What do you know about Britain? Think of five words that characterise Britain Think of one person who represents the country for you In small groups, agree on the best five words and the most representative person Report your choices, and the reasons for your choices, to the class

Britain in the Blair Era Cool Britannia Britain in the Blair Era

The Blair Era Tony Blair Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1997 Will resign in 2007

Before the Blair Era 1980s Strong economy, but society is divided

Before the Blair Era Early 1990s MAR 1990: POLL TAX RIOT MAY 1990: BAN ON BRITISH BEEF 1991: START OF THE GULF WAR 16 SEP 1992: BLACK WEDNESDAY 1993: LLOYD'S OF LONDON LOSSES FEB 1995: BARINGS COLLAPSES

Before the Blair Era Early 1990s – politics Conservative Party in power Leader from 1990: John Major Very unpopular Won 1992 election Low public trust ‘Sleaze’

The dawn of the Blair Era International Cultural Successes Art (Britart) Music (Britpop) Film (Britpack) Fashion Cool Britannia Football (1996 World Cup) All associated with working-class culture

The dawn of the Blair Era Battle of the Bands Oasis Blur The Spice Girls

The dawn of the Blair Era Changing politics 1994 John Smith, Labour leader, dies Tony Blair elected in his place He and a new generation of young leaders argued that without reform the party would not be elected

The dawn of the Blair Era Reform of the Labour Party One Member One Vote (OMOV) Drop ‘Clause 4’ of the Party Constitution New Slogan: New Labour New Britain

The Dawn of the Blair Era New Labour and Cool Britannia 1996, New Labour drew support from many of the cultural stars associated with ‘Cool Britannia’ D:Ream, writes Things can only get better, an election anthem

1997 Election Blair’s New Labour wins with ‘a landslide’ Party at No. 10: pop stars, artists and actors invited National feeling of optimism and unity

New Labour, New Britain Feeling of solidarity increased by Death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 Preparations for the Millennium Celebrations

Disappointment Early actions of the government angered many of its supporters e.g. University tuition fees Many ‘Cool Britannia’ celebrities withdrew their support in 1998 People angered by government ‘spin’ and ‘branding’ But people still felt that they had entered a new era

The End of the Blair Era Tony Blair has said he will resign before the next Labour Party Conference, in Autumn 2007 The Blair Legacy What next?