TONY BLAIR returned to the domestic political stage and the North-East yesterday with an attack on ‘‘vacuous’’ Tory promises of change.
at the heart of Conservative policy-making.
The Tories hit back, calling for an investigation into the extensive business interests he has built up since leaving office in 2007.
From the stage of Trimdon Labour Club, where he announced his resignation as Prime Minister nearly three years ago, Mr Blair drew on his experience of three General Election victories to attack David Cameron.
He said people were now asking “if I get change, what change exactly am I getting?”, a question which the Conservatives could not “coherently answer”.
‘‘They seem like they haven’t made up their mind about where they stand; and so the British public finds it hard to make up its mind about where it stands. In uncertain times, there is a lot to be said for certain leadership.’’ He pointed to what he said is the confusion in the Tories’ economic position, first claiming that cutting the deficit was their ‘‘absolute priority’’, only to then offer a big tax cut as the centrepiece of their policy.
He found similar confusion in the Tories’ stance on Europe, on their opposition to the DNA database when it helped to detect crimes, and on whether Mr Cameron had truly changed his party.
This confusion, he concluded, was in fact a deliberate strategy of believing one thing, but saying something more vote-winning.
“The British people deserve to have that strategy exposed before polling day,” he said.
Mr Cameron brushed off Mr Blair’s attack, quipping: ‘‘It is nice to see him making a speech that no one is paying for.’’ Neil Mahapatra, the Conservative candidate in Mr Blair’s former constituency, said: “People in Sedgefield won’t be fooled by this. They tell me on the doorstep how taken for granted they feel by Labour, especially when Tony Blair was MP here.
The Tories allege that Mr Blair, whom they estimate has earned £20m since standing down, has not registered one of his companies, Windrush Ventures, properly with Parliament, and has based another, Firerush Ventures, in the low-tax countries of Gibraltar, Lithuania and Romania.
Phil Wilson, who now holds the seat, said: “Mr Blair employs 130 people and he’s got three charities – the sports foundation, the interfaith foundation as well as his work in Africa. He has to earn to do the things he believes in, so this criticism looks churlish.
AFTER his speech, Mr Blair visited the Pioneering Care Centre, in , County Durham, which brings the public and voluntary sectors together to improve people’s health and lifestyle.
Mr Blair, who laid the centre’s foundation stone in 1998, was given a tour of the therapy suites, computer training rooms, hydrotherapy pool and the new £1.2m extension by chief executive Jane Hartley. Chairwoman Carol Briggs told him: “I remember you asked me how many people we envisaged would be employed here and I said off the top of my head about 29, because at least we had to think big. Someone else said, ‘We’ll be lucky if there’s six of us’, but now we employ 45 and have 50 volunteers.”
Mr Blair said: “We were unsure whether the partnership concept would work, but coming here makes me really proud. It is now a fantastic community facility.
“When I go to other parts of the world, like Palestine, their political problems are obviously different, but they face the same issues about how you provide facilities and get community activity going. This pioneering approach is a model that applies anywhere and everywhere.”
ELIZABETH GALLAGHER, 69, of Leeholme, said: “The Iraq war turned a lot of people against him, bringing him back makes Labour look a bit desperate.” Donald Gallagher, 73, of Leeholme said: “He still comes across well and I think Labour still has working class people at its core.”
John Handley, 63, of Evenwood, said: “I think the economy and Iraq war are so associated with Blair that it’s a bad move for Labour to be re-associating itself with him. But you cannot deny he’s a good speaker, I bet Gordon Brown wishes he could speak as well as Tony Blair.”
Sidney Whitfield, 77, of , said: “It is a bad idea. He wasn’t wanted by the time he went and still isn’t.”
Doris Ewin, 66, of Ferryhill, said: “My first thought was ‘how dare he?’ He used this area for his own gains then took off and deserted us. I used to think he was great, but now I think this is him trying to save face and seek attention.”
John and Janis Ellis, from High Etherley. Mr Ellis said: “I think he believes in the Labour Party, but it isn’t the same one I believe in.
Bringing him back will still have some influence on those who liked him, especially in Sedgefield, where people would vote for a labrador wearing a red rosette.” Mrs Ellis said: “I question his motives and wonder how much he is being paid.”
