moved from Thatcherism

• Introduction + Judgement

  Thatcherism is characterised by economic liberalism (free markets, minimal state intervention), social conservatism, and strong law-and-order policies. The current Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has been compared to Thatcherism, but its policies suggest a shift away from these principles. This essay will argue that the Conservative Party has moved away from Thatcherism in terms of economic policy, social policy, and law and order, adopting a more pragmatic and interventionist approach under Badenoch’s leadership.
• Argument 1: Economic Policy

  • Point: The Conservative Party has moved away from Thatcherite economic policies, which emphasised free markets, low taxation, and minimal state intervention.
• Argument 1: Economic Policy

  • Example:
  • Under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, the party has continued to support state intervention in the economy, such as subsidies for green energy projects and increased public spending on infrastructure.
  • Badenoch’s government has also maintained higher levels of taxation, including corporation tax at 25%, contrary to Thatcher’s belief in low taxation.
• Argument 1: Economic Policy

  • Significance: This shows a shift towards a more interventionist and pragmatic economic approach, diverging from Thatcher’s free-market ideology.
• Counter-Argument 1: Economic Policy

  • Point: Some argue that the Conservative Party remains rooted in Thatcherite economic principles, as seen in its commitment to reducing taxation and freeing the market.
• Counter-Argument 1: Economic Policy

  Example:

  • Badenoch has expressed support for tax cuts and deregulation in certain sectors, aligning with Thatcherite principles of economic liberalism.
  • The party’s 2024 manifesto included pledges to reduce business taxes and streamline regulations, reflecting a return to Thatcherite economics.
• Counter-Argument 1: Economic Policy

  • Significance: This suggests that the party still holds Thatcherite economic values, even if they have been temporarily sidelined due to external factors like the cost-of-living crisis.
  • Evaluation: While the party has occasionally returned to Thatcherite policies, its overall economic approach under Badenoch has been more interventionist, marking a clear departure from Thatcherism.
• Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Point: The Conservative Party has moved away from Thatcherite social conservatism, adopting more socially liberal policies under Kemi Badenoch.
• Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Example:
  • Badenoch has supported policies promoting diversity and inclusion, such as increasing funding for LGBTQ+ support services and advocating for gender equality in the workplace.
  • The party’s commitment to modernising social policies, such as updating gender recognition laws, reflects a rejection of Thatcher’s traditionalist views on family and society.
• Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Significance: This demonstrates a clear rejection of Thatcher’s socially conservative views, embracing a more liberal and diverse Britain.
• Counter-Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Point: Some argue that the Conservative Party still retains elements of Thatcherite social conservatism, particularly in its approach to immigration and “culture war” issues.
• Counter-Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Example:
  • Badenoch’s government has introduced stricter immigration policies, such as the Rwanda asylum plan, reflecting a hardline approach reminiscent of Thatcher’s emphasis on law and order.
  • The party has also taken a strong stance against “wokeism” in education, with Badenoch announcing plans to ban certain forms of sex education in primary schools.
• Counter-Argument 2: Social Policy

  • Significance: This suggests that the party still appeals to socially conservative voters, maintaining some continuity with Thatcherism.
  • Evaluation: While the party has adopted some socially conservative policies, its overall trajectory has been towards greater social liberalism, particularly under Badenoch’s leadership.
• Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Point: The Conservative Party has moved away from Thatcher’s strong law-and-order policies, adopting a more pragmatic approach under Kemi Badenoch.
• Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Example:
  • Badenoch has emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
  • The party’s focus on community policing and rehabilitation programs reflects a shift from Thatcher’s authoritarian approach to law and order.
• Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Significance: This demonstrates a move towards a more balanced and compassionate approach to crime, diverging from Thatcher’s neoconservative policies.
• Counter-Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Point: Some argue that the Conservative Party still retains elements of Thatcherite law-and-order policies, particularly in its approach to protests and public order.
• Counter-Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Example:
  • Badenoch’s government has introduced legislation to limit the freedom to protest, such as the Public Order Act 2023, which allows police to shut down “noisy” demonstrations.
  • The party’s emphasis on cracking down on anti-social behaviour, such as littering and graffiti, reflects a continuation of Thatcher’s strong law-and-order stance.
• Counter-Argument 3: Law and Order

  • Significance: This suggests that the party still prioritises maintaining public order, maintaining some continuity with Thatcherism.
  • Evaluation: While the party has adopted some authoritarian measures, its overall approach to law and order under Badenoch has been more pragmatic and less punitive than Thatcher’s.
• Conclusion

  • Summary: In conclusion, the Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch has largely moved away from Thatcherism in terms of economic policy, social policy, and law and order. While some elements of Thatcherism remain, the party has adopted a more pragmatic and interventionist approach.
  • Final Judgement: The view that the Conservative Party has moved away from Thatcherism is largely valid, as its policies under Badenoch reflect a significant departure from Thatcher’s core principles, particularly in its embrace of social liberalism and pragmatic governance.