PLP Brief from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour...

PLP Brief from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party

Ten Years of a Labour Government

May 2007

PLP Brief

Contents

Economy 2Welfare 4Education 5Health 6Families 7Law and Order 8Immigration and Asylum 9Public realm 10Cities 11Science 12Open and outward culture 13Social Exclusion 14Constitution 15Northern Ireland 16Transport 17Rural Affairs 18Arts 19Foreign policy 20Europe 21Africa 22Climate change 23Labour Party 24

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Economy

1997: Inheritance • Boom and bust of previous twenty years (see graph overleaf)• The rich getting richer much faster than the poor• Interest rates high, business investment and confidence low• Unemployment over 2m, 7.2%• Productivity languishing• Public debt at 43.6% of GDP, despite four years of economic growth

Our approach • Macro stability – independence of Bank of England• Fiscal responsibility – fiscal rules• Welfare to work, and maintaining labour market flexibility• A constructive relationship with business• Innovative industries encouraged• UK still one of the most open economies in the world

Key moments• 1997 independence of Bank of England• Weathering global economic storms: Asia/Russia in 98, dotcom crash 2000• UK becomes the world’s largest foreign direct investment recipient in 2005 for

the first time, attracting more than twice as much as the USA• London Stock Exchange overtakes Wall Street in raising capital in 2006 for the

first time

2007: Passing on• A decade of stability• UK economy has longest unbroken expansion on record now with 58 consecutive

quarters of growth – longest post-war expansion in any OECD country• Incomes for the poorest fifth have risen faster than for the richest fifth• Business investment has risen by 50% since 1997• Unemployment below 1.7m, 5.5% - extra 2½m people are in work• Output per worker rose almost 2% in 2006 – was just over 1% in 1997• Public debt has fallen to 37.4% of GDP, while spending on public services has

risen sharply in real terms• From bottom of G7 on income per head in 1997 to 2nd in G8 in 2007

In summary

We have created an economy better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of globalisation than any in the western world. Showing that economic competence and social justice go hand in hand, Britain has weathered global economic storms which have knocked past Governments off course. We have recognised that we need to prepare for change rather than try to resist it and have adopted an open not closed approach to globalisation. The result has been a record and sustained period of growth with low inflation, rising living standards and high employment.


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The End of Boom and Bust?Quarterly GDP growth 1979-2006

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

5

1979 Q11979 Q41980 Q31981 Q21982 Q11982 Q41983 Q31984 Q21985 Q11985 Q41986 Q31987 Q21988 Q11988 Q41989 Q31990 Q21991 Q11991 Q41992 Q31993 Q21994 Q11994 Q41995 Q31996 Q21997 Q11997 Q41998 Q31999 Q22000 Q12000 Q42001 Q32002 Q22003 Q12003 Q42004 Q32005 Q22006 Q12006 Q4

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Welfare

1997: Inheritance • When the Tories left office, one in five families had no one in work and one in

three children were growing up in poverty• The Tory years saw unemployment hit three million – twice• Trebling under the Tories of people on Incapacity Benefit• In 1997 unemployment cost 1% of national income • Just over a decade ago, as much as three quarters of all new public spending

went to pay for debt and social security costs.

Our approach • Work as best route out of poverty: work for those who can, security for those

who can’t• Agenda of rights and responsibilities, starting with no fifth option on New Deal

through to reform of Incapacity Benefit and greater conditionality in Freud Review of Welfare

• Building a fairer tax and benefits system which encourages work, guarantees decent family incomes and tackles poverty

• Our reforms are progressive, enabling us to advance goal of eradicating child and pensioner poverty, achieving full employment and supporting families when they need it most – when kids are young

Key moments• New Deal providing help and support to get people into work• Tax credits designed to support families and those in work• Creation of Jobcentre Plus to integrate work and benefits in active welfare

system• Pledge to end child poverty by 2020• Turner Review of pensions• Harker report on Child Poverty• Freud Review of welfare

2007: Passing on• Employment is at record levels and unemployment historically low, with long

term youth unemployment virtually eradicated• 600,000 kids lifted out of poverty• Since 1997 over 2 million pensioners lifted out of absolute poverty, over a

million out of relative poverty• More than half of lone parents and nearly half of disabled people in work, with

numbers on Incapacity Benefit falling• Radical plans for reform of pensions and welfare• Britain’s social model setting agenda in European debate: market economy

without a market society

In summary

We have put in place a framework to help people off welfare rather than become dependent on it – a move from a passive to an active welfare state. Those who need support receive it on the basis of an active partnership where the citizen makes clear commitments in return for the help they receive.


