I'll be back
Los Angeles: Move over George. Tony Blair has a new American friend.
Yes, it's Arnie - the movie star turned Governor of California - who these days is known as the "emissions terminator". This battler against climate change today signed an agreement with the prime minister to work together to save the planet.
Arnie praised Tony as an inspiration and a great leader. Both men agree that science and technology will produce the answers to climate change. They want jointly to investigate the technology and the incentives for the private sector to come up with those answers.
Tony Blair's new American friend has a very different view from his old one. George Bush's administration still casts doubt on the scientific basis for concern. Though a Republican, Governor Schwarzenegger is scathing. He says the debate is over although, he adds, there are "people who doubt it and who think the world is flat". Arnie and Tony are agreed on the need to pursue another Bush bete-noire - stem cell research.
The prime minister says that developing links with California - which would be one of the world's biggest economies were it a country - is good for British jobs. Some wonder though whether this trip's also about his search for a job once he leaves Number Ten. Governor Schwarzenegger - the man who's already had a few careers - was asked if he could give some advice for a prime minister contemplating a career change. He could and suggested that the PM could be the Head of the UN or, if he fancied Hollywood, Terminator 4.
Mr Blair insisted that was the best job offer he'd had and then, added hastily, "the only offer".
When British reporters - including this one - asked tough questions about Israel and the Lebanon, Arnie came to Tony's aid. "It's amazing," he said, and then added sarcastically, "I like the optimism... it's very nice".
After that Californian endorsement, Tony Blair wouldn't be human if he didn't think "I'll be back".
I'm 
Comments
Nice to see that Tony's found a soul mate perhaps Arnie can find him a nice pad for the family to live in now!
Meanwhile interesting item on Today about how some people's brains shut out opposing views - it requires an MRI scan so perhaps Tony would like to volunteer (in the interests of science and politics!)
Good Old Arnie sticking 2 fingers up at blinkered 'its not us' Bush. Lets hope that Governors in all the other US states take a leaf out of his book and make voluntary agreements with the UK (and others) to cut emissions, bypassing Bush who would not know an emission if it flew up his nose!
At last, Tony's standing next to slightly more broad-minded American politician!
It's often said that Britain is the European California, so it obviously makes sense to build stronger links. If Britain can lure the hi-tech industries that Bush dislikes to Britain then we gain.
Given it's size, California makes a good ally. However, it's unusual for a British Prime Minister to make alliances with individual states, isn't it?
With a machiavellian mindset, one might wonder if this isn't Tony's way of putting a shot across Bush's bow in some way.
David
Err - tough questions about Israel and Lebanon eh? Gosh you reporter chaps are well hard aren't you?! Haven't you noticed that neither Mr Blair nor his new American chum have any influence over either side in that ongoing tragedy? Why didn't you stick to the environment over which they do both have at least a little influence?
Don't you find blogs iritating? Particularly the medias almost histerical enthusiasm in keeping up with technology by blowing such things out of proportion.
How can a news article mention Arnold Schwarzenegger and the environment without mentioning the fact that he was instimental in bringing the Hummer (a 10 mpg monster) into commercial production and that he owns at least seven of the things.
Mr. Schwarzenegger should make a huge statement and give up his fleet.
Atlast Britain's PM has found histrue level in American eyes, the leader of another US state.
Given that California has a Mexican immigrant problem surely both Arnie and Tony could share research into how to stop them comming illegally and make them come legally.
Is it me or is Tony Blair becoming a bit of a laughing stock now - he can't make a difference with Bush on climate change or any other issues, even with the "special relationship" so now he goes to the governor of California to get a positive press conference.
California has long been the most progressive state on this topic so getting a good photo op must have been like shooting fish in a barell
Well, Tony's looking after his own interests now is he?
No change there then.
Such shameless self-serving as this government has exhibited puts anything the Tories did in the shade.
Iraeli-Lebanon war is going on with the death ratio 51/750 (actually, it's stunning 18/750 if we take into account only the number of killed civilians). But for Mr.Blair THAT mission of a peacemaker seems to be accomplished and he apparently sees himself deserving something more substantial and suitable for the world leader of his calibre - not less than to save tha planet.
His team-mate aka Governor of California and, coincidentally, Terminator is certainly a good choice. Add Bruce Willis (if he would agree...)
Hey Nick
How about a police investigation into whether Tony allowed Rupert Murdoch to buy wholesale UK rightwing policies in the knowledge that Blair's mortgages would be paid off at the end of his tenure?
