3. Programme of welfare reform to end the thing of long-term welfare dependence in this country and help make British poverty history. This includes –
- Respect for those who can’t work - Incapacity Benefit given to those who cannot work
- Jobs for those who can – Anyone who can work will be expected to work or prepare for work
- Assessments for those claiming benefits – Assessments on those who are claiming benefits to see if they actually need them anymore
- Limits to those claiming benefits – Those who do not join a return to work group won’t be given benefits until they do. People who refuse reasonable job offers could lose the right to claim benefits for 3 years. Time limits for out of work benefits. People who claim for more than two years out of three will be required to join community work programmes
The main differences between the ideologies of the 1980s and now is that then they were more worried about the Trade Union but now they are worrying about Education more than anything because of the dropping rates of people staying in school/ education.
Another main difference is the difference in the Leaders of the parties between now and the 1980s.
In the 1980s there was Margaret Thatcher for the Conservatives and she was very strong in her views and very powerful and she single-handedly became one of the most well-known political figures of the 20th Century. Now, in 2008, you have David Cameron who takes a more relaxed approach where he tries to win the people by showing them a better place to live in.
Also in 1980s Conservatives was a political party directed at the upper class and now they are trying to get a universal look at people and not separate them into classes.
Another party that has changed a lot has been Labour –
The main 3 ideologies of Labour in the 1980s were:
- Restoration and strengthening of trade union powers and privileges
- Re-nationalism of all major industries including banks and possibly land
- Restoration of a highly progressive taxation and introduction of a special Wealth Tax
The main subject ideologies of Labour now (2008) are:
- Asylum and immigration
- Crime and anti-social behaviour
- Defence
- Democracy and Citizenship
- Early years
- Economic stability and full employment
- Environment
- Equalities
- Europe
- Further and higher education and skills
- International development
- Local government
- NHS
- Older people
- Schools
- Supporting hard-working families
- Transport
The main differences between the ideologies of the 1980s and now is that then they were more focused about restoring power and privilege to the Trade Union but now they are worrying about a wide range of things including education, asylum and immigration and many other subjects as well.
Another main difference is the difference in the Leaders of the parties between now and the 1980s.
In the 1980s there was Ken Livingstone for Labour and he was a little weak in his views but still quite hard-working and level headed and he also ran for Mayor of London as few times. Now, in 2008, you have Gordon Brown who takes a more series approach where he tries to change England as he creates more jobs and lifts several millions of people out of Poverty.
Also in 1980s Labour was considered a party for the working class but now Labour is level headed and not creating any classes willingly.
In my personal view I think that Political Parties have moved a bit away from their Traditional Ideologies but the heart and soul of each party is still just about there still especially with the Conservatives actually getting the people to listen to them again is an achievement in itself. But, I think that the most important Traditional Ideologies of the main parties are still there and are still being seen to change the country.
British Political Parties in a sense have moved away from their traditional ideologies slightly but not enough to be true fully changing and differential to their original ideas and principles.