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Education1997: Inheritance • Class sizes 45 +; crumbling buildings; failing schools; almost half of all children

leaving primary school unable to read, write, basic maths• Poor education standards at secondary schools and for poorest• Universities in financial crisis and slipping down international league • Poor vocational support post-16• Low morale and teachers leaving professionOur approach • Focus on basics: at Primary and Secondary level• Encourage diversity through curriculum and different models of schools • Reform Higher Education funding and encourage more to stay on in education• Change curriculum to reflect modern Britain i.e. citizenship• Support professions: more teachers, teaching assistants• As much school buildings built in the last five years as in the previous 25• Tackle failing schools, with focus on raising standard for disadvantaged pupils• School leaders – more cash, more freedom, extended schoolsKey moments• Early post 1997 reforms: introduction of literacy and numeracy hours• Building Schools for the Future: established long term funding package• Tuition Fees bill passed in 2004• Academy revolution - Hackney Downs to Mossbourne - will deliver 400• Failing schools – 1570 turned round• Education and Inspections Act 2006 • 35 Trust school projects involving around 70 schools• Endowments launch – sea change in approach to university financing• The number of secondaries with fewer than a quarter of pupils gaining 5 good

GCSEs down from 616 in 1997to only 47 in 20062007: Passing on• Diversity embedded throughout the system• Boosted academic achievement at primary – best ever secondary results• High quality choice of school and course (vocational/academic)• A motivated, highly qualified teaching profession• State-of–the-art school buildings and equipment• Poor kids are achieving – inner city schools oversubscribed• World class HE and FE sector.• High quality early years – childminders, nurseries, sure startIn summaryWe are establishing a genuinely post comprehensive schools system which has ended the historic trade-off between equity and excellence. The differing needs of pupils and parents are now reflected in the diversity of provision with safeguards to ensure fairness and the interests of society at large. The age where communities accepted that their local schools were destined to fail is over. As a result


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expectations of parents, especially in the most disadvantaged areas, have risen and high quality education is no longer the reserve of the privileged few. Our support for teachers and investment in infrastructure has seen the prestige of the profession increase, drawing new recruits who once would never have considered teaching as a profession. In our universities we have put in place a new funding model which will secure their future for a generation, re-establish their reputation for excellence across the globe and enable them to serve more students than ever before.

Health

1997: Inheritance • Waiting lists growing• Infrastructure poor (more hospitals built before pre-1945 than post)• A & E in chaos• Winter crises the norm• Staff morale and pay at rock bottom

Our approach • Introduce a reform package which puts the patient at the heart of the provision

of healthcare• End the era of monolithic provision• Respond to the public’s no 1 concern in 1997: waiting• Rigorous approach to key areas of public concern: cancer, cardiac• Overhauling system along public service reform model: new providers,

performance management, increased investment, choice for users -• Fair access to treatment – National Institute for Clinical Excellence• Greater focus on healthy lifestyles

Key moments• Setting out a 10 year plan for change in 2000 with the NHS plan• Agreeing the funding model required through Wanless in 2002• Establishing Foundation Trusts through parliament in 2004• Agreeing the 18 week waiting list target in 2005, to be met by 2008 • Establishing a new approach to public health, most notably through the smoking

ban agreed in 2006

2007: Passing on• Waiting lists cut and on track for 2008 – the problem of 1997 cured• Record levels of investment ongoing with around 80,000 more nurses and over

35,000 new doctors since 1997• Cancer and cardiac dramatically improved• New approach to public health• Day case treatment increasing• 154 new hospitals open, under construction or in procurement – largest

sustained hospital building programme since the NHS was founded• Pay levels attracting best staff

In summary


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We have improved care across the board by ending the era of uniform, monolithic provision in the NHS, putting patients and their needs in the driving seat. While a decade ago the very survival of the NHS was questioned now the debate centres on the quality of the care offered. We have invested to reflect the changes in health care which means a greater demand for specialist care in centres of excellence but more scope as well for local services through the extension of community facilities. We have put new incentives into the system and devolved power to the front-line and communities to continue accelerating progress. Thanks to this Government, high quality care on the NHS is no longer the preserve of the lucky or the well connected but genuinely universal, still free at the point of use and focussed on those who need it most.