The leader of the most important US State meets the leader of the 51st State. Why the fuss??
Does this green wish list of Tony Blair's really exist in private? I've been trying to get him (and the other 2 main parties in the UK) to take notice of technologies that already exist and which can significantly cut CO2 emissions and save money on power supplies. Have they listened? Have they heck. Not even the Green Party are really interested in actually looking around and seeing what's market ready.Blair and other party political leaders prefer to talk rather than seek out solutions. What about a technology audit for the UK Tony? Something we, in the technology sector, have been pushing Government for for the last 6 months. Politicians prefer talking, it gets them quoted, rather than look for solutions.
Nick,
On such important occasions as trailing the PM to California I feel that that you need an assistant to keep a watchful eye on croquet games played at home.
Isn't it against the US Constitution for an individual state to be making agreements with foreign powers?
Tony Blair will be hot property on the American lecture tour once he finally succumbs to Gordon Brown. The higher Blair's profile in the USA, the more money he earns. The more friends he makes, the more speaking invitations he receives. Blair has always been looking to the distant future. That, perhaps, is why he has actively befriended a man (Bush) whose Christian-fundamentalist policies make Thatcher look like a Socialist. As for Arnie, he has much in common with Blair. Both are in the wrong party. Arnie is really a Democrat and Blair is really a conservative. The difference is that Blair is much the better actor.
Terry Blake is right. There should be more such agreements.
I also don't see why U.S. reluctance should frustrate international attempts to broker agreements on climate change, fair trade, etc.etc.. We either believe such steps are necessary, or we don't. If the U.S. isn't willing to sign up, that doesn't change the reality of the situation.
And if that is determintal to our economic interests and insatiable expansive ambitions, would that necessarily be a bad thing, in terms of the environment?
It's difficult to know whether to trust anyone who displays such a schizophrenic brand of politics as Tony Blair. The same politician who touts the seriousness of climate change also refuses to back down on the "economic need" for the growth in flights - notably Richard Branson was present at the meeting - or the demand to keep increasing economic output when we all know that this finite world cannot support even the current impact of humans; hence why climate change is taking place.
Now if the magic phrase "reduce our consumption" was ever used then I would start to believe something was actually going to be done.
Who says that climate change is related to carbon emissions? I was speaking to an annoymous intelligence source the other day who swears he can prove there is no corrolation. All we have to do is invade an oil rich Middle Eastern country and the proof will be overwhelming. Then you'll see...
Given that Mr.Schwarzenegger is eminently qualified to be the next President of the US, Mr. Blair new alliance makes sense.
OH COME OFF IT ? OLD TONE JUST CARRYING OUT THE PARABLE OF THE
UNJUST SERVANT. WHO MADE ARRANEMENTS
WHEN HE WOULD LOSE HIS POSITION, AND
THE LORD COMMENDED THE SERVANT FOR
HIS SAGACITY AND WORLDLY WISDOM. AND
OLD TONE WAS NEVER ONE TO MISS A
CHANCE. EVEN IF HE HAS LOST HIS
STANDING AMONG ALL CLASSES IN THIS
COUNTRY. AND BEYOND. WATCH THIS
SPACE
Good for Tony I say. Some clever change it from the inside tactics. There are some great innovations coming out of california, especially in the electric cars market.
Maybe we could ship over some of that californian weather too?
A bit light Nick.
Pictures of guffawing Tony and Good Old Arnie yucking it up.
In the meantime, there are some bigger issues don't you think ?
'Head of the UN'. I would like that . . . Blair as an impotent Head of the UN beating his head on the wall in frustration due to a new Puppet Incumbent at No.10 toeing the Americans' line and thumbing his nose at the whole of the UN.
"Britain is the California of Europe?" Funny, I'd always thought of California as the Britain of America. Swings and roundabouts I guess, but when oh when are we going to start trying to get them to join the EU - independantly of the rest of the states of course.
..And the european presidency falls this half year to... Arnie!!!
Surely that's reason enough!
Blair as Head of the UN? Arnie really does live in movieland! Blair doesn't have any credibility with anyone and by the time he's finished neither will this country if we're not careful.
In reply to Mr. Wimpenny, Gov. Schwarzengger converted his Hummer to gas (the vapor kind, not gasoline) at a personal cost of $17, 000. It's now about as green as it gets.
