Blair government: Your views

August 2nd 2003 was the day Tony Blair became Labour's longest continuously-serving prime minister since Clement Attlee.

Labour came to power in 1997 after a historic general election victory which saw the Conservatives removed after18 years in office.

What achievements do you think have been made since 1997 - and where do you feel let down?

How will history remember the Blair government? Tell us what you think.

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Go back in history and you will find that every Labour Government has come to power after a long time out, it spends and spends, gets into debt badly, and then the Tories come along and put it right, it happens every time.
Lester Stenner, UK

I am very sure history will view this Labour government as a disaster. Nothing is any better; Labour is simply a propaganda machine. We are paying more and getting less. I wish the USA would take him but we will be lumbered with him as the first megalomaniac President of Europe.
T J Newman, UK

He didn't let partisan politics get in the way of doing what's right Joel, Trinidad

I am a usually a conservative, but Tony Blair showed that in times of international trouble, he did not let partisan politics get in the way of doing what is right.
Joel, Trinidad

For years, I believed Tony Blair to be Bill Clinton in a better suit. But Blair has changed my mind, and he's now my favourite socialist... God Bless Tony
Jason, Boston, USA

I remember a few years ago when the media and leftists everywhere were drooling over Blair as being the epitome of the successful "new left" candidate, and for his skilful political manoeuvring that got him where he was. Now that he's had to make the tough decisions, he's been abandoned by those unrealistic people. Hopefully Blair will learn the same lesson that the last British leader who was put in his position, Winston Churchill, learned, and move over to the Tories--who for all their faults, at least seem to recognize a good leader when one arises.
Jeremy, Canada

Labour are in power? Sorry - I must be under the false impression that the Tories are in government. If it looks, smells, tastes and sounds like the Tories - it's got to be the Tories - perhaps under a different guise?
Dan A, UK

Excellent healthcare, safe environment, great transport, low taxes. That's Singapore and that's what Blair has failed to live up to.
Stevet, Singapore

I am very disappointed in Blair's government Andy, UK

I was always one of those annoying people who, come election time, would be saying to everyone around me 'You must use your vote. It's your right'. I grew up under the Tories and couldn't wait to see the back of them. Sadly they were replaced with another Tory party, but one wearing a cunning disguise, and one with a few token lefties in the ranks to keep the old Labour crowd on board. Frankly, I am very disappointed in Blair's government and have had my long term suspicions conformed one after another. They don't care a jot for the electorate who gave them their power, they hang on America's every word, they lack integrity, honesty. You can now lecture me on how I should use my vote, but there is genuinely nothing to vote for.
Andy, UK

As someone looking at your country from the outside (from America) I have to say that England couldn't have a better prime minister than Blair. He is the personification of a genuine leader - he has courage of his convictions and is able to make unpopular though necessary decisions despite the potential damage to his career. God save Tony Blair.
Everlong, USA

He might have his flaws, but as a foreigner in the UK since 1998, I have never been under a conservative government. However, from what I have read, they were not rulers but misrulers. Moreover, has any heard of an increase in unemployment in the UK? Check out Germany, France, Japan, USA etc. Be grateful for Blair
Chukwudi, Leeds

Tony Blair was a poor politician and a worse leader of the Labour Party. He squandered a moment in History when everyone in the Country wanted greater justice and equality, having ilved for eighteen years under The Tories. What did he do? He promised to implement the Tory Policies. He has never been a Labour politician, he is a career politician who saw Labour as his best chance of office. He is the Ramsey Macdonald of the 21st Century, and will be as despised.
Martin, Wales

This is the best conservative government we have had for years!
Julian, UK

If the people of the UK do not want him, we'll take him. There is always room in the United States for honest, intelligent leadership- and Mr. Blair fits that bill to a tee. I don't think you all realize what a treasure you have in Mr. Blair.
Phil, USA

The big problem has been a lack of direction long term Jeremy, UK

The Blair government has turned out to be a moderately competent government in terms of day to day administration. The big problem has been a lack of direction long term. They are thus caretakers at best. Everything they do in office has been chosen for the sole purpose of maximizing perceived chances of retaining that office. Running a government this way lacks fundamental integrity, and always catches up with you in the end through the law of unintended consequences.
Jeremy, UK

