The Rest Is Politics 130. Question Time: Bumping into Boris Johnson, the Hong Kong handover, and One-nation Tories vs. Blairites
May 11, 2023
The hosts dive into the relevance of political manifestos and the challenges of keeping promises in an age of populism. They reflect humorously on Theresa May's controversial 2017 manifesto and the twists of British political dynamics. An insightful discussion on the implications of Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences sheds light on mental health within the justice system. Plus, they share quirky anecdotes on book discoveries and highlight the need for personal engagement in politics to inspire change.
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Manifesto Importance
- Manifestos matter because they guide civil service policy, influence House of Lords decisions, and are used by whips to enforce voting.
- Manifestos can also provide direction for a government's overall agenda, making their creation and implementation crucial.
Theresa May's Manifesto Gamble
- Theresa May's 2017 manifesto included a controversial proposal to address adult social care funding, impacting property owners.
- This decision, though potentially beneficial long-term, backfired politically, costing her a majority and affecting Brexit.
Blairite vs. One-Nation Conservative
- Blairites and One-Nation Conservatives differ ideologically, despite both claiming the center ground.
- Key differences exist regarding government intervention, particularly in areas like taxation, public services, and economic regulation.