Which is the point the Prime Minister and the Governor were making; pollution levels can only be decreased by investing in new technology, not a treaty that imposes impossible to meet targets.
For those interested here's a link to the Today item:
New research suggests that people's brains automatically block information that might undermine their views.
/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_opinionated_20060801.ram
This report skips over the information that Blair and Scharzenegger would look at California-Europe trading in carbon credits.
I wonder why -- in light of the facts that (1) 'Kyoto' targets will not be met by any economically feasible reduction in CO2 emissions, according even to the words of 'Kyoto' propagandists, (2) the European carbon-credits trading system was exposed just weeks ago as corrupt and, even if it weren't, as ineffective in reducing CO2 emissions, (3) the 'Kyoto' claim that CO2 is 'primarily responsible for global warming' has been proven false, repeatedly, and its motives are spurious, to say the least.
If Blair and Schwarzenegger actually believe that 'global warming' will, in any way, be diminished by Californians sending money to Europe (to buy castles in Spain and chateaux in Switzerland or baronies by the Baltic), they are (a) greatly in need of remedial courses in science, statistics and computer modelling -- not to mention 'the dangers of cretinous credulity.'
If they don't believe what they're saying, they're unscrupulously wasting billions of dollars and pounds and beginning the destruction of economies by pandering to opinion polls that repeatedly report that, while about 80% of people think 'Kyoto' is a great idea that will save the world, about 80% of people don't know what 'Kyoto' is or what it means or what its costs will be or where and to whom all the billions will go.
That 80% of people remain utterly ignorant in this matter is not surprising, given how successful 'Kyoto' propagandists continue to be in manipulating scientifically ignorant -- but oh-so morally superior (i.e., pro-UN, however corrupt, and anti-Bush, however honest) -- so-called 'journalists.'
What this means in practice is unclear but it's a clear message that the UK is aligning itself with California - the most forward thinking US state on the environment - rather than with the oil-focused federal administration.
I think it's a clever move by both parties to show Bush that he either joins them or they go round him.
Can we swop Tony for Arnold? I've heard he's quite effective and actually carries out what he says he's going to do.
So once again old Tony nails his colours to another embarrasing mast - is it just urban myth or doesn't the Big fella there own several large gas guzzling Hummers??? - green credentials - Ask Tony who supported a petition against wind turbines outside his home village of Trimdon???
Maybe its apocryphal? - but it strikes me that the term volte face was purpose made for this lame duck premier - Will the Middle East be as damagimg for him as Suez was for Eden????
It's nice to see some humour in this time of conflict.
I'm starting to think that the US should perhaps be partitioned along the lines of Israel/Palestine. The East and West coasts could be separated from the centre and deep south; the Holy Land would be in the middle, but no one would really want to live there.
Meanwhile, Arnie presumably continues to drive around in his "Hummer", at about 5 miles to the gallon?
So Arnie implies that Blair is a cyborg; and Blair does not deny it! I have thought for some time that there must be a rational explanation of the way Blair has changed in recent years. So he has received a bionic implant.
If it is removed immediately we should be able to recognise the previous Tony Blair who combined modernity with a passion for Labour values.
Too bad Nick you have become a Blair
placeman. You ask tough ones ..yeah sure then have a laugh with Blair
on his travels. Sorry to say stop the blogs start being a hard hitting seeker after truth not toeing the party line as the 91Èȱ¬ does. Has Ally
Campbell been on yet ?
It is really good to see that Arnie dose have a brain unlike his president, I don't like his style when he refuses to answer questions of any importance. But it's a start in getting the USA to deal with the enviromental dammage there doing to our world.
To comment #22, Arnie can't become US President. He wasn't born in the USA. Governer is the highest office he can acquire as he's from Austria.
Similarities and differences:
Both mildly mad and egocentric.
Both are "celluloid heroes." (But the deaths in Arnie's films are not real deaths - unlike British soldiers and foreign nationals.)
One loves celebrity: the other power (but which one?)
One has large muscles outside his brain; which he no longer uses. The other has large muscles *inside* his brain; which he no longer uses.
Nick Robinson writes like an acolyte, he deserves a job with Hello Magazine.
"But it's a start in getting the USA to deal with the enviromental dammage there doing to our world."
You need to realize and admit that EVERYONE is doing the 'damage' to Earth, not just the USA. If everyone were to think it was just America doing the damage, then we will get nowhere.
