The Socialist Way Social Democracy in Contemporary Britain

'Slump, caused by financial market excess and prolonged by 'consolidation' policies of Governments, is increasing disparities of income, opportunity and care; disabling economies and enfeebling democracies. As the thoughtful essayists gathered together in this book show, all those and other realities make 'The Socialist Way' the practical, necessary and enlightened alternative to a future of stagnation, injustice and insecurity for millions here and across the world.' - Neil Kinnock, former leader of the Labour Party 'Never mind the terminology - socialist or social democrat - amid the ruins of failed free-market extremism, new thinking is essential. Strong ideas attract voters, while the cynicism of 'third way' floating-voter wooing turns people away. Here is flesh for Labour's One Nation principles, where rights and responsibilities apply to rich as well as poor, undeserving profiteering is marked out from worthwhile enterprise and the economic disaster of growing inequality shows fairness is the Scandinavian route to both growth and well-being. Clear thinking and optimism in these writings light the way ahead.' - Polly Toynbee 'Free market capitalism is in crisis, but the left remains in an even bigger mess. There's a desperate need to renew the left, and this book is a crucial contribution to doing just that.' - Owen Jones, author of 'Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class' 'Labour is considering afresh the vision it will offer Britain under the next Labour Government. This book fleshes out the thinking that will design and lead the policies within our next manifesto. It is essential reading for all who care about the Labour Party and the future we will build post 2015.' - Madeleine Moon MP 'It is now time for Labour to revive its basic principles that we should never have discounted during the era of New Labour, but which are essential to facing the huge task we will take on in 2015: the rebuilding of a fair society in a strong nation. One nation back on the social democratic road. This book provides the route map for the revival of democratic socialism in Britain.' - Austin Mitchell MP 'Roy Hattersley and Kevin Hickson have brought together an impressive array of thinkers who offer clear alternatives to the Government's austerity-driven policies. The search is now on for a future that works. This book offers a major contribution to what should be a wide-ranging and high profile debate.' - Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress 'Roy Hattersley and Kevin Hickson have brought together a strong collection of essays to revitalise Labour's commitment to its core value of equality. This is a timely compendium - the Left is in need of creativity and courage - here is support for the creation and communication of its vision.' - Professor Kate Pickett, University of York 'A One Nation Labour government must be built on a new approach that moves us on from old and new Labour if we are to tackle the huge economic and social challenges we face. At a crucial time for Labour, as we develop the policies on which we will fight the next election, this book provides a wealth of new thinking that deserves to be heard and taken seriously.' - Maria Eagle MP 'Given the failure of austerity policies it is time to set out an alternative vision. Only democratic socialism can offer the vision of a fair and equal society and a stable and productive economy that many people wish to see. I welcome the publication of this book and hope that it will be taken seriously as the best way to secure a parliamentary majority for Labour at the next election.' - Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON 'Labour has always been a party of ideas, in which we test our beliefs against the world as it is, as we seek to shape it into the world we would wish it to be. The events of the last five years have led many to question the way our society works and the Party is now once again at the centre of the debate about where we should be going. I am sure that this book will stimulate and inform that debate and so put us in a better place to win the next election.' - Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government