Families

1997: Inheritance • No free nursery education entitlement - wide variation in provision across

country• Women who take breaks from work to bring up children lost pension

contributions• No paternity leave. Paid maternity leave 14 weeks. No right to request flexible

working for returners. • No Sure Start or intensive early years support for poor, or the most

disadvantaged communities. • Many schools closed at 3.30pm breakfast clubs and after-school provision

patchy

Our approach • Give women (and men) choice and flexibility to combine work and home• Target most disadvantaged and excluded to break generational

underachievement (Sure Start, Education Maintenance Allowances, literacy/numeracy targets)

• Challenge employer attitude that workers’ rights (minimum wage, part time working) were bad for business

• Build a strong economy with sustainable low interest rates.• Challenge stereotypes – opening adoption to single/ gay couples• Maximise choice by increasing maternity and paternity leave/pay and providing

high quality childcare options• Recognise the rights of carers• Tackle workplace discrimination (Equal Pay Act/Race Discrimination/Sex

Discrimination Act outlaws women being sacked when pregnant)

Key moments• Unemployment below a million. Second lowest job insecurity rates out of 27

European countries.• Tax credits for low and middle income families, particular help for those in work• Pioneering Sure Start programmes in the most disadvantaged communities• All schools to be extended schools • Maternity leave rises to nine months. Fathers’ get right to leave. Equal pay


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• Free nursery education place for all three and four year olds. Massive rise in registered childcare

• Right to request flexible working (for parents and carers)• Retirement age raised to 65• Child Trust Funds launched

2007: Passing on• Employment at record levels and unemployment historically low – almost 70% of

working age women in work• Real choice of quality childcare, right to return to work or stay at home• 1.3 million registered childcare places - more than the double number in 1997• Sure Start now offering services to 1 million young children and families• 4,500 extended schools established (one in five of total)• Workplace protection from discrimination, low pay, long hours• High quality education choice

In summary

We have made support for parents and their children the new frontier of a modern welfare state. Whether through financial help via tax credits, new facilities like SureStart or updating legislation to introduce paternity leave and extending maternity leave, we have made genuine support for families a core role for the state.

Law and Order

1997: Inheritance • Crime had doubled with convictions falling• Category A prison escapes and prison riots• Police numbers static • Ignored rising tide of anti-social behaviour• Counter-terrorism modelled on Northern Ireland not global threat

Our approach • Relentless focus on driving crime down, relying on strong performance

management techniques, supported by investment and reform• Focus on the offender not the offence• Investment in police and established new support officers (Police Communtiy

Support Officers/ Wardens)• Technology crucial to tackling crime - DNA, ID management • Target violent, serious offenders – in prison for longer• Acknowledge and tackle anti-social behaviour • Speedier justice – summary fines / ASBOs• Raise public expectation / local accountability to reform Criminal Justice System,

Immigration, Police • Tough on crime (new sentencing guidelines), tough on the causes of crime

(strong support for communities and investment in public services)

Key moments• Biometric Passport/ ID cards Act


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• PCSOs and Neighbourhood policing, Respect launch• Licensing Act comes into effect problem free• Liverpool Justice Centre• 9/11, 7/7• NOMS - bring new providers into the market (including voluntary sector) and

focussing on the offender not the offence

2007: Passing on• Chances of being a victim of crime at historically low levels with crime as

measured by BCS down 35% since 1997 • Record number of offences brought to justice• ASB now at the heart of political debate• Intelligence and Security Services thwarting attacks with big investment

In summary

We have recognised that liberty in the modern world needs to protect the rights of the law-abiding majority as well as respect the rights of the individual. We are overhauling the criminal justice system to bring it up to the standard expected of any public service. Through investment in law enforcement, the introduction of a new suite of powers and targeting the offender not the offence, crime has fallen during this government’s time in office.

Immigration and Asylum

1997: Inheritance • Asylum claims spiralling; decision times at 22 months; removals very low;

backlog of over 50,000 backlog with exit controls removed • Falling numbers of immigration officers and customs officers• Global movement of people increasing (end of Cold War combined with cheap

travel). • No policy framework to deal with world on the move• Legal migration growing into UK and all other developed nations

Our approach • Get asylum under control by preventing economic migrants mis-using asylum

route, tighten law, invest in immigration• Points based approach to ensure we get workers economy needs• Tighten legal routes through marriage, family reunion• Use ID management to track people and fight abuse• Extend controls beyond and behind borders – with biometric visa checks before

people travel; border clearance in France and biometric work documents. Borders not just a line on a map

• Embrace EU enlargement and allow free movement of workers while focussing energy on ensuring workers in UK legally and paying taxes


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• Re-establish concept of integration over multiculturalism – value given to speaking English, citizenship and respect for law and values

Key moments• Asylum claims down to below 2000 a month from peak of 8000• Asylum applications now lower than 1993. Backlog down to 6,300• Record removals of asylum seekers and other illegals• Compared to France, Germany, USA and Switzerland we now have tighter border

controls • Citizenship ceremony/ citizenship taught in schools• All freight screened at Calais / Sangatte closed/ Channel Tunnel secured

2007: Passing on• We met the asylum tipping point target for 2006. • ID management already used in visas, asylum cards ready to be extended to all

foreign nationals • As US, France, Germany and Switzerland struggle to cope we have immigration

under control• New points based system• The number of staff working in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in

1997 was 5,465. Now there are nearly 9,000 staff working in borders, enforcement and detention alone

In summary

We have modernised the system to ensure that we can we manage migration rather than simply respond to it. Asylum has been strengthened, claims are down and economic migrants are now deterred from misusing the system. Whilst acknowledging the benefits which immigration can bring to our economy and culture, we have introduced new rules to ensure that it is controlled.

