A previously reported 2018 memo linked to Jeffrey Epstein recounts a meeting he allegedly had with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2002. The document has resurfaced in renewed discussions about Epstein’s connections with prominent political and business figures.


Epstein Memo from 2018 Recounts Meeting with Tony Blair in 2002

American reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is all set to visit India. Kim and her sister Khloe Kardashian will be attending an Indian billionaire heir's wedding on July 12 in Mumbai. The wedding festivities have been going on for the past 10 days in the Indian financial capital&nbsp;and are being considered one of the biggest events in the country.&nbsp; 
 
The wedding will take place at Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai on Friday (Jul 12). Apart from the Kardashian sisters, the wedding will also have former state heads in attendance.&nbsp; 
 
Futurist Peter Diamandis, artist Jeff Koons, and self-help coach Jay Shetty will also attend the wedding. Former United Kingdom Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, former US&nbsp;Secretary of State John Kerry, former Swedish PM Carl Bildt, and former Canadian PM Stephen Harper will also attend.

<h2>Presidents, ex-CEOs, and businessmen part of the guest list</h2>

The guest list will also include Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, WTO D-G Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 
 
Businessmen and heads of several companies have also been invited. HSBC Group chairman Mark Tucker, Aramco CEO Amin Nasser, Morgan Stanley MD Michael Grimes, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Mubadala MD Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Lee, Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet, BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay and Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm will also be part of the event. 
 
The guest list also includes HP president Enrique Lores, ADIA board member Khalil Mohammed Sharif Foulathi, Kuwait Investment Authority MD Bader Mohammad Al-Saad, Nokia president Tommi Uitto, GlaxoSmithKline CEO Emma Walmsley, GIC CEO Lim Chow Kiat and Moelis &amp; Co vice chairman Eric Cantor.&nbsp; 
 
Union cabinet ministers, chief ministers and other businessmen from across the country&nbsp;will also mark their presence.

<h2>The Big Fat Indian Wedding</h2>

Anant Ambani is the son of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. The young son of the billionaire couple. Anant is tying the knot with Radhika Merchant. Almost the entire Bollywood has been in attendance at&nbsp;the couple's numerous pre-wedding events which kickstarted last week with Canadian pop star Justin Beiber performing for the guests during one of the festivities.&nbsp; 
 
The wedding festivities are meticulously planned, adhering to traditional Hindu Vedic customs. The main ceremonies will commence on Friday, July 12, with the wedding function. The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 13 and the final event- the wedding reception&nbsp;is scheduled for Sunday, July 14.

American reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is all set to visit India. Kim and her sister Khloe Kardashian will be attending an Indian billionaire heir's wedding on July 12 in Mumbai.

American reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is all set to visit India. Kim and her sister Khloe Kardashian will be attending an Indian billionaire heir's wedding on July 12 in Mumbai. The wedding festivities have been going on for the past 10 days in the Indian financial capital and are being considered one of the biggest events in the country. The wedding will take place at Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai on Friday (Jul 12). Apart from the Kardashian sisters, the wedding will also have former state heads in attendance. Futurist Peter Diamandis, artist Jeff Koons, and self-help coach Jay Shetty will also attend the wedding. Former United Kingdom Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, former Swedish PM Carl Bildt, and former Canadian PM Stephen Harper will also attend. Presidents, ex-CEOs, and businessmen part of the guest list The guest list will also include Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, WTO D-G Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Businessmen and heads of several companies have also been invited. HSBC Group chairman Mark Tucker, Aramco CEO Amin Nasser, Morgan Stanley MD Michael Grimes, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Mubadala MD Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Lee, Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet, BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay and Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm will also be part of the event. The guest list also includes HP president Enrique Lores, ADIA board member Khalil Mohammed Sharif Foulathi, Kuwait Investment Authority MD Bader Mohammad Al-Saad, Nokia president Tommi Uitto, GlaxoSmithKline CEO Emma Walmsley, GIC CEO Lim Chow Kiat and Moelis & Co vice chairman Eric Cantor. Union cabinet ministers, chief ministers and other businessmen from across the country will also mark their presence. The Big Fat Indian Wedding Anant Ambani is the son of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. The young son of the billionaire couple. Anant is tying the knot with Radhika Merchant. Almost the entire Bollywood has been in attendance at the couple's numerous pre-wedding events which kickstarted last week with Canadian pop star Justin Beiber performing for the guests during one of the festivities. The wedding festivities are meticulously planned, adhering to traditional Hindu Vedic customs. The main ceremonies will commence on Friday, July 12, with the wedding function. The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 13 and the final event- the wedding reception is scheduled for Sunday, July 14.

Kim Kardashian, sister Khloe and Boris Johnson all set to attend Indian billionaire heir's grand wedding

Tony Blair, a former prime minister of the Labour party and Middle East envoy, has warned of the threat posed by the UK's right-wing parties and asked PM Keir Starmer to develop a "plan to control immigration".

Following Labour's resounding victory, Starmer began his third day as prime minister on Sunday by touring Scotland.

Blair stated that even with Labour's commanding majority in power, obstacles presented by the anti-immigration Reform UK Party still exist.

Reform, spearheaded by Brexit ardent supporter Nigel Farage, divided the right-wing vote to maximise the damage to the Conservatives in the election.

It gained five seats in Parliament and 14% of the vote, prompting Farage to warn that it will target Labour supporters next.

Blair suggested using artificial intelligence (AI) to regulate illegal immigration in a Sunday Times essay, stating that "traditional political parties are suffering disruption all over the Western world."

"Where the system allows new entrants to emerge, they are running riot everywhere. Look at France or Italy," Blair said.

"We need a plan to control immigration. If we don't have rules, we get prejudices," Blair&nbsp;

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A major topic during the most recent election campaign was immigration limitation, and Blair, the only Labour leader to lead his party to three straight election victories beginning with his landslide victory in 1997, stated he thought digital ID technology was the greatest answer.

"We should move as the world is moving to digital ID. If not, new border controls will have to be highly effective," he wrote.

"A tough new approach to law and order" was one of the other proposals. Fearing that "criminal elements are modernizing faster than law enforcement," he expressed his concern.

Blair cautioned against initiatives that many saw as unduly politically correct, saying that the government should "avoid any vulnerability on 'wokeism'".

(With inputs from agencies)

Tony Blair, a former prime minister of the Labour party and Middle East envoy, has warned of the threat posed by the UK's right-wing parties and asked PM Keir Starmer to develop a "plan to control immigration".

Tony Blair, a former prime minister of the Labour party and Middle East envoy, has warned of the threat posed by the UK's right-wing parties and asked PM Keir Starmer to develop a "plan to control immigration". Following Labour's resounding victory, Starmer began his third day as prime minister on Sunday by touring Scotland. Blair stated that even with Labour's commanding majority in power, obstacles presented by the anti-immigration Reform UK Party still exist. Reform, spearheaded by Brexit ardent supporter Nigel Farage, divided the right-wing vote to maximise the damage to the Conservatives in the election. It gained five seats in Parliament and 14% of the vote, prompting Farage to warn that it will target Labour supporters next. Blair suggested using artificial intelligence (AI) to regulate illegal immigration in a Sunday Times essay, stating that "traditional political parties are suffering disruption all over the Western world." "Where the system allows new entrants to emerge, they are running riot everywhere. Look at France or Italy," Blair said. "We need a plan to control immigration. If we don't have rules, we get prejudices," Blair Also read: Pope Francis deplores state of democracy, warns against 'populists' A major topic during the most recent election campaign was immigration limitation, and Blair, the only Labour leader to lead his party to three straight election victories beginning with his landslide victory in 1997, stated he thought digital ID technology was the greatest answer. "We should move as the world is moving to digital ID. If not, new border controls will have to be highly effective," he wrote. "A tough new approach to law and order" was one of the other proposals. Fearing that "criminal elements are modernizing faster than law enforcement," he expressed his concern. Blair cautioned against initiatives that many saw as unduly politically correct, saying that the government should "avoid any vulnerability on 'wokeism'". (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Labour PM Tony Blair warns Starmer: Use AI to curb immigration amid right-wing surge

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's institute kept advising and receiving money from Saudi Arabi following the murder of prominent Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's institute kept advising and receiving money from Saudi Arabi following the murder of prominent Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. According to a report by The Sunday Times on Sunday (August 13), for the past six years, Blair's Institute for Global Change has been helping Saudi Arabia to craft Vision 2030, the modernisation programme spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The report said that the partnership, worth millions of pounds, started in late 2017 when the Institute for Global Change seconded staff to work at the Saudi ministry of information and culture. As part of the contract which was a year-long the institute's consultants advised Saudi officials on “the policy and objectives of the reform programme,” the publication reported citing Blair's spokesperson. During the deal's final months in 2018, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman faced condemnation over the murder of Khashoggi by Saudi agents. Blair considered whether to suspend ties with Saudi Arabia Following the murder of Khashoggi, Tony Blair considered whether to suspend ties with the Saudi Prince and the kingdom at large as many senior staff suggested to the former British PM that there were reputational and ethical grounds to do so. However, he feared he would lose influence with the prince, the report also said. In a statement shared with The Sunday Times, Blair's office said he the “view then and remains strongly of the view now that staying engaged there is justified” despite the “terrible crime” in question. Blair based his view on the “immense and positive importance” of the crown prince’s reforms and the country’s “strategic importance” to the West, the statement added. A continuing relationship The report further said that Blair's institute completed the contract with the Saudi ministry of information. According to his spokesperson, the contract was not renewed. Since then, the institute has entered into separate deals with Riyadh. The report pointed out that at the time of Khashoggi's death, Blair had only recently created his non-profit after years of criticism for failing to separate his role as a Middle Eastern peace envoy from his consultancy work at Tony Blair Associates- through which he advised controversial world leaders. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-UK PM Tony Blair's institute kept receiving money from Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi's murder: Report

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours.&nbsp;

"If he didn't use that excuse (Iraq), he'd use another excuse," the British Labour Party leader told AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Blair pointed out that the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had started regional wars, disobeyed several UN resolutions, and used chemical weapons against his own people.

