The Era of New Labour 1997-2007

Question 1

What was the overall political character of Tony Blair’s Labour government (1997-2007)?

Answer 1

Tony Blair’s government was characterised as “New Labour”, embracing a “Third Way” ideology that combined market-friendly policies with social justice goals, appealing to a broad electorate

Question 2

What was the ‘Third Way’ ideology?

Answer 2

The Third Way blends social justice with free-market economics, aiming to modernise centre-left politics by embracing economic efficiency alongside social welfare.

Question 3

What was the key constitutional change introduced by New Labour regarding devolution?

Answer 3

New Labour oversaw the devolution of power to Scotland and Wales, establishing a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly after referendums in 1997

Question 4

What was the reform of the House of Lords under New Labour?

Answer 4

The Labour government reformed the House of Lords by removing most hereditary peers in 1999, making it a largely appointed chamber

Question 5

What was the Good Friday Agreement (1998) and its significance?

Answer 5

The Good Friday Agreement was a historic peace deal for Northern Ireland, establishing a power-sharing assembly and securing paramilitary ceasefires. It formally ended decades of conflict

Question 6

Who were the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer 6

Tony Blair and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern were central, alongside the crucial mediation of US Senator George Mitchell

Question 7

Who were the two men that shared the Noble Peace Prize for their role in the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer 7

John Hume – Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
David Trimble – Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

Question 8

What were the main economic policies of Gordon Brown as Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Answer 8

Gordon Brown’s policies focused on fiscal prudence, stable economic growth, and controlling inflation, giving the Bank of England independence over interest rates

Question 9

What was the “dot-com bubble” and its impact on the British economy?

Answer 9

The dot-com bubble was a period of rapid growth followed by a bust in internet-related stocks. Its collapse led to a modest economic slowdown in Britain in 2001, though less severe than other countries

Question 10

What was the Fuel Crisis of 2000?

Answer 10

The Fuel Crisis involved protests by lorry drivers and farmers over high fuel taxes, leading to blockades of oil refineries and widespread fuel shortages across the UK

Question 11

How did New Labour’s economic policies aim to address poverty and social inequality?

Answer 11

The government introduced the National Minimum Wage, increased welfare spending, and invested heavily in public services like healthcare and education to tackle poverty and improve life chances

Question 12

What was the Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak of 2001 and its impact?

Answer 12

This was a major animal disease outbreak that led to the culling of millions of farm animals and caused significant economic disruption to the rural economy and tourism

Question 13

What were the main reasons for the Conservative Party’s electoral failures between 1997 and 2007?

Answer 13

Reasons included continued internal divisions (especially over Europe), a perceived lack of public trust, and Labour’s effective electoral strategy and leadership

Question 13

Who were the three Conservative leaders who failed to win a general election after John Major?

Answer 13

William Hague (1997-2001)
Iain Duncan Smith (2001-03)
Michael Howard (2003-05)

Question 14

How did William Hague attempt to revive the Conservative Party after 1997?

Answer 14

Hague attempted to modernise the party and broaden its appeal, but he struggled against Blair’s popularity and the party’s eurosceptic image, being seen as out of touch

Question 14

What was the impact of immigration on Britain in the 1997-2007 period?

Answer 14

Immigration increased significantly, particularly with EU enlargement in 2004, leading to a more diverse population and debates about multiculturalism and integration

Question 15

What was the Religious Hatred Act 2006?

Answer 15

This act made it a criminal offence to incite hatred against a person on religious grounds. It aimed to extend hate crime legislation to cover religion

Question 16

How did gender equality progress under New Labour?

Answer 16

Progress continued with more women in employment and politics. Policies like increased childcare provision and improved parental leave aimed to support women in the workplace

Question 17

What was the general mood of Tony Blair’s government when it came to power in 1997?

Answer 17

Tony Blair’s government came to power with a mood of optimism and enjoyed a period of prosperity and positivity with the public

Question 18

How was Tony Blair’s leadership style described?

Answer 18

Tony Blair was described as adopting a presidential style, preferring to lead personally and eschewing long cabinet meetings, while appointing many political advisers

Question 19

What were the results of the 1997 referendums on devolution in Scotland and Wales?

Answer 19

In Scotland, 60% voted for devolution, while in Wales, less than 1% voted for devolution

Question 20

What was a key problem encountered in the Labour government’s attempts to reform the House of Lords?

