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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

Remembering September 11

September 11 2001 was without doubt one of the most extraordinary of the many remarkable days I spent with Tony Blair. I've printed below my diary entry for that day. Within it, I make the point that ... Continue

11 September 2011

Gove’s team clearly very defensive re free schools

Very much in 'partner of' role, I went the other evening to the launch of School Wars, a book on the current battle for the future of education policy, written by Fiona's fellow campaigner for compreh... Continue

10 September 2011

A chance for the coalition to show they understand fairness

Earlier last month I recollected New Labour’s driving principle of ‘power, wealth and opportunity in the hands of the many not the few’ and questioned the lack of an equivalent  from the curren... Continue

9 September 2011

Using the real Big Society to undo the damage of Cameron’s Big Society

I've been back from holiday for a few days, but am still not back in the swing of things, so apologies to anyone who has missed my political and other musings. Thought I would ease myself back in with... Continue

8 September 2011

Il parait que les Francais acceptent que l’anglais est la langue mondiale

It will be no surprise to regulars to hear that I am a Francophone. My year spent in Nice as an 'assistant d'anglais' was one of the happiest of my life. I love the French language, much of French cul... Continue

31 August 2011

Let’s hope Cameron and Osborne read and heed Heseltine’s lesson in The Times

Michael Heseltine has personal wealth, and a lifestyle, that is far removed from the vast bulk of people living in Britain's inner cities, let alone those who took part in the riots. He spends his wor... Continue

23 August 2011

Cameron’s ‘Broken Britain’ is a great slogan – for Britain’s competitors

Even though I thought it was nonsense at the time, I did understand why David Cameron used to drone on about Broken Britain in Opposition. He was trying to make the most of social and economic problem... Continue

21 August 2011

Cameron needs to take more care of police and military

David Cameron's self-confidence is a trait much commented upon by those who see him close up. Given the sheer scale of issues a PM has to deal with, and the relentlessness of the pressure, it is no ba... Continue

12 August 2011

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.