Re-moralising Britain? 10 Years of New Labour: Faith, Morals and Governance
The University of Manchester, May 17 - 18, 2007
Watch a video of Elaine Graham (University of Manchester)
Watch a video of Anthony Giddens (LSE)
Watch a video of Will Hutton (The Work foundation)
Principal Speakers:
John Atherton (William Temple Foundation)
Mark Chapman (Cuddesdon, Oxford)
Anthony Giddens (LSE)
Elaine Graham (The University of Manchester)
Will Hutton (The Work Foundation)
Paul Vallely (The Independent)
Jess Steele (BURA)
Gerry Stoker (The University of Southampton)
Timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of Blair's appointment as Prime Minister, this international conference investigates the moral basis of Blairism and the 'New Labour' project. On seeking office and in coming to power, New Labour presented its vision for Britain in moral terms: moral rectitude; governance with integrity; a renewed ethical engagement in foreign policy; a commitment to social inclusion ( Britain as a 'community'); education as a path to moral and economic development; and developing partnerships with the Market in the service of social justice. During the course of the New Labour administration, new moral themes have been introduced: responsibility and respect, the merits of local government and self-governance, and the moral imperative to confront threats of 'terror' from abroad. Throughout, New Labour has drawn on the language of faith and morals yet has done so cautiously.
Drawing together speakers from a range of disciplines and commitments, this interdisciplinary conference offers a reckoning of this New Labour decade. What is the nature of this re-moralising? What are its sources? How effective has it been and what difference has this moral discourse made? What can be learned from Blairism about the relationship between faith, morals and governance?