New Labour has let a lot of people down but they are still far and away better than the Conservatives would be. Never forget that!
Ade, Wales

Certainly most Americans will remember Prime Minister Blair's government quite favourably. I think through the smoke and confusion, in time, the UK will also see him quite favourable. He truly will join his place among the greats.
Robert Moore, USA/Japan

What I see is a man of conviction who is trying to do the best he can for his country Frances, USA

So many doubters in the U.K. I for one would rather have Tony Blair than G. Bush. What I see is a man of conviction who is trying to do the best he can for his country. I believe that history will show that he was truly a strong leader.
Frances, USA

"Longest continuously-serving Labour prime minister"? Not exactly a great feat, is it? I doubt that he'll make another term; he got in the current one because people agreed to give him another chance but he has let too many people down for that to continue.
Chris C, England

I think Tony Blair has been a remarkable, able and competent prime minister for the UK. His main problem seems to come from his willingness to join the USA in the war with Iraq and against the terrorist threat. It looks like the UK is paying back the enormous help the American gave the British in their efforts during World War 2.
Jose Nigrin, Guatemala

I'll be voting Tory the next time around John Anon, England

As a low-paid worker, I looked to the Blair government to give me a better standard of living, more in my pocket on pay-day, and democratic rule. None of these has come to pass. I'll be voting Tory the next time around.
John Anon, England

I understand fully why many (especially the low paid) feel "let down" by the Blair governments, but for 'John Anon' to suggest that the solution is to vote Tory is both laughable and bizarre! Talk about having a short memory...
Robert Crosby, Nottingham, UK

The present Labour party are most fortunate in that they gained power when they did. The only reason they are still there is because there is nothing to take their place. They are not doing a very good job at the moment but are already in place. Until there is something better to vote for I think Mr Blair can consider himself reasonably secure. His immediate downfall will be as a result of attempting to push forward any EU integration without taking it to the people.
Keith, UK

By the end of this Parliament I think the benefits will begin to show Rob, Bournemouth, UK

I worked in public service when Conservative cuts slashed the number of staff to unworkable levels. Blair's Government has invested heavily, but it will take time for new staff to be recruited, let alone for improvements to begin to show. By the end of this Parliament I think the benefits will begin to show.
Rob, Bournemouth, UK

If an outsider from the USA may be allowed an opinion on your internal politics, I have to say as an American what has impressed me about Blair is the way he is turning the UK into a vassal-state of the USA without most Britons realising it. Not only did we get you to come along on our senseless war in Iraq, we got Blair to take the blame for our fake evidence! Blair is even more loyal a lapdog than Thatcher was. Do you UK citizens even realise that you can now be extradited to the US based solely on the say-so of our attorney general, without any evidence?
Nathan David Teegarden, USA

The words "unmitigated" and "disaster" seem to have particular relevance when paired in regard to Blair's tenure at Downing Street.
Ian, Brit in USA

I work offshore and this government has just denied all offshore workers 4 weeks annual paid leave a year. I will not be voting again for Labour as offshore oil and gas workers do not have the same working rights to those people working onshore. They have chosen to ignore the health and safety implications of this in favour of not upsetting the big oil companies. At the end of the day, if they do not get re-elected, they will have a well paid job waiting for them in some sort of industry.
Carl, UK

I don't find that the world portrayed by Tony Blair bears any relation at all to the actual world in which I live Kathy, UK

I voted for Labour, as I have done for many years, but will not do so again. I don't find that the world portrayed by Tony Blair bears any relation at all to the actual world in which I live. NHS spending increased? Tell that to the 600 people who recently queued in Wales to register with a new NHS dentist, and to the 300 of them who were disappointed, and who have been without any dentist at all for some two years now!
Kathy, UK

This 'New' Labour government is exactly the same as those that have gone before. It's just taken them two terms, rather than one, to reduce my standard of living, preside over a decline in public services and stop investment in infrastructure in preference to feather bedding the work-shy.
Calum Steen, UK

