The Rest Is Politics: Leading 77. David Blunkett: Tony Blair, growing up blind, and where Margaret Thatcher went wrong (Part 1)
Jun 2, 2024
Former British politician David Blunkett joins the podcast to discuss the impact of losing industry in the 1980s on his politics, his experience growing up blind, comparisons between Neil Kinnock and Tony Blair, leftist groups and CIA funding, and challenges faced during industrial upheaval and societal fears.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Resilience
- David Blunkett, born blind, adapted to his surroundings from an early age.
- He attended a boarding school where he learned to navigate and participate in activities like cycling and cricket.
Father's Accident
- Blunkett's father, a gas works foreman, died in an industrial accident when Blunkett was 12.
- This deeply affected his views on industry and worker safety.
Boarding School Experiences
- Blunkett attended a boarding school for the blind at age four.
- The school encouraged independence and risk-taking, such as riding bikes and roller skating.