The Labour Party
Manifesto 2007
“Strength Through Stability” The Labour Party has a undisputed record of a stable economy with positive growth and low
inflation – and we plan to expand on that.
“Fairness Through Equality” Social policies must put everyone on equal ground, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or
disability. Our record stands firm and second to none.
“Peace and Prosperity” The Labour Party recognizes that the most prosperous times are also the most peaceful –
that’s why our mission across the globe will continue to be the pursuit of peace in all corners.
“Strong Leadership for Trying Times” The international stage changes daily – and it’s important to have leaders who not only
understand mainstream Britain, but can make the tough decisions to keep Britain safe.
Promoting Policies…
…that Promote You!
The Labour Party
Manifesto 2007
Table of Contents Introduction by James Maxwell
Four Steps to a Better Britain
Your Money
Your Job
Your World
Your Security
Your Values
Your Community
Your Life
Your Government
Your Say!
Index
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Dear Voter , It is not to be forgotten that as politicians battle it out for your vote, there are British troops
serving in Afghanistan fighting a very real battle. On behalf of the Labour Party, I would like to
thank our armed forces for the great work they have done and will continue to do in shaping a
more democratic and secure Afghanistan and in turn a more secure Britain. I pay my respects
to the UK servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in all wars, but in
Afghanistan in particular. Their sacrifice was not in vain as progress continues to be made in
Helmand province and elsewhere in combating insurgency.
Upon becoming Prime Minister I pledged to call a general election within twelve months to
receive a mandate for myself as Prime Minister and for the One Labour Party I have striven to
build as a government. Here we are, and this election represents a choice. A choice between a
Labour Party with a renewed agenda for change against the indecision of the Liberal
Democrats, the divisiveness of the Conservatives and the opportunism of the Independent
Labour Party. As ever the decision will be made on policy, and which party you trust with your
child's education, your health service, your tax money and your support.
I am unashamed to be making Labour's case for the first time. Since 1997 we have made some
very positive changes to policy in the UK, keeping taxes low, investing in public services and
ensuring that hard graft by hand or brain is rewarded. However, one thing a party that ever
hopes to achieve a fourth term in government must acknowledge that we made mistakes.
Mistakes with the 90 day detention, ID cards and with tuition fees at £3,000 per year. We went
to war when we shouldn't have, and for that we make an unreserved apology.
So where New Labour brought progress One Labour will build and where New Labour made
mistakes we seek to rectify those by taking a fresh approach, often radical yet pragmatic.
That's all very well said, but what you'll be seeking to know is what a One Labour government
will mean for your job, your community, your children's future. I hope that this manifesto will
be provide the answers you are looking for - policies guided by progressive principles and
modern values. Each individual Secretary and Minister of State have undertaken to outline the
direction in which they intend to take and how that will affect the lives of you, the electorate.
One Labour stand committed to a more stable economy. There is no doubt that with house
prices continuing to rise steadily government needs to remain resolute in preventing the
market from over-heating. For that you need a tried hand but with a wealth of fresh ideas - you
have that in Labour. One Labour believes in liberty and security, in equal partnership. With the
spectre of political extremism and international terrorism it is difficult to protect liberties and
find new innovative ways of tracking down criminals who abuse liberties to commit their
crimes. For that you need a party that knows the value of upholding liberty but is also
experienced in tackling crime and terrorism with results - look at the figures and watch the
dogmatic fight of many present Cabinet members against ID cards and 90 day detention and
you will see that you have that in Labour.
Another thing that One Labour stands firmly in defence of is the need for equality of
opportunity. In the global era we now live in, we will all face competition at every stage of life
like never before, so it is important that for their empowerment, that working people have the
skills they need to succeed. Thus access to good quality education and to vital skills for life for
all is imperative to Britain's economy. In order to promote social mobility at every turn you
need a party that knows poverty, knows the causes and most importantly knows the
solutions. Cast your mind back to crumbling school buildings and forward now to the new
educational infrastructure put in place by Labour and you'll know that to have that in Labour.
But these are just some of the challenges now facing the UK.
