Blair to give autobiography proceeds to charity

The former British prime minister Tony Blair will give all the proceeds of his forthcoming autobiography to a charity that helps war veterans, his office has announced.

The former British prime minister Tony Blair will give all the proceeds of his forthcoming autobiography to a charity that helps war veterans, his office announced today. The book, entitled A Journey, will be published on September 1 and, as Mr Blair's first personal account of 13 years in power during which Britain invaded Iraq and Afghanistan, it is expected to become an instant bestseller. All the proceeds will be given to a project funded by veterans' charity the Royal British Legion that provides rehabilitation services for seriously injured members of the armed forces, a spokesman for Mr Blair said.

"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," he said. "The Royal British Legion is just such a cause". "In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the armed forces demonstrate day in, day out. "As prime minister he witnessed that for himself in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Kosovo. This is his way of honouring their courage and sacrifice."

The charity has set a target of raising £12 million (Dh68.5m) for a project to help injured soldiers back to health by using sport and outdoor activities. Royal British Legion director general Chris Simpkins said Blair's donation was "very generous" and it was "much appreciated and will help us to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of hundreds of injured personnel". *AFP