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In British politics, the term Blairism refers to the political ideology of former leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister Tony Blair, who left both positions in 2007 to become Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East. Proponents of Blairism are referred to as Blairites. ==Ideology== Politically, Blair has been identified with record investment into public services, an interventionist and Atlanticist foreign policy, support for stronger law enforcement powers, a large focus on surveillance as a means to address terrorism and a large focus on education as a means to encourage social mobility. In the early years (circa 1994–1997), Blairism was also associated with support for European integration and particularly British participation in the European single currency, though this waned after Labour took office. The term is used in particular in contrast to Brownite, to identify those within the Labour Party with a connection to, or identification with, Gordon Brown rather than Blair. However, with Blair and Brown typically in agreement on most political issues〔(How to bear Blair: become a Blairite ) Will Hutton, Guardian Unlimited – Comment is free, 21 June 2006〕 (from Iraq to public sector reform), commentators have noted that "the difference between Brownites and Blairites … is more tribal than ideological".〔(Jack the Knife goes for the clearout kill ) Kirsty Milne, The Scotsman, 28 November 2001〕 This is believed to stem from a personal disagreement between Blair and Brown over who should have run for the leadership following the death of John Smith in 1994: though Brown was originally considered the senior of the two, he waited until after Smith's funeral to begin campaigning by which point Blair had gathered too much momentum to be beaten.〔(Will he? Won't he? ) Suzie Mackenzie, The Guardian, 25 September 2004〕 However, in his book, ''Whatever it Takes'', Steve Richards offered an alternate view, that there were significant disagreements between the two about relative poverty, the level of public spending and the potential for choice in public services.〔() Nick Cohen, The Guardian, 03 October 2010〕 With New Labour determined not to lose another election after nearly two decades out of office, and in relation to the modernisation of the party resulting in the creation of "New Labour", the party felt Brown still backed "Old Labour" policies, where they feared they would lose another election if Brown became leader. As the result of Brown not acquiring enough backing following key party members switching from Brown to Blair, coupled with Blair's charisma, youthful looks and excellent oratory skills, Brown agreed not to stand against Blair - leading to the Labour landslide victory in 1997. For a long time, there has been a great deal of discussion in British politics about the Blairite legacy. This has intensified since September 2006, when Blair announced his intention to resign within a year, and especially since May 2007, when he said he would resign as Prime Minister on 27 June 2007. While centrists such as Gordon Brown and David Cameron claim that Blairism is safe in their hands, critics on the left (e.g. John McDonnell) and right (e.g. Norman Tebbit) dispute its value to British society. Others have even speculated that, if the Blairite coalition is to be seen as essentially one of pro-market anti-Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats could even be its ultimate inheritors.〔(Kennedy can still exploit this perfect political storm ) Martin Kettle, The Guardian, 26 April 2005〕 In a 1999 article, the news-magazine ''The Economist'' stated: Blair's tenure is known for an expansion of LGBT rights such as the introduction of legal civil partnerships. Blair himself has told the LGBT organisation Stonewall that "()hat has happened is that the culture of the country has changed in a definable way" and that "()t's a thing that doesn't just give me a lot of pride, but it has actually brought a lot of joy." Blair has also claimed to have got up off his seat and danced upon seeing the first partnership ceremonies on television. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Blairism」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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