Tony Blair has intensified his criticism of the Labour government, urging the party to prioritise policy over politics. In a 5,700-word essay published on Tuesday, the former prime minister warned that Labour's 'almost infinite capacity for self-delusion' could cost it the next election. He called for a crackdown on welfare spending, an end to restrictions on oil and gas, and a embrace of the AI revolution.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Blair said: 'If you don't decide what your policy direction is, there's no point in changing the leader.' He urged Labour MPs to 'choose your direction first' before any leadership change, and to force potential successors like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting to set out their policies in detail.
Blair argued that the AI revolution is the 21st-century equivalent of the Industrial Revolution, yet it is 'not even part of the debate'. He said Labour won the last election on an anti-Conservative vote, but now needs a clear policy agenda to address changing times. He also noted that spending on disability benefits could soon exceed defence spending.
His intervention has drawn criticism from some Labour MPs. Rachael Maskell described the timing as 'incredibly unhelpful' ahead of three byelections. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said 'things have moved on' since Blair's government, pointing to planning reforms as an example of progress.