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The administration of then-US president George W. Bush also alleged that the Iraqi dictator was actively manufacturing biological and chemical munitions, so-called weapons of mass destruction (WMD), in breach of international treaties and conventions.

Blair told AFP that Ukraine in comparison has a democratic government and poses no danger to its neighbours when Putin invaded the country first in 2014 and then the full invasion last year.

"At least you could say we were removing a despot and trying to introduce democracy," Blair said at the offices of his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in central London.

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"Now you can argue about all the consequences and so on.&nbsp;His (Putin's) intervention in the Middle East (in Syria) was to prop up a despot and refuse a democracy. So we should treat all that propaganda with the lack of respect it deserves."

George Bush Senior, the president's father, commanded the coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait during the Gulf War, between 1990 and 1991 but was unable to overthrow the regime.

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In March 2003, British soldiers participated in a coalition invasion of Iraq. After a month of the war, they toppled Saddam Hussein's government and took control of the nation. But, six more years would pass before Britain's war efforts ended.

No weapons of mass destruction were discovered in Iraq, which the war's many detractors used to say that it was an imprudent misadventure. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours.

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the Iraq war was about introducing democracy and Putin using its pretext for Ukraine's invasion is nothing but an "excuse" as Kyiv poses no threat to its neighbours. "If he didn't use that excuse (Iraq), he'd use another excuse," the British Labour Party leader told AFP news agency. Blair pointed out that the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had started regional wars, disobeyed several UN resolutions, and used chemical weapons against his own people. Also Read | US officials beef up security around New York ahead of possible Donald Trump’s indictment The administration of then-US president George W. Bush also alleged that the Iraqi dictator was actively manufacturing biological and chemical munitions, so-called weapons of mass destruction (WMD), in breach of international treaties and conventions. Blair told AFP that Ukraine in comparison has a democratic government and poses no danger to its neighbours when Putin invaded the country first in 2014 and then the full invasion last year. "At least you could say we were removing a despot and trying to introduce democracy," Blair said at the offices of his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in central London. Also Read | Hunter Biden's laptop scandal: US president's son sues repairman for leaking data to 'political enemies' "Now you can argue about all the consequences and so on. His (Putin's) intervention in the Middle East (in Syria) was to prop up a despot and refuse a democracy. So we should treat all that propaganda with the lack of respect it deserves." George Bush Senior, the president's father, commanded the coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait during the Gulf War, between 1990 and 1991 but was unable to overthrow the regime. WATCH | Denmark's unusual collection of almost 10,000 brains In March 2003, British soldiers participated in a coalition invasion of Iraq. After a month of the war, they toppled Saddam Hussein's government and took control of the nation. But, six more years would pass before Britain's war efforts ended. No weapons of mass destruction were discovered in Iraq, which the war's many detractors used to say that it was an imprudent misadventure. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pretext of Iraq war just an ‘excuse’: Tony Blair denounces Putin’s Ukraine invasion

It has been revealed that former Labour&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Tony Blair persuaded Kuwait to buy the latest British artillery equipment in the late 90s, particularly the&nbsp;AS90 howitzer, to compensate for receiving support from the European nation during the Gulf War.&nbsp;

Reportedly, from 1998 to 1999, the British PM made several overtures in front of&nbsp;Kuwait’s Sheikh Sa’ad to sell the weapons. Such was Blair's attempt to seek a deal that during a return journey to Britain from South Africa, he used the layover to call the Sheikh and further the talks.&nbsp;

The Labour leader even wrote letters to the crown prince where he claimed AS90 as 'the best 155mm gun in the world today'. Blair's aggressive sales tactics came in the backdrop of the US offering its much cheaper M109 howitzer to Kuwait. Blair did not want the deal to go through and thus played the emotional card. However, Sheikh&nbsp;Sa’ad made it clear that the price of AS90 was too high.&nbsp;

“The prime minister raised the AS90. It was an effective weapon, although he knew the US had offered the M109. He hoped very much that all the support we had given Kuwait would be remembered." private Secretary Philip Barton at 10, Downing Street wrote in a letter.

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According to internal briefing notes released by UK's National Archives, Blair was put under pressure after he was told that the government was 'frankly disappointed' to have 'won so little Kuwaiti defence business since the end of Gulf war'.&nbsp;

Despite Blair's best lobbying efforts, Kuwait could not be persuaded and two months after his meeting with the Sheikh, the West Asian country signed with the US to acquire the M109 howitzers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

It has been revealed that former Labour UK Prime Minister Tony Blair persuaded Kuwait to buy the latest British artillery equipment in the late 90s, particularly the AS90 howitzer, to compensate for receiving support from the European nation during the Gulf War.

It has been revealed that former Labour UK Prime Minister Tony Blair persuaded Kuwait to buy the latest British artillery equipment in the late 90s, particularly the AS90 howitzer, to compensate for receiving support from the European nation during the Gulf War. Reportedly, from 1998 to 1999, the British PM made several overtures in front of Kuwait’s Sheikh Sa’ad to sell the weapons. Such was Blair's attempt to seek a deal that during a return journey to Britain from South Africa, he used the layover to call the Sheikh and further the talks. The Labour leader even wrote letters to the crown prince where he claimed AS90 as 'the best 155mm gun in the world today'. Blair's aggressive sales tactics came in the backdrop of the US offering its much cheaper M109 howitzer to Kuwait. Blair did not want the deal to go through and thus played the emotional card. However, Sheikh Sa’ad made it clear that the price of AS90 was too high. “The prime minister raised the AS90. It was an effective weapon, although he knew the US had offered the M109. He hoped very much that all the support we had given Kuwait would be remembered." private Secretary Philip Barton at 10, Downing Street wrote in a letter. Read More: United Kingdom: How much will former UK PM Boris Johnson earn after office? According to internal briefing notes released by UK's National Archives, Blair was put under pressure after he was told that the government was 'frankly disappointed' to have 'won so little Kuwaiti defence business since the end of Gulf war'. Despite Blair's best lobbying efforts, Kuwait could not be persuaded and two months after his meeting with the Sheikh, the West Asian country signed with the US to acquire the M109 howitzers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

The time when Tony Blair became an arms salesman; wanted a favour from Kuwait for support in the Gulf war

Controversy erupted, and 25,000 signed petitions to block prestigious Knighthood honor given to former UK PM Tony Blair.

Former UK PM Tony Blair receives Knighthood: 25,000 sign petition to block award amid controversy

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.&nbsp; 
 
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Here's what you need to know about the famous names mentioned in the Pandora papers: 
 
According to the Indian Express, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar was among those who requested the dissolution of his offshore firm following the Panama leak.

Tendulkar's attorney, according to DW News, claimed the cricketer's investment is lawful and has been reported to tax authorities.

Shakira, a Colombian artist, is another name tied to offshore assets. Shakira's lawyer claimed that her offshore accounts had been disclosed and that they provided no tax benefits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pandora-papers-why-is-sachin-tendulkars-name-mentioned-in-report-that-reveals-financial-secrets-418001">Also read | Pandora Papers: Why is Sachin Tendulkar's name mentioned in report that reveals financial secrets?</a>

The King of Jordan, the Presidents of Ukraine, Kenya, and Ecuador, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are all named in the Pandora Papers.

According to the report, over 300 Indians have been exposed as a result of the leaked papers, including individuals suspected of economic crimes, former members of Parliament, and those under investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Despite declaring bankruptcy in a UK court, billionaire Anil Ambani owns 18 asset holding offshore entities, according to the Indian Express, which was part of the consortium.&nbsp;

The papers indicate that Jordan's King Abdullah II covertly acquired $100 million in property in the US and UK, including luxurious beach view houses in Malibu, according to the Guardian.

Several members of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's close circle, including cabinet ministers and their families, are said to have covertly owned firms and trusts worth millions of dollars, according to the Dawn newspaper. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, his family, and Waqar Masood Khan, the son of Prime Minister Imran's previous finance and revenue adviser, are among them.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-members-of-imran-khans-inner-circle-secretly-moved-millions-offshore-417997">Also read | Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore</a>

The files also indicate that when former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife acquired a London office, they saved £312,000 in stamp duty.

While the transaction was not unlawful and did not directly connect the Blairs, the agreement did expose a gap that allowed rich property owners to avoid paying taxes, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the leak.

While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart.&nbsp;

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions. Also Read | Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained Here's what you need to know about the famous names mentioned in the Pandora papers: According to the Indian Express, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar was among those who requested the dissolution of his offshore firm following the Panama leak. Tendulkar's attorney, according to DW News, claimed the cricketer's investment is lawful and has been reported to tax authorities. Shakira, a Colombian artist, is another name tied to offshore assets. Shakira's lawyer claimed that her offshore accounts had been disclosed and that they provided no tax benefits. Also read | Pandora Papers: Why is Sachin Tendulkar's name mentioned in report that reveals financial secrets? The King of Jordan, the Presidents of Ukraine, Kenya, and Ecuador, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are all named in the Pandora Papers. According to the report, over 300 Indians have been exposed as a result of the leaked papers, including individuals suspected of economic crimes, former members of Parliament, and those under investigation by law enforcement authorities. Despite declaring bankruptcy in a UK court, billionaire Anil Ambani owns 18 asset holding offshore entities, according to the Indian Express, which was part of the consortium. The papers indicate that Jordan's King Abdullah II covertly acquired $100 million in property in the US and UK, including luxurious beach view houses in Malibu, according to the Guardian. Several members of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's close circle, including cabinet ministers and their families, are said to have covertly owned firms and trusts worth millions of dollars, according to the Dawn newspaper. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, his family, and Waqar Masood Khan, the son of Prime Minister Imran's previous finance and revenue adviser, are among them. Also read | Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore The files also indicate that when former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife acquired a London office, they saved £312,000 in stamp duty. While the transaction was not unlawful and did not directly connect the Blairs, the agreement did expose a gap that allowed rich property owners to avoid paying taxes, according to the Guardian. Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the leak. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart.

Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers

According to reports, former UK prime minister Tony Blair's eldest son Euan, 37, has surpassed his father in terms of net worth after his edtech company's valuation touched a new high.

Euan's edtech apprenticeship startup Multiverse has reportedly raised $130 million in the latest round of funding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-former-pms-tony-blair-john-major-slam-boris-johnson-for-shaming-uk-327230">Also Read:&nbsp;Former PMs Tony Blair, John Major slam Boris Johnson for 'shaming' UK</a>

The education tech startup is reportedly valued at $875 million and is nearing&nbsp;billion-dollar "unicorn" status.

The startup is based on the unique model of ensuring school leavers and those who haven't completed university education to find apprenticeships in companies including the NHS, Morgan Stanley and tech giants Facebook and Google.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/6-new-unicorns-in-4-days-how-startups-thrived-during-the-pandemic-377366">Also Read:&nbsp;6 new unicorns in 4 days: How startups thrived during the pandemic</a>

Reports say Tony Blair's son owns between 25 to&nbsp;50 per cent of Multiverse shares. Euan's startup&nbsp;had reportedly opened an office in New York earlier this year. The company has reportedly placed over 5,000 apprentices and has been on a hiring spree.

Former prime minister Blair had taken up several high profile engagements in public speaking charging thousands of dollars. However, Euan has now overtaken his father in total net worth after his edtech startup has attracted new funders even as reports indicate Multiverse could debut in the London stock exchange.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/the-startup-enemies-of-wall-street-are-booming-374761">Also Read:&nbsp;The startup enemies of Wall Street are booming</a>

The company's total funding has now reached $194 million with its valuations skyrocketing. Multiverse&nbsp;is now reportedly eyeing growth in both UK and US markets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, former UK prime minister Tony Blair's eldest son Euan, 37, has surpassed his father in terms of net worth after his edtech company's valuation touched a new high.

According to reports, former UK prime minister Tony Blair's eldest son Euan, 37, has surpassed his father in terms of net worth after his edtech company's valuation touched a new high. Euan's edtech apprenticeship startup Multiverse has reportedly raised $130 million in the latest round of funding. Also Read: Former PMs Tony Blair, John Major slam Boris Johnson for 'shaming' UK The education tech startup is reportedly valued at $875 million and is nearing billion-dollar "unicorn" status. The startup is based on the unique model of ensuring school leavers and those who haven't completed university education to find apprenticeships in companies including the NHS, Morgan Stanley and tech giants Facebook and Google. Also Read: 6 new unicorns in 4 days: How startups thrived during the pandemic Reports say Tony Blair's son owns between 25 to 50 per cent of Multiverse shares. Euan's startup had reportedly opened an office in New York earlier this year. The company has reportedly placed over 5,000 apprentices and has been on a hiring spree. Former prime minister Blair had taken up several high profile engagements in public speaking charging thousands of dollars. However, Euan has now overtaken his father in total net worth after his edtech startup has attracted new funders even as reports indicate Multiverse could debut in the London stock exchange. Also Read: The startup enemies of Wall Street are booming The company's total funding has now reached $194 million with its valuations skyrocketing. Multiverse is now reportedly eyeing growth in both UK and US markets. (With inputs from Agencies)

How Tony's Blair's son Euan's net worth has zoomed after startup success

According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant.

The Queen had invited the president to 5 pm tea at the Palace, according to memos between Whitehall aides the week before the Clintons' arrival.

According to a Downing Street briefing note acquired by the National Archives, Clinton wanted time to go shopping – “he has mentioned that he wants to be a tourist” – and had “expressed an interest in tasting Indian food.”

Between a combined news conference and dinner, the Clintons had some spare time.

Dinner for the Blairs and Clintons was in the French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour near Tower Bridge, rather than an Indian restaurant.

From 1993 to 2001, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States.

He served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1992, as well as attorney general from 1977 to 1979.

A member of the Democratic Party, Clinton was known as a New Democrat, and many of his policies reflected a centrist "Third Way" political philosophy.

He is married to Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State (2009–2013) and presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant.

According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant. The Queen had invited the president to 5 pm tea at the Palace, according to memos between Whitehall aides the week before the Clintons' arrival. According to a Downing Street briefing note acquired by the National Archives, Clinton wanted time to go shopping – “he has mentioned that he wants to be a tourist” – and had “expressed an interest in tasting Indian food.” Between a combined news conference and dinner, the Clintons had some spare time. Dinner for the Blairs and Clintons was in the French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour near Tower Bridge, rather than an Indian restaurant. From 1993 to 2001, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States. He served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1992, as well as attorney general from 1977 to 1979. A member of the Democratic Party, Clinton was known as a New Democrat, and many of his policies reflected a centrist "Third Way" political philosophy. He is married to Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State (2009–2013) and presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Clinton turned down tea with Queen to eat at an Indian restaurant in UK

Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'.

Blair and Major who were fierce rivals in the 90s joined forces to criticise new legislation that seeks to override the Brexit deal struck with the European Union. They targeted Johnson in a joint article in The Sunday Times.

The British government said explicitly last week that it plans to break international law by breaching parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty that it signed in January when it formally left the EU.

"What is being proposed now is shocking," said Major and Blair.

Both John Major and Tony Blair were opposed to Brexit said that they accepted that it was happening now. But they expressed displeasure as they said the Boris Johnson's actions were diminishing UK's image as a trustworthy negotiation partner.

"This government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing the nation," they said.

Theresa May, current Prime Minister Boris Johnson's predecessor, has also questioned whether international partners would be able to trust Britain in future.

Johnson says the new legislation is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal, to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Sunday that the Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland "is not a threat to the integrity of the UK", and had been agreed by the two sides to protect peace on the island of Ireland.

"We could not have been clearer about the consequences of Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter.

Earlier on Sunday, British Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News the legislation is "Brexit-critical" and must be passed by parliament, which is due to debate the bill on Monday.

Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, described the legislation as wrong on Sunday.

"We have broken the trust of our international partners," Starmer wrote in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding that his party would oppose the bill in parliament unless changes were made.

European lawmakers have warned they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action.

(With Reuters inputs)

Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'.

Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'. Blair and Major who were fierce rivals in the 90s joined forces to criticise new legislation that seeks to override the Brexit deal struck with the European Union. They targeted Johnson in a joint article in The Sunday Times. The British government said explicitly last week that it plans to break international law by breaching parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty that it signed in January when it formally left the EU. "What is being proposed now is shocking," said Major and Blair. Both John Major and Tony Blair were opposed to Brexit said that they accepted that it was happening now. But they expressed displeasure as they said the Boris Johnson's actions were diminishing UK's image as a trustworthy negotiation partner. "This government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing the nation," they said. Theresa May, current Prime Minister Boris Johnson's predecessor, has also questioned whether international partners would be able to trust Britain in future. Johnson says the new legislation is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal, to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Sunday that the Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland "is not a threat to the integrity of the UK", and had been agreed by the two sides to protect peace on the island of Ireland. "We could not have been clearer about the consequences of Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter. Earlier on Sunday, British Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News the legislation is "Brexit-critical" and must be passed by parliament, which is due to debate the bill on Monday. Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, described the legislation as wrong on Sunday. "We have broken the trust of our international partners," Starmer wrote in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding that his party would oppose the bill in parliament unless changes were made. European lawmakers have warned they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action. (With Reuters inputs)

Brexit: Former PMs Tony Blair, John Major slam Boris Johnson for 'shaming' UK

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opposition-chief-corbyn-sorry-for-election-wipeout-268383">Jeremy Corbyn</a>.

Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies.

Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US&nbsp;President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule.

"The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us."

Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent&nbsp;of the vote.

Also watch:&nbsp;UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory

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Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader.

Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced".

He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting.

"To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said.

Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy.

Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented.

"Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that."

Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Get Brexit done</a>" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral.

"We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said.

"The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn. Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies. Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour. After Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule. "The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us." Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent of the vote. Also watch: UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory × Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader. Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced". He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting. "To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said. Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy. Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented. "Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that." Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "Get Brexit done" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral. "We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said. "The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former PM Blair tells Britain's Labour Party: change or you will disappear

How the mighty fell: Biggest upsets in the UK election

A British whistleblower responsible for a dramatic leak in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and now the subject of a Hollywood film hopes&nbsp;it will refocus attention on the flawed evidence that led to war.&nbsp;

Ex-spy Katharine Gun -- the lead character in the new movie "Official Secrets" -- believes the dramatisation could also damage the partially repaired reputations of the UK and US leaders behind the military action.

Former British premier Tony Blair and US President George W Bush were dogged by criticism for years after launching a conflict that ultimately killed hundreds of thousands of people.

But in recent years they appear to have been able to move beyond the issue.

"This film might go some way to redressing that -- let's see," Gun, a former intelligence translator, told AFP ahead of the screening at the London Film Festival this week.

The 45-year-old leaked a top-secret US intelligence memo in 2003 which requested Britain's help in spying on non-aligned UN Security Council members to win a key vote authorising war.

The revelations caused a political storm at the time and saw Gun, who eventually admitted leaking the document, charged with breaching Britain's Official Secrets Act and nearly end up in prison.

She and some of the film's creators hope the movie will highlight again that invading Iraq was justified on the false premise Baghdad had illegal weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

"There's no rehabilitating two leaders who have had to admit that the whole WMD thing was an absolute fabrication and a manipulation and a lie," said director Gavin Hood.

"It's terrible, this rehabilitation of George Bush only because (current US President Donald) Trump seems worse... We've got to stop this nonsense."

'Back to normal life'

"Official Secrets", which opened in the United States in August and hits cinemas in Britain in October before being released elsewhere later in the year, chronicles how and why Gun leaked the memo and the fallout from it.

The British government eventually opted in 2004 not to prosecute Gun after she pleaded not guilty. It would have been forced to disclose key documents and decision-making related to the Iraq war.

A mum-of-one now based in Turkey, she and her husband remained living in the shadow of GCHQ, the government eavesdropping centre in southern England where she had worked as a Mandarin translator, until 2011. &nbsp;

"All I wanted to do was just to go back to normal life, and that's what I did," Gun said, who went on to work as a Mandarin tutor -- even coaching former colleagues from GCHQ.

"It took me a long time to come to terms with the events... every time I tried to recount (them), my stress levels would go up again."

Another central character in "Official Secrets" is Martin Bright, the journalist at The Observer newspaper who received the leaked memo and broke the story, and is played by actor Matt Smith.

"It was immensely exciting," Bright recalled of the experience.&nbsp;

"It's the journalist's equivalent of scoring a goal at Wembley -- getting a front-page news story in a Sunday newspaper.&nbsp;

"I've subsequently felt that this is an extremely important story that risked being forgotten."&nbsp;

'Questions about loyalty'&nbsp;

Gun said she was initially hesitant about getting involved in the film, fearing another false dawn after numerous failed attempts to make a movie about the dramatic events that have shaped the last 16 years of her life.

But after spending several days forensically recounting it all to Hood, a South African-born director whose other politically-driven films include "Tsotsi" (2005) and "Eye in the Sky" (2015), both were convinced of the importance of the collaboration.

"I'm telling this story because I think it raises interesting questions about loyalty... to what and to whom do we owe our loyalty?" the director said.

People's loyalty should be to "fundamental values as espoused by the American constitution and its bill of rights and if you step outside of those, you don't have my loyalty."

For Gun, the film reminds audiences of the apparent lack of accountability for Bush and Blair over the Iraq War, which caused immense suffering and eroded regional stability.&nbsp;

She also sees a correlation between this and the prevailing political culture in Britain and the US, where Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are frequently accused of dishonesty.

"If they see that other people haven't been held to account, it sets an extremely bad example," Gun said.&nbsp;

"And human psychology says that you just emulate what you see."

A British whistleblower responsible for a dramatic leak in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and now the subject of a Hollywood film hopes it will refocus attention on the flawed evidence that led to war.

A British whistleblower responsible for a dramatic leak in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and now the subject of a Hollywood film hopes it will refocus attention on the flawed evidence that led to war. Ex-spy Katharine Gun -- the lead character in the new movie "Official Secrets" -- believes the dramatisation could also damage the partially repaired reputations of the UK and US leaders behind the military action. Former British premier Tony Blair and US President George W Bush were dogged by criticism for years after launching a conflict that ultimately killed hundreds of thousands of people. But in recent years they appear to have been able to move beyond the issue. "This film might go some way to redressing that -- let's see," Gun, a former intelligence translator, told AFP ahead of the screening at the London Film Festival this week. The 45-year-old leaked a top-secret US intelligence memo in 2003 which requested Britain's help in spying on non-aligned UN Security Council members to win a key vote authorising war. The revelations caused a political storm at the time and saw Gun, who eventually admitted leaking the document, charged with breaching Britain's Official Secrets Act and nearly end up in prison. She and some of the film's creators hope the movie will highlight again that invading Iraq was justified on the false premise Baghdad had illegal weapons of mass destruction (WMD). "There's no rehabilitating two leaders who have had to admit that the whole WMD thing was an absolute fabrication and a manipulation and a lie," said director Gavin Hood. "It's terrible, this rehabilitation of George Bush only because (current US President Donald) Trump seems worse... We've got to stop this nonsense." 'Back to normal life' "Official Secrets", which opened in the United States in August and hits cinemas in Britain in October before being released elsewhere later in the year, chronicles how and why Gun leaked the memo and the fallout from it. The British government eventually opted in 2004 not to prosecute Gun after she pleaded not guilty. It would have been forced to disclose key documents and decision-making related to the Iraq war. A mum-of-one now based in Turkey, she and her husband remained living in the shadow of GCHQ, the government eavesdropping centre in southern England where she had worked as a Mandarin translator, until 2011. "All I wanted to do was just to go back to normal life, and that's what I did," Gun said, who went on to work as a Mandarin tutor -- even coaching former colleagues from GCHQ. "It took me a long time to come to terms with the events... every time I tried to recount (them), my stress levels would go up again." Another central character in "Official Secrets" is Martin Bright, the journalist at The Observer newspaper who received the leaked memo and broke the story, and is played by actor Matt Smith. "It was immensely exciting," Bright recalled of the experience. "It's the journalist's equivalent of scoring a goal at Wembley -- getting a front-page news story in a Sunday newspaper. "I've subsequently felt that this is an extremely important story that risked being forgotten." 'Questions about loyalty' Gun said she was initially hesitant about getting involved in the film, fearing another false dawn after numerous failed attempts to make a movie about the dramatic events that have shaped the last 16 years of her life. But after spending several days forensically recounting it all to Hood, a South African-born director whose other politically-driven films include "Tsotsi" (2005) and "Eye in the Sky" (2015), both were convinced of the importance of the collaboration. "I'm telling this story because I think it raises interesting questions about loyalty... to what and to whom do we owe our loyalty?" the director said. People's loyalty should be to "fundamental values as espoused by the American constitution and its bill of rights and if you step outside of those, you don't have my loyalty." For Gun, the film reminds audiences of the apparent lack of accountability for Bush and Blair over the Iraq War, which caused immense suffering and eroded regional stability. She also sees a correlation between this and the prevailing political culture in Britain and the US, where Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are frequently accused of dishonesty. "If they see that other people haven't been held to account, it sets an extremely bad example," Gun said. "And human psychology says that you just emulate what you see."

Iraq War whistleblower film has Bush and Blair in its sights

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-heads-to-scotland-as-local-leader-attacks-no-deal-brexit-239153">Boris Johnson</a> and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence.

