Abstract
The dramatic collapse of the Conservative Party in the 1990s from a position of such strength gave Labour new hope and opportunity to forge a political hegemony of its own. Having suffered its own spectacular meltdown in support in the 1980s the Labour Party had to find a new programme and a new appeal. It was eventually to do this by presenting itself as new Labour. As new Labour the party achieved the kind of electoral success which had eluded it in the previous hundred years. But despite some speculation that the new century might become a progressive century, dominated by Labour as the twentieth century had been dominated by the Conservatives, there were many unresolved tensions and conflicts in the Labour Party, which raised doubts as to whether new Labour would become a permanent governing force.
Her Majesty’s Government does not accept the view… that we have ceased to be a great Power, or the contention that we have ceased to play that role. We regard ourselves as one of the Powers most vital to the peace of the world, and we still have a historic part to play. The very fact we have fought so hard for liberty, and paid such a price, warrants our retaining that position; and indeed it places a duty upon us to continue to retain it.
Ernest Bevin, 19461
We are the ally of the US not because they are powerful, but because we share their values … There is no greater error in international politics than to believe that strong in Europe means weaker with the US. The roles reinforce one another … There can be no international consensus unless Europe and the US stand together … We can help to be a bridge between the US and Europe… Europe should partner the US not be its rival.
Tony Blair, 20032
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© 2003 Andrew Gamble
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Gamble, A. (2003). Labour Old and New. In: Between Europe and America. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4039-4045-2_9
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