Ahead of the publication of his book about leadership, the former PM talks about relinquishing power, why he’s not fazed about a second Trump term and being an AI evangelist
Ahead of the publication of his book about leadership – definitely not aimed at Keir Starmer – the former prime minister talks about relinquishing power, why he’s not fazed about a second Trump term and being an AI evangelist
What about him? “I think I did get to stage three at the end.” In his third term? “I think for the last few years. Because then I realised just how much more complicated everything was. And since leaving office, I’ve become much more aware of how little I know, rather than how much I know.” He approves of the way Starmer responded to the outbreak of far-right violence on Britain’s streets. “I think Keir handled it as well as it could be handled. I give him full marks for it. It was obviously difficult, but he took tough action and that ended it.”here is much speculation about the texture of Blair’s relationship with Starmer, with some conjecturing that he is a power behind the throne. “Of course, I talk to him. Actually, I don’t give him advice. When we talk, we talk about issues.
The book is engaging, insightful, provocative and derisive of “place-holder” leaders who lack the grit to be “a change-maker”. “Leader” is capitalised throughout. He relates with approval an anecdote told him by, the late prime minister of Israel. When one of his successors was in a dither, Peres demanded: “Do you want to be in the history book or the visitors’ book?” “Go to it!” exhorts Blair.
“Even if you take difficult issues like immigration, most people will congregate around a system of controlled immigration. Now, that’s not anti-immigrant, but in favour of control.” He surprises me with his sanguinity about the consequences of Donald Trump returning to the White House. “I’m not worried about that,” he says of the threat that the US could abandon Nato to leave Europe to fend for itself. “I don’t think that will happen.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kamala Harris edges ahead of Donald Trump in national polls for US electionPolling indicates Kamala Harris’s candidacy has tightened the US presidential race. At home, the numbers are a mixed bag for the government.
Read more »
New poll shows Harris four points ahead of Trump in three key swing statesCrucial states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan are now leaning Democratic, according to NYT/Siena poll
Read more »
Harris campaign condemns Trump’s ‘extremism and dangerous agenda’ after interview with Elon MuskThe Trump-Musk interview came as Kamala Harris pulls ahead in recent national polls
Read more »
‘Much tougher for him’: Former DNC chairman’s Trump warning ahead of electionDemocrats' hopes of victory in the November election have continued to rise following the emergence of Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee, with a former Democratic National Committee Chairman delivering a brutal reality check to Donald Trump.
Read more »
Trump’s ‘Never Trump’ Veep pick could trouble fickle US votersAs America’s oldest president now knows only too well, US politics is a fickle and brutal business. Soon, the oldest candidate in the race may learn the same lesson – from the choice of his running mate.
Read more »
Trump’s ‘Never Trump’ Veep pick could trouble fickle US votersAs America’s oldest president now knows only too well, US politics is a fickle and brutal business. Soon, the oldest candidate in the race may learn the same lesson – from the choice of his running mate.
Read more »