Labour’s Civil Wars

‘[a] fascinating history’
Fabian Review

‘The British tradition of social democracy has needed a powerful shot of political and analytical adrenaline for a long time. Patrick Diamond and Giles Radice, bearing a large syringe, are about to administer it.’
Peter Hennessy

‘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

‘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 starting 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.’
Roger Liddle

‘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 “national party of the widest coalition of interests”. Enjoy the riveting stories of bygone battles – and take hope that Labour can avoid repeating that fratricide in future.’
Polly Toynbee