Talk:Tony Blair/Archive 1

Article Checklist for "Tony Blair/Archive 1"

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Checklist last edited by	John Stephenson 06:33, 10 May 2007 (CDT)

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I think it's hardly true that Blair was responsible for the introduction of the private sector into British health and education; private hospitals and schools have a rather long history here. It is true that he fostered public finance initiatives that drew private funding into capital projects to build new hospitals for the NHS, and that these have been controversial. It is also true that he oversaw a massive increase in Government funding for the NHS, and also for education at all levels (and for science). It is also true that his Government has seen the longest sustained period of economic growth ever known in the UK, and a growth rate outstripping European neighbours. Amongst his legacies it is probably appropriate to mention the Peace agreement in Northern Ireland, and devolution in Scotland and Wales. It is important to note that he won three general elections, the first two with massive majorities, breaking an 18 year period of rule by the Conservative party.Gareth Leng 12:14, 24 July 2007 (CDT)

You're certainly right that the bit about the private sector is misleading. The rest we can add as well, though the idea that Tony Blair is largely responsible for peace in Northern Ireland would have to be seen very much as a continuation of the work of the Tories, the NI parties and the Irish government. John Stephenson 22:55, 24 July 2007 (CDT)