British Culture - User contributions [en]

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-07T19:25:10Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair John Campbell''' (b. 25 May 1957 in Keigley, Yorkshire) is a British journalist, author and political activist and publicist for the [[Labour Party]]. He was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell was educated at City of Leicester Boys' School. Then he read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers from 1980 to 1982 before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist. He later was a political adviser to [[Neil Kinnock]], then [[Labour Leader]] and [[Leader of the Opposition]].

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== After the Blair Years ==
After resigning from his post in the Blair Government Alistair Campbnell published autobiographical works based on his years with Tony Blair and as a member of the Blair Government which were controversially discussed in the British media. His memoirs were based on his extensive diaries during the years with Blair before and after the latter one was elected Prime Minister. He stated himself that editing his notes on this period of time took him two years after he had left Downing Street No 10. He further published works of fiction. Moreover, he is a charity activist for Leukaemia and Lymphomia Research and political speaker.

== Reception ==
Alistair Campbell is considered very infuential on Blair and his political activities and was frequently called "the unofficial deputy prime minister", "Tony Blair’s twin" and "the true architect of New Labour". His way of dealing with the media was innovative and helped Labour come to power, especially as he was responsible fot the influential newspapers The Sun and The Times arguing for New Labour in the general elections. It, however, was also criticized as damaging Tony Blair's reputation.

== Publications ==
'''Autobiographical Works:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''The Blair Years: Extracts from The Alistair Campbell Diaries.'' London: Hutchinson, 2007.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Prelude to Power: The Alistair Campbell Diaries Volume One: 1994-1997.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and the People: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Two: May 1997 to June 1999.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and Responsibility: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Three: 1999 to 2001.'' London: Hutchinson, 2011.

'''Fiction:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''All In The Mind.'' London: Hutchinson, 2008.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Maya.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.scotsman.com/alistaircampbell/Back-room-PM-changed-government.2457300.jp] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/will-alastair-campbells-diary-divulge-the-truth-about-life-at-no10-454916.html] Accessed July 6, 2011.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/alastair-campbell-the-spin-doctor-who-became--the-story-585828.html] Accessed July 6, 2011.

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-07T19:22:44Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957 in Yorkshire) is a British journalist, author and political activist and publicist for the [[Labour Party]]. He was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell was educated at City of Leicester Boys' School. Then he read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers from 1980 to 1982 before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist. He later was a political adviser to [[Neil Kinnock]], then [[Labour Leader]] and [[Leader of the Opposition]].

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== After the Blair Years ==
After resigning from his post in the Blair Government Alistair Campbnell published autobiographical works based on his years with Tony Blair and as a member of the Blair Government which were controversially discussed in the British media. His memoirs were based on his extensive diaries during the years with Blair before and after the latter one was elected Prime Minister. He stated himself that editing his notes on this period of time took him two years after he had left Downing Street No 10. He further published works of fiction. Moreover, he is a charity activist for Leukaemia and Lymphomia Research and political speaker.

== Reception ==
Alistair Campbell is considered very infuential on Blair and his political activities and was frequently called "the unofficial deputy prime minister", "Tony Blair’s twin" and "the true architect of New Labour". His way of dealing with the media was innovative and helped Labour come to power, especially as he was responsible fot the influential newspapers The Sun and The Times arguing for New Labour in the general elections. It, however, was also criticized as damaging Tony Blair's reputation.

== Publications ==
'''Autobiographical Works:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''The Blair Years: Extracts from The Alistair Campbell Diaries.'' London: Hutchinson, 2007.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Prelude to Power: The Alistair Campbell Diaries Volume One: 1994-1997.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and the People: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Two: May 1997 to June 1999.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and Responsibility: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Three: 1999 to 2001.'' London: Hutchinson, 2011.

'''Fiction:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''All In The Mind.'' London: Hutchinson, 2008.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Maya.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.scotsman.com/alistaircampbell/Back-room-PM-changed-government.2457300.jp] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/will-alastair-campbells-diary-divulge-the-truth-about-life-at-no10-454916.html] Accessed July 6, 2011.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/alastair-campbell-the-spin-doctor-who-became--the-story-585828.html] Accessed July 6, 2011.