Blair may be the longest continuous serving Labour PM, but how he can seriously compare his terms in office to those of Attlee which introduced major changes to the UK beats me. All he has done is follow Thatcherite policies to the nth degree, including privatising Air Traffic Control services which "were not for sale". Sorry Tony but history won't look on you as favourably as you hope.
Andy Foster, UK

We now have stability in our economy and unemployment is low Mark Jordan, England

I think history will remember Blair's government favourably. We now have stability in our economy and unemployment is low. However, what I despise in this government is the spin - I believe they are doing a decent job but would prefer to know the truth not a combination of half truths. They have given spin a new meaning and unfortunately this is how Blair will be remembered.
Mark Jordan, England

Labour got into power by telling us all that there would be no more sleaze, or chicanery etc and that we would have honest, open government. That, surely, was the biggest lie of all. We now have nothing BUT sleaze and chicanery on a daily diet. Indeed the news is always full of this rather any achievements the government may have had. They are going to "Spin" right out of power. And rightly so. And I am not a Tory sympathiser, I reserve my vote for someone worth voting for. Is there anybody?
Danny, Southampton, UK

"Education, Education, Education" and then introducing tuition fees - something the Tories didn't even manage to do!
Richard Szadura, UK

I do believe that Tony Blair is genuinely passionate about Britain and wants to make things better Guy Chapman, UK

It's a pity: they started well. But they have "gone native" - they listen too much to the narrow concerns of lobbyists and each other, and have lost touch with the grass roots. I do believe that Tony Blair is genuinely passionate about Britain and wants to make things better, but the parliamentary system we have encourages increasing isolation from reality once a particular group attains office. The time has come to change the electoral system to prevent the kind of alternating one-party dictatorship we've had for most of my lifetime.
Guy Chapman, UK

I did not vote for Labour and am not surprised that a Government and a Chancellor of the Exchequer who think they can spend our money more efficiently than we can has signally failed in the so-call "radical reform" programme in the public sector. Blair is hopelessly wrong on Europe and New Labour are in the early stages of a similar implosion to that they inflicted on themselves in the 1980s. The only pleasant surprise is that Tony Blair for all his faults has guts - hence reached the right conclusion on Iraq.
Andy, UK

Blair's style has become increasingly undemocratic John, UK

I think that Blair's government has generally done well. However, Blair's style has become increasingly undemocratic. In a democracy decisions are taken by consensus, and in accordance with the wishes of the electorate, and Blair does not seem to be interested in that anymore. Recent examples are his continuing resistance against an inquiry into the Iraq war and his single-handed abolition of the Lord Chancellor's role. I will not vote Labour again until Blair is out.
John, UK

Although better than the Tory government it replaced, it has a long way to go to meet its voters' expectations. The Iraq war did not serve to help their case. However, it must be borne in mind that between the Tories and Labour, the latter are the lesser of the two evils. After all, during the war build-up, the Tories were screaming to go to war.
A Highfield, UK

Tony Blair has made the UK more democratic rather than less Peter, UK

I think that Tony Blair has made the UK more democratic rather than less. For most of the 20th Century the UK was run by the Conservatives, with Labour getting the odd term in office when the Tories messed things up too much. Blair is trying to change that by ditching many of Labour's socialist policies which were so popular with those on the left, and so unpopular with the real electorate. This is why he comes in for so much abuse from those who seem to think that Labour should have carried on indefinitely with socialist polices that most of the electorate wouldn't touch with a barge pole.
Peter, UK

I think what will eventually bring Tony Blair down is the public noticing the lack of public service reform and his clandestine style of politics. Since he came to power, the public service reforms have been painfully slow and most of the progress was achieved either through figure fiddling or it was at the expense of something else, say clinical priority within the NHS. When it comes to clandestine politics, there has been Tony Blair's pledge not to increase income tax and he increased National Insurance instead. Then there was the Hinduja passport affair and 'Cheriegate' when it took far too long to get an answer, even though she hadn't done anything wrong.
Graeme Phillips, UK

