Not Blair
It's been a great few days for "Not Blair". After 10 years many in the media have reacted with euphoria to "Not Blair's" achievements:
鈥 "Not Blair" was not confident, slick and charismatic when he became prime minister.
鈥 "Not Blair" did not hold a short Cabinet meeting and made clear he was not in favour of "sofa government".
鈥 "Not Blair" did not use a TV interview to outline measures before they were announced in Parliament.
鈥 "Not Blair" did not announce a drive to pass new terror laws within hours of a terrorist attack.
Being not like someone who's dominated politics for a decade and with whom the media have grown bored can get you a long long way. Ask John Major.
I'm 
Comments
We're just not quite sure what we've got here. A nervous twitching fidget who is secretly aware that he may not be quite up to the task?
Nick,
In due course when we revert to a more usual domestic agenda "Not Blair" will have to face up to what is likley to be a deteriorating economy. To give some examples:
The attack on pensions
The remorseless increase in tax over the last ten years
The lowest savings ratio for 40 years
Record personal borrowings 1.3 Trillion, which at some pint will have to be paid back
Rising interest rates
Increasing demands for wage increases
Lower disposable incomes
All of these are the consequences of what I think will come to be seen as his disastrous Chancellorship. Sadly he will be imune from it...we won't.
To a point, I agree Nick. I think the media are in honeymoon mode but not just because of the 'not blair' factor but also to find out, maybe even flush out, who Prime Minister Brown really is.
So far so good for the country and Brown in these testing times. And well done too to Jacqui Smith. Hope time reflects (perhaps unlike Blair at this moment in time) as well on them both. I for one will be waiting to see.
I think Browns? actions to date have been spot on. It?s a bit short sighted to state that not being Blair is the main reason for public satisfaction. Calm leadership in a crisis will always win support. People like to be led, and to feel confidence in that leadership. Including apolitical people such as Admiral West and Lord Stevens shows a willingness to listen to experts. People like the fact that it shows that decisions are being taken on strong advice. Including the First Minister via video link in the Cobra meeting was another example of inclusion. These are big changes, not just the result of not being Blair. I was skeptical of how GB would handle the job, but on the basis of his first week I am less so.
The real news is that the self proclaimed "Heir to Blair" seems to have realised his decision to play politics with the proposed terrorism measures (90 days detention etc) is beginning to make the Tories seem a poor second best on national security. The statement that they will listen to new evidence from the police is a smokescreen. There will be no more significant evidence but if GB tries to reintroduce the bill it will sail through with either Tory abstentions or direct votes. They failed to listen to the Police advice for 90 days, it probably would have had zero effect on these incidents but public perception wins elections.
I also think it?s very hypocritical of the media to conveniently forget that the Blair approach to spin is directly related to the Labour Party?s treatment during their period in opposition, primarily by the Red Tops.
Nick,
In due course when we revert to a more usual domestic agenda "Not Blair" will have to face up to what is likely to be a deteriorating economy. To give some examples:
The attack on pensions
The remorseless increase in tax over the last ten years
The lowest savings ratio for 40 years
Record personal borrowings 1.3 Trillion, which at some point will have to be paid back
Rising interest rates
Increasing demands for wage increases
Lower disposable incomes
All of these are the consequences of what I think will come to be seen as his disastrous Chancellorship. Sadly he will be immune from it...we won't
To a point, I agree Nick. I think the media are in honeymoon mode but not just because of the 'not blair' factor but also to find out, maybe even flush out, who Prime Minister Brown really is.
So far so good for the country and Brown in these testing times. And well done too to Jacqui Smith. Hope time reflects (perhaps unlike Blair at this moment in time) as well on them both. I for one will be waiting to see.
Nothing could have been more boring than watching Gordon Brown on Sunday AM yesterday.
Does this mean grown up government has returned?
'Not Blair' (great name) seems to repeat himself so much and talk in such bland and boring statements that one might be excused in thinking he is 'not there' and has sent a robot instead.
