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This lesson examines the concepts of consensus politics and adversary politics in the UK, exploring how the relationship between the major parties has shifted over time.
Consensus politics exists when the major parties broadly agree on key policy areas, meaning that a change of government does not produce dramatic shifts in policy direction.
The period from 1945 to 1979 is often described as an era of consensus between Labour and the Conservatives:
| Policy Area | Consensus Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Keynesian demand management; government intervention to maintain full employment |
| Welfare state | Broad acceptance of the NHS, state pensions, social security, and council housing |
| Nationalisation | Acceptance of key industries in public ownership (although the Conservatives were less enthusiastic) |
| Trade unions | Recognition of trade unions as legitimate partners in economic management |
| Foreign policy | Cold War alliances (NATO, nuclear deterrent); decolonisation |
| Education | Expansion of comprehensive education and university access |
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