Customer Reviews

Social Justice, Human Rights and Public Policy

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This book gives a critical philosophical review of the statements, policies, and foundations, or lack of them, contained in Labour's policy document "The Report", developed in 1995 when the now New Labour were in embryonic state.
This is one of the most interesting books I have read, mainly because it gives an insight into how New Labour have set out their stall and the origins of the policies now being implemented.
The analysis and arguments used by the author shows the weaknesses in the Report's fundamental statements or positions, now used as foundations for public policy, and clearly outlines the flaws by simple philosophical argument, using occasionally humorous and sometimes poignant, analogies from his own life and his beloved Scotland.
On a serious side, the author, on the subject of Justice, Fairness and Rights, uses the fact that he was one of twins where unfortunately the other twin died as the result of a miscarriage, as an example in developing the discussion on the subtle differences between justices and fairness. In the same chapter, and on a lighter note he uses an arguable position that "Sean Connery is better looking, more famous and taller" than the author to underpin the argument and discussion on inequalities and whether these are fair, unfair or unjust.
On reading through the book, one can only agree wholeheartedly with the author that it appears that the Report has been written and developed in a style akin to writings of well meaning, enthusiastic college "freshers", full of acquired knowledge and the need to do good, and/ or more importantly to be seen to be doing good.
I now look on everything Tony Blair and Gordon Brown say with a more insight and hopefully better informed position.
Anyone who has an interest in the development of Labour to New Labour, the present Government and it's ideologies, should read this book.