I am with that one person in questioning why it becomes such an impasse. So Bush is a moron and won't push forward. The rest of the states, individually, are. The fact that he says no to it shouldn't stop other countries from just simply doing their part anyways.
Example given: I am in Minnesota, a state that has nearly 15,000 lakes (that's NOT an exaggeration...look at our 'lake registry'). We take immense amounts of care in protecting our environment and our lakes are known still for how clear and blue they are. We pump a lot of money into the environment and get co-operation from Canada in this respect. Pollution is at a bare minimum here as well. Don't tell me we're just going around screwing up earth for everyone. You, me, and every other developing and developed country is at fault.
The White House administration may not care, but pretty much everyone else is very much concerned. Almost all of the individual states have taken great steps to cut emissions, as have a lot of companies. You can't possibly look at Bush and say that he is truly representing everyone in America, and this pact helps to show that.
For the record, it isn't against the constitution for individual states to make agreements with foreign powers. Individual states can do a lot more than you may think. :)
Thanks for the information Scott.
Someone said that since the fall of the British Empire Britain has been trying to find its role in the world.For many years sucessive British governments together with its bedfellows in the media have been perpetutating the myth that Britain has influence in the world when in fact it doesn't.The whole world has moved on but the poor Brits are still stuck in their island mentality.Nobody cares what the British think apart from the Brits themselves!The only speacial relationship USA has is with Israel not with Britain.
Could meeting Murdoch have something to do with Tone converting to Catholicism after he leaves office?
Murdoch is a Catholic.
"He says the debate is over"
What debate? Any scientists who contradict the global warming theory are silenced with smears and threats of having funding removed.
I thought science was supposed to be far more tolerant than religion. I guess not.
Scott - you said that Mr. Muscleman converted his hummer to gas of the vapour kind. Must be Hot Air, then, which abounds there.
Nick wrote: They want jointly to investigate the technology and the incentives for the private sector to come up with those answers.
California, and other places, like Iceland and Brazil, have hydrogen powered, electric, and biofuel vehicles. Cars, buses, taxis, trade and service vehicles. Why just agree on research, why not let proven existing solutions on our roads and provide the infrastructure of supplies to support them?
Why don't we build them in the UK?
Why did we sell China Austin Rover's old engine plant and patents to power millions of vehicles for years to come when carbon-emission saving technology would have been more in our interest, and their's?
My local council has a domestic recycling scheme, with sets of three big, new, almost empty, specially designed diesel trucks to collect the bottles and cans and paper, respectively, every fortnight. I believe them when they say nothing less polluting was available.
The PM seems actually interested in nothing but kudos and money when it comes to global warming. All this jetting around to no effect. Now he has to have his own airbus. How come no previous PMs have needed a convoy of matching, bullet-proof, petro-carbon powered, SUVs to go anywhere, like from Number 10 to Parliament?
One of the government's prime domestic "carbon-saving" programmes is fitting double-glazing to all social housing. Almost everywhere that's being interpreted as putting in plastic windows, which are extremely environmentally unfriendly, needing pollution to make, being impossible to repair, very susceptible to damage in the increasing summer heat and stronger UV exposure, having a short life, and causing huge pollution when disposed of. They seem to have no policy on the air conditioning that is now needed. A need increased by the reduced ventilation of the plastic windows. Have they noticed we are now having power cuts in summer due to demand from cooling devices? Who needs Californian research when stupidity like that flows unhindered?
Stewart wrote: Could meeting Murdoch have something to do with Tone converting to Catholicism after he leaves office?
Isn't the purpose of the PM inviting the Pope for a full-pomp state visit for the PM to be formally accepted into the embrace of Rome, as another part of his vitally important but rather vague reform agenda? Or maybe that's just a rumour.
Scott wrote: In reply to Mr. Wimpenny, Gov. Schwarzengger converted his Hummer to gas (the vapor kind, not gasoline) at a personal cost of $17, 000. It's now about as green as it gets.
Just one Hummer, or his whole fleet? Petrocarbon gas, biogas, or hydrogen? Only the latter is as clean as it can get, and that depends too on how the hydrogen is sourced and transported.
comment 45
You are talking rubbish. Britain has more influence over the world now than it has had for more than 40 years. Unfortuately the influence of British Imperialism has been replaced by 91Èȱ¬ Imperialism. Which is just as bad for the world as the old form, without any of the benifits of it.
Hummers running on gas? Can we expect Tony's Jag to swopped for one. He could even supply his own fuel and Two Jags renamed to Two Hummers?