ADVERTISEMENT

Tony Blair

British politician and former Prime Minister

Sir Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, a British politician, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007. Known for his leadership of the Labour Party, Blair implemented significant reforms in healthcare, education, and LGBT rights. He also played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process and supported military interventions in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Related

Bill Clinton Gordon Brown Margaret Thatcher David Cameron James Callaghan Edward Heath Winston Churchill Arthur Balfour Boris Johnson Clement Attlee

Timeline

Birth of Tony Blair in Edinburgh, Scotland

Tony Blair was born on May 6, 1953, at Queen Mary Maternity Home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the second son of Leo and Hazel Blair.

Matriculation of Tony Blair at St John's College, Oxford

In 1972, at the age of 19, Tony Blair enrolled at St John's College, Oxford, where he studied jurisprudence for three years. During his time at Oxford, he was involved in various activities such as playing in a rock band and performing stand-up comedy.

Tony Blair appointed as Shadow Home Secretary

In 1992, Tony Blair was appointed as the Shadow Home Secretary after assuming several other Shadow Cabinet roles.

Tony Blair wins Labour Party leadership election

On July 21, 1994, Tony Blair won the Labour Party leadership election with 57.0% of the vote, succeeding John Smith. This marked the beginning of his leadership of the party.

Replacement of Clause IV with 'democratic socialist' statement

At a special conference in April 1995, the Labour Party replaced Clause IV with a statement declaring the party as 'democratic socialist', marking a shift towards 'New Labour' and away from traditional socialist principles of nationalisation.

Tony Blair served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 as the leader of the Labour Party. His tenure was marked by a focus on modernization, social reform, and foreign policy, including the controversial decision to join the US in the Iraq War.

Labour Party Victory in General Election

Tony Blair led the Labour Party to a landslide victory over the Conservatives in the general election of May 1997, with a campaign promising 'things can only get better.'

Tony Blair becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Tony Blair became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after winning the 1997 general election, marking the beginning of his tenure that lasted until 2007. He led the Labour Party to its largest general election victory in history.

Economic Summit Meeting in Denver, Colorado

In June 1997, Prime Minister Tony Blair attended the Economic Summit Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Forum on Strengthening Democracy in the Global Economy at New York University

In February 1998, Prime Minister Tony Blair attended a forum on Strengthening Democracy in the Global Economy at New York University.

Visit to victims of the Omagh bombing

Following the Omagh bombing by the Real IRA in August 1998, Blair visited the town in Northern Ireland and met with victims at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, after the attack that killed 29 people and wounded hundreds.

Tony Blair Attends NATO's 50th Anniversary Summit

On September 22, 1998, Prime Minister Tony Blair attended NATO's 50th Anniversary Summit. The event marked a significant milestone for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Protection of Kosovars

In 1999, Tony Blair took significant risks to protect the Kosovars, showcasing his 'liberal interventionism' concept which he explained in his 'Chicago' speech on 'The Doctrine of the International Community'.

Tony Blair Meets President Clinton at UN Millennium Summit

From April 23 to 25, 1999, Prime Minister Tony Blair met with President Clinton at the UN Millennium Summit in New York City. The meeting between the two leaders was a crucial diplomatic event.

Blair hosted Putin in London

Blair hosted Putin in London in April 2000, despite opposition from other world leaders and human rights groups over atrocities in Chechnya. Blair described Putin as a political reformer and emphasized his vision of a strong and modern Russia.

Working Visit at Camp David

In February 2001, Prime Minister Tony Blair had a working visit at Camp David, Maryland.

9/11 Terrorist Attacks

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda on the United States, resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City and significant loss of life.

In September 2001, Prime Minister Tony Blair had a working visit.

In November 2001, Prime Minister Tony Blair had a working visit.

Meeting with President Bush at Crawford, Texas

Prime Minister Tony Blair had a private visit and met with President Bush at Crawford, Texas to discuss various issues.

