The Progressive Consensus in Perspective

Article

This paper explores the history of the progressive consensus, in particular analysing what happened to the 'progressive alliance' of the Liberal, Irish and Labour Parties which won an overwhelming electoral victory in 1906, only to be obstructed by the House of Lords and the First World War. At the end of that war, two of its three elements had been shattered and the Conservatives became dominant for most of the rest of the 20th century.

This paper explores the history of the progressive consensus, in particular analysing what happened to the 'progressive alliance' of the Liberal, Irish and Labour Parties which won an overwhelming electoral victory in 1906, only to be obstructed by the House of Lords and the First World War. At the end of that war, two of its three elements had been shattered and the Conservatives became dominant for most of the rest of the 20th century.

Related items

  1. A person sits at a desk in front of a laptop. A semi-transparent screen shows a digital AI agent

    Strike while AI is hot: Rebuilding worker power for the age of AI

    How worker power should be reanimated in the face of AI-driven labour market shocks.
  2. The exterior of the Ministry of Defence building

    The Europe agenda: Defence and security

    In this period of geopolitical chaos, greater defence and security integration offer a fruitful way for the UK to deepen its relationship with Europe.
  3. Rear view of unrecognizable people walking together on the street

    A tough hand: Why rising youth inactivity demands urgent action

    On Thursday, new data will likely show the number of young people who will be out of education, employment or training (NEET) will surpass 1 million for the first time since 2013.