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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Jonathan Freedland

Tony Blair says he is all about the future – but his vision is woefully stuck in the past

Tony Blair in March 2006.
‘His view has not shifted from the one he held with such calamitous consequences a quarter-century ago’. Tony Blair in March 2006. Photograph: PA

Give the man credit. Tony Blair has achieved a goal that even a week ago seemed impossible, and which he scarcely managed in office: he has brought the Labour party together in sweet, harmonious unity. Thanks to him, Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and the man they hope to replace, Keir Starmer, are singing in unison, joined in a chorus of denunciation – of one T Blair.

Give the triple election-winner further credit. This is a political professional who still knows how to command the news cycle. Cannily timing the release of his nearly 6,000-word essay on the future of Britain, and the failings of Labour, to coincide with the parliamentary recess, he secured for himself massive coverage across all platforms over several days.

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