One Nation Britain

’This is an important work which throws up some interesting lessons from history. Is Conservatism best placed to deliver upon a One Nation agenda? The thrust of this book suggests that, despite the legacy of One Nation Tories like Disraeli and Baldwin, it is not. Labour, on the other hand, can read with interest some of the precedents highlighted here - including George Lansbury, David Lloyd George, and even the radical Harold Macmillan of the 1930s. Manifesto writing is drawing ever nearer for all parties - books such as this play a crucial role in opening up minds, highlighting previous One Nation consensus, and encouraging the new thinking our country needs.’ Jon Cruddas MP, Labour Policy Review Co-ordinator, UK ’In this book, Richard Carr highlights the historical origins of many contemporary economic debates. He shows how ideas such as such as a living wage, switching public spending from welfare to supporting growth, wealth taxes and the financial transaction tax have all had high-level support in political circles in the past. Given such progressive policies were backed by figures from across the political spectrum, including Crosland, Lloyd George and Macmillan, then a consensus for reform may be wider than our current discourse suggests. There is much to ponder here for politicians of all persuasions.’ Tony Dolphin, Associate Director for Economic Policy, Institute for Public Policy Research, UK ’This work shows that investment in national infrastructure, a living wage, and a politics that emphasises jobs for all has significant historical precedent - in all parties. This book takes us from Lloyd George speaking in East London for small levies on extreme wealth, to Macmillan writing in Stockton in the 1930s on the problems of contemporary capitalism such as low wages, and a significant regional divide. And it shows how all wings of the Labour Party have contributed to this story - not just in the major achievements of the 1945 government,