Glen O'Hara: How the Blair governments reshaped the country (Institute for Policy Research)

Between 1997 and 2007, New Labour sought to reshape Britain into a more cohesive and forward-thinking society. The decade saw the rise of socially liberal attitudes and flourishing public services under a government committed to rebuilding and investing in them. Yet New Labour's track record was far from flawless and its legacy remains complicated and contested. Glen O'Hara, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Oxford Brookes University, examines both the intentions behind New Labour's policies and their real-world effects, and traces the lasting impact of the Blair years. Chaired by Nick Pearce, Institute for Policy Research. This Institute for Policy Research event took place on 5 May 2026.