Answer 20

A key problem was how to deal with the hereditary peers

Question 21

What significant agreement regarding Northern Ireland was signed in April 1998?

Answer 21

The Good Friday Agreement was signed on 10 April 1998

Question 22

What were two key guarantees of the Good Friday Agreement regarding Northern Ireland’s status?

Answer 22

Northern Ireland would remain within the UK as long as the majority wished, and the Irish Republic would withdraw all territorial claims

Question 23

What political arrangements were agreed upon for Northern Ireland under the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer 23

An Assembly would be set up with power shared between the main parties, and all paramilitary prisoners would be released within two years

Question 24

What contributed to the feasibility of the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer 24

The agreement was made possible by the British government's close cooperation with the Irish government under Bertie Ahern

Question 25

What did Sinn Fein's political wing of the IRA agree to as part of the Good Friday Agreement?

Answer 25

Sinn Fein's political wing of the IRA accepted the need for decommissioning weapons and that terrorists complied

Question 26

What were the referendum results for the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?

Answer 26

In Northern Ireland, 75% approved, and in the Republic, 91% approved

Question 27

What major act of violence occurred in Northern Ireland in August 1998, despite the peace process?

Answer 27

29 people were killed in a bombing in Omagh in August 1998

Question 27

Who was the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) who initially refused to join the Assembly?

Answer 27

Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)

Question 28

Why was the Northern Ireland Assembly suspended in October 2002?

Answer 28

The Assembly was suspended in October 2002 due to a lack of trust between the main parties

Question 28

What significant political development occurred in Northern Ireland by 2007?

Answer 28

By 2007, Unionists and Sinn Fein agreed to restore the Assembly, with Ian Paisley becoming First Minister and Martin McGuinness becoming Deputy First Minister

Question 29

Who was the Chancellor of the Exchequer under Tony Blair's government from 1997?

Answer 29

Gordon Brown

Question 30

What key economic responsibility did Gordon Brown give to the Bank of England?

Answer 30

Brown made the Bank of England responsible for setting interest rates

Question 31

What was one of Gordon Brown's approaches to government spending?

Answer 31

He aimed to keep within the previous government's spending plans, set up by Ken Clarke, which proved successful

Question 31

Despite keeping income taxes low, what changes did Labour make to economic policy?

Answer 31

Labour removed various benefits and increased other taxes, accepted the Social Chapter, introduced a minimum wage, and increased pensions

Question 32

What sectors saw maintained spending under Labour?

Answer 32

Spending in education and healthcare was maintained

Question 33

What was a significant financial mistake made by Gordon Brown between 1999 and 2002?

Answer 33

Brown sold 13 million ounces of British gold, resulting in a loss of US $3 billion by 2005

Question 34

How did the Labour government meet shortfalls in spending during its later years?

Answer 34

The government borrowed heavily from the banks, leading to problems when a recession hit in 2008.

Question 35

What protest event occurred in 2000 regarding fuel prices?

Answer 35

In 2000, lorry drivers and farmers allied to protest high fuel taxes, leading to blocked roads and fuel depots blockaded

Question 36

What was the overall economic climate like during Blair's years in power?

Answer 36

Blair's years were notable for high levels of credit and consumer spending, which led to significant problems when a recession hit

Question 37

What were key economic trends in Labour's second term regarding employment and industry?

Answer 37

The second term saw low unemployment and significant modernisation within business, though the manufacturing base continued to decline

Question 38

What was the government's target for renewable energy supply by 2010?

Answer 38

The target was to supply 10% of UK energy from renewable sources by 2010

Question 39

What controversial energy policy did the government begin investing in to make up for shortfalls?

Answer 39

The government began investing in nuclear power

Question 40

How did Gordon Brown's buoyant economy eventually lead to problems when a recession hit?

Answer 40

It was fuelled by credit, and when the 2008 recession hit, many people found themselves saddled with debts, requiring austerity measures

Question 41

How many successive electoral victories did Tony Blair achieve?

Answer 41

Tony Blair achieved three successive electoral victories

Question 42

What was the voter turnout in the 2001 and 2005 elections?

Answer 42

In 2001, less than 50% of the electorate voted, and in 2005, 61.4% voted

Question 42

What sentiment did many voters express regarding politics during this period?

Answer 42

Many felt politics was irrelevant and were disillusioned with politics, seeing no real choice between the main parties

Question 43

What was a key perception of the Conservative Party during 1997-2007, despite having respected leaders?

