Tony Blair
Tony Blair has had three consecutive terms as UK Prime Minister, in many ways shaping the course of history as a major first world leader.Almost a decade as the elected head of a nation – the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has much to be proud of. In modern history, it speaks of immense popularity. Over the years he has come to define so many things, there are even those who even wonder what makes him so admired, yet Tony Blair, has quite a stature as a major world leader.
His journey to power began in July 1994, when he led the Labor Party, following the sudden death of John Smith. Over the years, he ironically became a “reformist”, even admiring the vision of Margaret Thatcher. He is credited with bringing the expression, “New Labor" into fore, which saw a radical shift to a more pro-market reform policy. The 1997 election saw Anthony Charles Lynton Blair lead his party into an overwhelming majority. This ended the eighteen-year era of Conservative Party. Ever since, he has led his party into three successful election victories.
He was born in May 6, 1953, in Edinburgh, to Leo and Hazel Blair. His older brother William Blair, is a barrister and a Queen's Counsel and he has a sister Sarah. His father was a learned university man.
After he left Edinburgh, he lived at Stepps near Glasgow and later in Durham. Later, he studied in Durham's Chorister School, and then was a border at Fettes College. We can only imagine this, but the future UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, modeled himself on Mick Jagger and came across the epitome of “cool”! In fact, reports suggest that he was considered quite a troublemaker in those days.
After graduating from Oxford, he joined the Labor Party. His first foray into elections saw him lose pretty badly, having garnered only ten percent of the total votes. But, he did manage to impress the party seniors, especially Michael Foot. It was in 1983 that he was able to win an election, in the new constituent of Sedgefield, near Durham. This had no Labor candidate, and with the backing of John Burton, he was able to stand for elections here. As of yet he still adhered to the traditional Socialist principles of the Labor Party, including supporting nuclear disarmament. In fact, in 1983, after winning the elections, he spoke about his strong belief in the socialism. As an opposition member, Tony Blair was efficient. In 1984, he became the Shadow Governments Treasury Representative, and under this, he was able to insist on an inquiry into the Bank of England, which was involved in an embarrassing rescue of the Johnson Matthey Bank. His politics also became a little more center of the left, when he, associated with Neil Kinnock and his position of reformism. Later, he won an election of the Shadow Government, and that marked him out as a leader.
In October 1987, came the stock market crash, and this saw the stature of the future British Prime Minister Tony Blair rise, when he questioned the morality and ability of the Stock market traders. His shift to center was marked finally, when he supported the European "Social Charter" policies on very sensitive area of employment law. This angered the extreme left of the Labor Party.
Soon enough as Director for Communications, he became the voice of the party. However, his first major platform speech at the party conference was quite a disaster, though his star was on the ascent. Tony Blair, had the task of modernizing the very image of the Labor Party, which by the time the 1992 elections was seen as rather weak and vacillating.
In 1994, after the death of John Smith, he beat and Margaret Beckett and John Prescott to be the Leader of Opposition, and now he could be addressed as “The Right Honorable”. This rise coincided with the increasing unpopularity with the John Major’s Conservative Party, which was then in power. In 1997, came Tony Blair’s moment and his first step as the leader of the nation. Some of his achievements in the First term were:
In the second term, things got tougher. This saw the Iraq war and even a move to impeach him, as he was accused of lying about the reasons of war along many other factors that questioned his moral authority. However, this did not stop him from a rather unexpected victory in the third term. The third term as of yet has been turbulent, with the London Underground bombings and the diverse opinions on the European Union. He is now talking about not seeking the fourth term.
The UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has not only lived in interesting times, but has stage-managed many of them too.
His journey to power began in July 1994, when he led the Labor Party, following the sudden death of John Smith. Over the years, he ironically became a “reformist”, even admiring the vision of Margaret Thatcher. He is credited with bringing the expression, “New Labor" into fore, which saw a radical shift to a more pro-market reform policy. The 1997 election saw Anthony Charles Lynton Blair lead his party into an overwhelming majority. This ended the eighteen-year era of Conservative Party. Ever since, he has led his party into three successful election victories.
He was born in May 6, 1953, in Edinburgh, to Leo and Hazel Blair. His older brother William Blair, is a barrister and a Queen's Counsel and he has a sister Sarah. His father was a learned university man.
After he left Edinburgh, he lived at Stepps near Glasgow and later in Durham. Later, he studied in Durham's Chorister School, and then was a border at Fettes College. We can only imagine this, but the future UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, modeled himself on Mick Jagger and came across the epitome of “cool”! In fact, reports suggest that he was considered quite a troublemaker in those days.
After graduating from Oxford, he joined the Labor Party. His first foray into elections saw him lose pretty badly, having garnered only ten percent of the total votes. But, he did manage to impress the party seniors, especially Michael Foot. It was in 1983 that he was able to win an election, in the new constituent of Sedgefield, near Durham. This had no Labor candidate, and with the backing of John Burton, he was able to stand for elections here. As of yet he still adhered to the traditional Socialist principles of the Labor Party, including supporting nuclear disarmament. In fact, in 1983, after winning the elections, he spoke about his strong belief in the socialism. As an opposition member, Tony Blair was efficient. In 1984, he became the Shadow Governments Treasury Representative, and under this, he was able to insist on an inquiry into the Bank of England, which was involved in an embarrassing rescue of the Johnson Matthey Bank. His politics also became a little more center of the left, when he, associated with Neil Kinnock and his position of reformism. Later, he won an election of the Shadow Government, and that marked him out as a leader.
In October 1987, came the stock market crash, and this saw the stature of the future British Prime Minister Tony Blair rise, when he questioned the morality and ability of the Stock market traders. His shift to center was marked finally, when he supported the European "Social Charter" policies on very sensitive area of employment law. This angered the extreme left of the Labor Party.
Soon enough as Director for Communications, he became the voice of the party. However, his first major platform speech at the party conference was quite a disaster, though his star was on the ascent. Tony Blair, had the task of modernizing the very image of the Labor Party, which by the time the 1992 elections was seen as rather weak and vacillating.
In 1994, after the death of John Smith, he beat and Margaret Beckett and John Prescott to be the Leader of Opposition, and now he could be addressed as “The Right Honorable”. This rise coincided with the increasing unpopularity with the John Major’s Conservative Party, which was then in power. In 1997, came Tony Blair’s moment and his first step as the leader of the nation. Some of his achievements in the First term were:
- The Bank of England now had the right to set the base rate of interest independently – a move endorsed by the country’s financial experts
- The Belfast Agreement, or the Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland
- The Human Rights Act
- The setting up of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly
- The Greater London Authority with the Mayor of London on the top
- The Freedom of Information Act
- The addressing of gay rights
In the second term, things got tougher. This saw the Iraq war and even a move to impeach him, as he was accused of lying about the reasons of war along many other factors that questioned his moral authority. However, this did not stop him from a rather unexpected victory in the third term. The third term as of yet has been turbulent, with the London Underground bombings and the diverse opinions on the European Union. He is now talking about not seeking the fourth term.
The UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has not only lived in interesting times, but has stage-managed many of them too.
Tony Blair Says Britons Are Ready to Focus On the Future
Although the Labour Party’s majority in the House of Commons was weakened, Tony Blair was elected to a historic third term as Britain’s prime minister.
'I Run a Small Business Now. I Love It'
What has the ex-PM actually achieved since leaving Downing Street a year ago?
Blair Firm on Boycott of Hamas
Former PM refuses to visit Gaza Strip until Hamas recognizes Israel and stops firing rockets
Blair Returns to Commons to Face Mps' Questions on Middle East
'Period of calm' is vital for prospects of peace between Israel and Palestinians, former PM tells Commons committee
So Now We Know. God Gave Tony Blair the Strength to Invade Iraq - But He Didn't Say It Was Right
Alexander Chancellor: It feels as if he measures the rightness of his actions by the opposition they provoke
Blair to Be Quizzed By Mps on Middle East
Tony Blair will today take questions in the House of Commons for the first time since he resigned as prime minister when he gives evidence to MPs about his role as a Middle East envoy
Defender of Faiths
Anne Perkins: Tony Blair's new Faith Foundation, launched in the US today, sounds like the religious equivalent of New labor
Blair Does God in Interview to Launch Inter-faith Foundation
Ex-PM declares he wants to devote his life to promoting understanding between the world's religions
Israeli Jets Threaten to Shoot Down Tony Blair's Plane
Two Israeli fighter aircraft threatened to shoot down a private jet transporting Tony Blair after coming under the misapprehension that the aircraft was staging a potential terrorist attack
Bush and Blair Stand Alone
If the US does decide to attack Iraq, Britain is the only country likely to offer support, with potentially disastrous consequences for the rest of the world, writes Simon Tisdall.
Blair Tells Bush: Take Rest of World Into Account
US security must be balanced with justice, says PM at summit.
Sarkozy sees sense on Blair presidency
French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, withdraws his backing of former British prime minister, Tony Blair, as a possible candidate to become the European Union's first president.
Time Hails Blair As Hero
Former PM makes his first appearance on magazine's list of world's 100 most influential people
Brown Did Well in Boston, But Must Avoid the Blair Delusion
Martin Kettle: Here, at least, he's on the right track. But the prime minister must remember that he will never shape US global thinking
Beyond Blair
Leader: Ministers are shuffling away from the educational policies of Tony Blair
Top Blair Aide: We Must Talk to Al-qaida
Former No 10 chief says governments must talk to terror groups if they hope to secure a long-term halt to their violence
This Minister for Fatcats is Stuck in a Blairite Time Warp
Polly Toynbee: A mood of outrage at the hugely rich has gripped the nation - but you'd never know from John Hutton's paean to money
Peace Broker, Bank Adviser and Lecturer, Now Blair Plans to Teach Religion at Yale
Tony Blair to teach God and politics at one of America's most prestigious universities
Blair to Lecture on Faith and Globalisation at Yale
Former prime minister to take role at US university prior to launch of faith foundation
Blair to Teach at Yale University
Tony Blair is to take up a senior academic post in the autumn at one of America's most prestigious universities teaching politics and religion.
