The Labour Government and Beyond

Abstract

Ever since the General Election of October 1964, Socialists inside and outside the Labour Party have inevitably been so concerned with the Labour Government's immediate actions and policies, and with Mr. Wilson's "performance" and pronouncements, that they have generally tended to neglect the underlying pattern of ideological and political commitment of which the Government's policies and actions are the concrete expression. Exclusive or near-exclusive attention to the shape and health (or lack of health) of particular trees has helped to obscure the configuration of the forest, or even that there was a forest at all. Yet, it is about this basic pattern that it is necessary to be clear, not only because it helps to explain a record which may otherwise seem baffling or fortuitous or due to the personal attitudes and views of this or that Minister, but also because it provides the essential clue for an assessment which ought to be a central concern of socialists, namely the nature of Labour's future commitments and policies. A great deal, in terms of socialist action, is bound to hinge upon such an assessment.