British Perspectives 2016
Contents
Perspectives for Britain 2016
1. The speed of political developments in Britain has quickened dramatically. In last year's perspectives document we said: "The weakening of the social base of the major parties, a process that has taken place over decades, is now reaching a tipping point."
EU referendum
As a consequence of the EU referendum, the Tories could split and Cameron could be ejected from power even before a new stage of economic crisis develops
Joyless recovery
18. The supposed economic recovery of recent years has been joyless for the overwhelming majority. A study by the London School of Economics has shown that real median wages fell by almost 10% from 2008
A different kind of new formation
20. Alongside predicting the crumbling of the establishment parties, last year's document also stated that "the rapid development of new parties" would be on the agenda
Civil war in the Labour Party
24. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the civil war that is taking place within Labour. Jeremy Corbyn was elected on a surge of good will, which he largely still has
Council cuts
40. Partly thanks to our intervention one of the central points of discussion among Corbyn supporters currently is the question of Labour councils and whether they have no choice but to implement cuts.
Role of trade union leaders
46. Unfortunately, it is not only the majority of the Labour left who see events in terms of clinging on until 2020 but also much of the leadership of the trade union movement
Different flashpoints
52. There are a whole series of other issues around which movements could develop. In London and the South, the housing crisis is extremely acute
A new more, unstable era
56. Traditionally the pace of politics in Britain has been drawn-out. The working class, whilst very determined once in action, has also been slow to enter the struggle
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