Yeah, but again, is that a Tory or a UK Government idea Al? I'm not convinced that Bliar was any different. He certainly had the opportunity to have a relook at coal and steel whilst in office. Mainly due to the financial demise of Richard Budge and Avesta. Ideal opportunity to offer the industries a chance to perform again, before the skills were completely lost and the government strong enough to set the agenda.

He didn't.

If we start saying that was because he was a Tory, we won't get anywhere in this (possibly) interesting thread. All UK politicians are Tory to a degree because we exist in a market economy. Al UK politicians are socialist to a degree because we have a welfare state.

There is a misguided view amongst the blue rinse brigade and chinless wonders that the object of the exercise is to oppose anything that looks vaguely socialist but there again, there is an equally misguided view amongst my fellow greyhound walkers and pint bearers that you must oppose anything a Tory says. Ask anybody under 25 what the idealogical differences are and you might be surprised by the answer.   If you only have Bliar / Broon to judge socialism by, most younger voters would have a problem thinking one side had a better outlook than the other. Their knowledge of Th*tcher is based on history books.

Hugh Gaitskill used to be in charge of third world countries, (he says, rummaging round for a tangent...)