Public realm

1997: Inheritance • Half of the NHS estate was built before the NHS itself; it is now down to a

quarter.• Less than £700m a year schools capital investment meant schools faced around

£7bn backlog of repairs• Roads in their worst condition for 20 years• £19bn backlog of repairs to social housing• Underinvestment in arts, culture, sport and public spaces.

Our approach


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• Significant investment to reverse decades of decline: health budget nearly tripled; schools capital investment increased eight-fold; transport spending up 55% in real terms.

• Partnerships with the private sector to deliver real improvements to the fabric of public services: £10.6bn investment in the NHS through PFI; £16bn investment in the Tube through PPP; £3.6bn/pa local authority PFI envelope funding assets like schools, roads, libraries and social housing.

• Investing in transforming neighbourhoods, particularly in deprived areas, through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and New Deal for Communities

• Replaced Railtrack with Network Rail in 2002: operating, maintaining and renewing Britain's rail network in interests of public, not shareholders and addressing years of underinvestment

Key moments• NHS Plan• Living Places: cleaner, safer, greener• Commitment that by 2020, we will have rebuilt or renewed every secondary

school and half our primary schools.• Free admissions to museums and galleries: 42m visits a year

2007: Passing on• As much new school building in last 5 years as there was in the preceding 25.• 154 new hospitals open, under construction or in procurement – the largest

sustained hospital building programme since the NHS was founded• More than 2,800 GP premises improved or refurbished• Investing in an extra 1,000 rail carriages to combat passenger overcrowding• 45 major motorway and trunk road schemes completed since 2001, and 38

major local road schemes completed since 2000• £20bn investment in improving council housing• Sixty-two brand new playing fields were created in 2004/05, building on 72 new

playing fields created in 2003/04• Cultural regeneration in previously deprived areas: for example, 11,000 jobs in

Salford Quays, 6,500 of those attributable to the Lowry; Tate Modern has created 3,000 jobs in Southwark; Baltic and Sage centres underpinned a £1 billion redevelopment programme for East Gateshead

In summary

We have restored our infrastructure, raised the aspirations of public servants and modernized the state. Government funding, coupled with private investment, is transforming the way people live, work and interact with public and cultural services. The public landscape of Britain has changed, this will be seen as the era when the public space was brought up to date after decades of decline.

Cities

1997: Inheritance • Population of major cities had seen a decade of decline• Infrastructure and public spaces in decay


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• £19bn backlog of social housing repairs: 2m homes failing standards of decency• In mid 1990s 3,000 businesses were de-registered every week• Over 2.5 million manufacturing jobs had been lost

Our approach • A strong economy and increasing employment underpins regeneration• Enabling businesses and communities to maximise their potential –

strengthening the key drivers of productivity, growth and employment • Devolved decision-making at regional and local level• Effective co-ordination of new housing, transport investment, retail investment

and other job-creating development.• Joining up action on employment and skills• Good design and a focus on liveability of neighbourhoods

Key moments• Lord Rogers’ Urban Task Force report in 1998 kicked off renaissance• New Deal for Communities: 10 year strategies in 39 poorest areas• Established Regional Development Agencies in 1999 and GLA in 2000• Established Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment to champion

design and quality of built environment• Northern Way collaboration between 3 Northern RDAs

2007: Passing on• Increased employment: city-regions created 80% of new jobs in England• 42% of national population growth in cities between 1997-2003• 74% of homes now built on brownfield land• £20bn into regenerated neighbourhoods through Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, NDC and waterside regeneration schemes• Better homes: decent homes for a further 2 million people• 400 parks have received a “Green Flag” award• 2012 Olympics and opportunities for east London• Homelessness at its lowest since the early 1980s

In summary

We have supported a renaissance in our urban centres. Our cities, which flourished in the 19th century, fell into decline at the end of the 20th. They are now reborn. These urban areas have been regenerated thanks to economic stability, increased employment and devolved decision-making.

