Blair’s intervention (the aftermath) – Media roundup: April 11th, 2013

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Blair’s intervention – the aftermath

“Tony Blair issued a stark warning yesterday that Labour is in danger of being seen as a party of protest as he urged Ed Miliband not to allow it to slip back into its “comfort zone”. In his most significant intervention in domestic politics since stepping down as Prime Minister in 2007, Mr Blair said Labour should not “tack right on immigration and Europe, and tack left on tax and spending”. Questioning Mr Miliband’s strategy to shift the political centre ground to the left, he said Labour must keep out of its “comfort zone but on a centre ground that is ultimately both more satisfying and more productive for party and country”. Mr Miliband came under further pressure as other Blairites including Lord Mandelson and Alan Milburn weighed in behind his call, with the latter telling The Independent that voters “want to know what Labour is for”. – Independent

“Former Home Secretary David Blunkett said his old boss was “right to remind us that the pendulum did not swing leftwards”. Mr Blair’s one-time adviser, Pat McFadden MP, said of his former boss’s comments in New Statesman: “Advice from a three-time election winning ex Prime Minister should be taken seriously.” The attack follows Lord Mandelson’s criticism of Labour economic policy. Frontbenchers have also questioned its welfare stance.” – The Sun

The Tory MP trying to weaken the Defamation Bill

“Plans to reform Britain’s ‘chilling’ libel laws to prevent businesses and politicians silencing their critics risk being derailed. Libel lawyer and Tory MP Sir Edward Garnier has put down amendments to the Government’s Defamation Bill that would remove key sections designed to boost freedom of speech. The legislation currently states that companies must show that financial damage was caused by something written by a journalist, academic or blogger, before they can sue for libel. Campaigners say the clause is vital to protect the interests of scientists and writers who have been muzzled by big business and drug firms under the threat that they might face ruinous damages. Sir Edward, a former Solicitor General, wants to strip that protection out of the Bill.” – Daily Mail

Other highlights

• Sulking Tony Blair should show Ed Miliband some of the loyalty he demanded – Kevin Maguire, Mirror
• How Labour can answer Blair’s seven questions – Jason Cowley, The Times(£)
• Throw out the myths about Margaret Thatcher – Ken Livingstone, Guardian
• Benefits don’t look quite the electoral winner Cameron presumed – Polly Toynbee, Guardian