New Labour, New Britain? - by Glen O'Hara (Hardcover)

About the Book

New Labour, New Britain? reassesses Tony Blair's governments, offering a balanced view of their policies and impact. Exploring New Labour's successes in public services and social liberalism while acknowledging its shortcomings, the book provides a nuanced perspective on New Labour's lasting influence on modern Britain.

Book Synopsis

A bold and balanced re-appraisal of New Labour in power.

Rewriting the story of New Labour, Glen O'Hara challenges the prevailing narrative to present a more balanced and positive assessment. New Labour, New Britain? is the first book to examine both the intentions behind New Labour's domestic policies and their real-world effects, moving beyond the entrenched left-right debates that have dominated the party's legacy.

The period from 1997 to 2007 marked a pivotal moment in modern British history, as New Labour sought to reshape Britain into a more cohesive and forward-thinking society. It saw the rise of socially liberal attitudes and flourishing public services under a government committed to rebuilding and investing in them. Yet New Labour's track record was far from flawless and its legacy remains complicated and contested.

Through interviews with key players and rigorous archival research, O'Hara offers a new perspective on Tony Blair's years in power. Painting a fuller picture of New Labour's successes and challenges, he highlights its lasting impact on Britain and offers a thoughtful reassessment of its place in history.

From the Back Cover

Rewriting the story of New Labour, Glen O'Hara challenges the prevailing narrative to present a more balanced and positive assessment. New Labour, New Britain? is the first book to examine both the intentions behind New Labour's domestic policies and their real-world effects, moving beyond the entrenched left-right debates that have dominated the party's legacy.

The period from 1997 to 2007 marked a pivotal moment in modern British history, as New Labour sought to reshape Britain into a more cohesive and forward-thinking society. It saw the rise of socially liberal attitudes and flourishing public services under a government committed to rebuilding and investing in them. Yet New Labour's track record was far from flawless and its legacy remains complicated and contested.

Through interviews with key players and rigorous archival research, O'Hara offers a new perspective on Tony Blair's years in power. Painting a fuller picture of New Labour's successes and challenges, he highlights its lasting impact on Britain and offers a thoughtful reassessment of its place in history.

Review Quotes

'With customary wit and skill, Glen O'Hara has written the definitive history of the New Labour years. He delves deep in order to reassess the Blair government's record across the landscape of domestic and foreign policy. The result is a compelling and stimulating work that fulfils the highest standards of contemporary historical scholarship.'
Patrick Diamond, Professor of British Politics and Public Policy, Queen Mary, University of London and former Labour Special Adviser

About the Author

Glen O'Hara is Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Oxford Brookes University. A former journalist, he is the author of a series of books and articles about modern Britain, including The Paradoxes of Progress (2012) and The Politics of Water in Post-War Britain (2017). He is a regular commentator on British politics and public policy in the press, including the Guardian, the Financial Times, the Telegraph, Times Higher Education and the New European.