Labour shall secures the UK's place at the top table in international negotiations by working
constructively with prominent organisations to deliver global reform. Additionally, Labour will
commit to establishing regional living wages to tailor make the economy around people and
their needs, and to make want a thing of the past. Ambitious targets on environmental and
energy reform will be set, infrastructure renewed and a new politics created. Labour stand for
a commission into further devolution, a more democratic House of Lords and a political
system centred on listening again.
In this document, ever present are priorities that reflect the modern society that Labour has
had a hand in crafting. In this document is a blueprint for pragmatic change of the type we
need to construct a truly progressive country. In this document, I am confident you will find
hope for the future.
Best Wishes,
Our First Priorities:
4 steps to a better Britain
Building a Dynamic
Economy with a
Sustainable Green Sector!
Investigating New
Means of Tackling Crime
and Terrorism!
Ensure that Britain becomes even
more socially mobile, through
positive action on life chances in
the early years and increasing
access to further education!
Push educational
attainment in schools and
quality of care on the NHS
even higher!
Your Money: An Introduction by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Christian Marcum
-Christian
“We have a real opportunity as a Party to make a
stark contrast between ourselves and the
Conservatives. We’ve seen their policies in the past –
policies of unabashed favoritism towards the
wealthy and unashamed attacks on the middle and
working classes. Over the past decade, Labour has
struck a balance between punishing success and
rewarding stark greed at the expense of society. It is
time to continue to speak for Britain – not one class
or the other. As the Conservatives gear up for a flat
tax plan with their Shadow Chancellor, I can stand
here and firmly say we have not, are not, and never
will be for anything other than fair and progressive
taxation!
It’s not time to look into the past, as the regressive Tories would have you, but to look into
the future and how we can improve towards our ultimate goal: strength and stability in
the economy.”
Our Policies: - A solid commitment not a raise the lower or higher rates of Income Tax.
- An ironclad commitment to a new tuition fees scheme (to be elaborated on
under Your Life) in which students who complete University are waved
their tuition fees and are debt free upon completition!
- The introduction of a tax placed upon excessively high bonuses and
“golden parachutes,” by which terminated executives are paid excessively
high severance fees.
- A responsible monetary policy to curb the possibility of inflation and a
ballooning housing market without hurting the ability to buy.
- The introduction of a regionally varied living wage, to ensure prosperity for
all according to their need.
Our Policies Continued: - The freedom of choice in pensioning, in which no person can be
forced to retire.
- The introduction of an investment bank to make strategic
investments in critical industries based on the highly successful
Canadian model.
- The introduction of a community improvement fund to allow
local governments the access to funds they need to purchase
community improvement projects.
- An act to provide workers at least one seat on the executive
board of corporations to ensure they have a seat at the table and
a day-to-day voice other than collective bargaining.
- Lowering the male pension age to 63, while increasing the female
age to 63, in order to allow more enjoyment and time as
pensioners.
- Reducing rent on Government owned housing.
- And, vitally, continuing to maintain reasonable levels of debt and
recognizing that the key to a healthy economy is a reasonable
deficit to GDP ratio. Reducing the deficit blindly is not the answer,
but rather maintaining our ability to repay our debt. We are
committed to running a reasonable deficit, while investing in our
economy and public services to ensure their continued growth
and development.
Promoting Policies…
…that Promote You!
Your Job: An Introduction by Business and Industry Secretary, Alexi Giannoulias
One of the foremost concerns of Labour always has been the
employment of the citizens of Great Britain and their ability to
negotiate with their employers fairly, honestly, and with success. On
the same token, we have been successful at empowering both the
workers and their employers to make the decisions necessary to foster
a healthy economy. Our minimum wage has been a great success and
our inflationary policies have been second to none. We turned around
Major’s bedeviled economy and showed the world that Britain is more
than what the Conservatives want – it is a powerhouse that can
provide mobility and success to all classes, and can be the great
equalizer. We have a chance to continue with the success and tweak it
even further – after a decade of booming, we have even more work
than ever, ensuring that all walks of life benefit from our economy and
that we redouble our efforts to eradicate poverty and establish full
employment. Our commitment to you remains as strong as ever, and I
hope your commitment to us is just as equal. We are One People, One
Nation, and One Labour!