He's the best PM we have had in a while Josh Ackland, England

He's the best PM we have had in a while, but he should spend less on roads and much more on healthcare.
Josh Ackland, England

The next general election will have the lowest ever recorded turnout - I guarantee that. Politics now is all about presentation. We have Mr Campbell who is unelected running the show from behind the scenes, and the guy used to work for the Daily Mirror. That just says it all. Nobody wants to vote Tory any more, and since New Labour has hugely disappointed, I simply cannot envisage a high level of voter participation. It's a bleak picture I must admit but it is of New Labour's making.
John Park, GB

Blair and New Labour should go Dave Mate, USA/UK

Blair and New Labour should go but not because of the Iraq war which is the only thing Mr. Blair got right. Let's kick them out and get a decent Conservative government back in before we are all reduced to bankruptcy. Not a penny more should be the national rallying cry!
Dave Mate, USA/UK

All we ever seem to hear from Tony Blair is 'What we want to achieve is...' but we never get there! All they have achieved is higher taxes.
David Simmons, UK

I believe he went against all his instincts to do what he thought was right, for this country, if not the world. Ian Humphries, UK

I have never liked Blair or this Labour government. Recent events have changed some of my views. I always thought he was a populist, and lacked any real convictions. Events in Iraq have changed that view - and I believe he went against all his instincts to do what he thought was right, for this country, if not the world. All the back biting and carping and fault finding cannot change what has happened, but I fear it can affect the resistance and the time taken to bring peace to a troubled region.
Ian Humphries, UK

The biggest mistake was sticking to Tory spending, etc. during the first term. After the second election win people expected the radical policies to begin. Where are they? Workers rights have had to be forced on Labour; the minimum wage is disgustingly low; our defence is now in the hands of America; devolution is not popular with Blair because of the upsurge of true left-wing Labour in Scotland and Wales; they want to appoint all new Lords, i.e. give jobs to any New Labour cronies not yet taken care of. The only hope left is Gordon Brown (hopefully).
J F M, UK

Labour must reinvent itself Martin, Wales

A lifetime Labour voter, I believe Blair will go down in history as the worst leader Labour has ever allowed to run the party. Ramsey Macdonald was wrong, Blair is a Tory. After 18 years of Thatcher's regime, when everyone was ready for real change, what did Blair do? Adopt her policies. He has the worst strategic political judgement of any modern politician. All he knows is tactics - how to stay in power. He has no idea what to do with it to advance the causes of fairness and justice. Labour must reinvent itself and rid itself of these Tory fellow-travellers, Blair, Mandelson, Robinson and co.
Martin, Wales

All I feel is let down. This Government is all spin and no substance. I voted for Labour all my life - and now I can't wait to vote them out. I don't believe a word this Government says. The economy and social improvements such as Tax Credits and the minimum wage are the achievements of this government - BUT this is thanks to Gordon Brown. If he becomes Prime Minister then I will still vote for them. I could not however vote for Tony and his Cronies ever again.
Robert, UK

Lies, Lies and more Lies. Whilst many governments have insulted the electorate with their untruths this one has taken it to new lengths. They have lied about education, crime, health service and the biggest lie of all Iraq. Mr Blair should run for President of USA and leave us to undo the damage he has done. The unfortunate thing is that whoever we vote for we will get the same thing. Politicians would do well to remember we are not the mindless morons they expect us to be.
Paul, England

Trust has been utterly destroyed and the man is incapable of winning it back Patricia, UK

I, like many people, will remember how we thought so highly of Mr Blair and believed "Things can only get better" as we voted for him. But then Prescott began his tirade against Londoners and carpeted our roads and motorways with bus lanes. The crisis management of Foot and Mouth was deplorable and the "kill everything" attitude was a sign for what shallow thinking was to come. Blair became more and more distant, focusing on his trips abroad, as the country here crumbled. The promises were broken - from education, and health to fox hunting. Then of course there's Iraq. And Campbell's obsessive behaviour. And now there's the death of Dr Kelly, and a Prime Minister from which I would not believe a single word. Trust has been utterly destroyed and the man is incapable of winning it back.
Patricia, UK

