Managing the Poor Bloody Infantry: The Parliamentary Labour Party under John Smith, 1992–94

摘要

Contrary to commonly held perceptions, the PLP minutes from 1992 to 1994 are far from anodyne, and offer a real insight into the issues that divided the PLP, and how the Labour leadership under John Smith sought to deal with them. Also drawing on interview evidence from key members of Smith’s office and frontbench team, the author reveals that the main focus for debate inside the PLP was over the passage of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, more commonly known as the Maastricht Bill. Labour MPs vigorously debated the issues in the bill, and held formal votes on two key parts (a rare occurrence in the PLP’s history). Other issues hotly debated occurred over Bosnia, electoral reform and whether or not to increase the quota for the number of women in the Shadow Cabinet. Under Smith, and in contrast to both Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair, a more tolerant and inclusive leadership style was operated.