The change of guard at the famous address was prompted by Theresa May's forced resignation under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">pressures of the Brexit crisis</a>.

The British tabloids have been preoccupied ever since by the new mop-topped leader and his girlfriend -- who worked on Johnson's successful 2012 re-election campaign as London mayor.

"The PM is officially moving in today and, yes, his partner will be living there," a Downing Street spokeswoman said, ending weeks of speculation about the couple's living arrangements.

In fact, Johnson, 55, and Symonds, 31, will not be living behind the famous black door at No 10 Downing Street.

The prestigious address will belong to new finance minister Sajid Javid, whose office is next door at No 11.

But No 11 also has a more spacious four-bedroom flat.

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair was the first to arrange this apartment swap, and the tradition has stuck ever since, with May and her husband Philip also living at No 11.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-boris-johnson-the-british-trump-238488/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Symonds, a former Conservative party spin doctor dubbed Britain's "first girlfriend", has been rarely seen in public since she and Johnson had a loud argument that saw one of their neighbours call the police last month.

The resulting media uproar forced the couple to move out.

Downing Street was at pains to stress that Symonds, who works for an environmental charity, will not have any publicly-funded staff.

"There won't be any additional cost to the taxpayer," the spokeswoman said.

Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence.

Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence. The change of guard at the famous address was prompted by Theresa May's forced resignation under the pressures of the Brexit crisis. The British tabloids have been preoccupied ever since by the new mop-topped leader and his girlfriend -- who worked on Johnson's successful 2012 re-election campaign as London mayor. "The PM is officially moving in today and, yes, his partner will be living there," a Downing Street spokeswoman said, ending weeks of speculation about the couple's living arrangements. In fact, Johnson, 55, and Symonds, 31, will not be living behind the famous black door at No 10 Downing Street. The prestigious address will belong to new finance minister Sajid Javid, whose office is next door at No 11. But No 11 also has a more spacious four-bedroom flat. Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair was the first to arrange this apartment swap, and the tradition has stuck ever since, with May and her husband Philip also living at No 11. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? Symonds, a former Conservative party spin doctor dubbed Britain's "first girlfriend", has been rarely seen in public since she and Johnson had a loud argument that saw one of their neighbours call the police last month. The resulting media uproar forced the couple to move out. Downing Street was at pains to stress that Symonds, who works for an environmental charity, will not have any publicly-funded staff. "There won't be any additional cost to the taxpayer," the spokeswoman said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds move into Downing Street

Former British prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-iraq-war-report-due-to-be-published-former-british-pm-tony-blair-comes-under-spotlight-1830">Tony Blair's</a> right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-united-kingdom-prime-minister-must-put-brexit-plan-to-second-referendum-labours-corbyn-234413">Jeremy Corbyn</a> to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down.

"With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine.

Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections.

But Campbell said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Johnson</a> becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook.

"I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote.

"Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country.&nbsp;

"If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required."

The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls.

One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour.

Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote.

He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-means-a-better-deal-for-farmers-pm-johnson-tells-wales-239337">Brexit</a>.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson. In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down. "With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine. Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections. But Campbell said Johnson becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook. "I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote. "Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country. "If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required." The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls. One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour. Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote. He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over Brexit.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's right-hand Alastair Campbell quits Labour party amid 'Boris bounce'

Former Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair and his wife Cherrie were the first few guests to arrive at Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta's wedding in Mumbai on Saturday.

Former Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair and his wife Cherrie were the first few guests to arrive at Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta's wedding in Mumbai on Saturday. Mukesh Ambani's son Akash will be tying the knot with his childhood sweetheart Shloka Mehta, daughter of Diamond merchant Russel Mehta, in a star-studded ceremony on Saturday evening at the recently inaugurated Jio World Centre. View this post on Instagram Ex Prime Minister of #UK @institutegc #tonyblair with wife joins #ambani #family @mukeshambaniofficial #mukeshambani and @nitaambani5 #nitaambani today for the @akashwedsshloka #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 3:48am PST × View this post on Instagram Ex Prime Minister of #UK @institutegc #tonyblair with wife today for the #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 3:30am PST × Aamir Khan and his wife, Kiran Rao, Jackie Shroff, Rajkumar Hirani and his wife were also seen arriving for the ceremony earlier. Apart from Blair, the wedding is also expected to host former Ban Ki-Moon and his wife, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali. View this post on Instagram @mukeshambaniofficial #mukeshambani @nitaambani5 #nitaambani @aambani1 #akashambani @anant.ambani.94 #anantambani @radhikamerchant #radhikamerchant @_iiishmagish #ishaambani today for the #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 2:47am PST × View this post on Instagram @mukeshambaniofficial #mukeshambani @nitaambani5 #nitaambani @aambani1 #akashambani @_iiishmagish #ishaambani today for the #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 2:50am PST × Earlier a fleet of luxury cars, carrying the extended Ambani family including Mukesh Ambani's daughter Isha, son-in-law Anand Piramal, son Anant and Anil Ambani with his family, were seen leaving Antilla for the wedding venue. View this post on Instagram @anil.ambani #anilambani @tinaaambani #tinaambani with #familytoday for the #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 3:28am PST × View this post on Instagram #anilambani welcomes the Guest Ex Prime Minister of #UK @institutegc #tonyblair with wife today for the #akashambani and #shlokamehta #wedding at #jiogarden #bkc #bandra #mumbai . . . #bollywood #photography #paparazzi #mumbai #india #instagram #yogenshah @yogenshah_s A post shared by yogen shah (@yogenshah_s) on Mar 9, 2019 at 3:25am PST × View this post on Instagram #aamirkhan #kiranrao #akashambani #shlokamehta wedding ❤️#bigfatindianwedding #desibride #weddingoftheyear @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Mar 9, 2019 at 2:03am PST × Nearly the entire Bollywood fraternity, sportsman and politicians are expected to attend the high profile wedding.

Akash Ambani-Shloka Mehta wedding: Tony Blair, Aamir Khan are among guests

Former British prime minister Tony Blair said on Thursday&nbsp;that he believed the chances of a second Brexit referendum taking place were now greater than 50 percent.

With just over nine weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU, there is still no deal on the divorce terms and future relations, after parliament last week crushingly defeated the plan that Prime Minister Theresa May had negotiated.

"The real options have dawned on the members of parliament and therefore, there's not really a majority at the moment for any Brexit proposition," Blair, who opposes leaving the European Union, told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Since rejecting May's deal, British lawmakers have failed to unite behind any other option and remain deeply divided over how to proceed. Some favour a second referendum as a way of breaking the deadlock in parliament.

Blair, from the main opposition Labour Party and prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said Britain was faced with the choice of a "pointless" Brexit that would render the country a "rule-taker", or a painful break away from the EU.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair said on Thursday that he believed the chances of a second Brexit referendum taking place were now greater than 50 percent.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair said on Thursday that he believed the chances of a second Brexit referendum taking place were now greater than 50 percent. With just over nine weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU, there is still no deal on the divorce terms and future relations, after parliament last week crushingly defeated the plan that Prime Minister Theresa May had negotiated. "The real options have dawned on the members of parliament and therefore, there's not really a majority at the moment for any Brexit proposition," Blair, who opposes leaving the European Union, told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since rejecting May's deal, British lawmakers have failed to unite behind any other option and remain deeply divided over how to proceed. Some favour a second referendum as a way of breaking the deadlock in parliament. Blair, from the main opposition Labour Party and prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said Britain was faced with the choice of a "pointless" Brexit that would render the country a "rule-taker", or a painful break away from the EU.

'50-50 chance of second Brexit referendum': Ex British PM Tony Blair

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal.

May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU.

"For Tony Blair to go to Brussels and seek to undermine our negotiations by advocating for a second referendum is an insult to the office he once held and the people he once served," May said in a statement issued late Saturday.

"We cannot, as he would, abdicate responsibility for this decision. Parliament has a democratic duty to deliver what the British people voted for."

Blair, who was Labour prime minister between 1997 and 2007, on Sunday accused the Conservative leader of being "irresponsible".

"The sensible thing is now to allow parliament to vote on each of the forms of Brexit canvassed, including the prime minister's deal," he said in a statement.

"If they can't reach agreement then the logical thing is to go back to the people."

He added: "What is irresponsible however is to try to steamroller MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely think is a bad one with the threat that if they do not fall into line, the government will have the country crash out (of the EU) without a deal."

Blair opposes Brexit and, as May's deal faces opposition on all sides of the House of Commons, he has stepped up calls for the public to vote again.

His latest speech on the issue came on Friday, as May was meeting EU leaders in Brussels to discuss how to save the agreement.

May has repeatedly ruled out holding a new referendum, saying the result in 2016 was clear.

But growing numbers of MPs believe a "people's vote" is the only way to break an impasse that risks Britain leaving the EU on March 29 without any agreement at all.