Your correspondents seem to be expecting the world in 6 years. I look back at the last 6 years of my life and I wonder if I have wasted it in comparison to Blair's Government. What has the average person in the street achieved that is so much more significant in the last 6 years?
David Cope, UK

It doesn't matter which party comes to power. All of them just make a mess of things. I'm 33 and don't vote as i can't see the point. All they do is look after themselves and really don't care about anyone or anything else. I think a lot of things should be put to a public vote and let us decide.
Alison, UK

I have just read some of the letters printed here and can not believe the things that are written. What has this government got right? Nothing at all. How can it have when nearly a quarter of the population are employed by this government in one form or another. We should be cutting down on Civil Servants not adding to them. Hospitals have more managers than beds - sack them all. Not enough NHS Dentists - make all dentists who are trained by the NHS take on 50% NHS patients to repay their training. Not enough money for proper teachers and class room assistants - more money required. Burglary up, muggings up, murders up and still poor old Joe Bloggs gets caught for going two miles over the speed limit - so where does the money go? On new speed cameras not new policemen. And that is only the start. Think about it carefully before you think that Tony and John Prescott are doing a good job.
Brenda, England

'Spin' is the government's way of protecting itself from constant attacks from the media Jennifer Orr, Northern Ireland

I am a Blair supporter, albeit an occasionally disappointed one. I am frustrated with the constant talk of government spin in an era of 24-hour media control. 'Spin' is the government's way of protecting itself from constant attacks from the media. As someone who works for a politician, I have seen the manner in which the media behave. The genuine good intentions of many politicians are overlooked in preference to a good gossipy story. The media can destroy a person overnight by putting their own spin on a politician's words. This is the reason this government is obsessed with spin! Unfortunately the majority of people in this country believe what the media tells them above all. No newspaper is without an agenda and the power that they have is incredible.
Jennifer Orr, Northern Ireland

Keep them fresh. Adopt the American principle of only ever allowing 2 terms in power for 1 individual. It would then seem even more ludicrous to base every argument on a six or seven year old legacy.
Anthony, UK

I was a Blair supporter and used to think all the accusations of spin were highly exaggerated by his critics. However, the never-ending twists and turns throughout the Iraq affair, and the (to me) obvious propaganda style of the dossiers have now convinced me that we have probably been spun all along since 1997. While the Labour Government has achieved a lot of successes, the deceit over Iraq puts these in the shadows.
Henry, UK

Historians will find him notable mostly for his parallels with Harold Wilson Brian, UK

Assuming Mr Blair manages to avoid a wholly ignominious departure, future historians will find him notable mostly for his parallels with Harold Wilson. Both of them showed huge skill in opposition, and took over from worn-out, corrupt Tory administrations. Both rapidly ran out of ideas once in power. They also increasingly attracted scorn for cronyism and for betraying traditional Labour values. Wilson at least knew enough to stay out of Vietnam and to step down when he had nothing left to offer. It seems Mr Blair is not so wise.
Brian, UK

Although I think Blair himself is far too cautious on many of the issues that matter to core Labour voters, the fact remains that the "alternatives" of the Tories or the ragbag that is the Liberal Democrats don't bear thinking about. This government has achieved a great deal in a relatively short space of time - wealth is being redistributed, but we need to remain vigilant against the vested interest groups which flourished under the Tories and which still seek to exert influence today.
Robert Crosby, Nottingham, UK

I strongly believe that the UK's present system of government is merely elected dictatorship. We need a change of system which is not tied to party politics. Let's have frequent referenda, like the Swiss, which allows the electorate to make the decisions which affect our lives and futures!
Brian Langfield, Yorkshire, UK

It's become clear that New Labour are very nearly the Tories in slighter nicer suits Katherine, UK

I am a LibDem voter, but in 1997 even I was caught up in the wonderful optimism of that General Election - at last - no more Tories! But since then, and after a promising start, it's become clear that New Labour are very nearly the Tories in slighter nicer suits and with slightly nicer smiles. It's sad to see a party that I once respected, even if I didn't agree with it all the time, cash in its principles like that.
Katherine, UK

