“The emergence of the Labour Party had a limited impact on British politics before 1914.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that up to 1914 the British Labour Party had little impact on British politics. Candidates may examine factors separately and gauge the significance of each, or they may choose to look at several factors that support the statement collectively before examining the opposite arguments. In support of the statement it could be argued that the Labour Party had limited influence on the Liberal government and insufficient support to be considered a viable alternative government with the two traditional parties continuing to dominate politics. Counter arguments could include the growing support for the Labour Party in the country with increasing number of local groups being formed, and its links with the Trades Union Congress (TUC)—especially during the “Great Unrest”. It could also be argued that the Liberal government only survived between 1910 and 1914 because of Labour support in Parliament.