{"id":4985,"date":"2022-04-26T18:54:08","date_gmt":"2022-04-26T18:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.politicsphere.com\/?p=4985"},"modified":"2022-04-26T18:54:10","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T18:54:10","slug":"what-does-left-wing-mean-in-british-politics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.politicsphere.com\/what-does-left-wing-mean-in-british-politics\/","title":{"rendered":"What does Left-wing mean in British politics?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The pendulum of British politics runs between the right-wing and the left-wing. These two sides present conflicting or contrasting ideas regarding how a country must be governed by a particular state of people\u2019s livelihood. And they are the most influential political states that one opts to adopt in the political arena.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

History shows that the terms left and right-wing originated in the early days of the French Revolution in 1789. They were used to describe the seating arrangement in the French constituent assembly, and their usage spread in many nations. The British adopted these terms in the 20th century and used them to describe political identities [Source]<\/a>. This article will shed more light on what it means to be left-wing in British politics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Left-wing in Politics?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

According to Wikipedia, left-wing politics \u201ctypically involve a concern for those in society whom its adherents perceive as disadvantaged relative to others as well as a belief that there are unjustified inequalities that need to be reduced or abolished\u201d [Source]<\/a>. Economics Professor Barry Clark describe left-wing followers as people who \u201cclaim that human development flourishes when individuals engage in cooperative, mutually respectful relations that can thrive only when excessive differences in status, power, and wealth are eliminated\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, the left-wing is \u201ccharacterized by an emphasis on \u2018ideas such as freedom, equality, fraternity, rights, progress, reform and internationalism\u2019\u201d [Source]<\/a>. Left-wing politics is famous for supporting social equality and egalitarianism and is against social hierarchy, which is blamed for oppressing other citizens in society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Right-wing in Politics?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

In politics, the right-wing is \u201ccharacterized by an emphasis on \u2018notions such as authority, hierarchy, order, duty, tradition, reaction and nationalism\u2019\u201d[Source]<\/a>. Someone who supports tradition and authority\u201d\u00a0[Source]<\/a>. In differentiating right-wing and left-wing, it is argued that \u201cPeople on the right believe that the best outcome for society is achieved when individual rights and civil liberties are paramount and the role \u2013 and especially the power \u2013 of the government is minimized\u201d\u00a0[Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does Left-wing mean in British politics?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The left-wing in British politics consists of many political parties. The largest one is the Labour Party, which has around 430 000 members, making it one of the biggest parties. The other left-wing political parties include the centre-left Scottish National Party, the centre-left Social Democratic and Labour Party of Northern Ireland, and the centre-left Plaid Cymru [Source]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In British politics, \u201cThe left believes the government should play an active role in regulating the economy and providing welfare (NHS, benefits)\u201d [Source]<\/a>. This shows that leftists are concerned more about social welfare and regard it as the primary duty of government to look after its people before anything else. As long as the people are suffering, the government is not fulfilling its duties as the leadership of a nation. The left-wing is also known for supporting socialism which brings equality and benefits to every member of society. According to leftists, inequality is an enemy of society. It deprives humans of enjoying the fruits of their hard work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, \u201cLeftists tend to be hostile to the interests of traditional elites, including the wealthy and members of the aristocracy, and to favour the interest of the working class\u201d [Source]<\/a>, which emphasizes why the left-wing is inclined more toward socialism. \u201cLeft-wing beliefs are liberal in that they believe society is best served with an expanded role for the government\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other popular beliefs of leftists include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n