Blair Criticizes Labour Government's Direction
Sir Tony Blair has accused Sir Keir Starmer's government of lacking a "coherent plan" for the country and implementing policies that have hindered business growth.
In a detailed essay, the former Labour Prime Minister highlighted policies such as new workers' rights legislation, the gradual phase-out of the British oil and gas industry, and the above-inflation increase to the minimum wage as examples of measures holding back economic progress.
However, he cautioned that a leadership change would be "irrelevant if it doesn't start with a policy debate".
Downing Street declined to comment on the essay prior to its publication but stated that Sir Keir was "fully focussed on delivering change for working people".
A government spokeswoman referenced initiatives aimed at alleviating the cost of living pressures, noting economic growth prior to the Iran conflict, as well as reductions in NHS waiting lists, migration, and serious violent crime.
She added:
"But there's obviously much more to do, and we are getting on with that job."
Context and Timing of the Critique
The essay, exceeding 5,600 words, represents Sir Tony's first comprehensive critique of Sir Keir's administration.
This comes amid intense pressure on the prime minister following poor election outcomes earlier in the month and five ministerial resignations, with a leadership challenge widely anticipated.
Sir Tony identified the government's "principal problem" as not being "Keir's personality" or "a failure to communicate 'our achievements'", which have often been cited as the prime minister's weaknesses.
He wrote:
"It is because we don't have a worked-out coherent plan for the country in a fast-changing world and are in the wrong political position from which we can devise one and win a second term."
He further stated:
"Trying to force the prime minister out before we know what policy direction we're bringing in, is not a serious way of conducting ourselves."
Support and Criticism of Government Policies
While Sir Tony expressed agreement with certain government policies such as infrastructure investment, planning system reform, and efforts to reduce trade friction with Europe, he described other commitments as "unwise to proceed with" given current economic conditions.
He specifically criticized the new workers' rights laws, which some business groups argue could discourage hiring and impede economic growth.
Additionally, Sir Tony condemned the increase in National Insurance contributions for employers, stating it had damaged business confidence.
Economic Measures and Their Impact
He remarked:
"Then, in the last Budget, it appeared as if we were increasing tax to pay for additional welfare spending, when the public already thinks welfare bills are too high."
"Taken together, these measures have given headwinds not tailwinds to British business despite the macroeconomic gains for which the chancellor is rightly praised."
Sir Tony urged the government to mitigate the effects of these policies and to reconsider parts of the net-zero agenda that "prioritise clean energy over cheaper energy".
Views on Brexit and Future Relations with the EU
Regarding the UK's relationship with the European Union, Sir Tony stated that "Britain has lost from Brexit" and suggested that "at some point it is ripe to enter a debate about 'going back'."
Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary earlier this month in protest at Sir Keir's leadership and has confirmed his intention to stand in any leadership contest, recently advocated for the UK to rejoin the EU eventually.
However, Sir Tony cautioned:
"Just as Brexit was never the answer to Britain's challenges back in 2016, reversing it isn't the answer to the country's far worse situation in 2026."
He added:
"If we want to go back into some sort of structured relationship with Europe, we can only do so from a position of economic strength."
Proposed Vision for Labour's Future
Outlining his own vision for change, Sir Tony called for Labour to become the "Radical Centre", emphasizing "policy first and politics last".
This vision could include removing barriers to business growth, reforming welfare, addressing illegal immigration, and harnessing artificial intelligence.
Reactions from Labour MPs
Chris Curtis, Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, told BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight that he found Sir Tony's essay "quite refreshing to read" as it attempted to "actually start to grapple with the very big issues that we're facing".
Conversely, Labour MP Rachael Maskell disagreed with Sir Tony's analysis, stating on the same programme:
"Tony Blair won an election nearly three decades ago and it seems he's continuing the argument from back then rather than looking at the situation today."
She also described the timing of the intervention as "incredibly unhelpful" given the three parliamentary by-elections scheduled for next month.
Upcoming By-Elections and Party Challenges
Among these is the Makerfield by-election, which is considered critical for Labour's future direction.
Labour faces competition from Reform UK, which performed strongly in the area during May's council elections.
The Labour candidate is Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is seeking to return to Westminster and is expected to challenge Sir Keir for the Labour leadership if successful.
You can see a full list of the candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election here.
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