The Future of Social Democracy : Essays to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Limehouse Declaration

2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the Limehouse Declaration and the launch of the Social Democratic Party in the UK, which was later to merge and form the Liberal Democrats. To mark this important milestone, this book brings together prominent politicians from across the spectrum of social democracy to reflect on its history and the challenges it faces in the coming decades. With an introduction by Sir Vince Cable describing the current state of social democracy across the world, leading figures including Sarah Olney, Roger Liddle and Chris Huhne explore a wide range of contentious policy areas such as the economy, housing and globalisation. Together, they set out a vision for the country and for the Liberal Democrats that has social justice at its core. Front Cover The Future of Social Democracy: Essays to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Limehouse Declaration Copyright information Dedication Table of contents Notes on the authors Foreword Introduction: what are the priorities for social democrats? Who are the social democrats? What is to be done? Mass unemployment Poverty, tax and benefits Modern capitalism Multilateralism Conclusion One After the failed alternative vote referendum, how can electoral reform have a future? Conclusion Two How could a government actually deliver more housing? Conclusion Notes Three How will technology change the future of work? Unhelpful beginnings What we know Better education and training Fairer taxation New approaches to income distribution Wider capital ownership Strengthening the power of labour Conclusion Note Four Can better public ownership promote efficiency and social justice? The Labour debate on public ownership, nationalisation and state control European social democratic revisionism Nationalisation and privatisation in Britain The challenge facing Keir Starmer What do ‘new times’ demand? The need for an active, modern industrial policy Conclusion Notes Five How do we grow the economy without damaging the environment? Achieving sustainability Becoming a fairer society Conclusion: something to aspire to Notes Six How can global free trade work for everyone? Conclusion Seven Towards a social democratic Towards a social democratic Conclusion Notes Eight How do we deliver social justice through education? Conclusion Notes Nine What is the Social Democrat Group? Michael Mullaney – Vice- chair Deborah Newton- Cook – Executive member Tim Caswell – Executive member Rhi Jones – Executive member Rob Jackson – Treasurer David McKenzie – Executive member Index Back Cover To mark the 40th anniversary of the Limehouse Declaration, prominent politicians including Sir Vince Cable, Sarah Olney, Roger Liddle and Chris Huhne propose new ideas for the coming decades. Together, they set out a compelling vision for the country that has social justice at its core.