If the Labour party is the party of reform and improvement of the public services, how come it rebelled in such a way against foundation hospitals? Tony Blair has struggled so much to get this Bill through even with his huge majority - how on earth will he cope in the future when he has a smaller one? It may be unfashionable to say so but the Conservatives seem much more open to new ideas on how we should run our public sector - and they aren't even talking about privatization!
Robin Campbell-Burt, England

This government has done a wonderful job holding up against a complete torrent of abuse and propaganda from the press. No wonder government news has to be managed ("Spun") - it's the only way we can get any truth. I now look forward to further integration with Europe and the associated revitalising of our economy and outlook on life.
Andrew M, UK

Here's what have we seen from this government: Significantly increased taxation. Failed public services in spite of increased investment. A deteriorating health service. Crisis in the education system. Chaos on the roads. Crime out of control owing to an ineffective criminal justice system. Immigration and asylum seekers out of control. A continuously faltering industrial base owing to lack of investment. Paradoxically, the increase in employment much vaunted by the government is a major factor in the house market bubble, which will inevitably burst. Levels of personal debt at an all-time high. Damage to our international reputation through involvement in an unnecessary and illegal war.

I can't think of a plus point for this government! This is not to say that any opposition party could do any better. The problem with this country is our archaic constitution, which encourages all governments to be concerned only with self-interest and the short term. What we desperately need is a public debate about how to revise our constitution to create a government capable of acting in the best long term interests of the people. Only then will we see a renewed public interest in government.
Lozza, England

He has been so successful in uniting the centre ground around a real social democratic programme of reform Warren Morga, UK

The achievement of a stable economy is now almost taken for granted, but its the other things Labour has done that are equally important - rights for part-time workers, the minimum wage, regeneration for deprived communities through the New Deal, better rights for lesbians and gay men, devolution, getting rid of the hereditary Peers to take just a few. Blair is hated by the left and the right for the same reason - because he has been so successful in uniting the centre ground around a real social democratic programme of reform.
Warren Morga, UK

History will remember the Blair years as a time when the ordinary people of the UK and especially England found out who really mattered. As an member of the Labour Party for more than 15 years, I left in disgust as this government hung itself on spin and followed a more right-wing agenda than the previous Major government - always with the cry of "support us, because if you don't the Tories will get back in!" So the ordinary working person in this country has been downgraded to a second class citizen while the fat cats of government and big business thrive as never before - and we're paying for it. Legal aid is out of control, illegal immigration is threatening our infrastructure and the ordinary working person is footing the bill. Mr Blair always seemed sincere, but behind all that charm he is the most power hungry and ruthless Prime Minister we have yet seen. He has personally destroyed the Labour Party and I believe is now set on destroying the country. He should resign now.
Dave, England

Considering the shambles Tony Blair took over from I reckon history will be reasonably favourable to his Government. Progress has been steady and reform must continue but this has to be seen against a background of feeble Parliamentary Opposition, growing voter apathy and an unpopular war in Iraq. The control of the Economy (compare with the Tory mismanagement of it) and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament are for me the two biggest achievements of the Blair Government.
Andy, Edinburgh, Scotland

I voted Labour in '97 to get rid of a sleazy bunch of no good, useless officials. Now I find the same again, people like Mandelson, incompetence like the Dome etc. Topped with ridiculous house inflation (like the Tories), low wages (like the Tories), high crime (whatever the Government say), extreme drug use, breakdown of, families etc. I would say this Government has failed everyone outside of the South East who at least have some form of public transport. As useless as Major's lot.
Kev, UK

We usually get the governments we deserve, hence those 18 Tory years based on individual and corporate greed which produced very little except weakened Trade Unions and a poor reputation for politicians. But this government is different; it is much, much better than we deserve and could be absolutely outstanding if only we would moderate our short to medium term expectations. Many people have a vested interest in seeing Tony Blair fail; the left because they will become irrelevant and the right because they will have been completely marginalised. And the establishment, of course, because it is in danger of losing its power base.
Steve, UK