I thought he was supposed to be very intelligent. He looks like he has had to memorise a script and keeps repeating it. To me he comes over as being incredibly patronising as if he believes we, the public, won't understand anything unless it is repeated many, many, many, many, many... snore... times.
Maybe his plan is to bore us all to sleep then hold a snap General Election before we wake.
When considering the uprecendented influence Gordon Brown has had over Government policies over the past ten years he is indeed fortunate to be in a position to 'right' all the mistakes he has made. Politicans rarely get that chance. Clearly Mr.Brown has realised the failures of his /New Labour policies in so many areas. (One would think he has just joined Government, not run the country for ten years) Who would have thought the Government theme would now be 'de-centralisation, more power to the people, more competitive sport, pursue excellence.
Having taxed us to the extreme,he has wasted billions on centralised government and killled incentive with his 'Nanny State'. New labour has concreted over playing fields and along with political correctness in every aspect of our lives has helped kill competitive sport in our schools. Now he is simply laying down policies to win the next election. I feel sure he does not really believe in 'his' new doctrine. As Michael Howard said on TV 'Gordon wants us all to live to his personal values and he uses his position to ensure we do' Brown's tenure has been a disaster for so many and for all Brown has tried to do (sincerely I am sure) one must question his general philosophy and judgement. We will see!!!!!
Let us support Mr Brown at this difficult time being "not Blair" appears to be having a lot of benefits after the recent bomb threats. Keeping a low profile on action taken, over this, may help the police much more than the previous administration who appeared to give away a lot of info on incidents.
I find that many of the those who complain about Brown being 'dour' and 'uncharismatic' are the same people who complained about Blair being false and overly affected in his manner. It's difficult to please some people.
Although I do recognise that communication and public face are important, I'd prefer for the prime minister to be best at running his government and the country effectively, rather than providing slick soundbites and a rictus grin.
What have 'not Blair' and ex-jihadist Ed Hussein got in common.
Not very much, you might think.
However, both 'Not Bliar' privately, and Hussein publicly have said the same thing.
'Not Blair' has privately mused as to why young American Muslims have not gone subways and blown themsleves up, and Hussein (writing in yesterdays ST) tells us that American Muslims have been reporting fellow Muslims, if they suspected foul play.
What they are both saying, in effect, is that the lack of belief in a 'national identity' that Muslims can buy into, is a prime cause of the current bout of terrorism in the (so-called) UK.
I believe that this issue can be identified as a singular lack of popular belief in the political entity known as 'Britain'.
The sooner we recast this island into political entities that the people really believe in, i.e. England, Scotland and Wales, then the safer we will all be.
Whoever thought that "dull" would be so refreshing?! Its good to have substance back in politics.
Hm. I'll reserve judgment on "Not Blair" for the time being. So far, all he's done is talk. Given that he was part of the Blair government and we therefore can't believe a single word he says, I'll wait to judge him on his actions.
The biggest unreported story this week, for me, was the shifting of ASBO's from a criminal punishment to a welfare and rehabilitation focus. A bit like the bungled terrorist wannabe attack on Glasgow airport, it makes these "terrors" of the community look like clowns. In perception and real terms, it takes away the glamour and puts them on the backfoot.
Life is about focus, or choice. When you give something focus it turns pebbles into mountains, and it's opposite is equally true. So far, Gordon Brown is doing a good job by paying attention to issues but not being dictated by them. In the words of Douglas Adams, he's throwing himself at the ground and missing. It's not walking on water but close enough.
Gordon Brown's sober and relaxed approach is something politics has desperately needed at the top after a generation of fear and greed. Merely, by being calm and attentive, his leadership example has set a better tone. If he can continue this while retaining an ineffable quality, he will continue to succeed and escape being boxed by a jaded media.
Oops. Bit of Tao creeping into the Machiavelli, there.
But Nick, unlike Major, 'Not Blair' has had pretty much full control of domestic policy for the last 10 years. This is what those getting all misty eyed and hailing 'a new era of change' (including large sections of the media) seem to have conveniently ignored.