How Labour is Strong on Business and Strong on Jobs:
- The commitment to a minimum wage, introduced in our first
term in Government.
- The commitment to a new “Green” sector, to create thousands of
high paying jobs for British citizens across the country.
- The development of our energy at home, to ensure that jobs stay
here, along with an improved self-sustainability.
- A voice for the workers on the executive board, with someone to
approach that makes day-to-day decisions as opposed to going
solely through union negotiations.
- The ability to have a regional living wage, that ensures fairness
and social mobility across all regions and taking living expenses
into account.
Your World: An Introduction by Foreign Secretary, Zubair Smith.
“Labour has always been the party for
foreign affairs. Labour has always been
the party wanting to reform the way this
world functions to create more equality
and fairness. And this election and a
possible new term in Government will
be no different.
We have seen many things the last three
terms: fight for democracy in Iraq and
Afghanistan; war on terror; call for UN
reform; arm quotas and much more. It
has been a successful road Labour has
walked down the last three terms, and
Labour will continue to stroll on this
path, ensuring fairness and equality in
the world, democracy, reform and unity.
We all live in a world society, so let us
get the best out of it, and let us fight
inequality together; let us fight for
democracy together; let us fight for
reforms together; let us fight for fairness,
peace and prosperity .
Let us vote for peace; let us vote for
democracy; let us vote for unity; let us
vote for solidarity; let us vote for
prosperity; let us vote for respect; let us
vote for responsibility; let us vote for
maturity. Let us vote for Labour to
govern foreign affairs.”
Our Priorities:
- Iraq and
Afghanistan
- Terrorism
- The Middle East
and Africa
- Poverty and
Aids
- UN Reform
- Europe
Iraq and Afghanistan
Both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been occupying people’s minds since they
were commenced. Many people have blamed Labour of commencing illegal wars,
fighting against democracy, destroying the Middle East. We respect that people
think like this, but we strongly disagree.
Labour is fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan to create a democratic system; we are
fighting to battle down the terror which they meet every day. Every minute, hour
and day, British soldiers victimize themselves in order to help civilians. They do so
because they - like Labour - believe in what we are fighting for, they believe in
helping nations in need of it.
However, Labour is not fond of wars, which is why we will issue a review of Iraq
and Afghanistan to find out when the missions can be finished and a pull-back can
be called.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a serious problem in and out of Britain. And Labour is committed to
battle it, getting peace and prosperity to the world stage. Therefore we are going
to participate in joint attempts to battle terror, and we are going to be exclusive
of it anytime.
We are going to continue operations like Iraq and Afghanistan when it is most
needed, because we need to battle terrorism, and that will not be done by sitting
back and ignoring it, hoping that it will get solved itself.
We will strongly condemn any terror act, and we are going to offer our help to
any state suffering under serious terrorism.
The Middle East and Africa
Labour is going to continue the Kashmir peace process between our
Commonwealth partners of India and Pakistan. In times like these, it is most
important to ensure that peace is secured in the Middle East and between our
partners.
We are also going to improve our Middle Eastern and African relations. What we
see here today might very well be tomorrow’s world leaders, and therefore it is
compulsory of Britain to have sound relations with these nations. We need to
speak and trade with everyone who abides by international law, not just across
the Atlantic, but in the Middle East and Africa too. And by having good relations,
we can ensure that democracy is brought to these nations in a more peaceful
manner, and that our economy grows together with Middle Eastern and African
ones.
Britain needs to not only look towards the Atlantic, but towards Africa and the
Middle East. Britain needs to be innovative, and that is what Labour will bring.
Poverty and AIDS
Under Labour, there will be offered help to nations experiencing poverty and
AIDS. We need to help people in developing nations exploit their individual
abilities to the fullest, and this can only be done by eliminating world-wide
poverty. Therefore, Britain will continue to increase the aid sent to developing
nations.