May's chief of staff, Gavin Barwell, was on Sunday forced to deny reports that he was planning for such an outcome.

The same reports also said May's effective deputy, David Lidington, was in talks with opposition Labour MPs about a new vote.

Lidington replied that he always listened to MPs' views but pointed to recent remarks in parliament where he said a second referendum may not be decisive and could damage confidence in democracy.

Separately, Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt suggested Britain could thrive if it left the EU with no deal, and admitted he would like to "have a crack" at May's job.

"But I think the first thing is to get us through this challenging next few months and I passionately believe Theresa May is the person to do that," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal. May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU.

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal. May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU. "For Tony Blair to go to Brussels and seek to undermine our negotiations by advocating for a second referendum is an insult to the office he once held and the people he once served," May said in a statement issued late Saturday. "We cannot, as he would, abdicate responsibility for this decision. Parliament has a democratic duty to deliver what the British people voted for." Blair, who was Labour prime minister between 1997 and 2007, on Sunday accused the Conservative leader of being "irresponsible". "The sensible thing is now to allow parliament to vote on each of the forms of Brexit canvassed, including the prime minister's deal," he said in a statement. "If they can't reach agreement then the logical thing is to go back to the people." He added: "What is irresponsible however is to try to steamroller MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely think is a bad one with the threat that if they do not fall into line, the government will have the country crash out (of the EU) without a deal." Blair opposes Brexit and, as May's deal faces opposition on all sides of the House of Commons, he has stepped up calls for the public to vote again. His latest speech on the issue came on Friday, as May was meeting EU leaders in Brussels to discuss how to save the agreement. May has repeatedly ruled out holding a new referendum, saying the result in 2016 was clear. But growing numbers of MPs believe a "people's vote" is the only way to break an impasse that risks Britain leaving the EU on March 29 without any agreement at all. May's chief of staff, Gavin Barwell, was on Sunday forced to deny reports that he was planning for such an outcome. The same reports also said May's effective deputy, David Lidington, was in talks with opposition Labour MPs about a new vote. Lidington replied that he always listened to MPs' views but pointed to recent remarks in parliament where he said a second referendum may not be decisive and could damage confidence in democracy. Separately, Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt suggested Britain could thrive if it left the EU with no deal, and admitted he would like to "have a crack" at May's job. "But I think the first thing is to get us through this challenging next few months and I passionately believe Theresa May is the person to do that," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

Britain's May clashes with Blair over Brexit

Tony B<a aria-controls="home" aria-expanded="true" data-toggle="tab" href="http://wioncms.cloudapp.net/dashboard/webdesk/addeditstory.aspx#home" role="tab">Metadata</a>lair has had no discussions about working for US President Donald Trump, his spokesman said Sunday after reports that the former British prime minister sought to become his Middle East adviser.

According to The Mail on Sunday newspaper, Blair met with Trump&#39;s son-in-law and key aide Jared Kushner last week to discuss taking a role with Trump.

The weekly tabloid said Blair had met Kushner three times since September.

A spokesman for Blair initially said: &quot;I&#39;m not going to comment on private conversations.&quot;

But a statement on his website later said: &quot;The story in The Mail on Sunday is an invention.

&quot;Mr Blair has made no such &#39;pitch&#39; to be the president&#39;s Middle East envoy. Neither has he had any discussions about taking such a role or any role working for the new president.&quot;

It continued: &quot;He has been working on the peace process for 10 years. He continues to do so. He does so in a private capacity. He will continue to do it in that way.&quot;

After leaving office in 2007, Blair was the envoy of the Middle East Quartet until 2015.

The group comprises the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States.

Blair was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, winning three general elections but his role in leading Britain into the war in Iraq has badly damaged his legacy at home.

However, he has been making more interventions in British politics since leaving his Middle East role.

Last month he urged Britons who support the European Union to &quot;rise up&quot; and persuade Brexit voters to change their mind about leaving the bloc, in a high-profile speech.

Blair wrote an article in The New York Times newspaper on Friday where he called for a centrist new coalition that is &quot;popular, not populist&quot;, in order for liberal democracy to survive and thrive in the face of rightist populism. 
 
(AFP)

A media report claimed Blair met with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner last week to discuss taking a role with Trump

Tony BMetadatalair has had no discussions about working for US President Donald Trump, his spokesman said Sunday after reports that the former British prime minister sought to become his Middle East adviser. According to The Mail on Sunday newspaper, Blair met with Trump's son-in-law and key aide Jared Kushner last week to discuss taking a role with Trump. The weekly tabloid said Blair had met Kushner three times since September. A spokesman for Blair initially said: "I'm not going to comment on private conversations." But a statement on his website later said: "The story in The Mail on Sunday is an invention. "Mr Blair has made no such 'pitch' to be the president's Middle East envoy. Neither has he had any discussions about taking such a role or any role working for the new president." It continued: "He has been working on the peace process for 10 years. He continues to do so. He does so in a private capacity. He will continue to do it in that way." After leaving office in 2007, Blair was the envoy of the Middle East Quartet until 2015. The group comprises the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States. Blair was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, winning three general elections but his role in leading Britain into the war in Iraq has badly damaged his legacy at home. However, he has been making more interventions in British politics since leaving his Middle East role. Last month he urged Britons who support the European Union to "rise up" and persuade Brexit voters to change their mind about leaving the bloc, in a high-profile speech. Blair wrote an article in The New York Times newspaper on Friday where he called for a centrist new coalition that is "popular, not populist", in order for liberal democracy to survive and thrive in the face of rightist populism. (AFP)

Tony Blair dismisses reports of pitching for post of Trump's middle-east envoy

Tony Blair&#39;s deputy as prime minister when Britain joined the invasion of Iraq has said he believes the war was illegal, days after a long-awaited report excoriated Britain`s role in the conflict. 
 
John Prescott, number two in the Labour government when Britain took part in the US-led invasion in 2003, made the remarks in a piece to be published in the Sunday Mirror newspaper. 
 
On Wednesday, the Chilcot report returned a damning verdict on Britain`s role in the US-led war, finding it joined the conflict before all peaceful options had been exhausted and that judgements about Iraq`s capacities were &quot;presented with a certainty that was not justified&quot;. 
 
It also disclosed Blair had written to then US president George W. Bush that &quot;I will be with you, whatever&quot; eight months before the invasion. 
 
Prescott, now a member of the House of Lords, wrote: &quot;I will live with the decision of going to war and its catastrophic consequences for the rest of my life. 
 
&quot;In 2004, the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan said that as regime change was the prime aim of the Iraq war, it was illegal. 
 
&quot;With great sadness and anger, I now believe him to be right.&quot; 
 
Blair this week voiced &quot;sorrow, regret and apology&quot; over mistakes made in the conflict. 
 
But he insisted the war was right and the world was safer without toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. 
 
Current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has apologised on behalf of the party for what he called &quot;the disastrous decision&quot; to go to war. 
Some 150,000 Iraqi people were killed in the six years after British and American troops invaded, plunging the country into chaos and creating fertile ground for jihadist groups like the Islamic State. 
 
A total of 179 British troops also died. 
 
(AFP)

'I will live with the decision of going to war and its catastrophic consequences for the rest of my life,' John Prescott wrote

Tony Blair's deputy as prime minister when Britain joined the invasion of Iraq has said he believes the war was illegal, days after a long-awaited report excoriated Britain`s role in the conflict. John Prescott, number two in the Labour government when Britain took part in the US-led invasion in 2003, made the remarks in a piece to be published in the Sunday Mirror newspaper. On Wednesday, the Chilcot report returned a damning verdict on Britain`s role in the US-led war, finding it joined the conflict before all peaceful options had been exhausted and that judgements about Iraq`s capacities were "presented with a certainty that was not justified". It also disclosed Blair had written to then US president George W. Bush that "I will be with you, whatever" eight months before the invasion. Prescott, now a member of the House of Lords, wrote: "I will live with the decision of going to war and its catastrophic consequences for the rest of my life. "In 2004, the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan said that as regime change was the prime aim of the Iraq war, it was illegal. "With great sadness and anger, I now believe him to be right." Blair this week voiced "sorrow, regret and apology" over mistakes made in the conflict. But he insisted the war was right and the world was safer without toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has apologised on behalf of the party for what he called "the disastrous decision" to go to war. Some 150,000 Iraqi people were killed in the six years after British and American troops invaded, plunging the country into chaos and creating fertile ground for jihadist groups like the Islamic State. A total of 179 British troops also died. (AFP)

Iraq war was illegal, writes Blair's former deputy

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told US President George W Bush eight months before the 2003 invasion of Iraq &quot;I will be with you, whatever&quot;, and relied on flawed intelligence and unsatisfactory legal advice, a seven-year inquiry concluded today. 
 
In a scathing critique of Blair&#39;s leadership, the inquiry said the threat posed by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein&#39;s supposed weapons of mass destruction had been over-hyped and the planning for the aftermath of war had been inadequate. 
 
More than 13 years since the invasion, the war remains a deeply emotive issue for Britons. There are many who want Blair to face criminal action over his decision to take the military action that led to the deaths of 179 British soldiers and more than 150,000 Iraqi civilians over the following six years. 
 
Critics also say it fuelled a deep distrust in politicians and the ruling establishment. The report was issued 13 days after Britons delivered a stunning blow to their political leaders by voting to leave the European Union. 
 
In a lengthy and passionate defence lasting almost two hours, Blair justified his decision to back Bush and go to war alongside the United States in March 2003, at a time when the inquiry said peace options had not been exhausted and Saddam posed no imminent threat. 
 
&quot;I did not mislead this country. There were no lies, there was no deceit, there was no deception,&quot; the former prime minister told reporters, looking gaunt and strained but growing animated as he responded to questions. 
 
&quot;But there was a decision, and it was a controversial decision ... to remove Saddam and to be with America. I believe I made the right decision and the world is better and safer as a result of it.&quot; 
 
The only Labour prime minister to win three general elections, Blair was in office for 10 years until 2007 and was hugely popular in his heyday, but Iraq has severely tarnished his reputation and legacy. 
 
Families of slain British soldiers said they were considering whether to take legal action against him. 
 
Blair said he would take the same decisions again, and that he did not see that action as the cause of terrorism today, in the Middle East or elsewhere. However, he acknowledged mistakes had been made. 
 
&quot;The intelligence assessments made at the time of going to war turned out to be wrong. The aftermath turned out to be more hostile, protracted and bloody than ever we imagined,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;For all of this, I express more sorrow, regret and apology than you will ever know.&quot; 
 
&quot;I WILL BE WITH YOU&quot; 
 
The inquiry report, running to 2.6 million words or more than four times the length of &quot;War and Peace&quot;, shed light on the interaction between Blair and Bush in the months leading up to the invasion, which has long been the subject of speculation about secret deals and pledges. 
 
In a memo dated July 28, 2002, eight months before the invasion, Blair told Bush: &quot;I will be with you, whatever. But this is the moment to assess bluntly the difficulties.&quot; 
 
Outside the building where John Chilcot, the inquiry&#39;s chairman, delivered his findings, protesters chanted &quot;Tony Blair, war criminal&quot;. But the report itself stopped short of saying the war was illegal. 
 
&quot;We have, however, concluded that the circumstances in which it was decided that there was a legal basis for military action were far from satisfactory,&quot; Chilcot said. 
 
Reg Keys, whose son, 20-year-old Lance Corporal Thomas Keys, was killed in Iraq, said: &quot;We all know who the key players are ... who took part in this most shambolic episode in British politics. We would like to see all those key players face some form of accountability.&quot; 
 
He added: &quot;If that&#39;s through the legal channels, then we will look at that and see what&#39;s viable and appropriate. It has been passed over to lawyers.&quot; 
 
&#39;UNJUSTIFIED CERTAINTY&#39; 
 
Chilcot said Blair had sought to influence Bush&rsquo;s decisions, offering Britain&#39;s support while suggesting possible adjustments to the U.S. position. But the British leader had over-estimated his ability to influence U.S. decisions on Iraq. 
 
His report also said there was no imminent threat from Saddam at the time of the invasion in March 2003, and the chaos in Iraq and the region which followed should have been foreseen. 
 
Britain had joined the invasion without exhausting peaceful options, and thereby undermined the authority of the United Nations Security Council. 
 
&quot;It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been,&quot; Chilcot said. 
 
He also said that Blair&#39;s government&#39;s judgements about the threat posed by Iraq&#39;s weapons of mass destruction were &quot;presented with unjustified certainty&quot;. 
 
No such weapons were discovered after the war. 
 
Chilcot, who said decisions were often taken without other senior ministers being consulted, said Blair changed his case for war from focusing on Iraq&#39;s alleged &quot;vast stocks&quot; of illegal weapons to Saddam having the intent to obtain such weapons and being in breach of U.N. resolutions. 
 
&quot;That was not, however, the explanation for military action he had given before the conflict,&quot; Chilcot said. 
 
Iraq remains in chaos to this day, with large areas under the control of Islamic State. On Saturday, 250 people were killed in Baghdad&#39;s worst car bombing since the U.S.-led invasion. 
 
&quot;I wish Saddam would return; he executed many of my family but he is still better than these politicians and clerics who got Iraq to the way it is,&quot; said Kadhim Hassan al-Jabouri, an Iraqi who was filmed attacking Saddam&#39;s statue with a sledgehammer after the invasion. 
 
Others said they were grateful to Washington and London for ending his dictatorship. 
 
The purpose of the inquiry was not to point fingers but for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed. 
 
&quot;We cannot turn the clock back but we can ensure that lessons are learned and acted on,&quot; Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament. 
 
&quot;It is crucial to good decision-making that a prime minister establishes a climate in which it&#39;s safe for officials and other experts to challenge existing policy and question the views of ministers and the prime minister without fear or favour.&quot; 
 
Jeremy Corbyn, the current leader of Blair&#39;s Labour Party and a fervent pacifist, told parliament that the war was an act of aggression based on a false pretext that had fuelled and spread terrorism across the Middle East. 
 
(Reuters)

In a defence lasting almost two hours, the former UK PM justified his decision to back Bush and go to war alongside the US in March 2003

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told US President George W Bush eight months before the 2003 invasion of Iraq "I will be with you, whatever", and relied on flawed intelligence and unsatisfactory legal advice, a seven-year inquiry concluded today. In a scathing critique of Blair's leadership, the inquiry said the threat posed by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's supposed weapons of mass destruction had been over-hyped and the planning for the aftermath of war had been inadequate. More than 13 years since the invasion, the war remains a deeply emotive issue for Britons. There are many who want Blair to face criminal action over his decision to take the military action that led to the deaths of 179 British soldiers and more than 150,000 Iraqi civilians over the following six years. Critics also say it fuelled a deep distrust in politicians and the ruling establishment. The report was issued 13 days after Britons delivered a stunning blow to their political leaders by voting to leave the European Union. In a lengthy and passionate defence lasting almost two hours, Blair justified his decision to back Bush and go to war alongside the United States in March 2003, at a time when the inquiry said peace options had not been exhausted and Saddam posed no imminent threat. "I did not mislead this country. There were no lies, there was no deceit, there was no deception," the former prime minister told reporters, looking gaunt and strained but growing animated as he responded to questions. "But there was a decision, and it was a controversial decision ... to remove Saddam and to be with America. I believe I made the right decision and the world is better and safer as a result of it." The only Labour prime minister to win three general elections, Blair was in office for 10 years until 2007 and was hugely popular in his heyday, but Iraq has severely tarnished his reputation and legacy. Families of slain British soldiers said they were considering whether to take legal action against him. Blair said he would take the same decisions again, and that he did not see that action as the cause of terrorism today, in the Middle East or elsewhere. However, he acknowledged mistakes had been made. "The intelligence assessments made at the time of going to war turned out to be wrong. The aftermath turned out to be more hostile, protracted and bloody than ever we imagined," he said. "For all of this, I express more sorrow, regret and apology than you will ever know." "I WILL BE WITH YOU" The inquiry report, running to 2.6 million words or more than four times the length of "War and Peace", shed light on the interaction between Blair and Bush in the months leading up to the invasion, which has long been the subject of speculation about secret deals and pledges. In a memo dated July 28, 2002, eight months before the invasion, Blair told Bush: "I will be with you, whatever. But this is the moment to assess bluntly the difficulties." Outside the building where John Chilcot, the inquiry's chairman, delivered his findings, protesters chanted "Tony Blair, war criminal". But the report itself stopped short of saying the war was illegal. "We have, however, concluded that the circumstances in which it was decided that there was a legal basis for military action were far from satisfactory," Chilcot said. Reg Keys, whose son, 20-year-old Lance Corporal Thomas Keys, was killed in Iraq, said: "We all know who the key players are ... who took part in this most shambolic episode in British politics. We would like to see all those key players face some form of accountability." He added: "If that's through the legal channels, then we will look at that and see what's viable and appropriate. It has been passed over to lawyers." 'UNJUSTIFIED CERTAINTY' Chilcot said Blair had sought to influence Bush’s decisions, offering Britain's support while suggesting possible adjustments to the U.S. position. But the British leader had over-estimated his ability to influence U.S. decisions on Iraq. His report also said there was no imminent threat from Saddam at the time of the invasion in March 2003, and the chaos in Iraq and the region which followed should have been foreseen. Britain had joined the invasion without exhausting peaceful options, and thereby undermined the authority of the United Nations Security Council. "It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been," Chilcot said. He also said that Blair's government's judgements about the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction were "presented with unjustified certainty". No such weapons were discovered after the war. Chilcot, who said decisions were often taken without other senior ministers being consulted, said Blair changed his case for war from focusing on Iraq's alleged "vast stocks" of illegal weapons to Saddam having the intent to obtain such weapons and being in breach of U.N. resolutions. "That was not, however, the explanation for military action he had given before the conflict," Chilcot said. Iraq remains in chaos to this day, with large areas under the control of Islamic State. On Saturday, 250 people were killed in Baghdad's worst car bombing since the U.S.-led invasion. "I wish Saddam would return; he executed many of my family but he is still better than these politicians and clerics who got Iraq to the way it is," said Kadhim Hassan al-Jabouri, an Iraqi who was filmed attacking Saddam's statue with a sledgehammer after the invasion. Others said they were grateful to Washington and London for ending his dictatorship. The purpose of the inquiry was not to point fingers but for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed. "We cannot turn the clock back but we can ensure that lessons are learned and acted on," Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament. "It is crucial to good decision-making that a prime minister establishes a climate in which it's safe for officials and other experts to challenge existing policy and question the views of ministers and the prime minister without fear or favour." Jeremy Corbyn, the current leader of Blair's Labour Party and a fervent pacifist, told parliament that the war was an act of aggression based on a false pretext that had fuelled and spread terrorism across the Middle East. (Reuters)

