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28/11/2003
Opposition parties dismiss Labour's 'Big Conversation'
The Opposition parties have slammed the government's 'Big Conversation' campaign, launched today, as a "very public admission of failure".
Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the campaign during a speech at Newport, south Wales, where he called for an "honest, serious debate about the future".
Labour also published a 77-page dossier on the big issues facing the country which, it said, was designed to open up government to voters in the biggest consultation of its type.
However, speaking in response to the launch, Co-chairman of the Conservative Party, Dr Liam Fox MP, said: “Tony Blair seems to want to be anywhere but Parliament at the present time, which is understandable as he is being beaten up by Michael Howard and set upon by his own backbenchers.
“Voters don’t want a conversation with Tony Blair they want an explanation from him – they want to know why their taxes have gone up and why they have not had the delivery on health, education, pensions or transport that they were promised.
“This is another example of the government trying to detract attention from their failures. This kind of spin and gimmick will not fool the voters any longer. The Prime Minister having been in government for six-and-a-half years has no solutions and does not even know what the problems are."
The Lib Dems were also dismissive of the plan, with Liberal Democrat Party Chair, Matthew Taylor, saying that the public's response to the campaign would have no impact whatsoever on government policy – irrespective of the scale of dissent.
He said: "Labour have been ignoring people for years now. This simply makes it official. Email your views, but everyone knows that from foundation hospitals to war in Iraq and tuition fees, Labour doesn’t listen.
"Tony Blair has already said there’s no reverse gear, so how can he respond to what he hears?"
(gmcg)
Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the campaign during a speech at Newport, south Wales, where he called for an "honest, serious debate about the future".
Labour also published a 77-page dossier on the big issues facing the country which, it said, was designed to open up government to voters in the biggest consultation of its type.
However, speaking in response to the launch, Co-chairman of the Conservative Party, Dr Liam Fox MP, said: “Tony Blair seems to want to be anywhere but Parliament at the present time, which is understandable as he is being beaten up by Michael Howard and set upon by his own backbenchers.
“Voters don’t want a conversation with Tony Blair they want an explanation from him – they want to know why their taxes have gone up and why they have not had the delivery on health, education, pensions or transport that they were promised.
“This is another example of the government trying to detract attention from their failures. This kind of spin and gimmick will not fool the voters any longer. The Prime Minister having been in government for six-and-a-half years has no solutions and does not even know what the problems are."
The Lib Dems were also dismissive of the plan, with Liberal Democrat Party Chair, Matthew Taylor, saying that the public's response to the campaign would have no impact whatsoever on government policy – irrespective of the scale of dissent.
He said: "Labour have been ignoring people for years now. This simply makes it official. Email your views, but everyone knows that from foundation hospitals to war in Iraq and tuition fees, Labour doesn’t listen.
"Tony Blair has already said there’s no reverse gear, so how can he respond to what he hears?"
(gmcg)
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23 February 2004
Sitting Labour MP for Reading East deselected
A Labour Party constituency branch has voted to deselect its sitting MP as candidate for the Reading East constituency. The local party members apparently "overwhelmingly" rejected Jane Griffiths, 49, in favour of Reading Borough Councillor Tony Page.
Sitting Labour MP for Reading East deselected
A Labour Party constituency branch has voted to deselect its sitting MP as candidate for the Reading East constituency. The local party members apparently "overwhelmingly" rejected Jane Griffiths, 49, in favour of Reading Borough Councillor Tony Page.
27 September 2006
Clinton praises Blair's government as a "stunning success"
Former US President Bill Clinton has praised Tony Blair's Labour government as a "stunning success" during his speech at the party's conference in Manchester. Mr Clinton heaped praise upon the Prime Minister during his speech.
Clinton praises Blair's government as a "stunning success"
Former US President Bill Clinton has praised Tony Blair's Labour government as a "stunning success" during his speech at the party's conference in Manchester. Mr Clinton heaped praise upon the Prime Minister during his speech.
03 February 2004
Opposition parties slam Livingstone's mayoral candidacy
London Labour Party members have overwhelmingly endorsed Ken Livingstone as the Labour candidate for June's mayoral election - a result opposition parties have slammed as "cynical". Labour Delegates voted by 94% in favour of selecting Mr Livingstone as the Labour Party candidate with over 45% of members voting in the ballot.
Opposition parties slam Livingstone's mayoral candidacy
London Labour Party members have overwhelmingly endorsed Ken Livingstone as the Labour candidate for June's mayoral election - a result opposition parties have slammed as "cynical". Labour Delegates voted by 94% in favour of selecting Mr Livingstone as the Labour Party candidate with over 45% of members voting in the ballot.
25 April 2005
Labour attacks Conservative economic policy
Labour have emphasised their focus on a strong economy today, as the party continued to criticise the Conservatives economic policy.
Labour attacks Conservative economic policy
Labour have emphasised their focus on a strong economy today, as the party continued to criticise the Conservatives economic policy.
17 January 2014
Miliband Speech Promises Reform Of UK Banking Market
Labour leader Ed Miliband has criticised the UK's five largest banks, saying that they should be made to surrender a "significant" number of branches.
Miliband Speech Promises Reform Of UK Banking Market
Labour leader Ed Miliband has criticised the UK's five largest banks, saying that they should be made to surrender a "significant" number of branches.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