The problem of AIDS however is different: it is a disease of which we know very
little, and we are as of yet not able to battle it properly, only prevent it.
Therefore, Labour is going to help states experiencing high amounts of AIDS with
fighting it and gaining medicine to prevent, but also to research into AIDS and find
new and innovative ways of battling it, ensuring that we will one day be able to
cure it.
UN Reform
The UN Security Council is in a perilous state. Today, many nations are almost
without influence, and that is strictly against everything Labour has ever believed
in. Therefore, we are going to push for a reform to the UN Security Council,
ensuring that it will be democratised and more nations will have influence.
Labour has always been the party for democracy, and that includes international
and domestic affairs alike.
…that Promote You!
Promoting Policies…
Europe:
Foreward by the Minister of State for Europe, Josh Lyman
As Minister for Europe, I
intend to support the
European Union and other
European Institutions for as
long as their policies are
conducive to and supportive
of our own. The Free Trade
provisions remain invaluable
to the domestic economy,
and I will defend them for as
long as they continue to be
so. I will continue to work
with the Union on security
measures designed to keep
our population safe from
terrorist and criminal
threats. I will also seek
measures designed to
increase the democratic
legitimacy of the union, and
end the Franco-Germanic
domination of its
institutions.
Where We Stand:
Continued support of the European
Union, including measures ensuring
free trade throughout the Union
Reform of the Common Agricultural
Policy
Reform of Common Foreign and
Security Policy
Increased democratic legitimacy
through greater involvement of the
European Parliament.
Reform of voting procedures
granting large Member states
disproportionate influence.
Whether Britain should be part of Europe has always been an interesting question, and we have even seen parties split because of that question. But a matter of fact is that Britain is part of Europe, and that we should be part of the EU. This has always been the policy of Labour, and it will also be the policy of a Labour Government. What we see in the EU is environmental legislation, civil rights legislation, economic legislation – they all have great potential to affect good upon Great Britain. On these first three points, the EU has strong support from Labour. However, on the potential encroachment upon state sovereignty, the EU has no support from this Party. Any future treaty that has even the potential to cede an individual Government power of Britain to an international authority must be achieved by a nation-wide referendum. That is why we need Labour: we are going to maintain a strong but constructive voice in the EU, we are going to push for laws improving the lives of all our citizens, we are going to support a better environment, and we are going to work in the world’s strongest economic community. But we are not going to give away our sovereignty, something which we must protect firmly, without becoming a destructive and useless voice, like the Conservatives or UKIP.
Your Security: Foreward by Home Secretary, Simon Riley
Thankyou, Simon Riley
The protection of the British public is the number one priority of any government. For this Labour government, it's no different. From when we came to office in 1997, there is now 13,000 more policemen on the beat - furthermore, we want to increase this number still, and make sure that our policemen are on the frontline protecting you. Since the Conservatives were last in power, overall crime has dropped by 30%. Is that enough? No, we are not naive enough to think that. The job is a long way from being complete, but with Labour you can trust us to continue to fight crime head on. The Labour Party is also listening to what you have to say. We want to revamp the test taken by immigrants looking for work in this country, to give it more relevance to everyday life in Britain, and an emphasis on knowing the English language. We are continuing to fight illegal immigration, and that is why we promise to fund the UK Border Agency more, not cut it. When I took the job of Home Secretary I did it because I knew we can make a difference. If you vote Labour, you are voting for tackling crime head on.
Our Proven
Trifecta:
Immigration
Crime
Anti-
Discrimination
Immigration: - Revamp the test taken by people looking to seek entry into the United Kingdom for work, with a focus on making it more relevant. We will also look to include an English Language test on people wishing to enter the United Kingdom. - Look into a 'points system' for immigration, where people seeking work would have to gain a certain amount of points based on their potential ability to find suitable work, for people to remain in the UK and seek employment. - To fund more, not cut the funding towards the UK Border Agency.