Blair's Man in Basra Tells How Coalition Failures Provoked Iraqis
Sir Hilary Synnott publishes indictment of Whitehall and Washington failures following invasion of Iraq
Broken Promises Leave Three Million Children to Die in Africa
As Blair tries to persuade Bush to back aid plans, UN report reveals human cost.
Is the Bbc Full of Hatred of America?
Stephen Moss: Tony Blair thinks so. Or rather, Rupert Murdoch claims that Tony Blair says he thinks so.
As Pm, Blair Opposed an All-powerful Eu. Now He's Changed His Mind - But Only If He Can Run It
Alexander Chancellor: For Blair, nothing less than being a 'key player' in world politics is good enough
I'll Be President of Europe If You Give Me the Power - Blair
Former PM consults old Downing Street allies on campaign for new EU role
Unlike Blair, Brown Doesn't Lust After Lucre - But He is Afraid of It
Polly Toynbee: Daunted by the bully power of big money, the prime minister has yet to show any real courage by reforming our tax system
President Blair Can Make Sarkozy's Dream Come True
Martin Kettle: The French leader has the classic Gaullist vision: Europe, with our former prime minister in the chair, shaping the world
Blair Takes on Unpaid Role As Rwanda Adviser
Tony Blair is widening his post-premiership portfolio by becoming an unpaid adviser to the Rwandan government of President Kagame
Four Capitals, One New Job - Week in Life of Ex-pm Who Can't Unwind
Blair wrote to PM offering advice in December· Renewed speculation that he could take EU role
Blair 'optimistic' on Middle East Peace Deal
Tony Blair 'cautiously optimistic' that peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians will be struck by end of the year
Blair 'owes It to the Middle East'
Tony Blair is determined to dedicate 10 days a month to his unpaid role as Middle East envoy because of the strong sense of obligation he feels following the Iraq war, it emerged today.
Blair Looks to Rome As Catholic Sunday Worshippers Outstrip Anglicans
Cardinal welcomes conversion of ex-PM · Church of England queries congregation figures
Blair's Plan to Convert Started in No 10
Former PM switches to Catholicism · Received faith lessons in February
Blair Never Considered Position After Menezes' Death
Met commissioner says he is too tough to quit· Victim's family angry as no officer to face charges
Stop Fighting Tony Blair and Start Leading the Government
Martin Kettle: In the key battlegrounds of character, competence and consistency, Brown is on the run. He must tell us what he's all about
Blair Unveils Huge Jobs Plan to Bolster Middle East Peace Talks
Tony Blair will announce an array of new economic projects today aimed at generating jobs for tens of thousands of Palestinians, revitalizing the occupied territories and creating momentum for the peace talks due to start next Monday
'Cliched, Stale, Money-raking' - Blair Not Quite the Toast of China
Mixed reviews for ex PM on lucrative lecture tour· Local media criticize six-figure appearance fees
In Search Of The Legacy Of Tony Blair
Article on the accompilshments of former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
We Were Over-optimistic About Regeneration, Blair Adviser Says
America and Britain failed in the reconstruction of Iraq and were over-optimistic about the ease with which a new society would be formed, Sir David Manning, the outgoing British ambassador to Washington and Tony Blair's chief foreign policy adviser during the Iraq war, has admitted.
Blair Sees Hope After First Talks With Middle East Leaders
Tony Blair said he saw a 'moment of opportunity' in the Middle East as he met Israeli and Palestinian leaders yesterday.
Blair Lands in Middle East
Former British PM begins work as special envoy with meetings in Jordan and Israel.
Mixed Reaction in Middle East As Blair Makes Debut As Envoy
Quartet says there will be no dealings with Hamas - Arab critics attack former PM as 'disastrous choice'
Give Blair Wider Responsibilty, Say Palestinians
Palestinian negotiators have called for Tony Blair to be given a broader role as the international community's Middle East envoy, overseeing both Israeli and Palestinian obligations.
Palestinians Call for Blair's Role to Include Policing Israeli Pledges
Palestinian negotiators have called for Tony Blair to be given a broader role as the international community's Middle East envoy, overseeing both Israeli and Palestinian obligations.
Scepticism Hangs Over Blair's Appointment As Quartet Envoy
Former PM to help build Palestinian institutions - No formal role in finding permanent solution
Blair Accepts Role of Middle East Envoy
Tony Blair accepts job as a Middle East envoy as Israeli forces kill at least 12 Palestinians.
Pinch Yourself: Today Tony Blair Will Go Out With His Head Held High
The debacle of Iraq ought to have made a dignified exit impossible. But if his departure is bizarre, so too is Brown's arrival. By Jonathan Freedland
Odds Stacked Against Blair Mission
Officials fear popular anger will limit leaders' help - Special envoy waits for final terms of reference
From No 10 to the Middle East: Blair Gets a New Job
Support from Bush leads to role as international envoy helping Palestinians.
Blair May Not Be Gold, But He Deserves at Least a Bronze
The outgoing prime minister won't rank with Churchill or Gladstone, but - despite Iraq - he has done good for Britain. By Martin Kettle
Blair Denies Climbdown Over Eu Deal
French president wins agreement to scrap proposed treaty phrase suggesting it was an objective to achieve a market 'where competition is free and undistorted'.
Mixed Reaction for Plan to Make Blair Middle East Envoy
Backing from US, Israel and Fatah leadership - Moscow unlikely to want retiring PM as spokesman
Blair's Zeal Was Not Enough
In his farewell speech to his party conference last October Tony Blair vowed to dedicate his final months in office to trying to secure peace in Palestine, promising to devote as much time and energy as he had used in seeking a solution in Northern Ireland.
Blair Knew Us Had No Post-war Plan for Iraq
PM committed troops despite chaos fears - Bush 'offered to fight without UK'
The Stage is Set for Blair and Brown's Last Argument
Next week's Brussels summit matters because the right outcome offers an opportunity to the government's next leader. By Martin Kettle
Rebellion Needed Against Press That's Damaging National Psyche
Blair's speech omitted the root of the problem with the media - the ownership structure he did nothing to break. By Polly Toynbee
The Line Too Often Taken
Blair's long goodbye has been yet more style over substance. It's time for a more subdued approach. By Roy Hattersley
West 'fearful' of Russia, Says Exasperated Blair
Talks with Putin were frank but fruitless - 'Real issues' will not be resolved easily or soon
Blair Warns Putin Over Business Ties
Tony Blair today issued a stark warning that Europe could start cutting business ties with Russia if president Putin abandoned "shared values" - as the increasingly bitter war of words between the West and Russia threatened to overshadow the G8 summit.
Blair Promises Tough Talk on Litvinenko Case
Tony Blair warned President Putin yesterday that he would see foreign investment in Russia start to dry up unless he made clearer commitments to democracy and human rights.
Blair Tries to Defuse Tension With Russia Over Us Missiles
On the eve of his 11th and final G8 meeting, the prime minister says Kremlin should not feel threatened by nuclear shield.
I Can Persuade George Bush on Climate Change - Blair
Exclusive interview with PM on eve of G8 summit - Claim that US will agree to greenhouse gas target
Blair Says G8 Must Do More for Africa
Tony Blair today urged the international community to "step up to the plate" on aid for Africa when the Group of Eight meets in Germany next week.
Blair Winds Up Africa Farewell Tour With Mbeki Meeting
Prime Minister Tony Blair will hold talks with the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, today on the final day of his farewell tour of the continent.
Blair Defends Foreign Intervention
Tony Blair today defended his 'thoroughly interventionist' foreign policy in a farewell speech in Africa.
Blair Arrives in Libya With Praise for Gadafy
Tony Blair today kicked off his farewell tour of Africa by praising the Libyan dictator, Muammar Gadafy, as a man he found 'very easy' to deal with and one who had always kept his word to him.
First Stop of Blair's Farewell Africa Tour: Gadafy's Tent
PM sees energy and arms sales deals signed - Leader once shunned by west is 'easy to deal with'
Blair Embarks on Farewell Trip to Africa
Tony Blair set off on a farewell tour of Africa today, his last major trip before he steps down as prime minister next month.
A Decade of Blair Has Left Society More Segregated, Fearful and Divided
He could have played midwife to a confident, inclusive, hybrid sense of Britishness, but sought to strangle it at birth. By Gary Younge
Blair Backs Darfur Aid Appeal
Tony Blair today called for an end to violence in the Darfur region of Sudan and neighboring Chad as he urged Britons to donate money to an appeal fund for victims.
'I Would Not Be Speaking to You If It Weren't for the Risks Blair Took'
To say Tony Blair is popular in Sierra Leone scarcely does justice to the intensity of feeling towards him in this small tropical corner of west Africa.
Amid the Bombs, Blair Remains Upbeat on Farewell Tour in Iraq
Relaxed PM uses unannounced visit to pay emotional tribute to British troops as fighting continues.
Tony Blair Pays Tribute to World Cup-winner Bobby Moore
Soccer: Never one to jump on the bandwagon, knacked PM Tony Blair today unveiled a statue of England legend Bobby Moore outisde the new Wembley.
Blair to Unveil Moore Statue at Wembley
Digger: Tony Blair will unveil the first ever bronze statue of England's sole World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore outside Wembley stadium. By Paul Kelso
If Blair Didn't Deliver, What Good Will Voting Tory Do?