Discussion on Iraq crisis with President Bush at Camp David

Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed the Iraq crisis with President Bush at Camp David, Maryland during a working visit.

Tony Blair's Official Visit to Camp David

On January 31, 2003, Prime Minister Tony Blair made an official visit to Camp David in Maryland. During this visit, he discussed the war with Iraq.

Invasion of Iraq

On March 20, 2003, American and British forces invaded Iraq under Tony Blair's leadership. The decision was controversial and faced criticism both domestically and internationally.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's Event

On March 26-27, 2003, Prime Minister Tony Blair was involved in an event.

Meeting with UN Secretary-General Annan

On March 27, 2003, Prime Minister Tony Blair met with UN Secretary-General Annan in New York City.

Tony Blair Addresses Joint Session of Congress

On July 17, 2003, Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed a Joint Session of Congress during his working visit.

Tony Blair Attends G-8 Economic Summit and Reagan's Funeral

On April 16, 2004, Prime Minister Tony Blair attended the G-8 Economic Summit in Sea Island, Georgia, and also participated in the funeral of former President Reagan.

7/7 London Explosions

The 7/7 London explosions in 2005 were carried out by British-born Muslim suicide bombers, prompting Tony Blair to take measures to tighten civil liberties, which further divided public opinion.

Meeting with President Bush at UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Tony Blair met with President Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York City.

Blair urges EU on Darfur

Blair called on EU member states to pressure Sudan to allow a UN force into Darfur, emphasizing the critical situation in the region.

Tony Blair Resigns as Prime Minister

On May 10, 2007, Tony Blair announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. His resignation marked the end of a tumultuous era in British politics.

Working visit of Prime Minister Tony Blair

On May 16, 2007, Prime Minister Tony Blair had a working visit.

Tony Blair Hands Over Leadership to Gordon Brown

At a special party conference in Manchester, Tony Blair formally handed over the leadership of the Labour Party to Gordon Brown, who succeeded him as Prime Minister.

Tony Blair resigns as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

On June 27, 2007, Tony Blair resigned as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after serving from 1997 to 2007. He was succeeded by Gordon Brown.

Blair joins the Catholic Church

On December 22, 2007, Tony Blair officially converted to Catholicism after informing Pope Benedict XVI of his desire to become a Catholic. The move was considered a private matter.

Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission Tribunal

In November 2011, a war crimes tribunal established by Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad found Blair and George W. Bush guilty of crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and genocide for their roles in the 2003–2011 Iraq War.

Desmond Tutu's Suggestion for War Crimes Trial

In September 2012, Desmond Tutu suggested that Blair should face a war crimes trial similar to former African leaders brought before the International Criminal Court. Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Bindman also supported the idea.

Blair Resigns as Middle East Envoy

In May 2015, Tony Blair resigned from his role as the Middle East envoy. This marked the end of his official involvement in the peace process in the region.

Chilcot Report Criticism

The Chilcot report, published on 6 July 2016, criticized Blair for joining the US in the 2003 Iraq War. Blair later apologized, justified his decisions, and denied allegations that the war led to a significant increase in terrorism.

Abdulwaheed al-Rabbat's War Crimes Prosecution

In July 2017, former Iraqi general Abdulwaheed al-Rabbat initiated a private war crimes prosecution in London against Tony Blair, Jack Straw, and Lord Goldsmith for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The High Court ruled that the crime of aggression was not an offense under UK law.

Tony Blair's Op-Ed on Iran-West Tensions

In February 2019, Blair published an op-ed urging strong pushback against Iran's military interference and support for Iranian people protesting for freedom. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change also warned of a growing Iranian threat.

End of the Timeline
Tony Blair

Popular

Short-form video hosting service

TikTok

American retired Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner.

David Goggins

American ice cream chain

American Football

Contact team sport played in the United States.

Artistic movement exploring the unconscious mind

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT