About the Fabian Society - Fabian Society - the UK's oldest think-tank

Who we are

The Fabian Society has played a central role for more than a century in the development of political ideas and public policy on the left of centre. Analysing the key challenges facing the UK and the rest of the industrialised world in a Neil Kinnock interviewed by Michael White changing society and global economy, the society's programme aims to explore the political ideas and the policy reforms which will define progressive politics in the new century.

The society is unique among think-tanks in being a democratically-constituted membership organisation. It is affiliated to the Labour Party but is editorially and organisationally independent. Through its publications, seminars and conferences, the society provides an arena for open-minded public debate.

All Labour Prime Ministers have been members of the Fabian Society, while the Young Fabians have been influential in creating debate and as an arena for young people with an interest in politics to both influence and learn from influential political figures.

Fabian Women

Photo of Beatrice Webb taken by GB Shaw

From its beginning the Fabian Society has offered a forum for women to discuss and debate the issues of the day. Well before women won the vote, Fabian women were at the forefront of the arguments for gender equality. Fabian women formed their own group in 1908 and there continues to be a Fabian Women's Network.

Young Fabians

Ed Miliband addresses a Young Fabian seminar The Young Fabians are the under-31s section of the Fabian Society and were set up in 1960. They have more than 1000 members and work on policy ideas as well as holding conferences. They hold regular social events, such as their summer party, as well organising seminars with ministers and discussion sessions. Recent activities have included policy roundtables covering areas such as health, education and Europe. The current chair is Kate Groucutt.

Famous members

George Bernard Shaw, HG Wells , Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Emmeline Pankhurst, E Nesbit, Bernard Crick, Rupert Brooke, Oscar Wilde, Peter Townsend, Ernest Bevin and all Labour prime ministers.