A mighty thumping in the local elections may seem like a free hit, but revenge is self-defeating if the other side wins. By Polly Toynbee
In the Blair Government There Are No Doubts About the French Presidential Run-off
The race for the Elysee is more of a dilemma for progressives on this side of the Channel than they might care to admit. By Martin Kettle
In Feelbad Britain We Want It All From the Nhs, and We Want It Now
Blair's ideology of choice has fostered unbridled consumerism. But that, and restoring public trust, is now Brown's problem. By Polly Toynbee
We Must Be Honest About Our Past to Be Truly Hopeful About Our Future
Blair had the opportunity to make history last week by laying the groundwork for a new era in British race relations. By Gary Younge
Blair Suspects Iran's Hand in Iraq Attacks
Tony Blair today warned that "elements of the Iranian regime" were arming insurgents in Iraq after it was confirmed four British troops were killed in Basra last night.
Blair's Long Goodbye Does Brown No Favours, Yet Again
The rationale behind tax relief cuts is still perfectly defensible. But blunders and cover-ups have made the chancellor look guilty. By Larry Elliott
Direct Talks With Regime Lift Hopes of Deal
Both sides want an early resolution, says Blair - UK delegation ready to fly out to gain breakthrough
Blair Threatens Force Over Darfur
US and British officials consider punitive air strikes against Sudanese air force bases.
Blair's No-fly Zone Plan Likely to Be Grounded Despite Growing Crisis
Death toll continues to grow but hopes of relieving Darfur tragedy diminished by intervention in Iraq.
Blair Warns Iran Over Captive Sailors
In a sign of increasing British impatience, Tony Blair today warned of a "different phase" if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the release of the 15 British service personnel held by Iran.
Blair Warning to Iran After Failure to Trace Captured Patrol
PM denounces 'unjustified and wrong' seizure - Tehran claims Britons admitted incursion
Bush and Blair Threaten New Sudan Sanctions
US to block transactions involving dollars - Bashir asks to renegotiate deal on peacekeepers
Blair Will Urge Nato Allies to Head Afghan Anti-opium Drive
Tony Blair is to urge Britain's Nato allies to take the lead in fighting the growth of opium production in Afghanistan and will raise the issue at a two-day EU summit in Brussels starting today.
The Impact of Blair's Exit Will Be a Gift to Cameron
Regardless of the details, this strange transition is less a shift from Blair to Brown than a swing from Labour to Tory. By Martin Kettle
Olympic Games: Blair Defends Games As Row Mounts on Spiralling Costs
Tony Blair was yesterday forced to defend the London 2012 Games as the row over the budget intensified during a visit to the capital by leading International Olympic Committee officials.
Blair Lobbies for Uk to Be Launching Pad for Defence System
Downing Street confirms talks have taken place - Backbenchers fear PM trying to cement US ties
Straw Promises Inquiry But Blair 'proud' of War
Investigation will follow British exit from Iraq - PM denies Bush planned attack regardless of WMD
Blair Optimistic Over Fresh Middle East Peace Talks
Britain sees hopes for renewing stalled negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians if 'sensible' members of a Hamas-led national unity government can be persuaded to meet international conditions, Tony Blair said yesterday.
Blair Has Fixed on His Legacy Plan: Tony Saves the World
Life after No 10 is to be devoted to lobbying for a new climate-change deal. Grandstanding? Maybe, but let's hope it works. By Jackie Ashley
For the Sake of the Party, Tony Blair Must Stay
The scandals sapping the control freak's authority are a godsend to MPs rediscovering the joy and power of open debate. By Jackie Ashley
Sarkozy's London Mission: Meet Blair, Polish the Image and Woo the Crucial Expat Vote
Trip to Britain is first in presidential campaign - Some 60,000 people registered to vote in UK
Rugby Union: Blair Blow Rocks Scotland Hopes
Scotland's Mike Blair will miss the first two games of the Six Nations after damaging shoulder ligaments.
Blair Criticises Manner of Saddam Execution
Prime minister makes his first public comment on the former Iraqi dictator's execution.
Blair Breaks Silence to Condemn Manner of Saddam Hanging
Tony Blair last night broke his 11-day silence on Saddam Hussein's execution by acknowledging that the manner of his death was 'completely wrong'. But he coupled criticism of the chaotic scene of Saddam's hanging with a plea for recognition of the dictator's crimes.
Blair Backs Inquiry But Distances Himself From Prescott Comments
Tony Blair yesterday distanced himself from the response of his deputy, John Prescott, to the manner of the execution of Saddam Hussein.
We Can't Just Blame Our Lack of Trust on Tony Blair's 'lies'
Whether it's about politicians, the media or Europe, our levels of mistrust have become a serious national problem. By Martin Kettle
The Secrets of Blair's Ipod
When Tony Blair appeared on Desert Island Discs during his pre-PM days, there was media teasing about whether his tastes...By Mark Lawson
Now Blair Must Appeal to Iran's Moderates
World Briefing: Tony Blair claimed yesterday that Iran poses a "strategic challenge" to moderate Middle East governments and the west as a whole, in a message that will gratify the ruling hardliners in Tehran.
The Problem is That He Just Doesn't Understand Race
Tony Blair needs to stop lecturing and start listening when it comes to ethnic minorities. Here's what he could say. By Joseph Harker
Iraq Was Terrible Mistake, Thinktank Says
The decision to invade Iraq was a "terrible mistake" that would shape Tony Blair's legacy for years to come, a leading thinktank said today.
Abbas Receives Blair's Backing
Tony Blair today pledged his support for the embattled Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, using a joint news conference in the West Bank to praise his "vision" in peace efforts.
Blair Makes One Last Push in Middle East With Palestinian Funding Plan
PM proposes bypassing Hamas with aid to Abbas - MP warns against funding sides in coming civil war
The Longer Blair Holds On, the Worse It Gets for Labour
The cash-for-honours debacle shows how helplessly entangled the prime minister has become. It's time to let go. By Jackie Ashley
Blair Gets Up Close to His Distant Goals
It is often said that all political careers end in failure. But few end in frenetic failure. By Patrick Wintour
Blow to Blair Mission As Palestinian Pm Vows Never to Recognise Israel
The British prime minister plans final peace push but few believe he will succeed.
Bush-Blair Split Over Report's Key Proposals
President rejects talks with Iran and Syria.
Prime Minister to Visit Israel for Talks in Final Push for Peace
Tony Blair confirmed in Washington that he is to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories before Christmas, in a final push for Middle East peace before he leaves office next year.
Prime Minister Seizes Chance for Progress on Palestinian Crisis
Tony Blair is to take advantage of the Iraq Study Group's advice on the Middle East to press George Bush, in a meeting today, to be more positive towards the formation of a national unity government in Palestine involving Hamas.
Blair Insists Nato is Winning the War in Afghanistan
PM surprisingly upbeat on progress of conflict - Countries agree deal on troop reinforcements
Nato Countries Must Live Up to Pledges on Troops, Says Blair
The battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan is 'winnable', Tony Blair declared today, as Nato allies promised extra forces and greater flexibility in deploying soldiers to combat zones.
No Barrier to Litvinenko Investigation, Says Blair
Tony Blair today said no "diplomatic or political barrier" would stand in the way of the investigation into the death of the former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
Blair Calls on Nato Countries to Renew Fight Against Taliban
PM admits reconstruction will take some time - Former forces chief accuses politicians
Blair Urged to Change Course in Afghanistan
Pakistani president says military force not enough - Security tight for PM's visit to war-torn country
Blair Outlines Iran 'partnership' Plan
Tony Blair will tonight set out the terms for a "new partnership" with Iran and Syria as part of a new approach to resolving the crisis in Iraq.
Blair Urges White House to Shift Focus to Israel-palestine Conflict
· Palestinian peace process 'central to Iraq solution' · Syria and Iran also have a role to play, says PM
Bush and Blair Discuss New Policy for Iraq
Transatlantic phone call anticipates top level submissions to influential study group next week.
Blair Will Urge Us to Talk to Syria and Iran
Tony Blair is to urge the US administration next week to open talks with its great adversaries Syria and Iran, as a way to break the impasse in Iraq and the wider middle east.
Blair Plans to Reach Out to Damascus
Tony Blair will attempt to revive the Middle East peace process with a personal visit to the region scheduled before Christmas.
Blair's Syrian Peace Initiative Fails to Impress
· Israel and US sceptical of progress from envoy's trip · Labour conference lunch prompted mission
Britain Will Hold Nerve on Iraq, Says Blair
· Iraqi deputy PM: don't cut and run · Lib Dem leader calls for exit debate · Beckett: Iraq could split into parts
Blair Gives Iraq 12 Months to Be Ready for Handover
· PM to meet Iraqi leaders in Downing St today · Former envoy warns that 'only bad options' remain
Blair Warns of Climate Change 'tipping Points'
Tony Blair will warn today that the world will reach "catastrophic tipping points" on climate change within 15 years, unless serious action is taken to tackle global warming.
Blair: Troops May Quit Iraq in 10-16 Months
· PM adjusts stance as mood changes in US · Security situation will dictate withdrawal date
Blair Meets Turkish Pm to Save Accession Bid
Tony Blair and the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, yesterday discussed a compromise to stop Turkey's bid to join the EU from crashing next month.
Brown Needs to Apologise, and Blair to Call Off the Dogs
The chancellor must offer some contrition today. But forget sugary phrases about the prime minister - no one would believe it. By Jackie Ashley
Blair Tells Nato: Send More Troops to Afghanistan
Tony Blair today called on Nato members to contribute more troops to Afghanistan.
