Past Present Future Now & Then with Robert Saunders: Neil Kinnock vs Militant
19 snips
Sep 28, 2025 Robert Saunders, a historian specializing in Labour Party history, dives deep into Neil Kinnock's pivotal 1985 speech against Militant. He reveals Militant's origins and how Trotskyist groups used Labour to build networks. Saunders discusses the fallout from Kinnock's confrontational style, the impact of the miners' strike, and how this speech aimed to keep Labour electable. He also reflects on Militant's influence and its role in shaping the party's future, emphasizing the delicate balance between revolutionary zeal and parliamentary democracy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trotskyist Entryism Explained
- Trotskyist entryism aimed to penetrate Labour to recruit and build revolutionary consciousness rather than honestly share Labour's goals.
- These groups used secretive structures and impossible policies to expose parliamentary politics as futile.
Kinnock's Personal Life-Chances Story
- Neil Kinnock told his personal story about life chances provided by Labour to explain why power mattered to him.
- He linked his family's council home and education directly to Labour's ability to deliver practical change.
Why Liverpool Became Militant's Foothold
- Liverpool's economic collapse made it fertile ground for militant's radical politics and takeover of a decayed local party.
- Militant focused on class struggle and housebuilding rather than new social movements, which intensified its clash with national Labour.