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Brown Leans Right In Major Speech

Posted Sep 10, 07 12:36 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Gordon Brown received a cool reception in his first address as prime minister to Britain's Trade Union Conference, traditionally Labour's largest constituency. After 10 years of tense relations with Tony Blair, the unions had hoped that Brown would offer a more left-wing policy. But Brown insisted that he would oppose their demands for pay rises, the Times of London reports.

Labour receives substantial funding from the trade unions, and the TUC comprises a substantial voting bloc during internal party elections. But under Blair the party distanced itself from union demands, and in the former PM's last address to the conference he faced boos and walkouts. Today's speech tried to smooth over differences, but Brown refused to back down from the economic agenda he pushed as chancellor.

Source Times (UK)

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British Chancellor Gordon Brown speaks during a meeting with members of his Labour Party in Newcastle, England Sunday June 3, 2007. Britain's incoming leader Gordon Brown will unveil a raft of new hardline...   (Associated Press)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses the Trades Union Congress in Brighton, England, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Brown warned unhappy public workers on Monday that his government will hold the line...   (Associated Press)
Gordon Brown speaks on stage at a special Labour leadership conference in Manchester, England Sunday June 24, 2007. Britain's Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who will become prime minister on Wednesday,...   (Associated Press)
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Great Britain  • United Kingdom  • Gordon Brown  • Tony Blair  • Labour Party  • unions  • trade unions


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