Whilst Blair was doing his normal me me me act, and singing the praises of Phil Wilson the MP who told us he would fight to keep our post offices open, then immediately voted to close them, Only two miles away on Sedgefield Village Green the people and forces veterans gathered to remember the latest three victims of the war in Afghanistan.
These three brave fallen heroes were repatriated this morning and passed through Wooten Basset. The people of Sedgefield now gather at the same time to commemorate these brave soldiers. But no politican of any sort especially our elected politicians bother turning up. They would rather grovel in the limelight of Blairs visit to his lackies and chums in Trimdon.
Whilst Blair was doing his normal me me me act, and singing the praises of Phil Wilson the MP who told us he would fight to keep our post offices open, then immediately voted to close them, Only two miles away on Sedgefield Village Green the people and forces veterans gathered to remember the latest three victims of the war in Afghanistan. These three brave fallen heroes were repatriated this morning and passed through Wooten Basset. The people of Sedgefield now gather at the same time to commemorate these brave soldiers. But no politican of any sort especially our elected politicians bother turning up. They would rather grovel in the limelight of Blairs visit to his lackies and chums in Trimdon.
We now have this idiot back in the region supporting another idiot. Labour lackey’s just take a look at what these idiots have done to the region – just spare some time and look around Newton Aycliffe town centre its enough to make anyone cry. Look at what our Labour MP and his hangers on have done – remeber the hounarable heoric British troops that have died at his hand, yet he tells us he would do it again!!!! After all Iraq under Hussein was evil and we had to invade – of course no weapons of mass destruction were ever found, but we are kissing cousins with the Yanks. Why did we not attack the known evil of Iran who are developing weapons of mass destruction. Tony Blair you are a money grubbing parasite filling your own pockets from the hardship of the north east, for which you care and cared nothing about. Just out of curiosity was Cheri modelled on a Spitting Image character. PLEASE GO AWAY YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN THE NORTH EAST.
We now have this idiot back in the region supporting another idiot. Labour lackey’s just take a look at what these idiots have done to the region – just spare some time and look around Newton Aycliffe town centre its enough to make anyone cry. Look at what our Labour MP and his hangers on have done – remeber the hounarable heoric British troops that have died at his hand, yet he tells us he would do it again!!!! After all Iraq under Hussein was evil and we had to invade – of course no weapons of mass destruction were ever found, but we are kissing cousins with the Yanks. Why did we not attack the known evil of Iran who are developing weapons of mass destruction. Tony Blair you are a money grubbing parasite filling your own pockets from the hardship of the north east, for which you care and cared nothing about. Just out of curiosity was Cheri modelled on a Spitting Image character. PLEASE GO AWAY YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN THE NORTH EAST.
I feel physically sick. The man who wrecked the country, supporting another man (who wrecked the economy). A war criminal and an un-elected PM.
I feel physically sick. The man who wrecked the country, supporting another man (who wrecked the economy). A war criminal and an un-elected PM. Just who do these people think they are?
Above the Law, look at all the money taken from this area, then where are the manufacturing jobs all but gone, these were the mainstay of the cuntry, but Blair, Brown etc under NEW LABOUR have destroyed our area and sold the country down the river .
So go back to where you live now Tony, because we don’t want you – a traitor to the region because you did nothing for us.
Above the Law, look at all the money taken from this area, then where are the manufacturing jobs all but gone, these were the mainstay of the cuntry, but Blair, Brown etc under NEW LABOUR have destroyed our area and sold the country down the river . So go back to where you live now Tony, because we don’t want you – a traitor to the region because you did nothing for us.
Pass the sick bucket.All the boot lickers clapping a war criminal, no doubt lead by convicted bully boy Burton.
The Trimdon Labour Mafia have a lot to answer but are that far up their backsides they lose no sleep over any war dead or unemployed.
T*SS*RS.
Pass the sick bucket.All the boot lickers clapping a war criminal, no doubt lead by convicted bully boy Burton. The Trimdon Labour Mafia have a lot to answer but are that far up their backsides they lose no sleep over any war dead or unemployed. T*SS*RS.
With a bit of luck B.liar’s reappearance will be the kiss of death for Labour.