Science


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1997: Inheritance • Business frustrated by lack of support • Investment declining • Universities not exploiting their expertise• Prestige of science, in particular in teaching, under valued

Our approach • Invest in world class science base• Translate research into economic benefit• Focus on R & D • Encourage knowledge transfers between universities and business• Science and technology will play a crucial role in bringing about the

transformation we need to a low carbon world• Defended science from extremist critics

Key moments• Appointment of David Sainsbury as Minister for Science and then Innovation,

bringing these two vital areas together for the first time• Decoding of Human Genome – UK / US joint project• Spent over £3bn rebuilt science infrastructure so world class scientists could

work in world class facilities• £380m investment in the Diamond synchrotron the largest UK-funded scientific

facility to be built for over 40 years opened February 2007 • Faced down animal extremism at Huntingdon Life Science• Ten year science plan - first Government to set out a long-term vision for science

and innovation – increasing the supply of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills

• Made case internationally for stem cell research and created a British infrastructure, UK Stem Cell Bank, UK Stem Cell Network and a progressive and balanced regulatory regime, to make the UK the best place in the world to do stem cell research.

2007: Passing on• Government’s commitment to science which has seen funding rise from £1.3

billion in 1997 to £3.5 billion this year.• A fifth of the world’s current top selling medicines were discovered and

developed in the UK.• Knowledge based businesses flourishing and have accounted for over half of job

growth since 1987• With just 1% of the world’s population UK produce 9% of all scientific papers and

receive 12 % of all citations. UK is second only to US in global research excellence as measured by citations.

• Expenditure on R&D in real terms has increased more than 20% since 1997. • Since 1997, the value of collaborative research between Universities and

business has increased by over 50%.

In summary

In an age where there has been increasing anti-science sentiment, we have been a pro-science government. We have increased investment, offered political support and more protection through the courts. We have recognised that success in the


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future rests with those countries able to successfully support scientific research and translate research and innovations into new products and services.

Open and outward culture

1997: Inheritance • Public life at top overwhelmingly dominated by white middle class males• Women badly under-represented in parliament• Race relations poor, minority groups deprived basic rights• The British cultural identity of “warm beer” seen to be behind the times• Cities eclipsed by European counterparts (Barcelona, Paris)• Isolation in Europe seen to reflect greater malaise• UK not hosted Olympics for nearly half a century

Our approach • Public appointments made to reflect changing nature of society• Steps taken to increase more women in Parliament• New measures to promote equality and citizenship• Promote Britain at home and abroad• Welcome foreign business, visitors and workers (including regulatory / legislative

changes)• Support London in becoming leading international city

Key moments• Creation of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights • 2002 Manchester Commonwealth games• London winning the 2012 Olympics• Civil partnerships introduced

2007: Passing on• Equal rights now firmly enshrined in law• Members of minority groups holding key positions in society: first black cabinet

minister; first black Leader of the Lords• Women representation in parliament improved, women holding many senior jobs

in government and civil service• London overtaken New York as the No 1 global city• British cultural icons enjoying a renaissance across the globe• Entrepreneurial spirit re-born after the recession of the 1990s

In summary

We have helped shape a new spirit of optimism and confidence. Opportunities, which were once the preserve of the privileged and well connected, are now open to all. Through changes to legislation and culture we have engendered a more tolerant society through civil rights for same-sex couples or more women in public life. Every aspect of society from businesses to parliament more accurately reflects the nature of modern Britain. We are fairer, more prosperous and in ways which are both definable and indefinable a happier and bolder nation. We are proud of our past but not wedded to it. Our success in winning the Olympics for London in 2012 illustrated this perfectly.


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Social Exclusion

1997: inheritance• 1 in 5 families had no one in work and 1 in 3 children grew up in poverty • Child poverty doubled under the Tories and highest in Europe• Incomes of richest rose three times as fast as poorest• One in four pensioners living in poverty• Basic pension increased just once in real terms• Pensioners existing on £69 a week

Our approach• Targeted most help at those who need it most• More support for families through tax credits and child benefit• Pensioners helped through Pension Credit and basic pension rises• Introduction of national minimum wage to help make work pay• Build a fairer tax, benefits and skills system which encourages work, guarantees

decent family incomes and tackles poverty• Affordable housing – eradicate rough sleeping and families in B&B

Key moments• Number of people in absolute poverty nearly halved• Child poverty fallen faster than anywhere in Europe• Incomes of poorest risen faster than richest• Over 2 million pensioners lifted out of low income• No pensioner need live on less than £119 a week• 600,000 children lifted out of relative poverty• Targeted help and support to most deprived families• National Minimum wage • B&B eradicated for homeless families. New part buy/rent homes.

2007: Passing on• A more equal society• Link between earnings and pension to be restored• Pledge to abolish child poverty by 2020• Help for the poorest families has risen from £1,200 per year in 1997 to £3,900

per child per year and measures in Budget 2007 means that families in poorest fifth of population will be £4000/year better off by 2009

• Affordable housing for 100,000 new households planned by 2010

In summary


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We have tackled child and pensioner poverty, raised living standards and reduced inequality. The National Minimum Wage played a crucial role ensuring everyone receives a living wage. We have developed a new agenda to target help and support on those families struggling not just with poverty but with low aspiration, drug abuse or mental health problems.