Blair Greeted By Protests in Lebanon
Demonstrations inside and outside Tony Blair's summit with the Lebanese prime minister, Fouad Siniora, marred the first visit by a British prime minister to the country today.
A Brown-johnson Ticket Would Spike the Blairite Guns
Never underestimate the raging passions of a schism. But a proper contest is exactly what 'the New Gordon' needs. By Polly Toynbee
Lebanese Politicians Snub Blair
Tony Blair suffered an immediate snub this morning when he became the first British prime minister to visit Lebanon.
Both Pretenders to Blair's Crown Now Face Hard Choices
Gordon Brown has not had a happy few days. But we need a reality check: the momentum is still with the chancellor. By Jackie Ashley
Blair Offers Support for a Palestinian Coalition
· Offer to bring Hamas into fold aimed at fresh talks · Abbas to meet Israeli PM without preconditions
While Blair Limps On, the Danger Remains for Brown and the Party
It was emphatically not a plot but an instinct for self-preservation that lay behind this week's political drama. By Jackie Ashley
Palestinians Tell Blair: You Are Not Welcome Here
· Hundreds sign advert in advance of Ramallah visit · PM to meet Olmert and Abbas, but not Hamas
Blair's Legacy is a Reckless Adventure
The prime minister sealed his fate by signing up in full to a policy now recognised by most Americans as a disaster. By Jonathan Freedland
Blair Can Go Now. He Can Go With a Timetable. Or He Can Hang on
A period of terminal leadership offers a better space for Labour renewal than does a strong new Brown premiership. By Martin Kettle
Blair Doing Lasting Damage to Uk, Says Iranian Leader
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has urged British voters to throw Tony Blair's government out of office to prevent Britain being drawn into new foreign policy "disasters" in the Middle East.
Beware Blair Democrats: The Lamon-Lieberman Divide
The primary defeat of Senator Joe Lieberman by Ned Lamont is characterized as a defeat of Democratic moderation. Lamont is no beacon of democratic change. He represents the baseline of an acceptable candidate to the antiwar movement.
Britain Can Still Lead the World - on Climate Change
Having been sidelined over the Middle East crisis, Tony Blair should focus on an area where he can make a difference. By Polly Toynbee
Bush and Blair Complicit in War Crimes, Says Tehran
Tony Blair and George Bush are "co-defendants" in war crimes committed by Israel in Lebanon and should be made to answer for their actions before an international court, a senior Iranian government leader said yesterday.
Blair Delays Holiday to Work on Un Peace Deal
Tony Blair today decided to delay his summer holiday for a few days to help secure a United Nations resolution that would call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Aid Groups Urge Blair to Back Ceasefire
A coalition of aid agencies has appealed to Tony Blair to reverse his Middle East policy and call for an immediate ceasefire in the Lebanon war.
Some Seethe, Others Are Sanguine
Guardian reporters look at how Tony Blair's policy is viewed in Europe
Blair Begins Fightback Against Backbench Critics
· Hints he will lead Israel Palestine peace drive · Bombing of Lebanon unacceptable, says PM
Former Diplomats Turn on Blair Over Lebanon
Tony Blair was publicly attacked today by two former British ambassadors over his backing for George Bush's stance on the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Blair Returns to Growing Backlash on Lebanon
Tony Blair flew back to Britain from the United States tonight to face a growing backlash in the Labour Party about his backing of George Bush's stance in the in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Blair: You've Misunderstood Me Over the Middle East
· PM to confront critics today at press conference · Dismay at approach spreading through party
UN Tells Blair to Take a Back Seat Over Lebanon
Tony Blair's stance on resolving the Lebanon crisis was under attack on two fronts today, as the UN told him to take a back seat, and the chair of the parliamentary party said the 'vast majority' of his Labour backbenchers want a ceasefire.
Blair Signs Climate Pact With Schwarzenegger
· California deal paves way to joining EU scheme · Agreement represents snub to White House
Blair Hardens Line on Israel After Cabinet Criticism
Tony Blair yesterday responded to a growing backbench and cabinet revolt over his handling of the Middle East crisis by saying the Qana bombing showed that a peace agreement must be reached.
Cabinet in Open Revolt Over Blair's Israel Policy
· Straw joins criticism of Lebanese toll · Rice in Jerusalem to push peace plan
Bono and Blair to Join Murdoch on the Beach
Tony Blair, Bono and the Clintons will be mixing with News Corp executives when the great and the good of Rupert Murdoch's empire meet in California this weekend. By Stephen Brook.
Bush and Blair Call for Lebanon Peace Force
George Bush said today he and Tony Blair had agreed that an international stabilisation force should be quickly inserted in Lebanon and that a plan to halt hostilities was needed on an "urgent basis".
Bush and Blair Lay Out Lebanon Plan But Warn Tehran
· Timetable 'could lead to ceasefire by next week' · Iran nuclear plan will lead to 'confrontation' - Blair
Blair to Fly to Us for Middle East Talks
Tony Blair will fly to Washington tomorrow for talks with President Bush about the deteriorating situation in Israel and Lebanon and increasing sectarian violence in Iraq.
Blair to Tell Bush: We Need a Ceasefire
Drawn out Lebanon crisis will boost militants across Arab world, PM fears.
Blair Promises Middle East Peace Plan Within Days
Tony Blair said today he hoped a plan to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be ready within the next few days.
UN's Rising Star Wants Ambassador Role for Blair
The United Nations should recruit stars such as Bono and Bob Geldof to inject the kind of passion seen in the Make Poverty History campaign, according to one of the leading candidates to succeed Kofi Annan as its secretary general.
It Wasn't the 'yo' That Was Humiliating, It Was the 'no'
Tony Blair wanted Britain to look big in the world. But being a satellite of George Bush is making him and us look small. By Andrew Rawnsley
Blair Dismisses Archbishop's Ceasefire Call
Tony Blair today dismissed increasing demands from the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior Labour MPs to back a UN call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
The Late Blair Era is Characterised By Cowardice
Under the shadow of the Iraq war Labour has lost its political nerve and its confidence in itself as a force for good. By Polly Toynbee
Blair Calls for Un Force in Lebanon
· Latest Israeli strikes kill at least 23
· 40 British nationals evacuated · French prime minister to visit Beirut
Blair Leads Call for France to Cut Back Farm Subsidies
· Stalled global trade talks enter make-or-break time · G8 leaders could rally in response to Middle East
Why Should London Want Blair to Go Before Next May
Madrid is worried about Barcelona - and vice versa. London and Edinburgh, take note. By Peter Preston
See You All Next Year, Blair Tells G8
At the G8 summit in St Petersburg, when the world's attention was focused on the crisis in the Middle East, the prime minister let slip that he doesn't plan to leave Downing Street - or be driven out - any time soon. By Michael White
The Levy Scandal is an Accidental By-product of Blair's Negligence
Serious constitutional reform is needed to resuscitate politics, but the prime minister has missed his moment. By Polly Toynbee
Sarkozy Seeks Help From Blair
Chirac calls for talks with Anglo-Saxon free marketeer to stop as interior minister seeks PM's advice to boost presidential bid.
Blair Will Have to Name the Day at Labour's Conference
Brownites and Blairites now believe that if things carry on as they are, they will lose the election. But how to make the change? By Jackie Ashley
PM Calls for Talks on Palestinian State
The prime minister, Tony Blair, today insisted there could only be a negotiated solution to the problems of the middle east but left the door open for Israel to withdraw unilaterally from the West Bank.
Blair Refuses to Back Olmert's West Bank Plan
· Leaders speak after Downing Street meeting · Negotiated settlement 'only way forward'
By Ending the Welfare State Tony Blair May Boost Cameron
If Blair is right that globalisation is the only game in town, then by ending the welfare state he may boost Cameron. By Larry Elliott
Soccer-patriotic Gestures By Cameron and Blair is All About Political Strategy
Soccer World Cup flag-waving by Cameron, Brown and Blair is all about political strategy, not football. By Mark Lawson
Blair's Un Gaffe Sinks Relations With Brazil to New Low
· Diplomatic spat after speech in Washington · Mistake puts important trade talks in jeopardy
Blair Must Put Dull Competence Ahead of Legacy Seeking
Blair must put dull competence ahead of legacy seeking. The rest of us should quit this flirtation with Cameron. By Jonathan Freedland
Bush & Blair: The Last Whimper
Once they were kings, princes and lords of the realm. Now they are fallen to the depths of infamy. Listen carefully: Behind the tired refrain lies the last whimper of a fallen empire.
Blair Calls for Wide-ranging Un Reform
Tony Blair today called for wide-ranging reform of the United Nations, IMF and World Bank to foster a more effective response to global problems such as terrorism, climate change, poverty and unfair trade.
Blair Tells Bush Us Must Back Reformed Un
PM attempts to steer White House towards shift in foreign policy.
A Day for Blair to Shine Again
The prime minister can prove he means what he says by voting to end secondary selection. By Roy Hattersley
Blair Backs Eu Football Reforms
Soccer: Tony Blair is set to throw his weight behind an EU report designed to save European football from the G-14.
Blair's Nuclear Posturing is a Red Herring - Other Choices Matter More
Without subsidies or price fixing, ruled out by the government, the private sector won't invest in an unknowable future. By Polly Toynbee
We'll Always Have Lisbon
At home Tony Blair's popularity is fading fast, but his strong bond with Jose Manuel Barroso means at least one person will miss him when he's gone, says Nicholas Watt.
