Labour's Civil Wars

"""Bloodcurdling strife has bedevilled the Labour party, as social democrats and socialists found fighting each other easier than defeating the real enemy. Here is a riveting account of that warfare: from Ramsay McDonald, to Bevan, Benn, and Blairites v Corbynism, these are tales of woe that helped keep Conservatives in power for most of our lives. But lifting our sights, these two fine writers, historians and Labour aficionados offer ways to avoid an internecine future 'if diverse ideological perspectives are welcomed and not merely tolerated.' One side winning is no answer: Blair was too controlling, Corbynites too insular when Labour needs to be a 'a national party of the widest coalition of interest.' Enjoy the riveting stories of bygone battles - and take hope that Labour can avoid repeating that fratricide in the future.""--Polly Toynbee ""Diamond and Radice conclude that 'the goal of unity cannot override the imperative of a viable strategy for winning power'. . . . In short, political unity is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for long-term electoral success. This conclusion is right and also important, since so many people continue to argue that discussion should be avoided because of the dangers of creating a 'divided party.'""-- ""Literary Review"" ""Patrick Diamond and Giles Radice have written the best, highly readable history of the Labour party and its civil wars that I have ever come across. Coming from different political generations but with a shared commitment to the success of social, democratic politics, Diamond and Radice tell a sad but gripping story of repeated cycles of political failure, bitter division and Left self-destructiveness, broken only by Attlee's victory in 1945, Wilson's in 1964 and Blair's three election victories in 1997. It is a must read for anyone who cares about Labour's future. In its concluding chapter it sets out a compelling vision of what Labour should stand for today and how the Labour party that Keir Starmer has so bravely reformed, can win and hold power to achieve profound and lasting political change.""--Lord Roger Liddle ""The book... is boldly intent on using the platform to articulate a program for the future... Optimistic and practical policies for a better future are outlined convincingly.""-- ""The House Magazine"" ""The British tradition of social democracy has needed a powerful shot of political and analytical adrenaline for a long time. Diamond and Radice, bearing a large syringe, are about to administer it.""--Peter Hennessy, coauthor of The Complete Reflections: Conversations with Politicians ""Two renowned commentators, historians⁠--and players⁠--in Labour's life, offer a cool assessment of times past together with some wise suggestions on how not to repeat past failings to avoid future civil wars. These insiders, albeit with academic detachment, write in a time of peace but draw on battles fought and lost to offer new insights into some troubled years.""--Dianne Hayter, Baroness of Kentish Town"