Constitution

1997: Inheritance • Union threatened by lack of legitimacy for Westminster parliament in Wales and

Scotland• Hereditary peers dominating second chamber• Party political funding shrouded in secrecy and suspicion• Human rights not enshrined in UK law• London government lacking leadership and accountability• Lack of accountability in local government

Our approach • Implement manifesto commitments (European Commission Human Rights,

Freedom Of Information)• Introduce early referendum in Scotland / Wales• Build on relationships and commitments made in opposition

Key moments• 1997 Scottish and Welsh Referenda• 1999 Scottish and Welsh elections• 1999 removal of majority of hereditary peers from the House of Lords• 2000 election of London mayor

2007: Passing on• Assemblies in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London – legitimacy of legislators not in

doubt• Weakened case for separatism in Scotland and Wales• Union in tact and prospering• Mayors now established and growing in popularity• Upper chamber modernised and clear path for next steps established• New rules for party funding introduced with Hayden Philips setting out next

steps

In summary

The single biggest shift of power out of Whitehall, since the 19th Century, has taken place under this Government. We have provided communities with the power and accountability to control their own destiny. London has lead the way for


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mayors to reinvigorate our cities. Our constitution has been brought up to date to reflect the reality of the 21st century. It’s a much fairer, open and honest system of government.

Northern Ireland

1997: Inheritance • Long standing support for bi-partisan approach – building on support in

opposition for Anglo-Irish Agreement, the Downing Street Declaration and Framework Document

• Northern Ireland economy under-performing and in need of more investment and support

Our approach • Understanding where people are coming from but insisting on the need for them

to make progress• Not indulging prejudices nor letting the pain of the past be an obstacle to the

future.• Direct personal engagement by Prime Minister from day one• Relentlessly positive approach despite set-backs• Engage coalition of international support for peace• Focus on economy and public services as well as peace process• Always keep the ball rolling, make sure that every stage has a next step built

into it.

Key moments• Balmoral Show speech in May 1997 two weeks after taking office, setting out the

key principle of consent on which everything else would be built;• The Good Friday Agreement of April 1998 and the PM's vital role in the

subsequent referendum;• Devolution starts for the first time in November 1999;• IRA de-commissions in October 2001 for first time• IRA announces end of campaign in summer of 2005 and de-commissions all of

its weapons;


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• Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams meet in March 2007 and basis for new administration agreed

2007: Passing on• Agreement for Assembly and inclusive power-sharing Executive to be restored• Political leaders now accept that a solution to conflict is possible• Economy of Northern Ireland experiencing record growth

In summary

We have helped bring the Troubles which have disfigured Northern Ireland for decades to an end. Through the personal commitment of key political leaders, they have converted the concepts of the Good Friday Agreement into reality. This has delivered a society where power is genuinely shared and one in which the police are supported and the rule of law respected.

Transport

1997: Inheritance

• Bungled rail privatisation which had broken network into 100 pieces and sold it off at bargain basement prices

• Railtrack £700 million behind in its investment and maintenance programme• Highway maintenance cut by 20% between 1994 and 1997, leaving roads in

worst condition for two decades.

Our approach• Restoring coherent structure to the rail industry• Promoting public-private partnerships to increase investment in the transport

network• Encouraging local initiatives to boost use of public transport

Key moments• Transport spending up 55% in real terms since 1997• More rail passengers than for 50 years.• UK’s first high speed rail link open on time and on budget


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• Train protection and warning system across network• Bus use increasing year on year for first time in decades• Over 100 road schemes completed to tackle bottlenecks• Congestion charge operating successfully in London• Free off-peak bus travel for pensioners

2007: Passing on• Rail network being transformed with modernised lines and trains• Overhauled tube network thanks to £16 billion investment• Heathrow’s Terminal 5 under construction• Given local areas to chance to see whether road pricing can help transport

problems

In summary

We have laid the foundations for a modern transport system, which our economy and society need. Through investment and reform, we have enabled more people than ever to travel while taking steps to encourage more use of public transport.

