Libertas.org

In two weeks time, Tony Blair will move out of Downing Street, ending ten years as Prime Minister and leader of the UK Labour Party.

In a recent issue of the Economist Magazine, Blair reflects on his time as Prime Minister, whilst mainly focussing his attention in the article on International Affairs, he also touches on important elements of domestic politics.

It’s true that Blair has been a reforming Prime Minister, making many dramatic changes to the United Kingdom

• Economic prosperity, inflation in the UK is at it’s lowest in thirty years
• Devolution to Scotland, Wales and most importantly, Northern Ireland
• 2 million more people employed since 1997
• Introduction of the Minimum Wage which has benefitted 1.5 million people
• More police officers, more doctors, more nurses and more teachers

Just as an agenda to reform at home had led his premiership, a strong element has been Britain’s role in the world. One particular quote of Blair’s in the Economist article stands out.

“We should be prepared to intervene, if necessary militarily, to prevent genocide, oppression, the deep injustice too often inflicted on the vulnerable.”

Time will put Iraq into its appropriate context and may either confirm what has become a now rarely challenged consensus, or will cast him as akin to Churchill, a bold voice challenging consensus who early recognised a gathering storm and its need to be dealt with.

What do you think? What will Blair be remembered for?

The article by Tony Blair, in full, is available here.