Excellent topic. Labour has been disastrous for the economy with billions wiped off the stock market, huge government deficit and Britons borrowing more than ever. The environment is to experience a devastating impact when GM crops are forced through by Labour. Education has suffered a £1 billion pound under-spend with teachers being sacked and students borrowing many thousands of pounds to fund their education. The railway system has seen no improvement in 12 months. Council tax has now been recognised as a replacement of the poll tax. People are now required to sell their homes if they can't afford the council tax. To me Labour is associated with a vast amount of ideas which haven't been thought through spreading havoc through the UK. The only way to resolve this is to hold general election now.
Karel, UK

I think this Government will go down in history as coming to power with some of the best economic conditions and goodwill of the population of any in modern history. It then proceeded to waste both before falling in an orgy of backstabbing and blame leaving the country worse off then when it entered power.
Dave McNeill, UK

The best leader UK ever had. Long live Mr Blair, you took the heavy burden of Iraq
Avesta, Iraq

Higher Taxes, Higher Spending - no discernable benefit. Anything and anyone used to put positive spin on things. Chaos in the taxation system. The most complex system of benefits in the western world. University entrance based on money not merit. No obvious sense of principle and no obvious opposition. Have we got the government we deserve?
Matt, UK

The party must reinvent itself as a democratic, progressive movement Alex Bigham, London, UK

Only by committing to a radical vision of defeating the five great evils of want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness can Labour reconnect with the electorate. Despite New Labour being in power for six years and dominating the political debate, it has not found a coherent and popular message. The party must reinvent itself as a democratic, progressive movement, with a radical ideology rather than being seen as the party of the establishment. It must set out its ideological framework, by priding itself as a party of equality, communitarianism and mutualism, rather than a brand based on a third way style compromise.
Alex Bigham, London, UK

Tony Blair seems very capable, but we have a problem with an increasingly rotten system. By this I mean that big businesses are able to buy politicians into power and demand friendly policies in return. Ordinary folk are left paying for actions that seem crazy (e.g. invading Iraq, using GM crops) unless you appreciate who is really pulling the strings.
Mike, UK

I voted for Labour in the last two elections. Now, largely due to the behaviour of Tony Blair, I have lost faith in the Labour party to provide moral leadership on any matter. If history bothers to remember this period, and more specifically the Blair years, it will be for commonplace ministerial deceit, international thuggery, and domestic impotence. The worst result of all of these is that the UK has become deeply, deeply compromised by association with the US. It is bitterly shameful. This country isn't going to the dogs, it has already arrived, and Blair took us there.
Alan Kalak, England

I will remember Blair's government for stealth taxes and red tape George, UK

Blair is about to become the longest serving Labour PM but it's interesting to see how many respondents are still blaming the Tories for everything under the sun. When are people going to stop looking for excuses for just how little this government has achieved? As the owner of a small business, I will remember Blair's government for stealth taxes and red tape.
George, UK

Though there have been some progressive moves, like the minimum wage and the new London authority but I feel this government still follows the big business agenda rather than those Labour is supposed to represent - workers, us lot! Many people work for laughably low wages while directors give themselves huge pay rises. Blair's embrace of Thatcherism is disheartening and misguided as, wherever these policies are enacted, the poor get poorer and the few at the top get wealthier. In addition, we now live in a world where large, undemocratic, transnational companies have more power than national governments. Labour should be fighting this, not encouraging it. They have a huge majority and a real opportunity to make Britain a much fairer country.
Anthony, UK

It's a sad fact that governments are always unpopular but a sadder fact that the British people seem incapable of seeing beyond their next month's salary. Blair has done well in turning the country away from nearly two decades of Conservative short-sightedness, mismanagement and greed. But in my view the slow pace of reform is due to us, the voter, not Blair. If your MP is one of those carping from the sidelines then go see him and tell him to put up or shut up.
Paul Fjelrad, Staffs, UK