Blair's Failure is to Think Public Goods Can Be Delivered By Private Means
The limits of New Labour have been exposed. The next stage will be nothing less than a refashioning of the state. By Jonathan Freedland
It's All About the Epitaph for Blair
The prime minister once had a vision, but now he believes in nothing except hanging on. By Roy Hattersley
The Last Days of Limpet Blair Are Already Upon Us
Regardless of what the prime mininster does now, he can't stop the party's centre of gravity moving away from him. By Jackie Ashley
Tony Blair Tells His Foes to Come and Get Him If They Dare
After his aggressive reshuffle, the Prime Minister will not concede to those Labour MPs demanding a date for his departure. By Andrew Rawnsley
At Best, This Reshuffle Will Buy Blair Only a Few Extra Months
The Tories are on the march and if Brown is to reverse Labour losses, he must not drift to the left. By Martin Kettle
What The Apprentice Says About Blair's Britain
Labour came to power dreaming of a different bottom line. Sir Alan's TV show is evidence that that dream has died. By Jonathan Freedland
Labour Mps at Last Seem to Be Ready to Ditch Tony Blair
Party activists meet ridicule on the doorstep. The government's fiascos are letting down good local work. By Polly Toynbee
Right Now, We Need Blair
A disorderly abdication would damage the prospects for a genuine Labour government. By Roy Hattersley
The Blairite Provisional Wing Are Destructive Wreckers
Alan Milburn's hint of a kamikaze leadership bid is part of an attempt to destabilise Brown and mortgage his future. By Polly Toynbee
Daunting Issue Behind Blair-brown Split
Tantalising hints that the Blair-Brown marriage has reached the broken crockery stage again have largely ignored the one aspect of the latest furore which is both indisputably true and important to us all. By Michael White
Iraq Overshadows Blair Visit to Indonesia
Tony Blair was met with a barrage of calls to withdraw from Iraq as he toured Indonesia to promote better links with the world's largest Muslim country.
Blair Criticised Over Jakarta Talks
Tony Blair will today announce plans to share intelligence, defence and police expertise with Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation, as part of his drive to tackle Islamist extremism.
Blair Heads for Indonesia
Tony Blair was today heading to Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, on the final leg of his trip to the southern hemisphere.
Blair: Anti-americanism is Madness
Tony Blair today described anti-Americanism across Europe as "madness", although admitted the US could be a "difficult friend to have".
Blair's Admission of Error is Really a Declaration of War
The prime minister has signalled that he intends to stay as long as he can. If Brown now fails to strike, his moment may pass. By Jackie Ashley
Blair Claims Success at Eu Summit
Tony Blair was today claiming success from the EU summit in Brussels, which agreed to liberalise Europe's energy market from the middle of next year.
After Brown's Masterstroke, Wait for Blair's Next Tiggerish Moment
Labour MPs enjoyed the picture that was painted in the budget, while the Tories were splashed with a hint of class war. By Polly Toynbee
Blair's Luck Has Run Out
Three years of conflict in Iraq has corroded public trust in every aspect of his premiership, both domestic and foreign. By Jonathan Freedland
Blair's Credibility Suffers Body Blow Among Arabs
Britain's self-professed role as an honest broker in the Palestinian conflict has been left badly battered.
US Postwar Iraq Strategy a Mess, Blair Was Told
Senior British diplomatic and military staff gave Tony Blair explicit warnings three years ago that the US was disastrously mishandling the occupation of Iraq.
Blair's Legacy of Sleaze Threatens to Finish Off Brown As Well
Blair's foul legacy of sleaze threatens to stick to Labour and finish off Brown as well. By Peter Preston
BUSH-BLAIR: The Axis of Evangelicals
Tony Blair, the Brits’ version of what we thought was Bill Clinton’s reflection—has undergone a steady metamorphosis into the image of George W. Bush. The latest devolution of the once immensely popular Blair into his evangelical counterpart Bush involves divine intervention into the affairs of Middle Eastern wars—and telling the Brits "In the end, there is a judgment . . . if you believe in God, it’s made by God."
Blair Backs Jowell Over Berlusconi Claims
Tony Blair today gave his culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, his unequivocal backing in the wake of allegations over her husband's financial dealings with Silvio Berlusconi.
Chávez Hits Back at 'pawn of Imperialism' Blair
The Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, yesterday described Tony Blair as "a pawn of ...
Blair-Bush Deal Before Iraq War Revealed in Secret Memo
PM promised to be 'solidly behind' US invasion with or without UN backing.
Bush Told Blair We're Going to War, Memo Reveals
· PM backed invasion despite illegality warnings · Plan to disguise US jets as UN planes · Bush: postwar violence unlikely
Blair to Hail 'new Consensus' in Europe
Tony Blair will tonight praise a 'new generation' of centre-right leaders across Europe for helping guide the EU out of a 'darkened room' into a brighter future.
The Pretence at the Heart of the Blair-brown Agreement
The chancellor could have forced the prime minister from office over education reform, but he had good reasons for holding back. By Jackie Ashley
If Blair Fails, Labour Could Be Plunged Into a 1931-style Crisis
The prime minister is heading to defeat over education reform - a quarrel he alone picked.
Blair's Middle-class Mania is Madness on Every Count
These education plans defy belief for political miscalculation - as well as undoing all Labour's good work in schools.
Blair Evades Questions Over British 'spy Ring'
Tony Blair today dodged questions about accusations made by the Russian security service, the FSB, that British spies at the embassy in Moscow had been caught "red handed" using high-tech gadgetry to collect intelligence.
Blair is Discovering That 'our People' Can't Be Wished Away
Party faithful will often put up with anything in the search for victory. But there is a time limit.
Blair: Iran Sanctions Possible Over Nuclear Activity
The prime minister said today it was "likely" that the UK, the US and European allies would seek to refer Iran to the United Nations security council. Tony Blair spoke of his "deep dismay" over Tehran's decision to break the UN seals at its nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz and said...
Impeach Blair on Iraq, Says General
· PM misled public, says UN Bosnia commander · Invasion 'a blunder of enormous significance'
You Don't Shake Off Tony Blair Easily
If you thought of him at all over Christmas and the new year, you probably imagined him lying on some distant beach in the sunshine. But you don't shake off Tony Blair that easily.
Labour Party Must Stand Against Blair's Delusions
The Labour party must make a stand against the prime minister's messianic delusions.
When Tony Blair Leaves Office
When Tony Blair leaves office he will still be a young man, and a factor in the political equation.
Lamy Calls on Blair to Broker Trade Deal
Hopes pinned on fresh talks after failure to deliver but campaign groups say poor have been betrayed.
Cameron's Impact Means Kennedy and Blair Must Go
Labour and the Liberal Democrats both need to change leaders now the Tory party is back as a political force.
Blair Clinches Deal With Offer of Big Rebate Cut
Tony Blair last night brokered an agreement on the EU budget which will see Britain give up £7bn of the rebate negotiated by Margaret Thatcher more than 20 years ago as part of a broad deal to pay the bill for Europe's enlargement to the east.
Blair's £1bn Offer in Frantic Quest for Eu Deal
· PM shifts on rebate at Brussels summit · Upbeat Chirac says budget solution is in sight
Blair to Scupper Eu Budget Unless France Accepts Farm Review
· Chirac demands food subsidies be left alone · Germany coming round to British point of view
Chirac Tells Blair to Try Harder on Eu Budget
Jacques Chirac last night told Tony Blair to give more ground on Britain's £3.8bn rebate if he wanted a deal on the EU budget.
France and Poland Lead Assault on Blair Eu Budget Plan
· Cut is 'unacceptable' and shows 'lack of solidarity' · Commission president joins in criticism of UK
Blair Accused of Sellout Over Eu Rebate Deal
Tony Blair last night abandoned hopes of major reform of the EU budget when he admitted he will unilaterally cut Britain's historic £3bn-a-year budget rebate if it proves necessary to clinch a compromise deal at this month's Brussels summit.
Blair Accused As Summit on Anti-terrorism Ends in Failure
A Spanish foreign policy adviser was caught on an open mike yesterday accusing Tony Blair of preparing to "throw the towel in" and blaming the Israelis for being intractable at a summit on countering terrorism which ended in failure.
Chirac Blames the Blair-brown 'war of Succession' for Failure to Agree Eu Budget
· Mixed messages from PM and chancellor on rebate · French rule out deal during British presidency
Blair Plans Final Push to Settle Eu Budget
· Compromise would slash spending by about £20bn · Surrender of UK rebate linked to subsidy reform
Museveni Remains Defiant As Blair Attacks Arrest of Rival in Uganda
· Opposition leader in court on terrorism charges · Commonwealth row over democracy in Africa
Blair and Brown Need a Common Language
The prime minister will only regain trust by agreeing with Brown a common language and programme of reform.
Blair: Iraq Withdrawal in 2006 Possible
Tony Blair today said suggestions from the Iraqi president that British troops could withdraw from the country at the end of next year were "entirely reasonable".
Blair to Pledge 'monumental Struggle' on Trade
· Prime minister to appeal to G8 in Guildhall speech · WTO's failure would 'echo around the world'
Blair Has to Review His Agenda
Blair has to review his rhetoric and his agenda if there is to be any rapprochement between him and the party's rebels.
The Rebels Can Get Rid of Blair - But That's As Far As It Goes
Even if the left tears Labour apart, it won't change the issues at the heart of modern politics.
Blair is Reckless, But Labour Must Not Add to the Damage
Baying for the prime minister's blood over last night's Commons defeat plays into the opposition's hands.
Blair's Litany of Failures on Iraq - Ambassador's Damning Verdict
Meyer says PM failed to exert any leverage on Bush and was seduced by US power.
The Golden Legacy That Blair Was Hoping for is Crumbling By the Day
With rows over health and education inevitable, the idea of an elegant exit for Labour's leader now looks fanciful.
