Monthly Archives: April 2017

Britain, Politics, Society

Tony Blair says Government does not fear Opposition

BRITAIN

Mr Blair insists that Labour has failed in its fundamental duty in being a competitive opposition.

Intro: Tony Blair demands that ‘urgency’ is now needed if Labour is to remain relevant in British politics. He attacks Jeremy Corbyn for being ‘no competition’ to the Government.

Former prime minister Tony Blair has warned the Government spends “zero” time worrying about the Labour Party as he blasted the current leadership for failing to provide a “competitive” opposition.

Mr Blair said Labour had failed in its “fundamental duty to the British people”, as he hit out at the “ultra-left” takeover of the party.

In an interview with Labour MPs Ruth Smeeth and Wes Streeting for Progress magazine, Mr Blair also dubbed Brexit “the defining moment in British history” as he appealed for Labour to take a more modern approach.

He said: “We (have) failed in what is our fundamental duty to the British people, that is to be a competitive opposition.

“Just ask yourself one simple question. In the Prime Minister’s office, in Tory high command, how much of their time do they spend worrying about the prospect of a Labour victory at the present time? I would guess zero.”

Mr Blair added: “We’ve got to make them wake up every morning and fear us.”

Mr Blair said a previous lurch to the left between 1979 and 1983 had “cratered the Labour party”.

He added: “I don’t want to depress you, but there is a big difference between the ’80s and now.

“In the 1980s, the ultra-left never took control. They tried but they failed.

“The moment when Denis Healey beat Tony Benn was the moment when the Labour Party was saved.”

The Labour leader between 1994 and 2007 warned the current party was putting its principles before power, arguing it had only won “when it has been at the cutting edge of modernity”.

Turning to Brexit, Mr Blair said it was not the answer to the cultural and economic problems of globalisation, warning political parties could “end up in an intellectual and political cul-de-sac”.

He added: “We have to say, the Government’s got a mandate to negotiate Brexit, but we’re going to hold them to account that it’s not going to damage jobs, that it’s not going to damage the economy.”

Asked for his final word for those looking to keep Labour relevant, Mr Blair replied: “Urgency. Because politics moves faster today and Brexit …it’s the defining moment in British history.”

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Britain, Government, Politics, Scotland

Scotland: Formal request to hold second independence referendum

SCOTLAND: BREXIT

A letter from Nicola Sturgeon formally requesting transfer of powers to hold a second Scottish independence referendum has been delivered to Downing Street.

The Section 30 letter penned by Scotland’s First Minister was dispatched to Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday morning.

MSPs voted by 69 to 59 this week in favour of seeking permission for an independence referendum to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019.

The letter said: “In these very changed circumstances, the people of Scotland must have the right to choose our own future – in short, to exercise our right of self determination.”

The UK Government has said it will decline the request, with Mrs May repeatedly stating “now is not the time” for another vote on the issue.

However, Ms Sturgeon has said her mandate for another vote is ”beyond question” and is pressing ahead with a formal approach for a Section 30 order – the mechanism for the powers to hold a referendum.

Ms Sturgeon said leaving the EU and the single market would have “enormous implications” for schools, hospitals, jobs and investment in Scotland.

In a video message posted by the Scottish Government on Twitter, she said: “The next two years are hugely important for Scotland because they will determine the kind of country we’ll become.

“That’s why I have today written to the UK Government to ensure that we can make that choice when the time is right to accept Brexit or instead become an independent country.

“I don’t take for granted how people would vote when that choice comes but I hope we can all agree that the future of our country is our choice.”

She added: “The Prime Minister has indicated that she intends to ignore the will of the Scottish Parliament and seek to prevent people in Scotland having that choice.

“If the Westminster government continues to hold that line, it will go against the very foundations of devolution.

“So, I hope the Prime Minister changes her mind and acknowledges that the people of Scotland are entitled to a choice at a time and in a way that is right for Scotland.

“However, if she doesn’t, as I expect she won’t, at least not yet, I will come back to the Scottish Parliament in a few weeks’ time with an update on how we’re going to move forward to ensure that the people of Scotland are able to choose our future when we have the information we need both about Brexit and about independence, and while there is still time to take a different path.”

In the letter to Mrs May, Ms Sturgeon said there appeared to be “no rational reason” for the UK Government to “stand in the way of the will of the Scottish Parliament”, adding: “I hope you will not do so.”

She continued: “However, in anticipation of your refusal to enter into discussions at this stage, it is important for me to be clear about my position.

“It is my firm view that the mandate of the Scottish Parliament must be respected and progressed. The question is not if, but how.

“I hope that will be by constructive discussion between our Governments. However, if that is not yet possible, I will set out to the Scottish Parliament the steps I intend to take to ensure that progress is made towards a referendum.”

Around 62% of Scottish voters backed the UK remaining part of the EU in June 2016 and the SNP manifesto for last year’s Holyrood elections said another ballot on independence should take place if there were a ”material change in circumstances” from the previous ballot in 2014.

The example cited was for Scotland to be removed from the EU against its wishes.

Scottish Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians oppose another referendum.

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