Sir Tony Blair admits migrant surge under his tenure as PM placed 'strain' on Britain

Sir Tony said: "If I'd still been in power and I'd notice, because this is true in certain communities, there was a big influx of people, it was causing real strains in some of those communities."

He maintained that his approach "actually helped our economy" but conceded that the policy did not come without cost.

Net migration to the UK rose significantly under Blair's leadership, from 48,000 in 1997 to 273,000 when he left office in 2007.

Sir Tony defended his record on immigration, stating: "What I always say to people is this: 'I am very happy to take full responsibility for the more than 10 years that I was British Prime Minister, and for the decisions I took'."

However, he drew a clear line, adding: "Well, what I won't do is take responsibility for the time when I wasn't Prime Minister."

Blair emphasised the economic necessity of immigration during his tenure, saying: "The truth is, we did need a lot of people for the British economy coming in from Europe."

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Sir Tony described the mood when he came to power as "pretty optimistic", whereas today's zeitgeist is "more anxious".

The former PM was also asked about his reflections on Britain's standing in the world. He noted that the UK is now weaker in three key areas: its relationship with the US, its role in Europe, and international development.

"Are we America's strongest ally? Well, that's the question today," Sir Tony remarked, adding that while security and military ties remain close, the political relationship is "a lot more open to question".

Sir Tony also expressed concern about the rise of sectarian politics during recent elections, describing the intimidation of candidates over the Gaza conflict as "ugly" and asserting that it "shouldn't happen".

He highlighted a "very clear question around the issue of Muslim identity and the distinction between Islam and Islamism" that "reverberates all around the world".

Several Labour candidates faced harassment from pro-Palestine activists during campaigning. Jonathan Ashworth, who lost his Leicester South seat to Independent MP Shockat Adam, reported having to hide in a vicarage from protesters.

Jess Phillips, who retained her Birmingham Yardley seat, described the 2024 campaign as her worst election experience, facing heckling and booing from pro-Palestine campaigners during her victory speech.