What does left wing mean?

Left wing describes political views that favour greater equality and a larger role for the state in the economy. Left-wing people usually support strong public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, workers' rights and action to reduce poverty. In the UK the centre left and the left include several parties and trade unions.

The left covers a wide range of ideas. The centre left, often called social democracy, accepts a market economy but wants strong public services and a welfare state. Further left, socialists want key industries publicly owned, such as rail, water or energy. The far left may call for wider public ownership or the end of capitalism. Left-wing priorities in the UK often include the NHS, council housing, trade union rights and taxing wealth. Many on the left also champion equality for minorities and action on climate change. Critics say left-wing policies can raise taxes, slow growth and give the state too much power. The term is used differently in different countries. Achievements often claimed by the left in Britain include the NHS, founded in 1948, and the minimum wage, introduced in 1999.