Featured

Europe needs to get real on defence; Britain needs to get real on Europe

Below is the text of a speech I am making this evening to the Labour Movement for Europe, urging a change in approach by Labour, to be bolder in the terms of the "reset" that is promised, clearer in ... Continue

Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?

Polls are the junk food of journalism. They are a cheap(ish) way of guaranteeing a front page lead and (provided it has a suitably negative headline about Labour) a sombre pick up on the morning revie... Continue

24 February 2009

Me, Dermot and ten top songs

Good response on Facebook last night when I slipped in that D:Ream's 'Things can only get better' was one of my ten songs when I go on Dermot O'Leary's Time Capsule programme on Radio 2 tomorrow night... Continue

23 February 2009

Names round-up

Thanks to everyone (particularly Charlie, which nonetheless doesn't qualify) for suggestions of people instantly recognisable by first name alone. I kicked off with Delia in advance of my lunch with ... Continue

22 February 2009

What’s in a name?

Am still undecided whether to drive or train it to Norwich. Will be a last minute decision. At least the sun is shining, and I have lunch with Delia to look forward to on arrival. I know name-dropping... Continue

21 February 2009

Editing the New Statesman

I have bowed to the democratic demands of my Facebook and Twitter friends, and agreed to accept an invitation to guest edit the New Statesman. When I put up an update saying I was mulling over it, a w... Continue

20 February 2009

Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F word

Tory blogger Iain Dale, who has manyqualities, not least supporting a team that wears claret and blue, suggests Ishould be hiding away in embarrassment at Peter Mandelson’s ‘tirade’ againstStar... Continue

19 February 2009

Labour’s communications challenge for the NHS

I sat recently at the back of a focus group and watched people discuss their favourite and least favourite brands. It was a business rather than a political exercise, but there were as ever some inter... Continue

18 February 2009

In praise of Keighley

A friend up north tells me that one of the local papers in my home town of Keighley, Yorkshire, has a report I ought to know about. It says that 'Politicians and pop stars, academics and business chie... Continue

17 February 2009

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.