What is the Labour Party?
Labour has only been in government for four short periods of the 20th century. However its achievements have revolutionised the lives of the British people. The values Labour stands for today are those which have guided it throughout its existence.
• social justice
• strong community and strong values
• reward for hard work
• decency
• rights matched by responsibilities
Labour's policies
In 1995 we set out our values in Clause IV of the Labour Party’s constitution:
‘The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few.’
Those democratic values have guided us through ten years in government: everything from the large canvas of economic stability, full employment and record investment in public services, to the fine detail of the minimum wage, free museum entry and civil partnerships.
We were elected in 2005 on a promise to focus on three crucial areas: the economy, modernising public services and tackling crime and asylum. Building on what we have achieved to make Britain better since coming to office in 1997.
Policy in the Labour Party is made through a process called Partnership in Power which is designed to involve all party stakeholders as well as the wider community in shaping party policy and support the relationship between the party in the country and the party in government.
Partnership in Power allows Labour to formulate policy and build towards our next manifesto over a three year period while also ensuring a year-round dialogue between the party and government.
We concluded our first year consultation at the end of March and will bring forward our second year consultation document over the summer. However in the meantime the parties six policy commissions continue to meet and will consider any submissions during their discussions.
Our policies at a glance…
These pages briefly outline some of the big issues our members and commissions are considering:
Asylum and immigration
Britain in the global economy
Britain in the world
Climate change and energy
Crime and justice
Education
Families and pensioners
Health
Renewing our democracy
Stronger communities