Tony Blair is Running Out of True Believers
Blunkett's fall is part of a bigger story of seeping authority, as last night's Commons rebellion and climbdown showed.
Cameron As Blair's Heir Would Spell Disaster for Labour
To press ahead with a de facto alliance with the Tories would be seen as stabbing the party in the back.
Blair Rebukes Iran for Threats Against Israel
Tony Blair warned Iran last night in his starkest terms yet that the world would soon start demanding direct action against Tehran if "totally unacceptable" threats to wipe out Israel were repeated by its government.
France and Germany Scupper Blair's Hopes of Budget Deal
· Prime minister upbeat despite rebate demand · Merkel will follow tough line, says chancellor
Spanish Leader Backs Blair's Plan to Tackle Eu Unemployment
Spain offers crucial support to Tony Blair today, on the eve of a European summit in which Britain will try to set in motion painful economic reforms.
Few Parents Will Welcome Blair's Simplistic Model for School Choice
Parents and heads do want choice, but few will welcome Blair's simplistic model.
Blair and Brown Agree on This: Europe Isn't Working
A radical shift in thinking is quietly under way at both No 10 and No 11, to put the nation-state back at the centre of the EU.
Former Communist States to Thwart Blair's Plan for a Reforming Summit
· 'New' Europe's leaders want focus on budget · Mandelson faces French wrath over farm subsidies
Mugabe Uses Un Forum to Compare Blair to Mussolini
· UK attacks presence at conference on hunger · PM and Bush likened to Axis leaders over Iraq war
Bush Told Blair of 'going Beyond Iraq'
George Bush told Tony Blair shortly before the invasion of Iraq that he intended to target other countries, including Saudi Arabia, which, he implied, planned to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
Blair and Chirac Call Truce to Aid Eu Harmony
Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac pledged yesterday to set aside their differences and try to serve as "forces of harmony, not division" for a battered European Union badly in need of a "progressive vision".
Blair Links Iraq Bombings to Row Over Iran's Nuclear Programme
Tony Blair warned yesterday he will not be diverted from the debate over Iran's nuclear programme by Tehran's suspected involvement in a series of deadly bomb attacks on British soldiers this year.
Blair Links Iran to Iraq Blasts
Tony Blair today said new explosive devices used against British troops in Iraq were suspected to have come from "Iranian elements".
Blair Stresses Eu Trade Ties With Russia
Tony Blair today hailed Europe's increasingly close relationship with Russia, saying that the economic ties between the two could only "grow and prosper and strengthen".
Rage at Blair Must Not Damages Labour
Rage at Blair must not become so all-consuming that it damages Labour. Roy Hattersley
Blair is Still in Thrall to the Us President
Canada and the Tories have made the break, but Blair is still in thrall to the US president. Peter Preston
Turkey's Future Lies in Eu, Says Blair
Tony Blair today insisted Turkey's future was in the EU as British officials in Brussels worked to dispel a looming crisis over next week's talks on its membership.
One Sentence That Tells Us So Much About Tony Blair
Murdoch's indiscretion reveals a Labour prime minister whose every instinct is at odds with the party he leads. Jonathan Freedland
Blair Wins the Premier League
Sven's successor must make unpopular decisions, heal old wounds and be used to be photographed on his hols. Who better than Tony Blair, reasons Harry Pearson.
Blair Calls on Un to Unite Against Terrorism
The prime minister, Tony Blair, today told the UN security council that the world must unite to defeat terrorism, which he said had "disfigured countries in every continent".
Blair to Ask Un for Crackdown on Incitement
The United Nations security council is set to adopt on Wednesday a British-sponsored resolution for a worldwide crackdown on incitement to terrorism.
End Eu Secrecy, Meps Urge Blair
A cross-party coalition of MEPS has urged Tony Blair to use the remaining time of his EU presidency to push through reforms lifting the veil of secrecy on Brussels law-making.
Blair Raises 'question Mark' on China's Human Rights
Tony Blair today told the Chinese prime minister the world held a "question mark" over China's human rights record, as he ended a two-day trip to Beijing.
The Danger in Blair's Balderdash
Forget principles, 'outflanking' is the New Labour watchword. Roy Hattersley
Blair Hopes to Unravel Textile Row at Eu-china Summit
Tony Blair was last night flying into Beijing, as president of the European council, for an EU-China summit which will take place under the shadow of the textile row between the two trading blocs. With the so-called bra wars unresolved, despite frantic efforts by Peter Mandelson, the EU's...
Blair's Big Holiday Boob
The PM lost post-7/7 goodwill by going to a secret location abroad. Mark Lawson
Blair's Jack Bauer Syndrome
Blair's programme for fighting terror seems inspired by the TV thriller 24; but real life needs a bit more reflection. Jonathan Freedland
Blair's Plea for Arrested Uzbeks
Tony Blair has written to the newly elected president of Kyrgyzstan urging him not to extradite 15 Uzbeks who fled their country after troops opened fire on demonstrators.
Add Me to the List, Mr. Blair
The terrorists are winning. Gradually but perceptibly, the USA and the United Kingdom (UK) are shedding their liberal democratic veneer, axing their traditions, reinterpreting their constitution (USA) and case law (UK) and, thus, becoming police states.
Paris Mayor Hits Out at Blair and Coe
Olympic Games: The mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, has accused Tony Blair and Sebastian Coe of breaking IOC rules by criticising their rivals.
London 2012: Blair Not Guilty of Improper Lobbying
The prime minister has been exonerated after he controversially entertained key IOC members privately in his Singapore hotel suite.
Blair: No Going Back to Kyoto
The prime minister, Tony Blair, today said there was "no point" going back over arguments on Kyoto as a working breakfast with George Bush kicked off a day of leaders' negotiations at the G8 summit.
Chirac's Reheated Food Jokes Bring Blair to the Boil
Take one unpopular president, a brace of struggling statesmen and a couple of global summits. Heat up a hoary national stereotype, leaven with wit, sit back and watch 'les rosbifs' simmer.
Blair Helps London to Hit Bid Targets
Tony and Cherie Blair and mayor of London Ken Livingstone have been pressing the flesh ahead of Wednesday's crucial vote.
Blair Going 'all Out' for London
Tony Blair said today he was going "all out" in Singapore to win support for London's Olympic bid, following a row between London and Paris over negative remarks made about France's main stadium.
Blair in Final Push for Olympics
Prime minister among leaders lobbying IOC members in Singapore as London bid optimism grows.
Blair-Chirac Feud 'could Destroy Europe'
Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac are in danger of 'destroying' Europe after an Anglo-French bust-up led to the collapse of negotiations on the EU budget, said Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European commission.
Blair May Snub Us on Climate
Leaked papers reveal huge gulf between Europe and Bush as PM ponders political gamble.
Which Would Blair Prefer - an Id Card or a Windmill?
We are at a tipping point on climate change and ministers can be braver. Polly Toynbee
If He Resists the Siren Voice of Folly, Blair's Legacy is Secure
ID cards might yet prove to be the prime minister's greatest undoing. Martin Kettle
Blair Finds a Little Heaven in Euro Hell
Tony Blair yesterday charmed what should have been the most hostile of crowds.
Blair and Chirac in Olympic Face Off
Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac will resume barely concealed hostilities in Singapore next month at the vote to decide the venue for the 2012 summer Olympics.
EU Needs Reality Check, Blair Warns
Tony Blair today told Europe's MEPs it was time for a 'reality check' over the future of Europe, as he addressed an at times hostile European parliament on Britain's plans for its presidency of the EU.
Defiant Blair Takes Battle to European Parliament
Tony Blair will today enter the lion's den of EU politics when he goes to the European parliament to argue the case for far-reaching economic reform which he and Gordon Brown believe essential if 20 million jobless EU citizens are to share in the continent's prosperity.
Blair Reaches Out to the New Europe
PM prepares Brussels speech looking to a future without Chirac or Schröder.
Blair Vows to Break Up Cap for Africa's Sake
Tony Blair will warn his European partners in the final two weeks before the crucial Gleneagles G8 summit that unless they dismantle the £30 billion Common Agricultural Policy, Africa will never free itself from poverty.
Blair to Push Ahead in Drive for Eu Reform
PM 'energised' after bitter summit row.
Blair Faces Fraught Eu Summit
Tony Blair joins the other 24 EU leaders today for one of the most fraught summits in the union's history, with the budget, the British rebate and the constitution all on the negotiating table. The British prime minister is isolated from the rest of Europe on the issue of Britain's...
Blair's Eu Cash Ultimatum
PM admits gulf with Chirac but insists farm subsidy reform is now Europe's priority.
'Sharp Disagreement' at Blair-chirac Talks
Tony Blair tonight emerged from face to face talks with the French president, Jacques Chirac, with no deal in sight over Britain's rebate from the EU budget.
Blair Rejects Eu Rebate Freeze
Britain today rejected a compromise plan to freeze its controversial EU rebate, as Tony Blair headed to Paris to confront the French president, Jacques Chirac, over the vexed negotiations for the EU budget.
Ex-Soviet States Need Help Too, Putin Tells Blair
Vladimir Putin warned Tony Blair yesterday that former Soviet states such as Georgia and Tajikistan needed as much help as Africa if they were not to become a battlefield.
Blair Urges Chirac to Be Realistic on Rebate
Britain's row with France over the £3.2bn EU budget rebate escalated yesterday when Tony Blair called on Jacques Chirac to be 'realistic' about his demands for a British gesture.
Blair Ties Rebate Talks to Cap Reform
Tony Blair today warned European leaders he would not discuss Britain's controversial £3bn rebate without a full debate about the EU budget, including the common agricultural policy.