The traditional divide between the Labour and Conservative parties has virtually dissolved, to the point where party activists are forced to split hairs and grasp at straws in an attempt to put some distance between their policies. Blair recognises that what matters is your ability to manage not only the machinery of government but public expectations and the media.
Tom Reeve, London

In support of Dominic, I know of teachers leaving the profession saying it has never been so bad, I know of nurses leaving the country because things are so bad in our hospitals. That's the truth, not the spin. This government thinks that telling us things are better is enough, but anyone with eyes and ears knows better. Blair will be remembered in history as the person who took British politics to a new low. The man will never regain the trust of enough voters to get back in power when the day comes.
John Farmer, UK

Dominic must live in a cocoon. No achievements! We have the best economy since before WW1, new hospitals, new and refurbished schools, thousands more doctors, nurses, teachers and policemen. Also ask the people of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Iraq what they think of Blair. Your comments are a disgrace!
R. Langton, Britain

I am unable to think of a single achievement in the last 6 years Dominic, England

Like many people I was full of hope in 1997 but now feel thoroughly let down by the Blair government. Unfortunately I am unable to think of a single achievement in the last 6 years. The NHS is in as bad a state as it was in 1997, the public transport system remains a joke, crime is on the rise, the education system appears to be in a complete shambles and taxes have increased in real terms.
Dominic, England

To Dominic, England. This proves a point to me without doubt. Un-educated, un-informed people put down the government because they do not have their facts. I work in Public Education. Funding up until this April has never been higher. Schools have never been so well off, especially in the south. This year most of the funding has gone up north. This is totally right and should be expected. The NHS has never has so much money, but they cannot clear 2-3 years of backlog in 5 minutes. It takes time. With regard to Public Transport. Which government took away RailTrack for under performing and un managing? I personally blame the media and especially the BBC for not imforming the public of all the good Labour do. Roll on another term! Keep those Tories fat cats away.
Kevin, UK

Tony Blair is a very intelligent individual and is certainly a strong leader, but he will never be remembered in history as a great Prime Minister, such as the likes of Thatcher or Churchill.
Dan Lavis, UK

This government has many achievements of which it can be proud. A stable, growing economy, with historic low interest rates, low inflation and record numbers in employment. Huge advances, in the teeth of Tory and business opposition, to creating greater choice and flexibility in 'work/life' balances with increases in child care provision, and changes to employment law that have benefited millions.
Russell Kennedy, England

History will remember the Blair government as one of reform Bradley Thomas, UK

Tony Blair's government is a very successful one. He has started a renewal of public services which was necessary after 18 years of mismanagement and underfunding. Public service improvement is going to take longer, but we should expect that after 18 years of neglect. Whether people agreed with the war in Iraq or not, we have to realise that the United Kingdom is very lucky to have Tony Blair as our leader, because he is a very professional world statesman. I think history will remember the Blair government as one of reform, and which made decisions which were justified, and necessary.
Bradley Thomas, UK

For all his best intentions it seems the country is in steady decline, but then of course the world is too, so should we be surprised?
Buttons, UK

At the end of the day we have to face the fact that no government will ever be that popular. The Blair government have made mistakes but I doubt that any other administration would have handled many of the recent problems differently.
J. Regan, UK

A term of hollow promise George, England

The only thing I see improving over the years are the sizes of fat cats wages. It's been a term of hollow promises again with little or no real action. I voted Labour and will not be voting again as I believe England has become a PLC, whilst those who do the real work - us - suffer with higher taxes and outdated public services.
George, England

Some of the disappointments have been the government's continuation of Tory policies such as privatisation and low direct taxation, while even implementing policies to the right of the Tories, such as tuition fees. However, I do believe that the Labour government has made progress in encouraging equality and fairness through policies such as an equal age of consent for gays and the introduction of the minimum wage.
Joseph, UK

Achievements - not bowing to the left wing. Let downs - spin and lies.
Paul Weaver, Greece

There is no real substance to this government; they seem to be so terrified of losing power that they are scared to wield the power given to them...apart from going to war. I feel very disappointed that their integrated transport plan has effectively been dropped. I would like to see a change of leadership. Peter Hain maybe?
Neil, Wales