Starmer Rebuts Blair's 5,600-Word Critique as Labour Faces Makerfield Test

10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 28

Keir Starmer said his government made the right choices in a "very different" 2024 economy, rejecting Tony Blair's charge that Labour lacks a coherent plan.
In a near-3,000-word response, Starmer argued he inherited the worst economic backdrop since 1979, while conceding the winter fuel cut was a mistake and businesses had been asked to absorb higher National Insurance.
Blair's essay said tax rises, new workers' rights and the oil-and-gas phaseout had held back business, though he backed infrastructure investment, planning reform and closer trade ties with Europe.
The clash lands after poor election results, ministerial resignations and collapsing poll numbers, with a Makerfield by-election looming as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting circle a possible leadership contest.
Starmer has pointed to growth, lower NHS waiting lists, falling migration and reduced knife crime as evidence Labour's strategy is working despite policy U-turns and pressure from Reform UK.

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