Bevanism

Bevanism was the ideological argument for the Bevanites, a movement on the centre left of the Labour Party in the late 1950s and led by Nye Bevan. The main points were:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• State Control of the "commanding heights" (a phrase first used by Vladimir Lenin) of the economy, as opposed to wholesale nationalisation.
• Social Liberalism.
• Lack of Dogma.
• A belief that "things can only get better"
• Respect for the Arts.
• A general radical feel.
• The ability to drop unpopular policies.
• Anti-fascism.
• Opposition to extremists in general.

John Reid, the current Secretary of State for Defence, regards New Labour as the natural heir of Bevanism.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

see also:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Jennie Lee
• George Thomas

Bevanites: REDIRECT Bevanism...

Labour Party: The name Labour Party or Labor Party is used by several political parties around the world. They are usually Social Democrats and traditionally allied to trade unions. Many labour parties are members of Socialist International....

Nye Bevan: REDIRECT Aneurin Bevan...