Blair's Last-ditch Lobby of Olympic Judges
Tony Blair will personally lobby key members of the International Olympic Committee just before they select the 2012 Olympics host city.
Blair Offers Rebate Deal As Bait for Eu Reforms
Plan cuts no ice with Chirac but Schröder looks for compromise.
What Did Blair Achieve?
What was Tony Blair hoping to achieve for Africa with his visit to George Bush in Washington?
Blair: Africa Needs New Trade Deal
Tony Blair today promised to work to reform the world trade rules to help Africa lift itself out of poverty following his agreement yesterday with George Bush to lighten the continent's enormous debt burden.
How Could Cherie Blair Do This Without Blushing?
There is no climate of shame about fabulously undeserved income. Polly Toynbee
Blair Hails Progress Towards Deal With Us on African Aid
The prime minister, Tony Blair, today said Britain had made significant progress towards a deal with the US on aid for Africa ahead of the Gleneagles G8 summit next month.
Blair Close to Africa Deal at Talks With Bush
US ready to back extra payments to meet debts.
The Tories Have Done Better Than Blair on Climate Change
The Tories and the US have done better than Blair on climate change. Michael Howard
Blair Back for Battle on Europe
The Labour government's big three - Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Jack Straw - will today embark on a frantic 10-day round of high-wire diplomatic manoeuvres in order to rescue the key foreign policy goals of their third term.
Bush Refuses to Give Way on Blair's Plan for Aid
Bush rejects new action plan on Africa that would require a doubling of American aid.
How Crisis Helps Blair - and Brown
Rivals in accord over dealing with EU.
Blair Seeks Us Backing for G8 Programme
Tony Blair will fly to Washington next week to try to persuade the US president, George Bush, to support his plans to tackle climate change and global poverty at the G8 summit in July.
Blair Faces Hard Fight to Keep Reforms on Track
Presidency promises turbulent time for PM.
Europe's Shattered Dream: Blair to Challenge Chirac
· Britain prepares to ditch treaty
· France asked if it plans second poll to save constitution
Berlusconi Backs Blair on G8 Agenda
Tony Blair today declared he had the backing of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for his twin G8 agendas of Africa and climate change, as the pair met in Rome.
'Father' of Malaysia Savages Bush and Blair
Mahathir brands US a rogue nation terrorising innocents and stands by claim that Jews 'rule the world by proxy'.
London's 2012 Bid: London Bid Boosted By Blair Backing
Olympic Games: Tony Blair made the government's support clear when he met IOC president Jacques Rogge.
The Veneer of Fraternity Between Blair and Bush
Tony Blair is not the first British prime minister to embrace a US president's mendacity, but he could well be the last. Sidney Blumenthal
The People to Blair: Step Down
In the recent election, despite a flawed parliamentary system, the people of Britain made their distaste for Prime Minister Tony Blair resoundingly clear. Even at risk of empowering the despised Tories, they demanded an end to British support of the Bush Doctrine.
Howard quits and becomes fourth victim of Blair factor
Michael Howard yesterday stunned Tory MPs by becoming his party's fourth leader in eight years to stand down after falling victim to Tony Blair's enduring, if slightly faltering, appeal to Middle Britain.
A Relative Defeat Will in Fact Serve to Strengthen Blairism
Loss of seats will not lead to the adoption of a more leftwing approach. Martin Kettle
On the Bus to Damascus With Blair's Greatest Asset
A guerrilla campaign is reminding women of Labour's real successes. Jackie Ashley
Attorney General Told Blair War Could Be Illegal
Tony Blair was told by the government's most senior law officer in a confidential minute less than two weeks before the war that British participation in the American-led invasion of Iraq could be declared illegal.
Blair's Evasions Will Catch Up With Him
We've had enough of the prime minister's half-truths on Iraq. Let us see his legal advice in full. Richard Norton-Taylor
Why Alastair Campbell Made Blair Eat Humble Pie
Polls proved that only Gordon Brown could deliver a third Labour term. Larry Elliott
Hold Your Nose, Vote Blair and Brown Will Be the Victor
Polly Toynbee: Disillusioned Labour voters should forget Iraq and think of the future.
Mugabe Claims Poll Landslide Has Sent a Message to Blair
Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party claimed election victory yesterday, but the opposition said that voting fraud and intimidation had marred the result.
It's Blair, Iraq and Immigration
Patrick Barkham: Those expecting a Labour election walkover should get out more. From Beeston to Brentwood, the mood is increasingly hostile.
As Blair Falters, Brown Strolls Back Into the Fray
Jackie Ashley: Unlike Labour's election campaign, the budget was confident and clever.
Brown's Ambitions Are Best Served By a Blair Landslide
Martin Kettle: Nothing if not a long-term strategist, the chancellor will now fall into line.
Blair Challenges World to End 'obscenity' of African Poverty
The prime minister, Tony Blair, today challenged the world to help end the poverty, conflict and disease plaguing Africa, as he launched a major international report on how to ease the continent's problems.
Howard's Handful of Men Are Chopping Blair to Pieces
Polly Toynbee: The NHS is Labour terrain, but even here the Tories are gaining ground.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Star in Blair's African Adventure
Simon Tisdall: Togo's 5 million people will finally have a chance to determine their future in the wake of the dictatorship of Gnassingbe Eyadema, who died in February after nearly 40 years in power.
Blair Targets Corruption in Africa Plan
· Banks urged to inform on pilfering leaders · Commission also recommends doubling aid
Blair Hails 'ripple of Change' in Middle East
Syria has one last chance, warns PM.
Blair Meets Abbas at London Summit
Tony Blair opened Middle East peace talks in London today telling international leaders he hoped they would advance the Palestinians' efforts to create a "viable state".
Blair Presses Reluctant Abbas Into London Conference
Downing Street had to put pressure on a reluctant Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, to attend Tony Blair's Middle East conference in London tomorrow after the Palestinian leadership expressed fears that the meeting will serve Israel's interests by raising new hurdles to the revival of political negotiations.
You Don't Need an A-level to Spot the Flaw in Blair's Logic
Jackie Ashley: In education you can be snobbish or progressive - but not both. What a lot we pile on to adolescents.
Blair's Big Tent is Empty
Polly Toynbee: Labour's campaign needs vision, not what's-in-it-for-me bribery. With Labour only 3% ahead, is there panic in the government?
Blair and Bush in Show of Unity
The prime minister, Tony Blair, paid tribute today to George Bush's leadership in the Middle East and said there was a real prospect for peace in the region.
Win This One for Labour, Not for Blair
Roy Hattersley: Blairites are aiming for a landslide to make their project irreversible. You may find it strange that the Conservative party - which holds such strong views on the need to reduce the number of migrant workers in Britain - should import an Australian gastarbeiter to advise on how to win the general election.
Blair Will Fly Out to Fight for 2012 Gold
Olympic Games: Personal plea to IOC members aims to neutralise Chirac intervention.
Blair Hopeful of Boost to Iraq Training Force
Tony Blair tells Commons liaison committee new countries likely to come forward to help train Iraqi security and police forces.
Breakfast With Blair As Rice Starts European Tour
Condoleezza Rice, George Bush's new secretary of state, began her week-long tour of Europe and the Middle East today by holding talks with Tony Blair at Downing Street.
Blair and Brown Cannot Afford to Fail
Both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have taken a big political risk in setting an ambitious programme on Africa - and will certainly struggle to disguise any failure to make progress in 2005.
Blair Urges 'quantum Leap' on Aid to Africa As Debate About Finance Rages
World's richest countries need to make a "quantum leap forward" in helping Africa in 2005, Tony Blair says as he announces Britain will spend £45m on mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
Blair's Reality Gap
Polly Toynbee: The prime minister has opened his election campaign - and underlined New Labour's problem with delivery.
Palestinians Pour Cold Water on Blair Conference
Tony Blair is being forced to rethink the agenda for his proposed Middle East conference in London after Palestinians questioned its worth and accused him of being pro-Israeli.
The Differences Between Brown and Blair Are Wafer Thin
Polly Toynbee: The two architects of Labour's success - not just winning elections but making real change on the ground - are endangering the future.
Is Blair the Problem or the Solution?
Jonathan Freedland: The Blair-Brown split could yet inflict its most serious damage. Say what you like about the Blairite project, but it's always been bold.
Blair and Allawi Committed to Iraq Election Date
Tony Blair and the Iraqi prime minister, Ayad Allawi, today rejected calls to postpone the election scheduled for the end of this month as at least 20 people were killed in suicide attacks in the north and south of the country.
This Burst of Charity Will Not Fool Blair
Martin Kettle: Unlike Gladstone, he doesn't take us for a nation of global visionaries. Ever since 2001, the comparison between Tony Blair and William Gladstone has become columnar stock in trade.
Blair Back As Uk Death Toll Soars
Government faces growing criticism over response to disaster and hints at new increase in aid.
Blair Bowed to Israel, Say Palestinians
Palestinian officials attacked Tony Blair's planned conference on the conflict with Israel yesterday, saying it was much less than originally promised.
The Blairite Ultras Are at the Door
Jackie Ashley: A thumping election victory will bury old Labour once and for all. The heart sinks. Before the last mince pie has left the hips, we're to be in full-blown election mode. Labour has announced its plans already:
Blair Visit Secures London Talks on Middle East Peace
Tony Blair flew home from the Middle East last night confident that he had secured the twin objectives of his visit.
Blair Praises Iraqi Election Bravery in Flying Visit
The prime minister, Tony Blair, flew into the Iraqi capital today and praised the electoral workers of Iraq for their bravery in risking their lives for democracy.
