who is tony blair

Tony Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007. He was the Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007 and was a Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007. Blair is known for leading the Labour Party to three consecutive general election victories, the first time this was achieved by Labour. He played a significant role in modernizing the party under the label "New Labour," moving it towards the political center. Blair's premiership was notable for constitutional reforms such as Scottish and Welsh devolution, the Human Rights Act, and the Good Friday Agreement which helped progress peace in Northern Ireland. He also supported the UK's involvement in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, a move that was highly controversial and affected his popularity. After resigning as prime minister, Blair served as a special envoy to the Middle East Quartet until 2015 and has remained active in global political and peace efforts, including recent involvement in Middle East peace initiatives. Blair has received various honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was knighted as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.