Labour’s purpose is fairness: fair rules, fair chances and a fair say for everyone.

 

In 1995 we set out our values in Clause IV of the Labour Party’s constitution:

 

‘The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few.’

 

Those democratic values have guided us through twelve years in government: everything from the large canvas of economic stability, full employment and record investment in public services, to the fine detail of the minimum wage, free museum entry and civil partnerships.

Asylum and Immigration

The protection of our borders is fundamental to the future of our country. We are committed to building on the progress we have made to create a system in which people can have confidence, which protects the security of the United Kingdom, prevents abuse of our laws, and is fair to both legal migrants and the British public. We are building an immigration system fit for the 21st century, one which benefits Britain.

Europe

In today’s European Union, Britain is a strong voice acting for the best interests of its citizens. Our economic success over the last ten years, our place in other major international institutions and our strong support for enlargement means that we continue to be well placed to lead the debate in Europe.
membership of the European Union is essential for Britain’s prosperity and security and for tackling global issues to ensure a fairer world for all. Now with 27 member states, the EU is the largest single market and British-based businesses are taking full advantage of being part of it. More than half of all our trade is with the rest of Europe and millions of jobs are dependent on it. We want to move on from institutional debate to work within a streamlined EU on the issues that really matter, such as immigration and climate change.

Local Government

Labour believes in delivering social justice to all wherever they live.That means that we insist on national standards in key areas and that we fund local services to help deliver this fairly.But we are clear that the best way to govern ourselves and to deliver excellent services is in most cases through decentralisation and devolution.We believe that wherever possible we should pass influence, power and control to the people, to local institutions and groups, to front line staff and to local councils.We do this because we trust the people to be the best authors of their destinies, and want to see power spread through our society.Labour’s approach is rooted in the idea that local people and communities possess the ingenuity and common sense to run their own affairs and collectively solve their problems, given the right framework of resources and support from central government.
in local government is working to deliver high quality, value for money local services.On average, Labour councils cost the local taxpayer less than Tory or Lib Dem councils.

The NHS

The NHS is the Labour Party’s greatest achievement. We created it, we saved it, we value it and we will always support it. Over Labour’s 11 years in government, substantial and sustained investment in the NHS backed by vital reforms have transformed the service. We have ensured the NHS has the staff it needs and backed them to deliver improvements in quality and capacity, driving up standards and driving down waits. Now we are bringing healthcare closer to communities and giving patients more power and control, making sure the NHS is there for you when and where you need it.

Crime and Anti-Social behaviour

Britain is safer with Labour. Today, the chance of being a victim of crime is at its lowest level since 1981. Due to Labour’s policies crime is down, and thanks to our investment police officer numbers are at a historic high.
Labour has the policies to address the challenges of the future. We recognise that new challenges need new and different approaches. We are giving police and communities new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour; investing in neighbourhood policing; modernising our criminal justice system; and taking measures to combat terrorism.

Equalities

Labour believes everyone is of equal worth and entitled to respect. Our vision is of an equal, inclusive society where there is opportunity for every citizen regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, religion or belief.
Labour is the party of equality. From challenging disability discrimination, to tackling the pay gap and racism and introducing the Human Rights Act, Labour has been at the forefront of change. We have done more than any government in history to support opportunity for all. We should be proud of our record, but we recognise that there is more to do to attack prejudice and ensure that every one of our citizens is treated equally.

Democracy and Citizenship

For Labour, democratic renewal is intended to forge a new relationship between government and citizen, so that Britain is better equipped to respond to the challenges that lie ahead. We want to create a society where power is held accountable and where individuals are able to maximise control over their own lives. That core objective is what has guided the substantial programme of constitutional change which we have undertaken since 1997.

Environment

Labour is making Britain greener, cleaner and less polluting.Key measures such as the Renewables Obligation and Climate Change Levy have delivered reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions, while our rivers and beaches are cleaner, our water is cleaner and our air is purer than in 1997. We have led the way internationally on climate change: we were the first to put climate change at the heart of the G8, the first to call a UN Security Council meeting on climate change, and the first to introduce a Climate Change Bill and in doing so set a long term framework for emissions reduction.
There is more to do: our ambition is to reduce our CO2 emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020, while we triple our production of renewable energy; improve our housing stock so it is among the most energy efficient in Europe and energy prices are lower for consumers, particularly the most vulnerable; protect a quarter of a million more homes from flooding over the next three years; continue to improve air quality and the purity of our beaches, rivers and drinking water; ensure our farming sector thrives; and protect our countryside from animal disease.

Older People

Over the last ten years pensioners have done well out of our growing economy. The challenge now, while still providing for today’s pensioners, will be to encourage and reward saving for all people to ensure greater well-being in later life.

Today’s pensioners are better off than any previous generation – for the first time, in a period of sustained economic growth, pensioners are less likely to be poor than people of working age.
We also have to deliver for the millions of people who care for elderly or disabled relatives, so that they can manage financially and balance the responsibilities of work and caring.

Schools

Unlocking the talent and potential of each and every young person must be at the heart of Labour’s vision for education. Since 1997, Labour has transformed education; young people are achieving some of the best ever results at 11, 14, 16 and 18.We have doubled the investment in education from £39 billion in 1997 to £63 billion in 2007/08 – and this will rise further to £76 billion in 2010/11. Our long term aim is to close the gap between private and state education; raising the level of investment per pupil to today’s private school levels.

More information on labour’s policies is available by going to: www.labour.org.uk