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-07T19:15:06Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957 in Yorkshire) is a British journalist, author and political activist and publicist for the [[Labour Party]]. He was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist. He later was a political adviser to [[Neil Kinnock]], then [[Labour Leader]] and [[Leader of the Opposition]].

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== After the Blair Years ==
After resigning from his post in the Blair Government Alistair Campbnell published autobiographical works based on his years with Tony Blair and as a member of the Blair Government which were controversially discussed in the British media. His memoirs were based on his extensive diaries during the years with Blair before and after the latter one was elected Prime Minister. He stated himself that editing his notes on this period of time took him two years after he had left Downing Street No 10. He further published works of fiction. Moreover, he is a charity activist for Leukaemia and Lymphomia Research and political speaker.

== Reception ==
Alistair Campbell is considered very infuential on Blair and his political activities and was frequently called "the unofficial deputy prime minister", "Tony Blair’s twin" and "the true architect of New Labour". His way of dealing with the media was innovative and helped Labour come to power, especially as he was responsible fot the influential newspapers The Sun and The Times arguing for New Labour in the general elections. It, however, was also criticized as damaging Tony Blair's reputation.

== Publications ==
'''Autobiographical Works:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''The Blair Years: Extracts from The Alistair Campbell Diaries.'' London: Hutchinson, 2007.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Prelude to Power: The Alistair Campbell Diaries Volume One: 1994-1997.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and the People: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Two: May 1997 to June 1999.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and Responsibility: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Three: 1999 to 2001.'' London: Hutchinson, 2011.

'''Fiction:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''All In The Mind.'' London: Hutchinson, 2008.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Maya.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.scotsman.com/alistaircampbell/Back-room-PM-changed-government.2457300.jp] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/will-alastair-campbells-diary-divulge-the-truth-about-life-at-no10-454916.html] Accessed July 6, 2011.

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-07T19:01:15Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957 in Yorkshire) is a British journalist, author and political activist and publicist for the [[Labour Party]]. He was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist. He later was a political adviser to [[Neil Kinnock]], then [[Labour Leader]] and [[Leader of the Opposition]].

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== After the Blair Years ==
After resigning from his post in the Blair Government Alistair Campbnell published autobiographical works based on his years with Tony Blair and as a member of the Blair Government which were controversially discussed in the British media. He further published works of fiction. Moreover, he is a charity activist for Leukaemia and Lymphomia Research and political speaker.

== Reception ==
Alistair Campbell is considered very infuential on Blair and his political activities and was frequently called "the unofficial deputy prime minister", "Tony Blair’s twin" and "the true architect of New Labour". His way of dealing with the media was innovative and helped Labour come to power, especially as he was responsible fot the influential newspapers The Sun and The Times arguing for New Labour in the general elections. It, however, was also criticized as damaging Tony Blair's reputation.

== Publications ==
'''Autobiographical Works:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''The Blair Years: Extracts from The Alistair Campbell Diaries.'' London: Hutchinson, 2007.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Prelude to Power: The Alistair Campbell Diaries Volume One: 1994-1997.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and the People: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Two: May 1997 to June 1999.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and Responsibility: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Three: 1999 to 2001.'' London: Hutchinson, 2011.

'''Fiction:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''All In The Mind.'' London: Hutchinson, 2008.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Maya.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.scotsman.com/alistaircampbell/Back-room-PM-changed-government.2457300.jp] Accessed July 2, 2011.

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-02T11:33:52Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957 in Yorkshire) is a British journalist, author and political activist and publicist for the [[Labour Party]]. He was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist. He later was a political adviser to [[Neil Kinnock]], then [[Labour Leader]] and [[Leader of the Opposition]].

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== After the Blair Years ==
After resigning from his post in the Blair Government Alistair Campbnell published autobiographical works based on his years with Tony Blair and as a member of the Blair Government which were controversially discussed in the British media. He further published works of fiction. Moreover, he is a charity activist for Leukemia and Lymphomia Research and political speaker.

== Reception ==
Alistair Campbell is considered very infuential on Blair and his political activities and was frequently called "the unofficial deputy prime minister", "Tony Blair’s twin" and "the true architect of New Labour". His way of dealing with the media was innovative and helped Labour come to power, especially as he was responsible fot the influential newspapers The Sun and The Times arguing for New Labour in the general elections. It, however, was also criticized as damaging Tony Blair's reputation.

== Publications ==
'''Autobiographical Works:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''The Blair Years: Extracts from The Alistair Campbell Diaries.'' London: Hutchinson, 2007.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Prelude to Power: The Alistair Campbell Diaries Volume One: 1994-1997.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and the People: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Two: May 1997 to June 1999.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Power and Responsibility: The Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume Three: 1999 to 2001.'' London: Hutchinson, 2011.

'''Fiction:'''

Campbell, Alistair. ''All In The Mind.'' London: Hutchinson, 2008.

Campbell, Alistair. ''Maya.'' London: Hutchinson, 2010.

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm] Accessed July 2, 2011.

[http://news.scotsman.com/alistaircampbell/Back-room-PM-changed-government.2457300.jp] Accessed July 2, 2011.

Alastair Campbell

2011-07-02T10:43:56Z

NorthSea:

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957 in Yorkshire) was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

== Life and Career in Politics ==
Alistair Campbell read Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge from 1975 to 1979. Gathering first journalistic experience during a stay abround in France, he entered professional journalism after he had completed his degree. He trained with the Mirror Group local papers before the Mirror itself in 1982. He later left Mirror to become news editor of Today newspaper until he had a nervous breakdown, an event which is said to have had enormous on his further work. He then returned to his former employer where he become a political editor and columnist.

When [[Tony Blair]] became leader of the [[Labour Party]] in 1994 he asked Mr Campbell to become his press secretary. He accepted Blair's offer, doing the job for the nest three years and contributing significantly to the creation of [[New Labour]] and Labour Party coming back to power in the 1997 [[general elections]].

After the success in the 1997 elections Alistair Campbell was made Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman of the [[government]]. He co-ordinated the Government communications which also included briefings of the press twice a day. After the 2001 general elections he became Director of Communications and Strategy, a position he resigned from in 2003.

== Publications ==

== Sources ==
[http://www.alastaircampbell.org/about/]

[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3028250.stm]

Alastair Campbell

2011-06-24T10:36:00Z

NorthSea: Created page with ''''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957) was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the Blair government between 1997 and 2003.'

'''Alistair Campbell''' (b. 1957) was the Director of Communication and Strategy for the [[Blair]] government between 1997 and 2003.

Tony Blair

2011-05-16T12:37:23Z

NorthSea:

'''Anthony Charles Lynton Blair''' (b. 1953), known as ''Tony Blair'', is a British politician. He was the British [[Prime Minister]] from 1997 to 2007. He is known for reforming the [[Labour Party]], which than was called “[[New Labour]]”.
He followed [[John Major]] in office. His successor was [[Gordon Brown]].

== Life ==
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Hazel and Leo Blair, he spent the first years of his life in Adelaide, South Australia where his father worked. After returning to Great Britain in the late 1950s, Blair grew up in Durham and was educated at well-known Edinburgh boarding school Fettes. He graduated with three A-levels and went on to study Law at St. John’s College in Oxford. After leaving Oxford with a second-class degree, he became a trainee barrister in the chambers of Derry Irvine.

Blair married Cherie Booth, a Roman Catholic lawyer, in 1980. The couple has four children: Euan, Nicholas, Kathryn and Leo. Leo was the first child born to a Prime Minister in office since 1849.

Known as a very religious person with his Christian beliefs also largely influencing his politics, Blair converted to Catholicism in 2007. His Tony Blair Faith Foundation aims at supporting inter-religious dialogue arguing that faith is a major force for the world’s improvement.

== Politics ==
After sympathizing with the [[Conservative Party]] in his youth, Blair became a member of the [[Labour Party]] while studying at Oxford. He later took a very active role in the reformation of his party. He became leader of the Labour Party in 1994 and focussed on domestic policy.

In October 1996, the Labour Party agreed on a manifesto named [[New Labour]] which argued for a “Third Way” reflecting both [[Thatcherism]]’s and [[Post-War Consensus]]’ heritage giving the Labour Party a newer, more modern image, shifting its political position from very left-wing and socialist to a more moderate and central-oriented one, accepting the free market and privatization but also emphasizing the social responsibility of both each individual and society.

The following [[general election]] on May 1, 1997 became an enormous success for the Labour Party which won 419 seats. Blair became Prime Minister on May 2, 1997.

The following years changed Great Britain’s image both in the country itself and abroad, a development that led to the term Cool Britannia becoming popular. Blair was one of the youngest Prime Ministers ever and very successful in summing up the nation’s feelings after the death of Princess Diana. All in all, he seemed to represent a younger, modern and multicultural Great Britain.

The new climate was also visible in politics. Britain signed the [[European Unions Social Charter]] shortly after the election. The “New Deal” programme was passed to reduce youth unemployment rates. The Bank of England was given the freedom to set interest rates which marked a stark contrast to former government policy. Moreover, the Labour Government made important reforms in the social sector, including the introduction of a minimum wage. The Blair government, as well, strongly supported the collaboration of private and public sector as a new contribution to the Conservative policy of privatization which Labour did not take back but gave a new sense. Blair, as well, stood for a policy of decentralization symbolized by the introduction of the [[National Parliament in Scotland]], the [[National Assembly for Wales]] and the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]]. He also signed the [[Good Friday Agreement]] in 1998, a treaty that led to a easing in tension in the long-lasting [[Northern Ireland Conflict]]. This is widely regarded as one of the biggest successes of his government. Moreover, the House of Lords was reformed with strongly reducing the number of heritage peers. Blair also fought for the prohibition of fox hunting.

However, the Blair era also included incidents contradicting this moderate British image. In accordance with a bill passed by the Conservative Party, Labour introduced university fees in 1998. Moreover, Blair was widely criticized for leading his country into the war with Iraq and for his Bush-friendly politics in general. Severe criticism on this also came from members of the Labour Party itself and was shared by large parts of the British population. Additionally, Blair introduced a new kind of “Law and Order” policy in Britain which included the introduction of so-called ASBOs ([[Anti-Social Behaviour Order]]).

Blair was successful in the elections in 2001 and 2005. The results, however, were not as impressive as in 1997.

Blair resigned from office on June 27, 2007 and was succeeded by Gordon Brown. He them was appointed the official Envoy of the Quartet of the Middle East.
== Sources ==
“Times People: Tony Blair.” ''The New York Times.'' [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/tony_blair/index.html] (May 13, 2011)

“The Blair Years 1997-2007. ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2007/blair_years/default.stm] (May 13, 2011)

“About Us.” ''Tony Blair Faith Foundation.'' [http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/pages/about-us] (May 13, 2011)

"Timeline: The Blair Years." ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6625869.stm] (May 13, 2011)

Hills, John. “Thatcherism, New Labour and the Welfare State.” ''Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics.'' PDF. [http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/5553/1/Thatcherism_New_Labour_and_the_Welfare_State.pdf] (May 13, 2011)

"Biography." ''The Office of Tony Blair.'' [http://www.tonyblairoffice.org/pages/biography/] (May 13, 2011)

Tony Blair

2011-05-13T14:06:11Z

NorthSea:

'''Anthony Charles Lynton Blair''' (b. 1953), known as ''Tony Blair'', was the British [[Prime Minister]] from 1997 to 2007. He is known for reforming the [[Labour Party]], which than was called “[[New Labour]]”.
He followed [[John Major]] in office. His successor was [[Gordon Brown]].

== Life ==
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Hazel and Leo Blair, he spent the first years of his life in Adelaide, South Australia where his father worked. After returning to Great Britain in the late 1950s, Blair grew up in Durham and was educated at well-known Edinburgh boarding school Fettes. He graduated with three A-levels and went on to study Law at St. John’s College in Oxford. After leaving Oxford with a second-class degree, he became a trainee barrister in the chambers of Derry Irvine.

