In 2010, the Labour Party of Great Britain suffered its worst General Election defeat since the 1930s (with one exception), bringing to an end thirteen years of New Labour government. Since then, the debate over both the legacy of New Labour and the future direction of the party has been widespread, yet so far there has been little consideration from a social democratic perspective. The chapters in this book cover a wide range of issues and provide new perspectives in the areas of economic, social and foreign policy with a central focus on the defence of the state. The chapters on the economy put forward a strategy for economic growth through industrial democracy and collective ownership, whilst in terms of social policy a more radical agenda than New Labour's is advocated, underpinned by stronger notions of social justice, equality and welfare rights. In the context of growing nationalist sentiments and calls for Scottish independence, this book sets out the importance of central state activity, the promotion of a public service ethos and civil liberties and a social democratic approach to the increasingly important issue of national identity.Finally, it sets out an alternative agenda on foreign and defence policy including the promotion of international development and human rights and a reformed Europe. Containing high-profile contributions from journalists, academics, policy-makers and think tanks, The Socialist Way provides new directions for electoral success and argues that there is not a trade-off between power and principle.

List of ContributorsThe Socialist Way - Roy HattersleyIntroduction - Kevin Hickson and Pete Redford Part One - A Social Democratic Economy1. Keynes versus Household Economics - William Keegan2. Towards a Social Democratic Economy - Will Hutton3. From UK plc to Co-op UK: Transforming the Private Sector - Bill Kerry4. The Environment: From Unrestrained Markets to a Green Economy - Michael Meecher MP5. Social Democracy, Industrial Democracy and Responsible Capitalism - David CoatsPart One - A Social Democratic Economy1. Keynes versus Household Economics - William Keegan2. Towards a Social Democratic Economy - Will Hutton3. From UK plc to Co-op UK: Transforming the Private Sector - Bill Kerry4. The Environment: From Unrestrained Markets to a Green Economy - Michael Meecher MP5. Social Democracy, Industrial Democracy and Responsible Capitalism - David CoatsPart Two - A Social Democratic Society 6. The Importance of Equality - Ruth Lister7. Better Together: A New Vision for All Children - Lisa Nandy MP8. A One Nation Approach to Health and Social Care - Andy Burham MP9. Public Sector Reform and Social Democracy - Raymond Plant10. Where Next for Socialist Social Policy? - Robert M PagePart Three - A Social Democratic State11. In Praise of Centralism - David Walker12. A Democratic Socialist Case for the Union - David Moon13. Local Government - Simon Slater14. Social Democracy and the Progressive Tradition - Andrew Vincent 15. Law and Order: The Challenge for Labour - Helena KennedyPart Four - Socialist Internationalism 16. An Ethical Foreign Policy? - Peter Kilfoyle17. A Progressive Internationalist Answer to a Perfect Storm - Peter Hain MP18. A Socialist and Democratic Progressive Vision for Europe: The Economic Challenge - Arlene McCarthy MEPPart Five - Winning the Argument19. Winning Again: Forging a New Electoral Strategy for Labour - Paul Hunter20. Communicating Social Democracy: Making it Real - Helen Goodman MP21. The Progressive National State - John Denham MP22. One Nation Labour and the Future of Social Democracy - Andrew HarropIndex