Brown cheated our troops during B.liar’s ILLEGAL Iraq debacle and no-one should forget it.
Now Brown wants to tax death to pay for his financial mismanagement of the economy since 1997.
Because they realised that these 2 were bigger enemies of the British public and were doing more damage than any terrorist could.
With a bit of luck B.liar’s reappearance will be the kiss of death for Labour. Brown cheated our troops during B.liar’s ILLEGAL Iraq debacle and no-one should forget it. Now Brown wants to tax death to pay for his financial mismanagement of the economy since 1997. Why did no terrorist group attempt to assassinate either of these 2? Because they realised that these 2 were bigger enemies of the British public and were doing more damage than any terrorist could.
I’m suprised that the good and decent people of Trimdon actually did not protest about this disgusting Blair character fouling their lovely village.
When they realise they will forever be remembered as Blairs lackies I would think they will want to change the villages name.
I’m suprised that the good and decent people of Trimdon actually did not protest about this disgusting Blair character fouling their lovely village. When they realise they will forever be remembered as Blairs lackies I would think they will want to change the villages name.
120 of GBs biggest **** lickers spotted in Trimdon.Must be Blairs fan club.Must admit I love the Tan Tone,very Miami Vice.
120 of GBs biggest **** lickers spotted in Trimdon.Must be Blairs fan club.Must admit I love the Tan Tone,very Miami Vice.
Glad to hear that labour continues to have full support in it’s heartland of the North East……….lets vote them out and replace them with who???……More MP’s who are in the game for self gain and gratification!! …………..Politi
cians, they make me sick!! If they made their party manifesto’s a legally binding contract, people like me might begin to have some hope for this country!!
Glad to hear that labour continues to have full support in it’s heartland of the North East……….lets vote them out and replace them with who???……More MP’s who are in the game for self gain and gratification!! …………..Politi cians, they make me sick!! If they made their party manifesto’s a legally binding contract, people like me might begin to have some hope for this country!!
LABOUR OFFENSIVE: Tony Blair delivering his speech in Sedgefield yesterday. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Read the article on Northern Echo
Blair attacks Tory talk of change as ‘vacuous’
TONY BLAIR returned to the domestic political stage and the North-East yesterday with an attack on ‘‘vacuous’’ Tory promises of change.
at the heart of Conservative policy-making.
The Tories hit back, calling for an investigation into the extensive business interests he has built up since leaving office in 2007.
From the stage of Trimdon Labour Club, where he announced his resignation as Prime Minister nearly three years ago, Mr Blair drew on his experience of three General Election victories to attack David Cameron.
He said people were now asking “if I get change, what change exactly am I getting?”, a question which the Conservatives could not “coherently answer”.
‘‘They seem like they haven’t made up their mind about where they stand; and so the British public finds it hard to make up its mind about where it stands. In uncertain times, there is a lot to be said for certain leadership.’’ He pointed to what he said is the confusion in the Tories’ economic position, first claiming that cutting the deficit was their ‘‘absolute priority’’, only to then offer a big tax cut as the centrepiece of their policy.
He found similar confusion in the Tories’ stance on Europe, on their opposition to the DNA database when it helped to detect crimes, and on whether Mr Cameron had truly changed his party.
This confusion, he concluded, was in fact a deliberate strategy of believing one thing, but saying something more vote-winning.
“The British people deserve to have that strategy exposed before polling day,” he said.
Mr Cameron brushed off Mr Blair’s attack, quipping: ‘‘It is nice to see him making a speech that no one is paying for.’’ Neil Mahapatra, the Conservative candidate in Mr Blair’s former constituency, said: “People in Sedgefield won’t be fooled by this. They tell me on the doorstep how taken for granted they feel by Labour, especially when Tony Blair was MP here.
The Tories allege that Mr Blair, whom they estimate has earned £20m since standing down, has not registered one of his companies, Windrush Ventures, properly with Parliament, and has based another, Firerush Ventures, in the low-tax countries of Gibraltar, Lithuania and Romania.
Phil Wilson, who now holds the seat, said: “Mr Blair employs 130 people and he’s got three charities – the sports foundation, the interfaith foundation as well as his work in Africa. He has to earn to do the things he believes in, so this criticism looks churlish.
