The Iraq war criminal betrays the kingdom again
Tony Blair was bidding for contracts with the European Union for his “institute for global change” as he publicly campaigned to overturn Brexit, The Telegraph can disclose.
Documents show that the former prime minister that famously supported the war-for-oil in Iraq, held talks with officials about striking a funding agreement between the European Commission and the “not-for-profit” Tony Blair Institute (TBI).
The officials included Ana Gallo-Alvarez, who was previously seconded to Mr Blair’s Middle East envoy office as deputy head of mission.
She chaired a meeting between Mr Blair’s staff and Commission officials last year after Mr Blair held talks with her then boss, Neven Mimica, an EU commissioner.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, the former Labour leader's staff explained in emails that they wanted to 'explore opportunities to receive financial support'.
They also noted Mr Blair's 'unique' connections with leaders of developing countries.
Responding to the report, a institute spokesman said it was 'perfectly entitled to seek EU funding for work relevant to EU funding streams' and had not yet submitted a bid for any money.
He added: 'The idea there is a connection with Mr Blair's opposition to Brexit is absurd', he added.
Mr Blair announced the launch of the Institute for Global Change in December 2016 with the aim of 'mak[ing] globalisation work for the many, not the few'.
The organisation's work is mainly focused on the peace process in the Middle East and effective governance in Africa.
Mr Blair does not receive a salary for his work with the non-profit institute but has his travel and accommodation expenses covered.
The politician has been vocal in opposing Brexit, and in September said he would 'do anything' to stop a No Deal.
He said the UK was 'rightly proud' of the fight against Hitler, but complained that it cast a 'long shadow over the British psyche'.
He said Eurosceptics were constantly harking back to that 'feat of glory', while Remainers focused on the past 70 years of 'peace and relative stability'.
Mr Blair also recently branded Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit stance 'comical' and said Labour had become a 'cult' under his leadership.
The officials included Ana Gallo-Alvarez, who was previously seconded to Mr Blair’s Middle East envoy office as deputy head of mission.
She chaired a meeting between Mr Blair’s staff and Commission officials last year after Mr Blair held talks with her then boss, Neven Mimica, an EU commissioner.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, the former Labour leader's staff explained in emails that they wanted to 'explore opportunities to receive financial support'.
They also noted Mr Blair's 'unique' connections with leaders of developing countries.
Responding to the report, a institute spokesman said it was 'perfectly entitled to seek EU funding for work relevant to EU funding streams' and had not yet submitted a bid for any money.
He added: 'The idea there is a connection with Mr Blair's opposition to Brexit is absurd', he added.
Mr Blair announced the launch of the Institute for Global Change in December 2016 with the aim of 'mak[ing] globalisation work for the many, not the few'.
The organisation's work is mainly focused on the peace process in the Middle East and effective governance in Africa.
Mr Blair does not receive a salary for his work with the non-profit institute but has his travel and accommodation expenses covered.
The politician has been vocal in opposing Brexit, and in September said he would 'do anything' to stop a No Deal.
He said the UK was 'rightly proud' of the fight against Hitler, but complained that it cast a 'long shadow over the British psyche'.
He said Eurosceptics were constantly harking back to that 'feat of glory', while Remainers focused on the past 70 years of 'peace and relative stability'.
Mr Blair also recently branded Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit stance 'comical' and said Labour had become a 'cult' under his leadership.