'I did not mislead this country. There were no lies, there was no deceit, there was no deception,' says Blair

A British inquiry into the Iraq War strongly criticised former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government on Wednesday, saying they had led the country into war based on flawed intelligence that should have been challenged. 
 
The long-awaited inquiry report also said Britain had joined the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 without exhausting peaceful options, that the legal basis for military action was not satisfactory, and that the planning was wholly inadequate. 
 
Published seven years after the inquiry was set up, the report runs to 2.6 million words -- about three times the length of the Bible -- and includes details of exchanges Blair had with then US President George W Bush over the invasion. 
 
&quot;It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been,&quot; the head of the inquiry, John Chilcot said in presenting its findings. 
 
Iraq remains in chaos to this day. Islamic State controls large areas of the country and 250 people died on Saturday in Baghdad&#39;s worst car bombing since the US-led coalition toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. The inquiry rejected Blair&#39;s view that Iraq&#39;s post-invasion problems could not have been known in advance. 
 
The inquiry&#39;s purpose was for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed, in which 179 British soldiers died. 
 
Opponents of Blairs decision to join the war will pore over the report for its judgment on how the Labour leader, who quit in 2007, justified the military action. At the time, he said intelligence showed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction but after the invasion none was found. 
 
&quot;I was lied to. The media, the press, the families, parliament, everybody was lied to,&quot; Reg Keys, whose son was among the British fatalities and who stood as a candidate for parliament against Blair in the 2005 election, told Reuters TV ahead of the reports publication. 
 
Blair has always rejected any suggestions he acted dishonestly. He was expected to give his reaction to the report later on Wednesday. 
 
The inquiry looked at the reasons for the invasion, the war itself and the aftermath - and has taken longer to complete than the British military involvement itself. 
 
Public hearings, including two appearances by Blair, ended in 2011 but since then the writing of the report has been dogged by rows over the release of secret government files and the contacts between London and Washington. It includes details of notes from Blair to Bush and quotes from more than 130 records of their conversations. 
 
Critics believe Blair, who sent 45,000 British troops for the invasion, gave Bush an unconditional promise that Britain would join military action and that he then distorted intelligence to back this up and put pressure on government lawyers to give the invasion legal approval. 
 
Keys noted that Chilcot had said the inquiry would not play the blame game. 
 
&quot;But I certainly hope it points the finger of accountability in the direction of the former prime minister who was the key player with all of this deceit,&quot; Keys said. 
 
However, he said he feared the report might be watered down as those facing criticism have been allowed to respond prior to publication. 
 
In an interview with CNN last October, Blair apologised that the pre-war intelligence had been wrong and for mistakes in planning, but not for getting rid of Saddam. 
 
He also accepted the war had played a role in the rise of Islamic State but it was far from the only factor. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve said many times over these past years, Ill wait for the report and then I will make my views known and express myself fully and properly,&quot; Blair told Sky News on Sunday. 
 
British media said lawmakers led by the Scottish National Party were considering invoking an ancient law, last used in 1806, to impeach Blair in parliament. 
 
&quot;You cannot have a situation where this country blunders into an illegal war with the appalling consequences and at the end of the day there isn`t a reckoning,&quot; SNP lawmaker Alex Salmond told Sky News. 
 
The Sunday Times newspaper also reported that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - whose own position is in jeopardy after Britain voted last month to leave the European Union - was simply hanging on because he wanted to &quot;crucify Blair&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;I will take full responsibility&#39;
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he would take full responsibility for the failings made in the build up to the invasion of Iraq when he responds to a long-awaited inquiry later on Wednesday.

Inquiry Chairman John Chilcot said earlier on Wednesday that Blair&#39;s case for military action had been over-hyped.

&quot;The report should lay to rest allegations of bad faith, lies or deceit,&quot; Blair said in an initial response. &quot;Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country.&quot;

Blair noted that the Chilcot report did make real and material criticisms of the preparation and planning for the war.

&quot;I will respond in detail to them later this afternoon,&quot; he said in a statement. &quot;I will take full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse.&quot;
 
(Reuters)

Report finds Britain joined the invasion without exhausting peaceful options. Then PM Tony Blair says 'I will take full responsibility'

A British inquiry into the Iraq War strongly criticised former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government on Wednesday, saying they had led the country into war based on flawed intelligence that should have been challenged. The long-awaited inquiry report also said Britain had joined the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 without exhausting peaceful options, that the legal basis for military action was not satisfactory, and that the planning was wholly inadequate. Published seven years after the inquiry was set up, the report runs to 2.6 million words -- about three times the length of the Bible -- and includes details of exchanges Blair had with then US President George W Bush over the invasion. "It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been," the head of the inquiry, John Chilcot said in presenting its findings. Iraq remains in chaos to this day. Islamic State controls large areas of the country and 250 people died on Saturday in Baghdad's worst car bombing since the US-led coalition toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. The inquiry rejected Blair's view that Iraq's post-invasion problems could not have been known in advance. The inquiry's purpose was for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed, in which 179 British soldiers died. Opponents of Blairs decision to join the war will pore over the report for its judgment on how the Labour leader, who quit in 2007, justified the military action. At the time, he said intelligence showed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction but after the invasion none was found. "I was lied to. The media, the press, the families, parliament, everybody was lied to," Reg Keys, whose son was among the British fatalities and who stood as a candidate for parliament against Blair in the 2005 election, told Reuters TV ahead of the reports publication. Blair has always rejected any suggestions he acted dishonestly. He was expected to give his reaction to the report later on Wednesday. The inquiry looked at the reasons for the invasion, the war itself and the aftermath - and has taken longer to complete than the British military involvement itself. Public hearings, including two appearances by Blair, ended in 2011 but since then the writing of the report has been dogged by rows over the release of secret government files and the contacts between London and Washington. It includes details of notes from Blair to Bush and quotes from more than 130 records of their conversations. Critics believe Blair, who sent 45,000 British troops for the invasion, gave Bush an unconditional promise that Britain would join military action and that he then distorted intelligence to back this up and put pressure on government lawyers to give the invasion legal approval. Keys noted that Chilcot had said the inquiry would not play the blame game. "But I certainly hope it points the finger of accountability in the direction of the former prime minister who was the key player with all of this deceit," Keys said. However, he said he feared the report might be watered down as those facing criticism have been allowed to respond prior to publication. In an interview with CNN last October, Blair apologised that the pre-war intelligence had been wrong and for mistakes in planning, but not for getting rid of Saddam. He also accepted the war had played a role in the rise of Islamic State but it was far from the only factor. "I've said many times over these past years, Ill wait for the report and then I will make my views known and express myself fully and properly," Blair told Sky News on Sunday. British media said lawmakers led by the Scottish National Party were considering invoking an ancient law, last used in 1806, to impeach Blair in parliament. "You cannot have a situation where this country blunders into an illegal war with the appalling consequences and at the end of the day there isn`t a reckoning," SNP lawmaker Alex Salmond told Sky News. The Sunday Times newspaper also reported that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - whose own position is in jeopardy after Britain voted last month to leave the European Union - was simply hanging on because he wanted to "crucify Blair". 'I will take full responsibility' Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he would take full responsibility for the failings made in the build up to the invasion of Iraq when he responds to a long-awaited inquiry later on Wednesday. Inquiry Chairman John Chilcot said earlier on Wednesday that Blair's case for military action had been over-hyped. "The report should lay to rest allegations of bad faith, lies or deceit," Blair said in an initial response. "Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country." Blair noted that the Chilcot report did make real and material criticisms of the preparation and planning for the war. "I will respond in detail to them later this afternoon," he said in a statement. "I will take full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse." (Reuters)

Blair led Britain into Iraq War on flawed intelligence: UK inquiry

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Blair led Britain into Iraq War on flawed intelligence: UK inquiry