Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair recently critiqued Mark Drakeford’s ‘clear red water’ speech, designed for Rhodri Morgan, as ‘dreadful nonsense’. The speech, delivered in 2002, aimed to separate Welsh Labour from their UK counterparts by espousing more progressive and distinctly Welsh policies. Despite not actually mentioning the phrase ‘clear red water’ during his delivery of the speech, its sentiment was evident in the strategy outlined by the former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan. The speech, written by Mark Drakeford, signified a shift towards a unique Welsh Labour approach that distanced itself from certain UK Labour Party doctrines.
The content of the speech, which dismissed some of Tony Blair’s key policies, drew criticism from Blair himself. Newly-released government documents revealed Blair’s disapproval of the speech, with handwritten notes labelling parts of it as “rubbish” and “dreadful nonsense”. The relationship between Tony Blair and Rhodri Morgan was fraught with tensions, as evidenced by Blair’s reluctance to involve Morgan in his New Labour government post the 1997 landslide victory. Furthermore, Blair’s decision to overlook Morgan for the role of the inaugural First Secretary of the National Assembly in favour of Alun Michael added to the strained dynamic between the two political figures.
The strategic divergence outlined in the ‘clear red water’ speech has been linked to Welsh Labour’s success in the 2003 elections, showcasing the impact of adopting a more distinct Welsh agenda. Despite Blair’s reservations about the strategy, its electoral success indicated the effectiveness of Rhodri Morgan and Mark Drakeford’s approach. In a revealing 2013 interview, Rhodri Morgan disclosed his decision not to explicitly mention the ‘clear red water’ phrase during his speech due to time constraints and audience engagement considerations.
The contrast in viewpoints between Blair and Morgan was further underscored by their differing stances on key healthcare policies. Morgan’s critique of foundation hospitals in England, contrasting with Blair’s support for increased patient choices, exemplifies the ideological divide between the two leaders. Blair’s dismissive response of “rubbish. Not true” to Morgan’s perspective highlighted their divergent approaches to healthcare reform. The released documents shed light on the intricate dynamics within the Labour Party during this period, with tensions between Welsh and UK Labour ideologies playing a prominent role in shaping political discourse.
The ‘clear red water’ strategy not only symbolised Welsh Labour’s distinct political identity but also reflected the broader challenges within the Labour Party at the time. Rhodri Morgan’s decision to embrace a more uniquely Welsh approach underlines the nuanced interplay between regional and national political considerations. The speech’s impact on Welsh Labour’s electoral fortunes highlighted the significance of crafting a strategy that resonated with the Welsh electorate while navigating the complexities of Labour Party politics at both levels.
The candid insights provided by the newly-released documents offer a glimpse into the strategic manoeuvring and ideological clashes within the Labour Party during a pivotal period in Welsh political history. The exchange between Tony Blair and Rhodri Morgan encapsulates the intricacies of political leadership and policy divergence, underscoring the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the intersections of regional and national politics. As Welsh Labour continues to chart its course within the broader Labour Party framework, the legacy of the ‘clear red water’ speech serves as a testament to the complexities and enduring significance of regional political identities within the UK political landscape.