Anthony Barnett’s

Notes On Now

The System’s Man(delson)

Rarely have I enjoyed such poetic justice!

Nothing Peter Mandelson does shocks me, in the sense of it being a surprise. There is much worse that will remain covered up. But that so much detail should come out! Enough to put a stake through the heart of any scheme of recovery is an unexpected delight.

Time, then, for an account of my last direct encounter with the monster.

When Tony Blair was made Shadow Home Secretary in 1993 by then Labour Leader John Smith, he had to implement Smith’s commitment to human rights. Graham Allen, who was part of Blair’s team (and an outstanding politician later shafted by Blair), organised a consultation of reformers.