The Labour M.P. George N. Barnes and the creation of the International Labour Office in 1919

This thesis examines the role of the Labour MP George N. Barnes (1859-1940) in the establishment of the International Labour Organisation in 1919. It focusses primarily on the creation of the Labour Convention (Chapter XIII, the 'Labour Chapter' in the Treaty of Versailles) and its adoption by the Peace Conference. It has been recorded that Barnes considered this his proudest achievement; however Labour Party historiography has not adequately taken account of his valuable contribution to the advance of social and economic justice for the world's workers. By examining the challenges Barnes faced in his dual role as representative of British organised labour and plenipotentiary with the British Empire Delegation, the argument is made that he was particularly well suited to successfully steer the Convention through to its adoption. An understanding will be gained of the role that Barnes played as an international diplomat and spokesman for organised labour in the Peace Conference setting, and how he channelled contemporary ideas about labour's place in the post-war world through his approach to policy. It is further argued through examination of his background, beliefs and political ideology that Barnes was an important figure of whom historians of the early Labour Party should take more account. This project aims to provide fresh insight into George N. Barnes as a trade unionist and politician and ascertain how his work in Paris helped Britain's 'socialist' Labour Party achieve an image of respectability years before forming its first Government in 1924.