June 27, 2007
Blair Leaves Commons with Tearful Eyes By Prasun Sonwalkar
London
With a tear in his eye, Tony Blair left the House of Commons
Wednesday afternoon on his last appearance during Prime Minister's
Question Time as MPs from all parties gave him a prolonged standing
ovation.
Conservative party leader David Cameron paid tributes to Blair's
record in office, and chose not to score political points on the
day. