Brexit paved way for mass immigration, says Blair

Ex-PM talks borders, AI and Putin with The Independent

- GEORDIE GREIG, DAVID MADDOX

Sir Tony Blair has delivered the most devastating critique of the failure of Brexit and how consequently Britain has ended up with mass immigration instead of the promise to “take back control”.

“We’ve swapped out younger, usually single people coming in from Europe to work in hospitality, technology and other sectors for much increased immigration from Asia and Africa,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, Sir Tony highlighted the way “we have weakened ourselves” in the UK as a result of Brexit.

Britain’s most successful prime minister of the 21st century lambasted the Tories for “putting politics before policy” over 14 years, which led to a period of instability not seen since Margaret Thatcher won power in 1979. He said the Tories had perverted Thatcherism into a kind of nationalism through extreme Euroscepticism.

In a wide-ranging interview, following the publication of his book On Leadership, he highlighted:

• The “delusion” of Vladimir Putin and why Western allies must stand firm with Ukraine.

• The need for the UK and her allies to be prepared for a global war: “It will almost certainly be as a result of the USChina relationship deteriorating.”

• The importance of working with controversial leaders – including Donald Trump – as his personal relationship with “bunga bunga” prime minister Silvio Berlusconi won London the Olympics over Paris.

• How artificial intelligence (AI) is key to Britain’s future prosperity – commercially and for defence: “The most important development since the industrial revolution.”

• How history may vindicate his controversial legacy over the Iraq war: “Maybe different perspectives in time will come about. The most important thing for me at this juncture is for people to understand that it’s not all we did.”