Crime: - To create 10,000 more prison spaces by the end of the first term of government. - Increase the number of frontline police officers, to make sure that the police are more heavily presented on the streets than in offices. We will also look into creating bi-annual fitness checks for police officers on the frontline. - Regular checks to ensure that police departments are working effectively and to make it clear that if things are not up to scratch Chief Constables could be more often replaced. - To amend laws to make sure people acting in reasonable self-defense to robberies or assaults will not be prosecuted. -To increase sentences for those convicted of knife crime, and
possession of knives. - We will look at scrapping the ID Card proposal, and replacing it with a more cost-effective and less intrusive system.
Anti-Discrimination: - Introduce an Anti-Discrimination programme into Citizenship lessons for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students, whilst also introducing a similar programme for primary school students. The programme would cover racism, sexism, discrimination of sexual orientation and disability discrimination. Its main aim would be to show children the effects of discrimination, and why it is wrong.
A Little of What We’ve
Accomplished:
Overall crime has dropped by 30%
13000 more policeman on the beat
Increase Funding to the UK Border
Agency
Your Values:
Foreward by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, Jack
Dutronic
I've come to the conclusion you simply cannot be bored in Britain. For
the last 50 years we have stood as the epicenter of English-language
culture and London remains arguably the world's pop culture capital.
The number of bands, writers, and artists of every sort have come out
FREEDOM: Part one of fostering cultural growth
is freedom. Under a Labour government total
freedom of speech and artistic expression will
be enforced, thus creating an atmosphere
accepting and friendly towards artists and the
arts.
AFFLUENCE: Where there is not economic
security, many times there is not art. Those
living paycheck to paycheck, those who are
forced to live their lives in survival mode, just
trying to make it, they are extremely unlikely to
produce Britain's next great concerto.
Therefore, as a byproduct of the economic
security and affluence the Labour Party will
bring this country, so too will art emerge.
EDUCATION: You cannot have the arts without
an understanding of the arts. The Labour Party
continues to urge greater artistic education the
United Kingdom's schooling system. Through
education we can help create a new generation
of artists greater than ever before.
of this little island of ours never fails to inspire the deepest sense of
awe within me. I saw the Kinks, the Beatles, the Stones, I grew up with
the bands that built rock n' roll. But I've also seen the Smiths, Oasis, the
Libertines, and the Arctic Monkeys, music is alive and well in the United
Kingdom.
The other arts thrive as well here. We're the land of Dickens. The land
of countless authors and artists. But culture doesn't stop at the
individual. Our sports, our cities, our communities, they too hold a
distinct title in the world. Particularly, on the issue of sport, we are just
5 short years from the glare of the cameras, the bright lights, the
Olympics, and this Labour government will prepare you for that, believe
me. Then there's the world cup. This Labour government will pursue, to
the utmost extent, England's newly announced bid to host the 2018
World Cup and I am truly confident we can be successful in that bid.
Finally this brings us to Media. This Labour government will continue to
cooperate and back one of the world's fairest and freest media systems
through continued funding and a refusal to make any attempt to
manipulate, control, or otherwise interfere with the media.
If you're voting based on culture there is simply only one way to vote.
The Labour Party has always and will always be the party of freedom, of
progress, of artistic expression, whereas the Conservatives shall always
turn up their noses towards this nations thriving modern culture. Vote
Labour.
Your Community: Foreward by Regions Secretary, Jack Dutronic
Subsidiarity is a simple concept, control at the most local level that is
practical. It is a concept which I believe most people agree with. Yet it is
a concept long ignored and hard fought for. It is a concept, an ideology
which guides the Labour Party's dealings with local government, and, in
particular, with regions, specifically in this new government moving
forward.
The last decade has been one of tremendous gains for the regions of
the UK outside of England proper. Paramount among these is the Good
Friday Agreement. The Troubles are coming to a close; North Ireland
has seen peace at last. And despite early critiques and the claims of
pessimistic pundits, it appears by all measures that this peace will,
indeed, be a lasting one. With power sharing and ceasefire, the future
of the Northern Ireland is bright.
Devolution was the key word of the Blair years. One needn't look very
far to see the effects. Three regions now have a devolved assembly,
assemblies with the power to govern on a smaller level, more akin to
the wishes of the people. All three of the non-English regions were
given a choice and they chose subsidiarity, they chose devolution, and
as the party of the people, Labour stands with them.