What else were the arguments between him and Blair about, and why else did Blair decide to spend so much time on the international stage...it was the only place he had any say or control at all!
If change is needed so desperately (as Brown keeps telling us), its only because HE'S made such a dogs dinner of things for so long. Now that hardly makes him a breath of fresh air now, does it!
I must admit that I've never been one of Gordon Brown's biggest fans. However, it was a pleasant surprise to have witnessed the following:
- A long audience of The Queen - he was obviously briefing her on his policies.
- No adulation in Downing Street.
- His constant references to the British people, but without the finger-waggingthat we've been used to.
- Two Cabinet meetings in two days - we've forgotten what those are!
- His obvious discomfort in front of the cameras during his statement on the terrorist attacks - it's nice to know that he doesn't think he's Superman.
- His explicit rejection of 'sofa government' on the TV yesterday morning.
- The quiet gentility of Sarah Brown.
- A Home Secretary saying that the police should be allowed to get on with it, without jumping the gun.
Does this mean that the old order has passed and Gordon is making all things new? Only time will tell... Maybe in the great scheme of things, a national crisis during his first few days will not have done him any harm - it will have focussed his mind and showed him that events are more dominant than grids...
P.S. The best photo of the week? Blair having to carry his own bags and make his way along the platform. How the mighty have fallen - although part of me thinks that it was all stagemanaged to show how 'ordinary' the Baliff of the Chiltern Hundreds actually is. If Brown can remove the cynicism introduced by the Blair Administration, he will have done the entire country a huge favour.
Nick,
While you reporting the Brown coronation the 鈥楴ot Blair鈥 cut 艁2 billion from the English NHS budget [https://www.ft.com/cms/s/f7a994d0-2677-11dc-8e18-000b5df10621.html] while claiming the NHS as his 鈥榠mmediate priority鈥.
Isn鈥檛 that slightly more important a story than another rehash of the Tories and grammar schools?
Brown is a very canny politician. I don't for a moment believe that his real intention to include "all the talents" is to be inclusive, or a sign that he will change his ways. It is just to wrong-foot the opposition. (Although it is very clever). Brown has been a control freak for the last 10 years as Chancellor. He created a vast, personal empire that was the most powerful in Whitehall. Does anyone really believe that he will now be a collegiate prime minister in anything but name?
As for 90 days detention without charge - I still have major reservations. Yes, the police do need more time to recover complicated, encrypted data in international terrorism cases (and I speak as a retired police officer) but before this is put onto the statute books, there have to be proper, well thought-out legal safeguards against intentional and unintentional abuse. Defending personal liberty and safety by throwing the baby out with the bathwater is neither sensible nor necessary.
I am also very concerned about Brown's real intentions in appointing different ministers for each English "region". If this is his clumsy attempt to "solve" the present anger over the ininquity in the devolution settlement regarding the West Lothian question then he should think again. It may, however, betray the way that his mind is working on this subject. Denying the existence of England as a nation (how I hate his continuing talk of "nations and regions" of the UK)is unlikely to endear him to the middle England voters that he seems to be so keen to persuade on board.
Early days for "Not Blair" of course, but I am not overly hopeful that things can only get better.
Why should Brown have had any difficulty dealing with these pathetic and useless so-called attacks?
Perhaps I am a bit thick, but would someone, please explain why the media are constantly referring to the car fire as a terrorist attack? and as a car bomb? The attack was neither. It was a crime, but not a terrifying one.
What is so terrifying about a small, controllable fire? The only terror that has happened at all over the last few days is the hysterical over reaction of the media. If people are scared, it's NOT because of Al Queda, but of the irresponsible media's non-stop baseless fearmongering.
There were no explosives, merely gas canisters. A totally different scale to say, semtex or even fertilizer bombs. There were no BOMBS!
The attack in Glasgow was the worst it could have been given the equipment available to the "so-called terrorists".
All this "if they had this" and "if they had that" is irrelevant.
