The Fall and Rise of the British Left

The Fall and Rise of the British Left

by Andrew Murray (Author), Andrew Murray (Author)

Synopsis

The remarkable advance of Corbynism did not emerge from nowhere. It is the product of developments in socialist and working-class politics over the past forty years and more. The Thatcher era witnessed a wholesale attack on the postwar consensus and welfare state, through a regime of deregulation, attacks on the unions, privatisations, and globalisation. However, at the same time, there existed a persistent resistance to the growing powers of neo-liberalism. This side of the story is rarely told as it was considered to be a history of defeat. Yet out of this struggle emerged a thoroughly modern socialism. This book is essential reading for those who want to know where Corbynism comes from: the policies, personalities and moments of resistance that have produced this new horizon. This includes the story of power struggles within the Labour Party, and the eventual defeat of New Labour. The movements outside it-unions, feminists groups, anti-fascists activists, anti-war protestors-that have driven the policies of the movement forward. And the powerful influence of international groups that have shaped the potential for a global progressive politics.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
Publisher: Verso
Published: 17 Sep 2019

ISBN 10: 1788735137
ISBN 13: 9781788735131

Media Reviews
Of all the analyses of Labour's astonishing 2017 General Election performance, Andrew Murray's provides a detailed explanation of the road the British left has taken to reach touching distance of power. This is a brilliant book - a must read not just for academics but for every party activist. - Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite the Union An in-depth examination of how a full-blooded version of socialism moved from the fringes to the centre of British political life. - Choice Magazine This studious and succinct account of the politics of the left is essential reading for any socialist navigating the dangers of political life as progressive ideas are tested in the real world. - Morning Star For insights into the Corbyn mindset [this] new book could be invaluable for those unfamiliar with Labour's enduring civil war. . . .The enduring theme is how the left was underestimated. - Jim Packard, Financial Times Uniquely insightful in its appraisal of both the prospects and limitations facing the Corbyn project . . .A rich and needed intervention into the mass movement currently pushing for a humane society in Britain.' - Marcus Barnett, Jacobin
Author Bio
Andrew Murray has been Chief of Staff of Unite union since 2011, and was previously its Director of Communications. He was Chair of the Stop the War Coalition from 2001 to 2011, when he was replaced by Jeremy Corbyn, and again from 2015 to 2016. From 1978 to 1984 he worked as a parliamentary and political correspondent for the Morning Star newspaper. He is the author of a number of books on history and politics, including Off the Rails: The Crisis on Britain's Railways (Verso 2001), A New Labour Nightmare (Verso 2003) and Stop the War: The Story of Britain's Biggest Mass Movement (Bookmarks 2005, with Lindsey German). He worked as part of the strategic leadership of Labour's 2017 general election campaign.