AFTER his speech, Mr Blair visited the Pioneering Care Centre, in , County Durham, which brings the public and voluntary sectors together to improve people’s health and lifestyle.
Mr Blair, who laid the centre’s foundation stone in 1998, was given a tour of the therapy suites, computer training rooms, hydrotherapy pool and the new £1.2m extension by chief executive Jane Hartley. Chairwoman Carol Briggs told him: “I remember you asked me how many people we envisaged would be employed here and I said off the top of my head about 29, because at least we had to think big. Someone else said, ‘We’ll be lucky if there’s six of us’, but now we employ 45 and have 50 volunteers.”
Mr Blair said: “We were unsure whether the partnership concept would work, but coming here makes me really proud. It is now a fantastic community facility.
“When I go to other parts of the world, like Palestine, their political problems are obviously different, but they face the same issues about how you provide facilities and get community activity going. This pioneering approach is a model that applies anywhere and everywhere.”
ELIZABETH GALLAGHER, 69, of Leeholme, said: “The Iraq war turned a lot of people against him, bringing him back makes Labour look a bit desperate.” Donald Gallagher, 73, of Leeholme said: “He still comes across well and I think Labour still has working class people at its core.”
John Handley, 63, of Evenwood, said: “I think the economy and Iraq war are so associated with Blair that it’s a bad move for Labour to be re-associating itself with him. But you cannot deny he’s a good speaker, I bet Gordon Brown wishes he could speak as well as Tony Blair.”
Sidney Whitfield, 77, of , said: “It is a bad idea. He wasn’t wanted by the time he went and still isn’t.”
Doris Ewin, 66, of Ferryhill, said: “My first thought was ‘how dare he?’ He used this area for his own gains then took off and deserted us. I used to think he was great, but now I think this is him trying to save face and seek attention.”
John and Janis Ellis, from High Etherley. Mr Ellis said: “I think he believes in the Labour Party, but it isn’t the same one I believe in.
Bringing him back will still have some influence on those who liked him, especially in Sedgefield, where people would vote for a labrador wearing a red rosette.” Mrs Ellis said: “I question his motives and wonder how much he is being paid.”
Whilst Blair was doing his normal me me me act, and singing the praises of Phil Wilson the MP who told us he would fight to keep our post offices open, then immediately voted to close them, Only two miles away on Sedgefield Village Green the people and forces veterans gathered to remember the latest three victims of the war in Afghanistan.
These three brave fallen heroes were repatriated this morning and passed through Wooten Basset. The people of Sedgefield now gather at the same time to commemorate these brave soldiers. But no politican of any sort especially our elected politicians bother turning up. They would rather grovel in the limelight of Blairs visit to his lackies and chums in Trimdon.
Whilst Blair was doing his normal me me me act, and singing the praises of Phil Wilson the MP who told us he would fight to keep our post offices open, then immediately voted to close them, Only two miles away on Sedgefield Village Green the people and forces veterans gathered to remember the latest three victims of the war in Afghanistan. These three brave fallen heroes were repatriated this morning and passed through Wooten Basset. The people of Sedgefield now gather at the same time to commemorate these brave soldiers. But no politican of any sort especially our elected politicians bother turning up. They would rather grovel in the limelight of Blairs visit to his lackies and chums in Trimdon.
We now have this idiot back in the region supporting another idiot. Labour lackey’s just take a look at what these idiots have done to the region – just spare some time and look around Newton Aycliffe town centre its enough to make anyone cry. Look at what our Labour MP and his hangers on have done – remeber the hounarable heoric British troops that have died at his hand, yet he tells us he would do it again!!!! After all Iraq under Hussein was evil and we had to invade – of course no weapons of mass destruction were ever found, but we are kissing cousins with the Yanks. Why did we not attack the known evil of Iran who are developing weapons of mass destruction. Tony Blair you are a money grubbing parasite filling your own pockets from the hardship of the north east, for which you care and cared nothing about. Just out of curiosity was Cheri modelled on a Spitting Image character. PLEASE GO AWAY YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN THE NORTH EAST.
