Author(s): Randall NJ
Abstract: This chapter examines the varied policies (criminal justice, civil liberties, immigration and asylum) enacted by New Labour through the Home Office since 1997. It argues that these policies represent a complex mix of principle (in reference to the ideas of both 'New' and 'Old' Labour), pragmatic adaptation and populism.
Notes: The chapter is original insofar as it focuses on the broad responsibilities of the Home Office in contrast to the more usual approach of studying particular policy areas within the Home Office(e.g. immigration policy). It is in this respect that the chapter gains its rigour. Moreover, it allows for a more complex and sophisticated understanding of the character of New Labour in this major office of State. The themes of principle, pragmatism and populism represent the element of originality and elevate it (I hope) from mere description. In a forthcoming book by Dennis Kavanagh, Martin J. Smith, Andrew Geddes and David Richards it is suggested that its "conclusions are probably the most perceptive in summing up the post-1997 era"
Keywords: New Labour, Labour Party, social democracy, immigration, asylum, crime, civil liberties
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Dr Nick Randall
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