Blair married Cherie Booth, a Roman Catholic lawyer, in 1980. The couple has four children: Euan, Nicholas, Kathryn and Leo. Leo was the first child born to a Prime Minister in office since 1849.

Known as a very religious person with his Christian beliefs also largely influencing his politics, Blair converted to Catholicism in 2007. His Tony Blair Faith Foundation aims at supporting inter-religious dialogue arguing that faith is a major force for the world’s improvement.

== Politics ==
After sympathizing with the [[Conservative Party]] in his youth, Blair became a member of the [[Labour Party]] while studying at Oxford. He later took a very active role in the reformation of his party. He became leader of the Labour Party in 1994 and focussed on domestic policy.

In October 1996, the Labour Party agreed on a manifesto named [[New Labour]] which argued for a “Third Way” reflecting both [[Thatcherism]]’s and [[Post-War Consensus]]’ heritage giving the Labour Party a newer, more modern image, shifting its political position from very left-wing and socialist to a more moderate and central-oriented one, accepting the free market and privatization but also emphasizing the social responsibility of both each individual and society.

The following [[general election]] on May 1, 1997 became an enormous success for the Labour Party which won 419 seats. Blair became Prime Minister on May 2, 1997.

The following years changed Great Britain’s image both in the country itself and abroad, a development that led to the term Cool Britannia becoming popular. Blair was one of the youngest Prime Ministers ever and very successful in summing up the nation’s feelings after the death of Princess Diana. All in all, he seemed to represent a younger, modern and multicultural Great Britain.

The new climate was also visible in politics. Britain signed the European Unions Social Charter shortly after the election. The “New Deal” programme was passed to reduce youth unemployment rates. The Bank of England was given the freedom to set interest rates which marked a stark contrast to former government policy. Moreover, the Labour Government made important reforms in the social sector, including the introduction of a minimum wage. The Blair government, as well, strongly supported the collaboration of private and public sector as a new contribution to the Conservative policy of privatization which Labour did not take back but gave a new sense. Blair, as well, stood for a policy of decentralization symbolized by the introduction of the [[National Parliament in Scotland]], the [[National Assembly for Wales]] and the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]]. He signed the [[Good Friday Agreement]] in 1998, a treaty that led to a easing in tension in the long-lasting [[Northern Ireland Conflict]]. Moreover, the House of Lords was reformed with strongly reducing the number of heritage peers. Blair also fought for the prohibition of fox hunting.

However, the Blair era also included incidents contradicting this moderate British image. In accordance with a bill passed by the Conservative Party, Labour introduced university fees in 1998. Moreover, Blair was widely criticized for leading his country into the war with Iraq and for his Bush-friendly politics in general. Severe criticism on this also came from members of the Labour Party itself and was shared by large parts of the British population. Additionally, Blair introduced a new kind of “Law and Order” policy in Britain which included the introduction of so-called ASBOs ([[Anti-Social Behaviour Order]]).

Blair was successful in the elections in 2001 and 2005. The results, however, were not as impressive as in 1997.

Blair resigned from office on June 27, 2007 and was succeeded by Gordon Brown. He them was appointed the official Envoy of the Quartet of the Middle East.
== Sources ==
“Times People: Tony Blair.” ''The New York Times.'' [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/tony_blair/index.html] (May 13, 2011)

“The Blair Years 1997-2007. ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2007/blair_years/default.stm] (May 13, 2011)

“About Us.” ''Tony Blair Faith Foundation.'' [http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/pages/about-us] (May 13, 2011)

"Timeline: The Blair Years." ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6625869.stm] (May 13, 2011)

Hills, John. “Thatcherism, New Labour and the Welfare State.” ''Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics.'' PDF. [http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/5553/1/Thatcherism_New_Labour_and_the_Welfare_State.pdf] (May 13, 2011)

"Biography." ''The Office of Tony Blair.'' [http://www.tonyblairoffice.org/pages/biography/] (May 13, 2011)

Tony Blair

2011-05-13T12:36:49Z

NorthSea:

'''Anthony Charles Lynton Blair''' (b. 1953), known as ''Tony Blair'', was the British Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He is known for reforming the [[Labour Party]], which than was called “[[New Labour]]”.
He followed [[John Major]] in office. His successor was [[Gordon Brown]].

