Table of Contents
Who did Tony Blair defeat in 2005?
Results
| Political party | Leader | Seats lost |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | Tony Blair | 47 |
| Conservative | Michael Howard | 3 |
| Liberal Democrats | Charles Kennedy | 5 |
| UKIP | Roger Knapman | 0 |
What good did Tony Blair do?
During his first term as Prime Minister, Blair raised taxes; introduced a National Minimum Wage and some new employment rights; introduced significant constitutional reforms; promoted new rights for gay people in the Civil Partnership Act 2004; and signed treaties integrating the UK more closely with the EU.
Who is the longest serving Labour Prime Minister?
With victories in 1997, 2001, and 2005, Blair was the Labour Party’s longest-serving prime minister, and the first and only person to date to lead the party to three consecutive general election victories.
How many Lords are there in the House of Lords 2021?
House of Lords
| The Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled | |
|---|---|
| Opposition Chief Whip | The Lord Kennedy of Southwark, Labour since 1 June 2021 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 767 |
Did Blair increase taxes?
After fighting the 2001 general election on the theme of improving public services, Blair’s government raised taxes in 2002 (described by the Conservatives as “stealth taxes”) to increase spending on education and health.
Was New Labour a success?
In 1997, New Labour won a landslide victory at the general election after eighteen years of Conservative government, winning a total of 418 seats in the House of Commons—the largest victory in the party’s history.
Is the Labour party socialist?
Labour is a member of the Party of European Socialists and Progressive Alliance, and holds observer status in the Socialist International.
How many British prime ministers have been assassinated?
Spencer Perceval is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated, having been shot on 11 May 1812 by John Bellingham, a merchant who blamed the government for his debt. From 1882 to 1990, six MPs were assassinated by Irish nationalists.
Can Commons overrule Lords?
However, the power of the Lords to reject a bill passed by the House of Commons is severely restricted by the Parliament Acts. Under those Acts, certain types of bills may be presented for Royal Assent without the consent of the House of Lords (i.e. the Commons can override the Lords’ veto).
How did voters feel in the 2001 election?
In the run-up to the 2001 election, many voters questioned in focus groups felt disillusioned that more had not been achieved under Labour but were sure the Tories could do no better. Few could think of any big issues on which the two main parties offered radically different and attractive solutions.
Did you switch channels during the 2001 election campaign to avoid news?
The survey found 40% had switched channels during the 2001 campaign to avoid election news; 70% said they had little or no interest in it. The tempting explanation is to blame broadcasters for failing to engage the audience with interesting election programmes.
Do polls really determine voter turnout?
Of course, polls are not the only factor determining turnout. In the run-up to the 2001 election, many voters questioned in focus groups felt disillusioned that more had not been achieved under Labour but were sure the Tories could do no better.