Tony Blair

Tony Blair (born 6th May 1953), as prime minister of the United Kingdom, perhaps earned a reputation as one of the most controversial holders of Britain's highest political office. Internationally, he is best known for supporting a much-opposed U.S.-led war in Iraq, the repercussions of which are ongoing in the Middle East and the wider world; domestically, his legacy included the abolition of socialism as the fundamental tenet of his ('New') Labour Party, and the introduction of the private sector into British health and education.

Resignation announcement

10th May 2007 marked the official announcement of the end of Blair's premiership, with a departure date set for the following 27th June. In a speech made in the Sedgefield constituency he represents in the British parliament, Blair announced a timetable for leaving office, paving the way for his successor after over ten years of power. In words that emphasised his domestic record more than his international influence, Blair credited his government with lowering crime, stabilising the economy and improving public services; he also emphasised that it had placed the UK at the forefront of fighting terrorism, tackling climate change and providing aid to troubled regions such as Africa. Often accused of having a fervently religious approach to wider issues, he also remained committed to his view that time would see his decision-making vindicated: "I did what I thought was right. I may have been wrong, that's your call, but I did what I thought was right for our country." An apology for his actions was unforthcoming, but in concluding he admitted that he had made unspecified mistakes: "my apologies to you for the times I've fallen short. But good luck."