Why Blair's Trip Will Not Succeed
David Hirst: The US is too partisan to see that the Palestinians cannot give more. Since Yasser Arafat's death, international attention has turned away from Iraq to the other, older, most imperishable of Middle East crises.
Blair Off to Middle East for Palestine and Iraq Talks
Tony Blair will visit the Middle East this week to explore ways of dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the upsurge in violence in Iraq.
Sharon Backs Blair's London Summit Plan
Middle East talks to focus on economy and security.
Blair Holds Key As Eu Opens Door to Turkey
Tony Blair is on course to take charge of historic negotiations designed to pave the way for Turkish membership of the EU after European leaders last night gave the green light to accession talks.
Blair Rejects Call for Count of Iraqi Deaths
Refusal to collect data obscures civilian toll.
Blair's Peace Initiative Dismays Israel
Israel is increasingly wary that Tony Blair will use his impending visit to force the pace of the peace process.
Blair's Kind of Respect
Jonathan Freedland: If Blunkett goes, the prime minister is likely to take over the home secretary's security agenda himself.
It's Not Too Late, Even for Tony Blair
A real assault on poverty would at last secure him his place in history. Loyal to a fault, I persist in the belief that Tony Blair can climb up the league table, published last week, which placed him sixth in the pantheon of modern prime ministers.
Blair May Visit Israel to Revive Peace Process
Downing St irritated as Shalom announces plans.
Blair and Chirac Pledge Unity
Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac today promised to work together on restoring stability in the Middle East while drawing a line under their past differences over the war in Iraq.
Blair Defends Relationship With Bush
Tony Blair will offer a robust defence of Britain's relationship with the US today - and insist it is essential to the spread of democracy and fight against terror. In his annual Mansion House speech, the prime minister will stress the need for Europe and the US to put differences on Iraq...
Blair's Call to Accept Bush Scorned By Chirac
Rifts likely to remain as French president says world is more multi-polar than ever.
Blair is a Foreign Hostage Too
Is there rhyme and reason here amid such horror? Yes, in the crudest terms. Terror deters Iraqis from joining forces to defend themselves, and outsiders from helping them.
Blair's Mission on Africa
15,000-strong European Union force will intervene in conflicts.
Blair's Leadership Challenge
Good governors must come to the fore in Africa if the latest rescue plan is to work, writes Rory Carroll.
Sudan Accepts Blair's Five-point Peace Plan
After two hours of talks and a warning on sanctions, Khartoum agrees to give African Union troops freedom of movement in Darfur.
Blair Outlines Sudan Demands
Tony Blair today said the Sudanese government had agreed to a five-point action plan aimed at ending the conflict in Darfur, which has resulted in what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The prime minister - the highest-level official from a western government to...
Blair Seeks Pledge From Sudan
PM gambles on talks with Bashir to ease refugees' plight.
If You Think Blair is a Tory You Should See the Real Thing
Labour transformed itself: so must the opposition. It may have been Michael Howard's big speech, but the man who towers over this conference is not here.
Blair's Demarche Has Confronted Brown With His Ultimate Dilemma
For Tony Blair this is in all senses the moment of truth. It is literally true that his announced aim to stay as prime minister until shortly before the election after next is also his real and settled intention.
Blair's Pre-announced Resignation Can't Sure-up His Future Ability to Govern
Tony Blair could now begin to look like a lame duck rather earlier than anyone might have expected.
Olympics: Blair Rallies Support for 2012
Tony Blair, addressing the Labour conference in Brighton, urged his party to support London's 2012 Olympic bid.
Blair Can't Break Free From Iraq, But He Won't Crumple
In Brighton, only the expected disaffected want regime change. Did he do it? Did he kill off the leadership question? It was a good speech and an excellent election manifesto.
Hartlepool, Not Brighton, Will Decide Blair's Future
Even a New Labour victory could rock the prime minister's grip on power. As the applause for Gordon Brown's barnstorming speech surged round the Brighton conference centre, up on the platform Tony Blair gave his chancellor a very public and very hefty clap on the back.
' Mr Blair, I Don't Want to Die. Help Me See My Wife and Son Again'
Kidnappers release video of Briton's desperate message.
Blair Calls Hostage's Family As Fears Grow
Tony Blair today telephoned the family of the British hostage Kenneth Bigley as the government said it would not meet his captors' demands. Fears for the 62-year-old and his American colleague Jack Hensley have grown since a video showing the beheading of a third man, Eugene Armstrong, an...
Labour Now Needs a Prosaic Blair
There is a real fear that Iraq could scupper the party's re-election chances. Tony Blair has never appeared more adrift from public opinion on Iraq than he does at this moment.
Leader Rejects Blair 'second Wave' Claim
Iraqi premier insists violence is caused by small minority.
Blair: We Must Win This New Conflict
Britain is embroiled in a fresh conflict with Iraq as it battles to quash global terrorism for ever, Tony Blair declared in a stark relabelling of the situation yesterday. The prime minister used a joint press conference with the Iraqi prime minister, Ayad Allawi, to say: "Whatever the...
Blair's Got a Third Force to Worry About
For a while, the prime minister's crisis seemed to have passed. No longer. There are not many rules in politics. But one is: stuff happens. This autumn had looked fairly predictable as everyone geared up for the pre-election period.
Labour Will Be Elected Again Under Blair
Despite the bitterness of the past days, less has changed than some think. Up here, reports an East Midlands Labour official, we mostly still approve of Tony Blair, some of us strongly.
Tony Blair's Survival is an Affront to Our Constitution
Those with the power to remove the Labour leader must act. Today the political soap opera goes on tour. It's the start of the conference season - four weeks of travelling theatre, farce and melodrama. One storyline will loom larger than all others.
Blair Backs London Bid
London's 2012 bid: Prime Minister Tony Blair has said London's bid to stage the 2012 Games is "strong and getting ever stronger".
One Blairite Who Could Yet Be Labour's Next Leader
Milburn could challenge Brown, but he needs to respect the party's roots. Alan Milburn's prospective return to government, if it happens, would be an event of great and intriguing importance. It might even help to define the shape of British politics for a decade to come. Here's why.
Blair Puts Competition Back Into School Sports
Labour to invest £459m in coaching programme. Senior ministers are planning to restore traditional competitive sports to the centre of school life if Labour wins a third term in another reversal of the party's historic hostility to the competitive ethos.
I Still Say That Blair Must Go
Jackie Ashley: He is an outsider, a rightwinger, and does not belong in Labour ranks.
I've Had Another Think. And I Still Say That Blair Must Go
He is an outsider, a rightwinger, and does not belong in Labour ranks. This has been a summer of reflection. Before the August break, I had been involved in a furious argument - well, several - about the Dear Leader.
Cherie Blair Joins Great and Good on Us Speaking Tour
Cherie Blair has joined a leading and expensive New York speakers' agency for a lecture tour in October, it was disclosed yesterday. Speaking in her professional capacity as barrister Cherie Booth, the prime minister's wife has been signed up by the Harry Walker agency, whose clients...
Intervene in Sudan, Tories Urge Blair
British troops should be sent to Sudan "in a matter of days" unless there is an improvement in the country's humanitarian crisis, the Conservatives urged today. John Bercow, the shadow international development secretary, said diplomatic efforts were "too little ... too late" and...
Blair Caught in Middle Over China Arms Ban
Bush presses PM to veto Europe's proposed lifting of weapons embargo as People's Liberation Army stages show of strength in Hong Kong.
Is Blair Deceiving Himself About America Yet Again?
Kerry as president will fundamentally alter our alliance. Asked to nominate the foreign country about which Tony Blair has most calamitously deceived himself as prime minister, most of us would, I suppose, select Iraq.
Sudan Warns Blair Against Sending Troops
Britain risks Iraq-style insurgency if it intervenes to aid refugees in Darfur, says foreign minister.
Blair: Nothing is Ruled Out in Sudan
Tony Blair today confirmed that British military involvement in Sudan was an option - but said the government was 'not at that stage yet'.
Blairism is Just Softened Thatcherism
New Labour's successes bear Brown's imprint, not the prime minister's. It's happening again. Peter Mandelson has become the acid-or-alkali test paper for Tony Blair's personal authority at Westminster.
Blair Draws Up Plans to Send Troops to Sudan
Tony Blair has asked Downing Street and Foreign Office officials to draw up plans for possible military intervention in Sudan, where more than a million refugees are at risk from famine and disease.
Blair Trashed the 60s for the Sake of a Tory One-liner
The 'permissive society' heralded a time of unparalleled social activism. The man has a political genius. Public opinion flows in his veins before any report lands on his desk.
There is Now No Doubt That Blair Misled the Commons
After Butler's damning report, he should search his conscience again. Damp squib or smoking gun? The conclusions from Lord Butler's report seem, at first sight, to provide the expected establishment support for the government.
Blair: Wmd 'may Never Be Found'
Tony Blair conceded today that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction "may never be found" but claimed that they could have been "hidden, removed or destroyed". Appearing before a committee of senior MPs, the prime minister said: "I was very, very confident the Iraq Survey Group would find...
Blair Should Quit to Protect His Legacy
Brown's supporters now have no choice but to bring the issue to a head. You just can't avoid it. Leadership talk is everywhere. A eulogy for Gordon Brown in the Daily Mail, this time for his plans to crack down on the work-shy (all those dinners with Paul Dacre bearing fruit, it seems).
Blair Witch Meets Jaws in Film to Make Divers Very Afraid
Open Water, a low-budget horror film that delivers some of the most terrifying scenes ever put on film, is expected to draw big crowds when it opens in America next month.
Nanny Blair Would Win It
New Labour is the children's party - so why are they so afraid of championing the smacking ban?