Opinion - Editorials   

Gordon Brown at No. 10

Margaret Thatcher famously broke down as she left Downing Street for the last time after being ousted as Prime Minister. Tony Blair, in stark contrast, pretended to be hugely amused at the sight of the world media at his doorstep and, beaming brightly, waved to them before getting into the car. On the way out, Mr. Blair was booed by anti-war protesters calling for withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, a reminder that for all his protestations his “legacy” ult imately will be defined by the sordid record of the Iraq invasion and occupation. The protesters were still there when, later in the day, Gordon Brown and wife Sarah arrived to take up the tenancy of No. 10. This time it was a reminder to the new Prime Minister that he would be closely watched as he dealt with the mess in Baghdad. Significantly, in his first public comment as Prime Minister, he made no mention of Iraq. Indeed, so far, Mr. Brown has said nothing to suggest a radically different approach. Instead he has justified the invasion and reiterated Britain’s “commitment” to Iraq, arguing that the British forces are there under a United Nations mandate. While admitting that “mistakes” were made post-invasion, he has made it clear he is not in favour of a pull-out unless the “job is done.” Critics say he will need to do something hugely “symbolic” in his first 100 days in office if he is serious about making a break with his predecessor on this crucial issue.

Mr. Brown has not been exactly forthcoming on his approach to the Bush administration either. Whenever he is asked, he turns it into a broader debate on the “importance” of transatlantic relations. It seems he is simply hoping that nothing happens during the remaining period of George Bush’s lame-duck presidency that might confront him with difficult choices vis-À-vis Washington. On domestic issues, however, he has been rather keen to mark his government out from the previous one. In a swipe at Mr. Blair’s ‘presidential’ style, he promised to “listen and learn,” and run a more open government. His proposed reforms include a written constitution, more powers to Parliament, and decentralisation of public services. Mr. Brown’s new Cabinet has gone down well, notably the appointment of a first-ever woman Home Secretary and of the youthful David Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Relations with India can only improve under him. More than Mr. Blair, he recognises India’s growing economic importance and favours a bigger role for it in world affairs such as membership of G8. His first visit to India is expected this autumn. By then the contours of his foreign policy will have become clearer.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Gordon Brown at No. 10
Impressive win
Climate change and India’s options
Corrections and Clarifications
Too many people, too few surnames
A summit of diminished expectations
Back to old ways
Unethical practices
All time low
Telgi sentenced
Significant
Poor parenting
Crazy English

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu