Blair defends 'unpopular' public-sector reforms
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tony Blair will launch a fightback today against claims that his Government has lost its way. He will seek to win back critics on the left and right who have deserted Labour.
In a speech in Liverpool, the Prime Minister will reassert his authority by saying he is prepared to take tough, unpopular decisions on public-sector reform - because they are right. Mr Blair's speech marks the start of a summer offensive to turn his attentions to domestic issues after almost a year dominated by Iraq. A week today, he will make a speech on his goals for a third term if Labour retains power at the next election.
Today, the Prime Minister will set out to rebuild the "broad coalition" that helped him to win the 1997 and 2001 elections. Aides admit he has lost support from the left because of the Iraq war and on the right because of his pro-Europe stance.
Five days before Labour MPs stage another Commons rebellion over foundation hospitals, Mr Blair will try to woo his critics by saying his modernisation programme is true to the values that have underpinned Labour since it was founded more than 100 years ago. He will say that Labour's task is "to prepare the country for the future on the basis of fairness and opportunity for all".
Mr Blair will concede he and his ministers have been too "technocratic" when making the case for policies. "We have explained what; we have not explained why," one aide admitted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments