In light of Robert Gates’ speech, Cameron should set European defence reform as major objective
By far the most significant UK political event yesterday was the speech by outgoing US Defence Secretary Robert Gates. His warning to European allies that they risked military irrelevance, and that t... Continue11 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Politics is like sport – a team game and united teams do best
I've just had a very nice morning helping launch the University and College of Football Business at Turf Moor, home of Burnley Football Club. It has had rather less attention till today than the AC Gr... Continue10 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
The Archbishop is right to speak out, and right on the substance
Rowan Williams is right to speak out, and right on the substance. As I know from my time in government, Archbishops can provoke and anger from time to time, but why shouldn't they? They are people in ... Continue9 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Cameron’s new NHS position leaves health professionals more confused than ever
There was a fascinating discussion on Newsnight of the latest twist in the tale of David Cameron and the NHS last night. On one side of Jeremy Paxman sat Nick Clegg's chief of staff, Norman Lamb, and... Continue8 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Osborne will love today’s IMF headlines, but HATE the piece comparing him with GB
I claim no special insight into, or influence over, George Osborne. It was interesting however to note that within a day or two of my suggesting here that he needed to step up the communication of his... Continue7 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Fight with Tom from The Wanted not quite as dramatic as it might seem
You can be fairly sure that if The Mail put me as a lead story online, it won't be because they want me to appear all warm and cuddly. As my daughter has just told me, a 54-year-old former spin docto... Continue5 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Osborne needs to start explaining Plan A, or work on Plan B
There is something to be said for George Osborne's modus operandi - which is to set bold strokes, speak in public when he has to, but otherwise keep his head down. It is an approach, however, which s... Continue4 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Lansley’s health and social care problems now as much about social care as health
It is somewhat unfortunate for Andrew Lansley that the legislation on which his reputation and legacy will depend is called the Health and Social Care Bill. Up till recently, it was the health part o... Continue2 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Fatal consequences of benefit changes
Today's blog is given over to the letter in The Guardian from leading mental health experts and charities, on the impact of some of the government's welfare reforms. It is self-explanatory. Reform of... Continue1 June 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.