Rural affairs

1997: Inheritance • Village schools, rural bus services, post offices, affordable housing and rural

policing all suffered from cuts from the Tories• The number of affordable rural homes was in decline• The legacy of BSE had seriously undermined the rural economy• Rural bus services were devastated – by 1997 only one in four parishes had a

daily bus service • 30 village schools a year closed between 1983 and 1997

Our approach• Build strong rural communities by tackling unemployment, expanding economic

opportunity and safeguarding rural public services. • Support sustainable rural communities with well-paid jobs and affordable

housing


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• Develop rural business and industry; ensuring a sustainable future for our farming and food industries

• Protect and enhance the natural environment of our countryside for future generations

• Strong alliances ton Europe to get the Beef Ban lifted and CAP reform

Key moments • Supported over 2000 rural bus services with subsidy grants in England• Established the Affordable Rural Housing Commission, which reported back in

2006 • Launched the Farm Business Advice Service to help farmers consider options for

the future of their businesses • Fulfilled our pledge to give the Commons a free vote on the issue of hunting with

dogs • Extending access for walkers to Britain’s countryside

2007: Passing on• Ambitious targets for the building of new housing, while protecting the greenbelt

– 73% of new housing is built on brownfield land in England• Putting in place radical reform of the CAP to help the farming industry and

reward environmentally friendly farming practices • Cleanest rivers, beaches, drinking water and air since the industrial revolution

In summary

The countryside and those who live there have been supported by this government through both support for traditional public services and more bespoke assistance. The problems of Foot and Mouth shone a bright light on the needs of those living and working in the countryside, since then even more has been done to ensure that rural areas are able to thrive and evolve.

Arts

1997: Inheritance • Charging museums with falling visitor numbers• Closing regional theatres, empty national theatre• Stagnant film industry• Blue chips – Royal Opera House, British Museum in financial and leadership

chaos• On-going cuts in funding – more bust than boom


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Our approach • Funding increase and stability giving arts security to grow• Lottery funding targeted at arts• New breed of entrepreneurial arts leaders• Mixed economy – state plus private funding• Made arts part of core script backed with stability in Cabinet • Boost creative industries through Nesta

Key moments• Free admission • Olympics – won on back of cultural not just sporting • Gateshead/ South Bank/ Liverpool – big regeneration projects• Tate Modern

2007: Passing on• Golden Age of Arts• Highest ever arts audiences (museums, theatre, film)• Envy of the world (outstripped New York and Paris)• Boom in regional theatre (reaching all classes) • Areas regenerated by arts venues (eg Sage)

In summary

We have supported a flowering of British arts and culture. Britain is enjoying a cultural renaissance, a Golden Age of arts. Everything from our education system to our economy has been enriched by this progress.

Foreign policy

1997: Inheritance • Britain not found a role, isolated and on the periphery of world stage• A squandering of Britain's assets and the loss of Britain's influence• Tragedies of Rwanda and Bosnia happened as Britain watch from sidelines


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• No leadership on humanitarian issues like as landmines

Our approach • In an increasingly interdependent world Britain has to have a values based

approach which enables us to focus on “hard” (i.e. military action to remove dictators, peacekeeping) and “soft” issues (supporting Africa, climate change, debt, WTO)

• Our policy goals will only be delivered if we maintain key alliances with US and EU

• This means our progressive foreign policy should be: o Driven by core values, not special interests. o Internationalist, not isolationist. o Multilateralist, not unilateralisto Active, not passive

Key moments• Interventions to defend human rights in Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor and Sierra

Leone• 9/11• Removed brutal regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq• G8 (and EU) Presidency of 2005

2007: Passing on• Britain punching above weight on world stage and setting the agenda• Working with the UN and NATO in support of the governments of Iraq and

Afghanistan on the development of their security forces and reconstruction of these countries over the long-term

• Africa now at the heart of international debate, based on a new relationship as partners not clients

• Leading debate on key issues from terrorism to climate change• Work with range of allies, maintained key alliances

In summary

We have pursued progressive values successfully in an interdependent world. Britain is engaged in the world on both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ issues. Whether we are focusing on the “hard” challenges of Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan or Iraq, or on the “soft” issues of global poverty, climate change and trade, our foreign policy has been values driven, activist and multilateralist. Our stance has been open not closed to the world. Our influence and access acros


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Europe

1997: Inheritance • Britain isolated in Europe: beef War and “non-cooperation” policy• In 1995 UK vetoed Jean-Luc Dehaene as EC President – only to get Jacques

Santer• UK opted-out of the Social Chapter • Britain opposed ‘on principle’ EU policies on defence, borders or crime• UK threatened to veto the proposed new EU Treaty • Opposition to joining the euro

Our approach • Positive engagement which was Pro-Europe, pro-reform in Europe• Pragmatic approach to reform, including new EU Treaties• Support for the euro in principle, if conditions right (not outright hostility)• Building strong alliances• Leading with ideas eg. European Security and Defence Policy – not just

obstructing others’ ideas• Working with the EU institutions – not against them

Key moments• Joining Social Chapter 1998• St. Malo : Launched European Defence with France 1998 • UK Presidencies 1998 and 2005: helped set new policy agenda• Lisbon Agenda 2000• UK first to call for 10 new member states to join by 2004• Appointment of Jose Manuel Barroso (not Guy Verhofstadt) as EC President 2004,

plus reformist Commission• PM June 2005 European Parliament speech changed EU debate while Hampton

Court agenda is now embedded in EU• Budget Deal 2005: honoured Britain’s support for enlargement and secured a

good deal for the UK• European Climate Change Strategy 2007

2007: Passing on• EU enlarged from 15 to 27 • European Defence policy created, with UK leadership• Britain at centre of EU debate• Strong and broad alliances (eg. European Commission, Angela Merkel, Nicolas

Sarkozy, E Europeans)• EU co-operation established on crime, borders and anti-terror • Hampton Court policy agenda firmly established: economic reform, border

security, climate and energy.

