FORMER BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to give his £4.6m book advance to charity.
Blair will donate the money to a new sports centre for injured troops. Blair said he will donate all the money from his book A Journey in addition to any further royalties received. The centre, the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Challenge Centre is due to open in 2012.
“Tony Blair decided on leaving office that he would donate the proceeds of his memoirs to a charity for the Armed Forces as a way of marking the enormous sacrifice they make for the security of our people and the world. The Royal British Legion is just such a cause,” the spokesman said.
“In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the armed forces demonstrate day in, day out.”
Blair’s decision to go into Iraq was a controversial one that divided the UK and many believe overshadows his legacy as prime minister.
Blair’s book is due out on Sept 1 and although he will do a series of signings, security measures mean fans will not be allowed take photographs with the retired PM.
Members of the Stop The War Coalition plan to picket Mr Blair’s appearance at London branch of Waterstones and attempt to “arrest” him for alleged war crimes.
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