Bevanism

Bevanism was the ideological argument for the Bevanites, a movement on the centre left of the Labour Party in the late 1950s and led by Nye Bevan. The main points were:

• State Control of the "commanding heights" of the economy, as opposed to wholesale nationalisation.
• Social Liberalism.
• Lack of Dogma.
• A belief that "things can only get better"
• Respect for the Arts.
• A general radical feel.
• The ability to drop unpopular policies.
• Anti-fascism.
• Opposition to extremists in general.

John Reid, the current Secretary of State for Health, regards New Labour as the natural heir of Bevanism.

see also:

• Jennie Lee
• George Thomas