Question to those who voted Labour in 1997: Any regrets?

Question

Interesting mix of answers so far.

Personally, I don't think Blair's legacy is all bad but he's definately made some major ****-ups. The war in Iraq and the poor state of the NHS is what stands out for me.

Have to say, I also agree with the 'NEW Labour' comments. Makes you wonder why Blair even joined the party seeing as he hates it so much!

Answer 1

i didn't vote because i was too young but i think they have regrets, my mam has.

Answer 2

In 1997 I was a labour party member who had seen 20 years of the Tories ruin the health service and destroy British manufacturing, sold off all the public utilities and killed off trade unions, I did all that i could to help labour win from knocking on doors to poll checking on the day, I remember the feeling of euphoria when watching the results come in at last we get our turn but then Blair decided to lurch to the right and ruin the NHS, bring in more privatisation and not repeal any of the previous anti trade union laws.

So any regrets ? damn right I have, I'm now not a member of any party and in the political wilderness with no-one to vote for except the right wing Tories, the not quite so right wing Tories or the nearly but not quite there yet right wing Tories ! tell you the truth I don't bother anymore whats the point?

Am I the last socialist left ? why is there no party fighting for the things I believe in ?

Answer 3

Like many others the main regret I have is that Tony Blair led the UK into a disastrous war in Iraq.

I am also disappointed about the air of sleaze surrounding the loans for peerages scandal and Blair's "free" holidays.

But the economic achievements have been considerable including a minimum wage, tax credits and a rate of growth of the economy that is the envy of the rest of Europe.

Labour has (at last) got rid of (most) hereditary peers. Now we need a democratically elected second chamber.

There has been an increase in aid to developing countries - reversing the Tory policies.

I would also mention the "right to roam" law which has opened up a lot of the countryside to walkers.

Let's hope that Gordon Brown is successful - he appears to be a very "serious" politician - we need them!

Answer 4

I voted Labour in May 1997....It took me until the September of that year to realise what a monumental mistake that was.
It soon dawned on me that I had been seriously taken in by the NEW LABOUR lies and spin.
They had got into power with NO IDEA of what was expected of them..
They then proceeded to ad hoc and cobble things together..
The headlines in the newspapers (every few months) were repeating themselves on the things they wanted to do.
Blair had no choice but to start a war in Iraq to cover for his failings at home.

I never did...nor will I ever again vote Labour.

Answer 5

I have but one regret - Blair's foolhardy decision to support Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq.

With this exception, I think the last 10 years have been hugely successful, and I am proud of what they have achieved.

1st May 1997 was the start of Britain becoming a Great country again, and long may it continue under Gordon Brown.

Answer 6

They should have regrets. It wasn't apparent at the time but Blair has been a disaster. To read about the "progress" made under Blair and the legacy he delusionally believes he will leave visit http://bestnewsfirst.blogspot.com/2007/04/blairs-plans-regarding-final-weeks-in.html

Answer 7

I didn't vote labour but I have regrets that others did.

It took Mrs Thatcher a dozen years to repair the country from the damage caused by the previous socialist government on an economic standpoint and she still found time to go to war and to bring it to a successful conclusion.

It is ironic that this Labour government have had all the benefits of the foundations that she put into place.

But the clock is ticking and the pendulum is starting to swing the other way.

Answer 8

Voted Labour in 1997 and am proud to have done so.

After the disaster of the Tories - economic mismanagement and spiteful social policies it has been refreshing to have a government which has generally been a force for good.

They have significantly improved the NHS. More doctors and Nurses. Waiting lists well down. Working towards restoring NHS Dentistry. More access to health services.

They have made society a bit less nasty: civil partnerships, equal age of consent.

They have made society more democratic: devolution, reform of House of Lords, PR in some elections.

They have made society fairer: minimum wage, tax credits, Child Trust fund.

They have given us Peace in Northern Ireland.

They have given us economic stability and low interest rates.

they have banned hunting.

And perhaps they have even forced the Tories to be more socially aware themselves and drop the nasty streak that pervaded Tory thinking in the 80's and 90s.

On the down side there is Iraq. But the truth is that any Government of any colour (including the Lib Dems - although they can safely pretend otherwise) would have taken us into that war. Remember the Tories MPs were more in favour of it than Labour MPs generally.

PS. thenewsworthy - providing links to your own political blog really doesn't prove your point. Others - his blog is a blatantly Tory one - even links to David Cameron's site!!

Answer 9

I have voted labour all my life and did so again without thinking or questioning why the word NEW! had been included. It was a costly lesson, it was at the expense of the word SOCIALIST!
There is now little or no difference between the tories and labour and is probably the reason for such week opposition to the government, the tories give me the impression that they are happy for labour to do their job for them.
This sad state of affairs will not change until labour becomes a socialist party again.

Answer 10

Yes the war in Iraq .

Answer 11

I voted Labour last week as well, i couldnt vote in '97 as i was too young. But we could be a lot worse off!