One-nation conservatism

"One Nation Conservatives" redirects here. For the parliamentary Conservative caucus, see One Nation Conservatives (caucus).

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One-nation conservatism, also known as one-nationism or Tory democracy, is a form of British political conservatism. It advocates the "preservation of established institutions and traditional principles within a political democracy, in combination with social and economic programmes designed to benefit" the ordinary person.[1] According to this political philosophy, society should be allowed to develop in an organic way, rather than being engineered. It argues that members of society have obligations towards each other and particularly emphasises paternalism, meaning that those who are privileged and wealthy should pass on their benefits.[2] It argues that this elite should work to reconcile the interests of all social classes, including labour and management, rather than identifying the good of society solely with the interests of the business class.[3]

The describing phrase 'one-nation Tory' originated with Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), who served as the chief Conservative spokesman and became Prime Minister in February 1868.[4] He devised it to appeal to working-class people, who he hoped would see it as a way to improve their lives via factory and health acts as well as greater protection for workers.[5] The ideology featured heavily during Disraeli's two terms in government, during which considerable social reforms were passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Conservative Party moved away from paternalism in favour of free market capitalism. In the first half of the 20th century, fears of extremism saw a revival of one-nation Conservatism. The Conservative Party continued to espouse the philosophy throughout the post-war consensus from 1945. One-nation thinking influenced their tolerance of the Labour government's Keynesian intervention in the economy, formation of a welfare state and the National Health Service. Thanks to Iain Macleod, Edward Heath and Enoch Powell, special attention after 1950 was paid to one-nation conservatism that promised support for the poorer and working class elements in the Party coalition.[6]

Later years saw the rise of the New Right, espoused by leaders such as Margaret Thatcher. This strand of conservatism rejected one-nation thinking and attributed the country's social and economic troubles to the welfare state and Keynesian policies.[7] In the 21st century, leaders of the Conservative Party revived the one-nation approach including David Cameron,[8][9] Theresa May[10] and Boris Johnson[11][12] - although Johnson's position as a one-nation conservative has been heavily disputed.[13][14]

  1. ^ "Tory Democracy". Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  2. ^ Vincent 2009, p. 64.
  3. ^ Lind 1997, p. 45: "[...] what in Britain is called 'one-nation conservatism' – a political philosophy that sees the purpose of the political elite as reconciling the interests of all classes, labor as well as management, instead of identifying the good of society with the business class."
  4. ^ Blake 1966, pp. 487–89.
  5. ^ "FAQ: What is One Nation conservatism?". Politics for A level. 12 October 2009.
  6. ^ Walsha, Robert (2003). "The one nation group and one nation Conservatism, 1950–2002". Contemporary British History. 17 (2): 69–120.
  7. ^ Vincent 2009, p. 66.
  8. ^ Daponte-Smith, Noah (2 June 2015). "Is David Cameron Really A One-Nation Conservative?". Forbes. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  9. ^ Kelly, Richard (February 2008), "Conservatism under Cameron: The new 'third way'", Politics Review
  10. ^ "Theresa May vows to be 'one nation' prime minister". BBC News. 13 July 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  11. ^ Brogan, Benedict (29 April 2010). "Boris Johnson interview: My advice to David Cameron? I've made savings, so can you". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  12. ^ Parker, George (21 December 2014). "Boris Johnson aims to win back voters as 'One Nation Tory'". Financial Times. London.
  13. ^ "Boris Johnson - one nation Conservative or populist?".
  14. ^ Stewart, Rory. Politics on the Edge.