Bevanism was the ideological argument for the Bevanites, a movement on the centre left of the Labour Party in the late 1950s and led by Nye Bevan. The main points were:

  • State Control of the "commanding heights" of the economy, as opposed to wholesale nationalisation.
  • Social Liberalism.
  • Lack of Dogma.
  • A belief that "things can only get better"
  • Respect for the Arts.
  • A general radical feel.
  • The ability to drop unpopular policies.
  • Anti-fascism.
  • Opposition to extremists in general.

John Reid, the current Secretary of State for Health, regards New Labour as the natural heir of Bevanism.

see also: