Ian Geary – författare

In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, and the worst recession for over seventy years, Britain has witnessed one of the most turbulent eras in politics since the Second World War. The dominant political and capitalistic system has come under close scrutiny; and the 2008 financial crash has cast serious doubt on the economic and social liberalism of both Thatcherism and Blairism. The Blue Labour movement addresses the fact that neither nationalisation nor privatisation has delivered lasting prosperity or stability. Critiquing the dominance in Britain of a social-cultural liberalism linked to the left and a free-market liberalism associated with the right, Blue Labour blends a 'progressive' commitment to greater economic equality with a more 'conservative' disposition emphasising personal loyalty, family, community and locality. Seeking to move beyond the centrist pragmatism of Blair and Cameron, this essential work speaks to the needs of diverse people and communities across the country. It is the programme of a vital new force in politics: one that could define the thinking of the next generation and beyond.

Following Labour's defeat at the polls in 2015, and at time when the Party is attempting to redefine its meaning, values and even identity, there is an urgent need for fresh thinking. Most people agree that a new start is needed. But in which direction should Labour turn? A crucial conversation is beginning, and it is in this fluid and volatile context that Blue Labour ideas could make a crucial difference. Seeking to move beyond the centrist pragmatism of both Blair and Cameron, and attempting to inject into politics a newfound passion and significance with which people can truly engage, this essential work speaks to the needs of diverse people and communities across the country. Critiquing the dominance in Britain of a social-cultural liberalism linked to the left and a free-market liberalism associated with the right, Blue Labour blends a 'progressive' commitment to greater economic equality with a more 'conservative' disposition emphasising personal loyalty, family, community and locality. It is the manifesto of a vital new force in politics: one that could define the thinking of the next generation and beyond.

Drawing on the author''s years spent working in and around Westminster, this essay collection provides a personal perspective on the themes of faith, politics, and belonging.To understand identity and place we need faith. Faith should lead to engagement in the wider world, and engagement in the wider world should deepen our faith and sense of purpose.In three sections, each drawing on his experience, Ian Geary reflects on the cognate themes of faith, politics, and belonging. Each section concludes with some questions for discussion and some suggestions for further reading.Written from personal experience via immersion in British political life and informed by his understanding of theology, the author seeks to animate a generous debate about the key themes, not to secure readers'' attachment to a cause or political ideology.These essays are written in the hope that Christians engaged in politics will find them helpful and that they will also reach a wider audience to show how viewing politics through the lens of faith might yield a fresh perspective. Ian Geary would venture to suggest that politics--despite its critics--is a necessary and good thing.