposition to May’s Withdrawal Agreement.
• The European Research Group (ERG), led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, consistently voted against her deal.
• May’s deal was rejected three times in Parliament; she resigned in 2019.
Leadership of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss - the Conservatives
• Johnson’s Partygate scandal (2021–2022) created rifts; over 50 MPs resigned from government roles before he announced his resignation.
• Liz Truss’s 2022 mini-budget, backed by libertarian MPs, caused market panic and alienated One Nation conservatives; she resigned after 44 days.
Social and Cultural Issues (2019–present) - the Conservatives
• MPs split on issues like gender recognition reform, immigration, and free speech.
• Division visible in reaction to the Illegal Migration Bill and debates over “woke” culture.
• Suella Braverman represented a hardline faction; moderates like Damian Green opposed her stance.
COVID-19 Lockdowns and Economic Policy - the Conservatives
• Split between lockdown sceptics (e.g., Steve Baker, COVID Recovery Group) and those supporting public health restrictions.
• Post-COVID debates over public spending vs tax cuts led to policy clashes under Sunak.
Blairites vs Brownites (1997–2007) - the Labour Party
• Personal and policy rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
• Disputes over economic strategy, public sector reform, and leadership succession.
• Brown supporters briefed against Blair in the press and pushed for his resignation.
Corbyn’s Leadership and the Parliamentary Labour Party (2015–2020) - the Labour Party
• Jeremy Corbyn faced no-confidence vote (172–40) by Labour MPs in 2016.
• Mass shadow cabinet resignations; division over Corbyn’s perceived unelectability.
• Disputes on defence (Trident), economy (nationalisation), and foreign policy (Syria, NATO).
Antisemitism Crisis (2018–2019) - the Labour Party
• Accusations of institutional antisemitism under Corbyn’s leadership.
• MPs like Luciana Berger and Dame Margaret Hodge publicly criticised party response.
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found Labour had breached the Equality Act in 2020.
Brexit Policy (2016–2019) - the Labour Party
• Conflict between pro-Remain MPs and leadership’s ambiguous position.
• Labour’s 2019 manifesto supported renegotiating Brexit with a second referendum.
• MPs in Leave constituencies (e.g., Caroline Flint) opposed a second referendum.
Starmer’s Disciplinary Actions and Left-Wing Split (2020–present) - the Labour Party
• Keir Starmer suspended Jeremy Corbyn in 2020 over his response to antisemitism findings.
• Divisions with Momentum and Socialist Campaign Group intensified.
• Left-wing MPs (e.g., Diane Abbott, Zarah Sultana) have criticised Starmer’s direction as centrist and authoritarian.
Coalition with Conservatives (2010–2015) - the LibDems
• Party split over joining coalition with the Conservatives under Nick Clegg.
• Lib Dems broke 2010 manifesto promise on tuition fees, causing internal backlash and electoral decline.
Austerity Policy Support (2010–2015) - the LibDems
• Internal disagreements over backing George Osborne’s austerity agenda.
• Figures like Vince Cable expressed discomfort with spending cuts and welfare reform.
Brexit Strategy (2016–2019) - the LibDems
• Split on whether to push for outright revocation of Article 50 or support a second referendum.
• Jo Swinson’s Revoke policy in 2019 alienated some centrists and failed electorally.
Leadership Instability (2015–2020) - the LibDems
• Five leaders in five years, from Nick Clegg to Jo Swinson, reflected instability.
• Party failed to unite over clear post-coalition identity.
Electoral Strategy and Tactical Voting - the LibDems
• Internal tensions over targeting Labour-held seats vs Tory ones.
• Some activists resisted deals with Greens or Labour in marginal areas.
Leadership Structure Reform (2008) - the Green Party
• Divided over shift from collective leadership to single leader model.
• Caroline Lucas elected first official leader; some members feared it compromised grassroots democracy.
Approach to Growth and Capitalism - the Green Party
• Division between eco-socialists who want to overthrow capitalism and eco-liberals who support reform within the system.
Nuclear Energy Policy - the Green Party
• Some members have pushed for reconsideration of nuclear power as low-carbon; leadership remains opposed.
Trans Rights and Gender Politics - the Green Party
• Internal disputes over gender recognition reform, especially around women’s rights vs trans inclusion debates.
Electoral Alliances - the Green Party
• Divisions over cooperating with Labour or Lib Dems in general elections (e.g., 2019 Unite to Remain pact).
Independence Strategy Post-2014 - SNP
• Split between gradualists (like Nicola Sturgeon) and fundamentalists wanting an immediate referendum.
Gender Recognition Reform Bill (2022–2023) - SNP
• Sparked major internal rift; Kate Forbes criticised the bill during leadership contest.
• Law was blocked by Westminster, worsening party unity.
Leadership Succession (2023) - SNP
• Humza Yousaf’s election highlighted divides over continuity vs change after Sturgeon’s resignation.
• Forbes represented a socially conservative faction.
NATO and Defence Policy - SNP
• Disagreement over SNP’s shift to support NATO membership in 2012.
• Left-wing activists opposed alliance with nuclear powers.
