India, China aren’t debating globalisation, so why are we: Blair

“I hear people say we have to stop and debate globalisation. You might as well debate whether autumn should follow summer,” he said. “They’re not debating it in China and India.”

While he holds the presidencies of the EU and the G8 group of rich nations, Blair pledged to push for a global trade deal to cut farm subsidies. Market-oriented public sector reforms would continue, he promised, dealing a blow to party members who want a return to Labour’s left-wing roots and a jibe to EU partners who favour more protection of their workers.

“Some day, some party will make this country at ease with globalisation,” he said. “Let it be this one. Some day, we will forge a new consensus on our public services. Let it be us.”

Blair has said he will not fight a fourth election, expected in 2009, having won a third term in May. Most in the party expect him to leave the stage before then but some are urging him to hold on for three years yet.

Talk of succession has spread at the conference with Gordon Brown, Blair’s finance minister, delivering a speech of prime ministerial sweep on Monday as other ministers declared he was likely to succeed Blair unopposed. Some commentators said Brown wanted Blair out within a year. But many Labour delegates said Blair’s policy slate suggested he was not going anywhere for two years or more. —Reuters