Unit 1 People, Politics and Participation Political Parties Conservatism (1): traditional conservatism

Key focus: The main principles of the traditional conservative philosophy.

Party origins: Conservatism dates from late 17 th c., as a reaction against the ideas of the Enlightenment in general, and liberalism in particular (later anti-socialism). As 18 th c. passed, conservatism became a broad philosophy as well as a reactionary movement.

The main elements of traditional conservatism: An emphasis on order, leading to a strong position on law-and- order issues. A belief that private property must be strongly defended, as it promotes stability and responsibility. A pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that humankind is driven by selfish appetites rather than reason and would misuse too much personal freedom. A belief that people are naturally unequal and there society has a natural order.

The main elements of traditional conservatism: A belief that we are an organic society and are interdependent. Therefore those who are better off have a duty to protect those who are less well off (‘noblesse oblige’) Social and political change should be gradual, evolutionary and natural. Change should not be the result of dogmatic political ideologies or principles. Conservatives are empiricists who look to the past to inform the present and future. Conservatives defend traditions because they promote security and order. This applies to values and institutions. The national interest should be defended at home and abroad. Patriotism is to be encouraged, as it maintains the unity of society.

Discuss: To what extent does David Cameron seem to be a traditional conservative?

Unit 1 People, Politics and Participation Political Parties Conservatism (2): New Right conservatism

Key focus: To understand the nature of the New Right and its influence on Conservative philosophy.

Origins: The NR emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, largely as an American Movement that took hold in the British Conservative Party in the 1980s. It was a reaction against two phenomena – the rise of state-led democratic socialism and excessive progressive liberalism.

The main principles of New Right philosophy: Neo-liberalism The creation of free markets will promote economic growth and enterprise. Excessive government interference and regulation inhibits economic enterprise and therefore prosperity. Excessive taxation inhibits enterprise and therefore taxation should be reduced as far as possible..

The main principles of New Right philosophy: Neo-liberalism Excessive welfare provision is a disincentive to work and enterprise, creating a dependency culture. Trade unions prevent the operation of free markets, so their power should be curbed. People are motivated by individualism rather than collectivism. The state is not organic, society is weak, but individualism is strong.

Discuss: Are there elements of the New Right in the current Conservative Party?

Essay (25 marks, 500 words) Distinguish between traditional and New Right conservatism.

NR came to the fore under M. Thatcher and was dominant by the mid-1980s : NR is individualistic in outlook; traditional conservatives see society as organic. While both movements prefer free markets, the NR has a dogmatic attachment whereas traditional conservatives are most pragmatic and accept that state action is often necessary and desirable. Traditional conservatives are opposed to ideologies and fixed political principles, but the New Right sees excessive welfare as a threat to enterprise and work.

Essay (25 marks, 500 words) To what extent is New Right conservatism distinct from traditional conservatism?

Unit 1 People, Politics and Participation Political Parties The Conservative Party Today (1): the Cameron reforms

Discuss: The Cameron ‘revolution’ There is considerably greater concern for those members of society who are socially excluded and suffer deprivation. This is known as the ‘social justice agenda’. There is a greater concern for environmental issues. Though still Eurosceptic, the party now accepts the need to ‘engage with’ the EU.

Discuss: The Cameron ‘revolution’ There is acceptance of the need for constitutional reforms, including H of L & Commons and the possibility of a new UK Bill of Rights to replace the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). More support for the welfare state. Stress on need to preserve individual rights and freedoms. The ‘big society’ idea suggests a smaller role for the state.

Discuss: Is Cameron more a New Right or a traditional conservative?

Unit 1 People, Politics and Participation Political Parties The Conservative Party Today (2): conservatism in 2010

Current Conservative policies IS 2.2: The coalition agreement, May 2010 The restoration of sound public finances through the reduction of national debt. Opportunities for all good schools to achieve academy status and for local communities to set up ‘free schools’. Protection for front-line services in the NHS.

Current Conservative policies IS 2.2: The coalition agreement, May 2010 A full-scale attack on government ‘waste’. Reductions in government regulation of industry and public services. Greater focus of welfare provision on those who are seeking work.

Current Conservative policies IS 2.2: The coalition agreement, May 2010 Greater powers to local government and local voluntary organisations. Encouragement of more development of nuclear and renewable energy. A hard line on law and order issues. Extensive reform of both houses of Parliament.

Discuss: Up until now, how successful have the Conservatives been in implementing their policies?

Essay (25 marks, 500 words) To what extent is the Conservative Party under David Cameron still a ‘New Right’ party?