So Blair, like many Remainers, had vested interests in stopping Brexit...
Tony Blair 'was bidding for contracts with the EU for his 'institute for global change' as he campaigned against Brexit'
Ex-PM's Tony Blair Institute (TBI) sought funding from the European Commission
Emails noted Mr Blair's 'unique' connections with heads of developing countries
Spokesman said it would be 'absurd' to make link to Mr Blair opposition to Brexit
By Rory Tingle For Mailonline
29 December 2019
Tony Blair sought EU funding for his 'institute for global change' as he campaigned against Brexit, it was reported today.
Emails obtained by a newspaper show the former prime minister discussed the possibility of striking a funding agreement between the European Commission and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI).
Mr Blair held talks with Neven Mimica, an EU commissioner, and Ana Gallo-Alvarez, who was previously seconded to Mr Blair's Middle East envoy office as deputy head of mission.
Emails obtained by a newspaper show Mr Blair (pictured) discussed the possibility of striking a funding agreement between the European Commission and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI)
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.
Mr Blair recently criticised Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured on December 19) for his 'comical' Brexit stance
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.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...g-contracts-EU-campaigned-against-Brexit.html
Tony Blair 'was bidding for contracts with the EU for his 'institute for global change' as he campaigned against Brexit'
Ex-PM's Tony Blair Institute (TBI) sought funding from the European Commission
Emails noted Mr Blair's 'unique' connections with heads of developing countries
Spokesman said it would be 'absurd' to make link to Mr Blair opposition to Brexit
By Rory Tingle For Mailonline
29 December 2019
Tony Blair sought EU funding for his 'institute for global change' as he campaigned against Brexit, it was reported today.
Emails obtained by a newspaper show the former prime minister discussed the possibility of striking a funding agreement between the European Commission and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI).
Mr Blair held talks with Neven Mimica, an EU commissioner, and Ana Gallo-Alvarez, who was previously seconded to Mr Blair's Middle East envoy office as deputy head of mission.
Emails obtained by a newspaper show Mr Blair (pictured) discussed the possibility of striking a funding agreement between the European Commission and his Tony Blair Institute (TBI)
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.
Mr Blair recently criticised Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured on December 19) for his 'comical' Brexit stance
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.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...g-contracts-EU-campaigned-against-Brexit.html