If they had have been able to take control of the world's military satelites they could have taken over the world and killed billions of people! How's that for hyped up hysteria?
A CIA explosives expert in America has stated that had this "attack" fully gone off the worst it could have done, even if your were about 20 feet away, is hurt people's ears a bit. This was never ever going to causee carnage or anything remotely like it.
There were 460 deliberate car fires in 2005. Where is the hype over these?
The media has been utterly irresponsible in spreading MORE fear that Al Queda could ever do.
This was not, nor was it ever ever possibly anything remotely like the attacks of 911 and any reference to those attacks, in relation to this singular car fire, is uttterly shameful.
A wee bit mean-spirited, Nick.
Come on, give the man credit where it is deserved. He has already done far more than not be Blair. The cabinet reshuffle was an extremely effective piece of work- the appointment of Jacqui Smith was just brilliant- and he has done very well in not jumping to the headlines over the attack.
You'll have plenty of real things to criticise him for in future, I'm sure- so give credit where it's due. His success these past five days has been about far more than just not being Blair.
Point taken. But let's be thankful for small mercies.
Hmm, "Not Blair" has his fingerprints all over the tax'n'bungle travesty of 'new' Labour over the last 10 years.
But "Not Blair" will be hugging himself in delight that it appears you can fool all the people all the time. So long as the 'people' are the institutionally leftist 大象传媒 people!
I prefer to judge people on what they do not what they say. Brown has not so far persuaded me he has anything new to offer. That also goes for the opposition.We may not care that he is a bit dull at the moment but that makes him easier to kick out come election time.
Hmm; All very quiet on "Not Blair" cutting 艁2b from the British, sorry I mean English NHS budget for this year shortly before he left the "not job" of chancellor. No doubt "not Brown" will be a darling and announce it as new expenditure in 2008 when he has to sort out the mess that his predecessor left him. But then being Scottish possibly he won't.
'Not Blair' the Tories should consider using that slogan at the next election. Whatever, we say about Blair's decision to invade Iraq (his 'Poll Tax' moment) his approval ratings for most of his term in office were always sky high.
Blair was successful - he helped to move the Labour Party back as a force in British Politics. Arguably, the most successful leader of Labour in recent times, like Thatcher, ultimately forced out by his party. Let's hope in a few years time when Brown has been in office for a while, after the hatred of Blair has subsided and nostalgia sets in - Labour won't realise they've made a mistake, and end up in a similar position to the Conservatives in the 1990s.
Politics has moved on since 1997 - Brown was part of the Government that made the leap. If he tries to return to the past, he won't succeed...
Before I start - can I ask a little indulgence of fellow commenters here? Please - don't laugh at the name of my blog ;0(
OK - laugh if you must. I'm a toughened Blairite ... I can take it.
I know Blair's not even an MP any more (or almost not ...), but if you think I'm starting a new blog with a new name ready for his second coming, well, you think I'm dafter than I possibly am!!
But since the site DOES still seem to attract quite a few visitors I'm going to keep it going for a bit, if only as a useful one-stop shop for Blair memorobilia.
It'll still be there at least until the former PM goes off to Jerusalem, perhaps never to return - sacrificed to the noble but unsatisfiable cause - his need for eternal understanding by his fellow man. (God would have no such reservations, I'm sure).
Excuse the melodrama - but as a Blairite any kind of excitement - even in word form - shuffles off the "Not Blair" lethargy that's been hanging around politics since last Wednesday.
That's obviously what Nick feels - only he's a hardened journalist and can't admit to it.
Of course, "Not Blair", like "Blair Mark II" (Cameron) will soon get to the stage Blair was a few weeks or months ago. The 90 days detention period will be accepted, if only because Blair isn't here to call for it (again). Alex Carlile and others will insist, and then its adoption will be guaranteed and "Not Blair" can argue that it's only because 'others' in his 'inclusive' circle wanted it.
Whereas, of course, "Not Blair" had his own worthy civil rights reservations, but ... well ... he's a listening prime minister.