We now have this idiot back in the region supporting another idiot. Labour lackey’s just take a look at what these idiots have done to the region – just spare some time and look around Newton Aycliffe town centre its enough to make anyone cry. Look at what our Labour MP and his hangers on have done – remeber the hounarable heoric British troops that have died at his hand, yet he tells us he would do it again!!!! After all Iraq under Hussein was evil and we had to invade – of course no weapons of mass destruction were ever found, but we are kissing cousins with the Yanks. Why did we not attack the known evil of Iran who are developing weapons of mass destruction. Tony Blair you are a money grubbing parasite filling your own pockets from the hardship of the north east, for which you care and cared nothing about. Just out of curiosity was Cheri modelled on a Spitting Image character. PLEASE GO AWAY YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN THE NORTH EAST.
I feel physically sick. The man who wrecked the country, supporting another man (who wrecked the economy). A war criminal and an un-elected PM.
I feel physically sick. The man who wrecked the country, supporting another man (who wrecked the economy). A war criminal and an un-elected PM. Just who do these people think they are?
Above the Law, look at all the money taken from this area, then where are the manufacturing jobs all but gone, these were the mainstay of the cuntry, but Blair, Brown etc under NEW LABOUR have destroyed our area and sold the country down the river .
So go back to where you live now Tony, because we don’t want you – a traitor to the region because you did nothing for us.
Above the Law, look at all the money taken from this area, then where are the manufacturing jobs all but gone, these were the mainstay of the cuntry, but Blair, Brown etc under NEW LABOUR have destroyed our area and sold the country down the river . So go back to where you live now Tony, because we don’t want you – a traitor to the region because you did nothing for us.
Pass the sick bucket.All the boot lickers clapping a war criminal, no doubt lead by convicted bully boy Burton.
The Trimdon Labour Mafia have a lot to answer but are that far up their backsides they lose no sleep over any war dead or unemployed.
T*SS*RS.
Pass the sick bucket.All the boot lickers clapping a war criminal, no doubt lead by convicted bully boy Burton. The Trimdon Labour Mafia have a lot to answer but are that far up their backsides they lose no sleep over any war dead or unemployed. T*SS*RS.
With a bit of luck B.liar’s reappearance will be the kiss of death for Labour.
Brown cheated our troops during B.liar’s ILLEGAL Iraq debacle and no-one should forget it.
Now Brown wants to tax death to pay for his financial mismanagement of the economy since 1997.
Because they realised that these 2 were bigger enemies of the British public and were doing more damage than any terrorist could.
With a bit of luck B.liar’s reappearance will be the kiss of death for Labour. Brown cheated our troops during B.liar’s ILLEGAL Iraq debacle and no-one should forget it. Now Brown wants to tax death to pay for his financial mismanagement of the economy since 1997. Why did no terrorist group attempt to assassinate either of these 2? Because they realised that these 2 were bigger enemies of the British public and were doing more damage than any terrorist could.
I’m suprised that the good and decent people of Trimdon actually did not protest about this disgusting Blair character fouling their lovely village.
When they realise they will forever be remembered as Blairs lackies I would think they will want to change the villages name.
I’m suprised that the good and decent people of Trimdon actually did not protest about this disgusting Blair character fouling their lovely village. When they realise they will forever be remembered as Blairs lackies I would think they will want to change the villages name.
120 of GBs biggest **** lickers spotted in Trimdon.Must be Blairs fan club.Must admit I love the Tan Tone,very Miami Vice.
120 of GBs biggest **** lickers spotted in Trimdon.Must be Blairs fan club.Must admit I love the Tan Tone,very Miami Vice.
Glad to hear that labour continues to have full support in it’s heartland of the North East……….lets vote them out and replace them with who???……More MP’s who are in the game for self gain and gratification!! …………..Politi
cians, they make me sick!! If they made their party manifesto’s a legally binding contract, people like me might begin to have some hope for this country!!
Glad to hear that labour continues to have full support in it’s heartland of the North East……….lets vote them out and replace them with who???……More MP’s who are in the game for self gain and gratification!! …………..Politi cians, they make me sick!! If they made their party manifesto’s a legally binding contract, people like me might begin to have some hope for this country!!
LABOUR OFFENSIVE: Tony Blair delivering his speech in Sedgefield yesterday. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