== Life ==

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Hazel and Leo Blair, he spent the first years of his life in Adelaide, South Australia where his father worked. After returning to Great Britain in the late 1950s, Blair grew up in Durham and was educated at well-known Edinburgh boarding school Fettes. He graduated with three A-levels and went on to study Law at St. John’s College in Oxford. After leaving Oxford with a second-class degree, he became a trainee barrister in the chambers of Derry Irvine.

Blair married Cherie Booth, a Roman Catholic lawyer, in 1980. The couple has four children: Euan, Nicholas, Kathryn and Leo. Leo was the first child born to a Prime Minister in office since 1849.

Known as a very religious person with his Christian beliefs also largely influencing his politics, Blair converted to Catholicism in 2007. His Tony Blair Faith Foundation aims at supporting inter-religious dialogue arguing that faith is a major force for the world’s improvement.

== Politics ==
After sympathizing with the [[Conservative Party]] in his youth, Blair became a member of the [[Labour Party]] in the reformation of which he took a very active role.

In October 1996, the Labour Party agreed on a manifesto named New Labour which argued for a “Third Way” reflecting both [[Thatcherism]]’s and [[Post-War Consensus]]’ heritage.

== Critique ==

== Sources ==
“Times People: Tony Blair.” ''The New York Times.'' [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/tony_blair/index.html] (May 13, 2011)

“The Blair Years 1997-2007. ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2007/blair_years/default.stm] (May 13, 2011)

“About Us.” ''Tony Blair Faith Foundation.'' [http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/pages/about-us] (May 13, 2011)

"Timeline: The Blair Years." ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6625869.stm] (May 13, 2011)

Hills, John. “Thatcherism, New Labour and the Welfare State.” ''Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics.'' PDF. [http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/5553/1/Thatcherism_New_Labour_and_the_Welfare_State.pdf] (May 13, 2011)

Tony Blair

2011-05-13T12:17:11Z

NorthSea: Created page with ''''Anthony Charles Lynton Blair''' (b. 1953), known as ''Tony Blair'', was the British Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He is known for reforming the Labour Party, which tha…'

'''Anthony Charles Lynton Blair''' (b. 1953), known as ''Tony Blair'', was the British Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He is known for reforming the [[Labour Party]], which than was called “[[New Labour]]”.
He followed [[John Major]] in office. His successor was [[Gordon Brown]].

== Life ==

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Hazel and Leo Blair, he spent the first years of his life in Adelaide, South Australia where his father worked. After returning to Great Britain in the late 1950s, Blair grew up in Durham and was educated at well-known Edinburgh boarding school Fettes. He graduated with three A-levels and went on to study Law at St. John’s College in Oxford. After leaving Oxford with a second-class degree, he became a trainee barrister in the chambers of Derry Irvine.

Blair married Cherie Booth, a Roman Catholic lawyer, in 1980. The couple has four children: Euan, Nicholas, Kathryn and Leo. Leo was the first child born to a Prime Minister in office since 1849.

Known as a very religious person with his Christian beliefs also largely influencing his politics, Blair converted to Catholicism in 2007. His Tony Blair Faith Foundation aims at supporting inter-religious dialogue arguing that faith is a major force for the world’s improvement.

== Politics ==

== Critique ==

== Sources ==
“Times People: Tony Blair.” ''The New York Times.'' [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/tony_blair/index.html] (May 13, 2011)

“The Blair Years 1997-2007. ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2007/blair_years/default.stm] (May 13, 2011)

“About Us.” ''Tony Blair Faith Foundation.'' [http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/pages/about-us] (May 13, 2011)

"Timeline: The Blair Years." ''BBC.'' [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6625869.stm] (May 13, 2011)