In summary

We have placed Britain at the heart of Europe on our own terms. Britain now plays a leading role a transformed Europe – instead of carping from the sidelines. The debate in Europe is now widely acknowledged to be following an Anglo-centric model to the frustration of some other nations.


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Africa

1997: Inheritance • Pergau Dam tainted UK aid record across the piece• Africa absent from the agenda of leaders across the world• Aid spending declining

Our approach • Adopt a new model – one of partnership and support, not donor and debtor• Trebled aid to Africa• Put Africa on the agenda of the G8 every year, and centre stage at Gleneagles• Developed new partnership with Africa countries based on aid, trade debt relief,

governance and conflict prevention• Worked with campaigning NGOs like Make Poverty History to make change• Combined soft power (increased aid) with intervention where appropriate (Sierra

Leone)

Key moments• Sierra Leone – liberal intervention in action• Commission for Africa 2004 – showed British leadership on the subject• Gleneagles 2005 - the culmination of a year of Make Poverty History

2007: Passing on• Aid and debt relief at unprecedented levels • African growing faster than the world for last 6 years• African peacekeeping capacity being expanded• UK recognised as leader in this field

In summary

We have helped ensured that Africa has a voice and a place at the top of the international agenda. Africa is now a central feature of all international discussions – not least of the G8 plus 5. The developed world works in partnership with Africa. It is a continent which has more hope now than it did ten years ago.


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Climate Change

1997: Inheritance • Deep splits between EU and US / developing countries on the approach• Climate change seen as peripheral issue • Science questioned

Our approach • UK key in brokering Kyoto • Put on agenda of G8 with the right people round the table G8 plus 5• Made the economic argument for acting now• Linked with energy security whilst supporting the development of renewable

energy and putting nuclear back on the table• Argued for EU trading scheme• Tough decision to have nuclear as part of our low carbon mix• Action by individuals and business an integral part of the approach

Key moments• Signing Kyoto• Stern making the argument that economically sensible to act• Energy Review putting nuclear on the agenda• Climate Change Bill putting domestic targets into legislation• Prime Minister/ Schwarzenegger cementing UK-US action

2007: Passing on• UK one of only two countries on track to meet their Kyoto targets and legislative

framework for the future• Proper engagement with US and developing countries with action across the EU

through trading and EU renewables target• Business campaign for low carbon approach and completely different degree of

awareness amongst individuals (e.g. rise of offsetting)

In summary

We have given the lead at home and internationally on tackling this threat. The debate has moved on from questioning the science to agreeing how we react to what it is warning. Every major industrial country is now sitting around the table to discuss collective action


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Labour party

1997: Inheritance • Lost four elections in a row• Party had recent reputation of incompetence in office and buffetted by crises• Traditionally only represented urban constituencies

Our approach • Overcome the traditional right / left divide – to underpin economic efficiency

with social justice – as the new Clause IV set out• Recognised that developing human capital was key to strong economy and fair

society• Built a coalition of support of traditional voters and those who had not identified

with the party in the past but supported our values of fairness and opportunity• Convince the public that having changed the Labour party we could change the

country• Associate the Labour party with issues which activists traditionally had shied

away from but where the under privileged often suffered the most: law and order, welfare reform

Key moments• Three election victories• Changed the political consensus – support for tax funded public services, free at

the point of use based on need not the ability to pay is now the keystone of British political

• Reforms previously opposed, now widely accepted: independence of Bank of England, the National Minimum Wage, Devolution

2007: Passing on• A more equal society. The poor have seen their wages increase faster than the

richest • A more progressive society. Minority groups are supported and protected by

rights.• Established a political framework for tackling every major issue which no party

has a serious alternative set of proposals• A base of core support which is above 30% of electorate which extends way

beyond Labour’s heartlands.

In summary


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In 1992 serious commentators suggested that Labour could never win another general election. Fifteen years on the party has won three in a row - and will continue in power if it sticks to its principles. Labour in office has combined objectives which had once been considered competing opposites: a strong economy and investment in services; being tough on criminals while helping offenders turn their back on crime; improving public services and supporting the workforce. In doing so the essence of Third Way politics is now guiding principle for all mainstream British political parties.


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PLP Brief from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour...

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