What is "prawn cocktail offensive"

n. (context idiomatic English) a strategy of the Labour Party in winning over important people in the world of finance

The Prawn Cocktail Offensive was the scornful name given to the British Labour Party's successful attempt (while in opposition in the 1990s) to win trust and backing from the United Kingdom's financial sector.

The Prawn Cocktail Offensive was executed under the Shadow Chancellorship of John Smith, who accompanied Mo Mowlam on an extensive series of private lunches and conferences with City figures.