Tony Blair

Indeed he did, but he's toxic now.

What people think of him is their choice Daphne, but saying he should remain silent is hypocritical on a forum which supports free speech.

He can say what he likes. Does he deserve to be given the media attention that he's been given? No. Should we listen to him? No again.
He's had his day. He should butt out.

Which makes one wonder "why" but more essential is "why NOW? Tony never does anything without plan. Is he planning to make a come back? Heaven help us if he is.

No, he is not planning a come back Trisher

Tone didn't listen to all of us who were opposed to the Iraq war but he's now developed a "listening" ear it seems. Yes he has the right to express an opinion, but why does he think he should be the one to spearhead this campaign he's yesterday's man, and a discredited one at that.

Anniebach don't tell me you have 'insider' knowledge about Tony's plans as well? Because as far as I remember most Labour Party members were surprised by his sudden meteoric rise the first time round. (I was going to put 'by his first coming' but really one shouldn't encourage the Messiah complex)

As well as who Trisher?

I don't have any "insider knowledge" but I think he still has designs on being President of the EU. Whilst he may not have been paid as Middle East Peace Envoy (and wasn't that a great success!), he certainly took the opportunity to make some very lucrative contacts.

All smacks of a hidden agenda in the career prospects of Mr Blair! Is it just coincidence that Herr Junker has announced that he is stepping down in 2019, therefore creating a vacancy? Just coincidence that he (Herr Junker) was photographed hugging Mr Blair a few days ago?! 'Get this Brexit overturned and???) Just a thought you understand!!! This sudden love for, and the need to rescue Briton doesn't seem to QUITE add up.

I really haven't a clue what has motivated Blair to speak out. Of course he has the right to say whatever he wants about the EU (and I even happen to think he's right), but if he seriously thinks he's going to influence people to change their minds, he's sadly deluded.

He was re-elected because folk did not want a return to the Thatcher years I would guess.

Maybe he's writing a book-"How I saved Britain and the EU?"

I have inside knowledge as well as whom Trisher?

He made what turned out to be a dreadful error with the Iraq war - but we can never be sure that any other Prime minister at the time would not have done the same thing - hindsight is wonderful.
However what is happening now is entirely different - no one is listening to Nick Clegg or Grayling or anyone else who is telling it like it is - they maybe do not have a strong enough image. But ask yourself if you were in the situation of a likely flood or forest fire and someone you didn't like was a fireman and started shouting to evacuate the place - would you ignore them because you did not like them and maybe were not to be trusted even though you could see the flames?
To say that you will simply not listen or ignore the sense simply because you dislike the man is ridiculous - head in sand and all that. It is unfortunate that it is this particular person giving this message but that does not invalidate the force of the argument.

As well as all the other stuff you post about 'knowing' Anniebach no who or whom about it.

I agree with everything you've written Welshwife. If you have the time, watch the video I posted with Nick Clegg and Jonathan Haidt. Unfortunately, it's an hour and a half, so most people won't watch. I really think Clegg has matured a lot since the coalition. AC Grayling is too easily dismissed as an out of touch academic, which is a great shame, because he's a philosopher who has made it his mission to relate philosophy to everyday life. Unfortunately, they're dismissed as 'experts'.

Jonathan Haidt's specialism is voters who don't listen to reason and do hide their heads in the sand, if something doesn't support their viewpoint. Clegg acknowledges that too.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the 'day without us' campaign which is I think on Monday. I do hope a lot of people take part but many in vital jobs are unlikely to put people at risk. It will also be interesting to see how people react to the protest.

Nick Clegg and AC Grayling are so interesting to listen to and watch - or read their articles. I would like to know if any member of the Govt could have delivered the speech Clegg gave in all those languages last week. It must grate sometimes that he is able to understand these people in their own tongue.

Trisher I post what I know, my experiences, some of what I am told by reliable sources and my opinions , your sarcasm was wasted

Well said Welshwife

The depressing thing is dd that so many people do bury their head in the sand or don't read or listen or something!!! I watched a woman from Stoke yesterday who said she was going to vote for UKIP because they were the only ones who would look after the NHS!! What can you do? Please I'd like to know, because quite frankly I'm sitting here totally depressed at what's going on in the world.

I think we should all have badges Baden so we can recognise each other in the street! I think so many people are feeling as you describe - the world has changed and after a lifetime of improvemement it is falling apart so quickly.

Anniebell and Trisher please stop sniping at one another. Have noticed on other threads too. You can disagree without getting personal. For all our sakes please make up! Yes? ???

I watched the Tony Blair speech at the 'OPEN EUROPE' event and the first thing that hit me was he was introduced by Labour MP Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South.

I think McFadden is a reasonable MP but I did wonder how his prominent role at the ' 'OPEN EUROPE' event would be seen by the voters in another Midlands constituency ,Stoke - On - Trent. Wolverhampton like Stoke-On-Trent was a high percentage 'LEAVE' area and Labour are trying to retain Stoke Central in the upcoming by-election. Did he and Tony Blair help Labour with the timing of this speech?

Tony Blair is a cup of cold sick to many, feted by others. We will each have our own opinions as to whether Blair words were 'wisely/democratic' or 'trouble making/undemocratic' I suppose.

To my mind the likes of Tony Blair are toxic and could well have the opposite effect to what 'OPEN EUROPE' had hoped for by using him as a spokesperson.

Why toxic? Because he is a political elite, Millionaire, globalist, property owning, self serving individual who is known to mix with and give 'guidance' to some pretty undemocratic Leaders and people will consider anything he says as suspicious.

Tony Blair making this speech will probably make those who voted 'LEAVE' to dig their heels in all the more, let's face it he wasn't speaking to those who voted 'REMAIN' was he, other than telling them to 'RISE UP'.

His speech was possibly one of the most undemocratic speeches made over result of the EU Referendum. His attack on both the government and Labour won't have fooled many.

His use of the term 'RISE UP' simply does not sit well with a hell of a lot of voters who are not given to activism and demonstrations and whether or not it was meant to be taken literally it will be viewed by some to do exactly that. He might just cause more trouble than he expected, or did he knowingly understand what reaction his speech 'could possibly' have and trouble making was the point?