Answer 43

The Conservatives seemed tired and lacklustre and did not offer a viable alternative to Labour

Question 44

What was the fundamental problem causing divisions within the Conservative Party?

Answer 44

The Conservative Party remained bitterly divided over Europe

Question 45

What was William Hague's primary focus during the 2001 election campaign?

Answer 45

He concentrated too much on his anti-European stance, what he had been promoted by Thatcher about

Question 45

What were two criticisms of Iain Duncan Smith's leadership?

Answer 45

He was described as uncharismatic and performed poorly in Parliament

Question 46

What was the outcome for Michael Howard after the 2005 election?

Answer 46

He was replaced by David Cameron after the 2005 election defeat

Question 47

What was one of the Conservative Party's main criticisms of Labour's policy?

Answer 47

They criticised Labour's record of public spending

Question 48

What were the traditional economic policies that the Conservatives advocated?

Answer 48

They advocated tax cuts and reduced government investment

Question 48

Why did the Conservatives' economic policies clash with public sentiment during this period?

Answer 48

Their policies went against the consensus of the early 21st century when voters were already concerned about reductions in public spending, schools, and medical services

Question 49

What were two traditional areas where the Conservatives campaigned strongly?

Answer 49

They campaigned strongly on law and order and immigration

Question 50

What was the main reason the Conservatives failed electorally, according to the sources?

Answer 50

The main reason was not Conservative failure but the popularity of the Labour government

Question 51

How did Labour redefine itself after the divisions of the Thatcher years?

Answer 51

They maintained one Prime Minister and one Chancellor throughout 10 years from 1997-2007, giving a strong impression of unity, despite common clashes between Blair and Brown

Question 52

How many women MPs were there in 1997, and what nickname were they given?

Answer 52

There were more than 100 women MPs in 1997, nicknamed 'Blair babes'

Question 53

Despite progress, what challenges did women still face in the workplace?

Answer 53

There were still plentiful cases of the 'glass ceiling' and sexism, especially in financial organisations and the police

Question 54

What was the 'New Deal' initiative for youth announced by Blair?

Answer 54

The 'New Deal' aimed at creating jobs for young people under the age of 25

Question 55

How many young people moved into employment in the first year of the 'New Deal'?

Answer 55

200,000

Question 56

What was one criticism regarding the jobs created by the 'New Deal'?

Answer 56

Many jobs were temporary, with many ending after only 13 weeks

Question 57

What was a factor encouraging immigration to Britain?

Answer 57

The ageing population was a factor encouraging immigration

Question 57

What significant event in 2004 led to increased immigration from Eastern Europe?

Answer 57

The enlargement of the EU in 2004 led to the entry of Eastern European countries like Latvia and Poland into Britain

Question 58

Approximately how many Poles had arrived in Britain by 2006?

Answer 58

As many as 2 million

Question 59

What events marred Britain's multi-cultural society in the early 2000s?

Answer 59

A series of race riots, for example in Oldham, marred Britain's multi-cultural society

Question 60

What concern grew alongside discussions of cultural values in the multi-cultural society?

Answer 60

There was a growing concern with the radicalisation of young Muslims

Question 61

On which policy area was Tony Blair's administration largely judged?

Answer 61

Blair's administration was largely judged on its foreign affairs policies

Question 62

What major terrorist attacks occurred in London in July 2005?

Answer 62

Suicide bombings occurred in London in July 2005, perpetrated by British-born individuals

Question 63

What significant domestic reactions occurred in Britain regarding the planned Iraq invasion?

Answer 63

An anti-war rally attracted an estimated 500,000 people, and Robin Cook, former Foreign Secretary, resigned

Question 63

What principle was established by the 'Blair Doctrine'?

Answer 63

The 'Blair Doctrine', first elucidated in Chicago in 1999, justified the use of force to prevent injustice

Question 64

What was the primary justification given by Blair for the invasion of Iraq in 2003?

Answer 64

Blair announced that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that could be deployed against Western targets

Question 65

What was the immediate outcome and key consequence after the US and UK forces invaded Iraq in March 2003?

Answer 65

Saddam was quickly overthrown, but this led to a vicious civil war, unleashing new brutal forces

Question 66

What was the most damaging controversy for Tony Blair's reputation related to the Iraq War?

Answer 66

The most damaging controversy was that no weapons of mass destruction were ever found in Iraq, which compounded the issue of Dr. David Kelly's death