Evaluate the extent to which the main political parties disagree over policies and ideas.
Paragraph 1: Economic policy
Conservatives Labour
Free market, laissez-fair Since 1945 - Keynesian economics
2008 bailed banks out and nationalised
some - Northern Rock
Post-war consensus - more state intervention into Similarities in the post-war period (however
the economy increased polarisation since then)
Neoliberal economic policy under Thatcher Clause IV committed the party to public ownership
and nationalisation
New Labour rescinded Clause IV - more free
marker approach, acceptance of capitalism
Cuts to public spending under Osbourne austerity Investment to stimulate growth instead of austerity
2010
Thatcher - privatisation Corbyn - supported the renationalisation of railways
Paragraph 2: Social policy (law and order // welfare)
Conservatives Labour
'party of law and order' 'soft on crime'
Blair: 'tough on crime, tough on the causes
of crime'
911 77 bombings
Cut police force numbers by over 20,000 since 2010 due to 2005 Terrorism act - 90days without charge
austerity
Noblesse oblige 1945-51: national insurance and the welfare state
Welfare should be minimal - learnt dependence Means tested welfare
BUT whilst they initially opposed the NHS they have since NHS created in 1948
introduced private providers and competition since 2010 Starma £1.5bn plan to create 2mil more
appointments every year
Paragraph 3: Foreign Policy (+ the EU)
Conservatives Labour
Strong defence policy and support for NATO Lots of internal division
Close relationship with the US - Thatcher and Anti Nuclear weapon policy under Michael Foot in
Reagan the 80s
2021 the Eurosceptics won - Thatcher Controversy over the Iraq war 2003
Large backbench rebellion
Opposed by Miliband, Corbyn and Starmer
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sophieallsop97. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.26. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.