Labour Party

Overview

The Labour Party is one of the two largest political parties in the United Kingdom and has been the party of government since July 2024, when it won a large majority under Keir Starmer, who became prime minister. It stands on the centre-left of British politics.

Labour grew out of the trade union movement and socialist societies at the turn of the twentieth century, and it retains formal links with the unions. Its traditions span social democracy, which seeks to reform capitalism through public provision and regulation, and democratic socialism, which seeks deeper structural change. The balance between these traditions has shifted many times.

History

The party was founded in 1900 as the Labour Representation Committee, taking the name Labour Party in 1906. It first formed a government in 1924 and overtook the Liberals as the main alternative to the Conservatives. Its most transformative period came after 1945, when Clement Attlee's government built the National Health Service and much of the modern welfare state and nationalised major industries.

In the 1990s Tony Blair rebranded the party as New Labour, moving it toward the political centre and winning three consecutive elections from 1997. After a period in opposition and a leftward turn under Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer moved the party back toward the centre and led it to a landslide victory in 2024.

Economic Policy

Labour supports a mixed economy in which government plays an active role. In office it has emphasised economic growth, investment in infrastructure and clean energy, and stronger workers' rights, while presenting itself as fiscally responsible. The party favours public ownership or tighter regulation in some sectors, funds public services through taxation, and places particular importance on the National Health Service, which it created and continues to defend.

Social Policy

On social questions Labour is broadly liberal and draws strong support in cities and among younger and university-educated voters. It supports equality legislation, LGBT rights, and workers' protections. The party contains a range of views on issues such as immigration and law and order, with its leadership under Starmer generally taking a more centrist and managerial approach than the party's left wing.

Foreign Policy

Labour supports NATO and the transatlantic alliance and, in government, has sought a closer working relationship with the European Union without rejoining it. It generally favours international cooperation, development aid, and a rules-based international order, while maintaining the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent, a question that has at times divided the party.

Where They Stand

• Supports a mixed economy with an active role for government in growth and investment
• Defends and funds the National Health Service through taxation
• Backs stronger workers' rights and employment protections
• Broadly liberal on social and equality questions
• Supports NATO and a closer working relationship with the European Union
• Maintains the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent

Electoral Record

Labour has formed several governments since 1945, most notably under Attlee, Wilson, Blair, and now Starmer. Its 2024 general election victory gave it a large Commons majority. In the devolved nations its position varies, and it faces competition from the SNP in Scotland, from Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in Wales, and increasingly from the Greens and Reform UK across England.

Position on the Political Compass

Labour Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.

These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.

Key Figures

Sources and Further Reading

• Labour Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
• Official party websitelabour.org.uk
• Electoral Commission registrationsearch.electoralcommission.org.uk

Other United Kingdom Parties