Tony Blair’s latest intervention on Labour’s direction has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as unhelpful and others as a necessary wake-up call. In a 5,700-word essay released by his thinktank, the former prime minister criticises Keir Starmer’s government for lacking a coherent strategy and failing to embrace the “radical centre”. He urges Labour to abandon new net zero projects, workers’ rights laws, and a higher minimum wage, instead prioritising business support and closer ties with Donald Trump.
Blair’s essay, his first major political intervention since Labour came to power, praises Starmer for making the party an “acceptable default” at the 2024 election and Wes Streeting as a “huge political talent”. However, the overall tone is critical, with Blair lamenting that Labour has not learned from his own electoral successes. He argues that the party’s internal debates feel “retro” and out of touch with the challenges of AI and global shifts.
The timing of the essay, ahead of a byelection in Makerfield, has annoyed some Labour figures. Critics note that Blair has been out of frontline politics for nearly 20 years and is now more associated with elite gatherings like Davos. One response described him as “becoming less and less relevant”.
While some in government agree with Blair’s broader complaint about a lack of economic growth strategy, his specific policy prescriptions are seen as politically impossible. Ditching net zero and worker protections would likely trigger a revolt from Labour MPs. Similarly, his advice to back Trump on Iran and Nato reinforces the perception that Blair is out of touch with British voters.
Blair insists that successful governments start with a clear idea and purpose, not personality contests. Yet, unlike his tenure as a working politician, his current proposals feel unlikely to be adopted, leaving his critique as more of a historical footnote than a practical guide.
