labour is closer to old labour rather than new labour

• Introduction + Judgement

  This essay will reject the view that the current Labour Party is closer to Old Labour than New Labour.

  • While Keir Starmer’s leadership has seen some policies that align with Old Labour values, such as support for nationalisation and a focus on reducing inequality, the party’s overall direction under Starmer reflects a shift towards the centrist, pragmatic approach of New Labour.
  • This is evident in economic policy, law and order, and foreign affairs, where Starmer has prioritised electability and moderation over radicalism.
• Argument 1: Economic Policy - Old Labour

  Point:The current Labour Party under Keir Starmer has adopted some policies that align with Old Labour values, particularly in its support for nationalisation and its focus on reducing inequality.

  Example:

  • Starmer has supported the nationalisation of rail and energy, a significant departure from New Labour’s support for privatisation under Tony Blair.
  • The party has pledged to increase taxes on those earning over £80,000 to fund public spending, reflecting Old Labour’s commitment to progressive taxation and reducing wealth disparities.
• Argument 1: Economic Policy - Old Labour

  Significance:These policies suggest a return to Old Labour’s emphasis on state intervention and redistribution of wealth, which contrasts with New Labour’s more market-oriented approach.
• Counter-Argument 1: Economic Policy - New Labour

  Point:However, Starmer’s economic policies are more aligned with New Labour’s pragmatic, centrist approach, particularly in his efforts to appeal to business and prioritise fiscal responsibility.

  Example:

  • Starmer has sought to distance the party from the anti-business image it had under Jeremy Corbyn, pledging to reform the NHS by making greater use of private providers.
  • The party has committed to freezing most taxes and prioritising national finances, reflecting New Labour’s focus on economic stability and limited spending.
• Counter-Argument 1: Economic Policy - New Labour

  Significance:Starmer’s economic policies demonstrate a shift towards New Labour’s pragmatic approach, prioritising electability and fiscal responsibility over Old Labour’s more radical, interventionist policies.

  Evaluation:While Starmer’s support for nationalisation and progressive taxation reflects Old Labour values, his overall economic strategy aligns more closely with New Labour’s centrist, pragmatic approach.
• Argument 2: Law and Order - Old Labour

  Point:The current Labour Party has maintained some Old Labour values in its approach to law and order, particularly in its opposition to the Conservative government’s policies on immigration and protest rights.

  Example:

  • Starmer has criticised the government’s policy of sending immigrants to Rwanda, reflecting Old Labour’s humanitarian values and opposition to the criminalisation of immigration.
  • The party has opposed the Conservative government’s policing bill, arguing that it undermines civil rights and individual liberties.
• Argument 2: Law and Order - Old Labour

  Significance:These positions reflect Old Labour’s commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and vulnerable communities, as well as its focus on addressing the root causes of crime rather than adopting a punitive approach.
• Counter-Argument 2: Law and Order - New Labour

  Point:However, Starmer’s approach to law and order is more aligned with New Labour’s “tough on crime” stance, as he seeks to avoid being perceived as soft on crime.

  Example:

  • Starmer has not actively opposed the Conservative government’s public order bills, which allow the police to arrest protestors, despite earlier criticisms.
  • He has taken a strong stance against low-level anti-social behaviour and recreational drug use, stating that “cannabis ruins lives” and opposing efforts to legalise the drug.
• Counter-Argument 2: Law and Order - New Labour

  Significance:Starmer’s approach to law and order reflects New Labour’s focus on maintaining public order and appealing to middle-class voters, rather than Old Labour’s more sympathetic approach to vulnerable communities.

  Evaluation:While the current Labour Party has maintained some Old Labour values in its approach to law and order, Starmer’s overall strategy aligns more closely with New Labour’s “tough on crime” stance.
• Argument 3: Foreign Policy - Old Labour

  Point:The current Labour Party has retained some Old Labour values in its approach to foreign policy, particularly in its commitment to international development aid and peaceful diplomacy.

  Example:

  • Starmer has pledged to reinstate Britain’s commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on international development aid, a policy abandoned by the Conservatives in 2021.
  • The party has emphasised the importance of international cooperation and peaceful diplomacy, reflecting Old Labour’s opposition to military intervention.
• Argument 3: Foreign Policy - Old Labour

  Significance:These policies reflect Old Labour’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting global cooperation, rather than relying on military intervention to resolve conflicts.
• Counter-Argument 3: Foreign Policy - New Labour

  Point:However, Starmer’s foreign policy is more aligned with New Labour’s interventionist approach, particularly in his support for military intervention and strong alliances with Western powers.

  Example:

  • Starmer has supported providing military aid to Ukraine and has been critical of Old Labour MPs who called for the disbandment of NATO.
  • The party has committed to renewing the Trident nuclear deterrent and spending at least 2% of GDP on defence, reflecting New Labour’s focus on maintaining a strong military presence.
• Counter-Argument 3: Foreign Policy - New Labour

  Significance:Starmer’s foreign policy reflects New Labour’s belief in the importance of military intervention and strong alliances, rather than Old Labour’s emphasis on peaceful diplomacy and nuclear non-proliferation.

  Evaluation:While the current Labour Party has retained some Old Labour values in its approach to foreign policy, Starmer’s overall strategy aligns more closely with New Labour’s interventionist approach.
• Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the current Labour Party under Keir Starmer is closer to New Labour than Old Labour. While there are some policies that reflect Old Labour values, such as support for nationalisation and a focus on reducing inequality, the party’s overall direction under Starmer reflects a shift towards the centrist, pragmatic approach of New Labour. This is evident in economic policy, law and order, and foreign affairs, where Starmer has prioritised electability and moderation over radicalism.