In the end, "Not Blair" and not Blair (still with me?) will get the credit for protecting the country! And all in a calm and measured way.
"Not Blair" is the man who's going to do his 'outmost' whatever that is.
[My school motto was "we seek higher things", btw.]
And "Not Blair" is the man who has responded to the terrorist attacks by saying the same things as Blair (except "Not Blair" got a round of applause for saying it and not the derision of the *LIPies!)
(*Liberal Intelligentsia Press)
"Not Blair" is the man whose voice puts me to sleep ten times faster than his facial expressions do.
And "Not Blair" is the man who can't and won't risk doing ANYTHING that might upset anyone. Like, for example, taking on board the warning of Hassan Butt, a reformed member of Al-Muhajiroun who explains that Islamist terrorism is an ideology rooted deeply WITHIN Islam.
Their own leaders won't or can't tackle this problem within Islam.
I believe Blair understood this but was prevented by the LIPies and Left of his party from tackling it.
The Tories have lost ALL their natural protective instincts and have misread Blair and the current situation. They've moved to the Left of even the Blair-less Labour party.
God, Allah or whoEVER, but probably not "Not Blair" help us!
Oh, yes, Nick, he's MOST DEFINITELY NOT Blair. And don't we know it. And, so of course, does he.
Nick, are you saying he is 'not blair' on purpose. I think that may be an element but a lot of how a prime minister is is realy down to personality and leadership style. Brown and Blair are very different and this will obviously affect how they run things.
Come on, folks! Not Blair really isn't Blair. Blair never sent me to sleep while he was doing a TV interview whereas Not Blair is about as interesting and charismatic as a Finnish Formula 1 driver!
Is the Blair you are talking about the Mr Blair who was voted into power for more than10 years and who decide on his own time of leaving to become the chosen representative of The United Nations, The United States of America, Russia and the European Union.
A little respect would not be out of the way: but then we are dealing with a media that has a feral response to being outwitted occasionally.
Please, please. Not Blair, not Brown, not Cameron, not Campbell. What we need is talent, statesmanship and someone that understands why not Blair, Brown et al.
"Not Blair" but not character assassination either - yet!
Don't hold your breath; it will start very soon.
A frantic search for details of the wife, children, relatives, friends and associates of Mr Brown will be continuing right now.
The parting shot of Mrs Blair :- "I do not think I will miss you" should not be forgotten for one moment. It will go down in history as a measure of today's media.
After "Not Blair" will come the character assassination a la Blair.
Watch this space!
Gordon Brown will have to learn to take a leaf out of the book of Bill Clinton.
Instead of saying "I have only been in the job for 5 days" (or words to that effect), he should have said "I have only been in the job for 5 days - stupid".
Re my memo of 09 July 2007 regarding the pending character assassination of Gordon Brown (alias "Not Blair").
Look out for "nervous" in all it's varieties.
"The world owes the US a debt of gratitude for their fight against terrorism". That's a laugh.
It would be true, I guess, if the US hadn't largely caused the problem in the first place.
Frank.
Has anyone noticed the whitened teeth, the better fitting suits, new ties, what else? Sound bites. This is one smooth operator, he has been practicing for 10 years so don't be naive, wake up and smell the coffee, while you can afford it.
Over the last 10 years we were constantly told that Gordon Brown was "the real Prime Minister" not the unlamented Tony Blair - so why all the acres of newsprint about howe marvellous Brown will be now he's in charge - apparently he's been in charge for the last 10 years - and look what a mess the country's in now.
J Westerman asks for a bit of respect for Blair - Sorry! Is this the Bliar that lied to Parliament, that sent our soldiers, poorly equipped to fight a war (2 wars) that we have no business poking our nose into, the Bliar who lives on a totally different planet to the rest of the country, who spun and lied his way through 10 years of power - The late unlamented Tony Blair - how I have longed to write those words.
To get respect you have to give respect and I have never seen signs of respect for this country coming from Tony Bliar!