However, now it's time to expand that vote, to expand that choice. As
Secretary of State for Regions, I can promise you that the Labour Party
will bring a bill before parliament empowering the English people to
make that same choice, to vote for an English assembly.
Friends, this is an exciting time for Britain, we're empowering the
people, allowing them not just to choose who governs them, but the
boundaries under which their governed and the region they belong too.
Labour will continue that trend. Labour will continue to empower the
people. Labour will continue democratic devolution.
The Way Forward
1) Further devolution to the Welsh, Scottish, and
North Irish assemblies.
2) A referendum for England on their own
devolved parliament.
3) A community fund for local improvements.
Your Life: Education:
Tony Blair once said that the three main
priorities for Laour were "education,
education, education." The importance of
education to Labour cannot be overstated.
It is the building block to a brighter future
for everyone in Britain, and not just for
children. Education is truly a lifelong
process, and this will be reflected in our
policy. Education is the gateway to success
not only for individuals, but for us as a
society. When I was a teacher, I enjoyed
opening children's minds to new knowledge
and ideas that equipped them for future.
Not just in terms of jobs, but developing
them as decent citizens co-operating in a
society based on respect. It is one of the
most important areas of government in that
respect, and I strongly believe that our
policies will pave the way to an education
system that Britain can be proud of.
Our Pledge to
Students:
By introducing a new
tuition fees scheme that
promotes students to finish
what they start, we will be
able to annul the debt of all
University students who
finish their degrees on time
and with reasonable grades.
The scheme involves a
system of annulling a
certain amount of debt per
year completed until the
student graduates debt free.
Promoting Policies…
…that Promote You!
What We Will Do Aim to keep classroom sizes at 25 pupils and below, so that
teachers can give each child the attention and support that they
need.
Introduce Politics as a GCSE so that students have the opportunity
to learn more about how vital decisions are made in our country
and the world around them.
Introduce Philosophy classes from the beginning of secondary
school, allowing children to debate and consider their own
opinions on important issues - increasing in substance as they get
older and closer to own age when they could make an impact on
our society
Reform SATs tests so that teachers can teach a wider and more
educationally beneficial range of topics without having to
constantly "teach to the test"
Provide more one-on-one attention for students who are
struggling
Create Student Advisory Councils to ensure that senior leadership
in schools are aware of what the school experience is look from
the student end, so that any necessary or beneficial changes can
be made as a result
More protection for teachers from false allegations by students -
teachers do not deserve to have their lives and careers ruined
when they are only guilty of doing their job
Guarantee training for students who want it if they leave school at
16
Ensure that teachers have an acceptable work-life balance to
relieve stress, which will improve their performance in the
classroom and ensure that students get a higher standard of
education
Your Government: An expose’ on the Labour Party’s chance to reform Government.
One thing we can all agree on is this: no system of government is
ever perfect. We must all adapt and strive to make democracies better,
more equal, and a better servant to the people. In striving to do that,
the Labour Party has set up several commissions, looking into how to
better our great democracy, and it is now time to push forward with
these ideas. Just as we reformed the House of Lords during our first
term in Government, we again wish to strive towards a greater future
for our nation through having a better system of voting and a more
democratic Parliamentary institution, through which MP’s must truly be
held accountable to a moral code and their constituents’ voices. We
also recognize that times are changing and the age of maturity and
accountability is ever decreasing. As a progressive party, looking
towards the future, we say it is time to continue to reform Government
– and give everyone a greater say in their future!
Constitutional Reform:
- The Labour Party promises a referendum on whether to keep
First Past The Post, or change the voting system to the
Alternative Vote.
- We plan to pass legislation that will continue to erode
hundreds of years of unmerited seats in the House of Lords,
by making House of Lords appointments based solely upon
merit and service to the nation.
- Allow voters to 'recall' MP's if they are break a newly written
'ministerial code', and force a by-election in their
constituency.
- To lower the voting age to 16 and engage young people in
their society through early education.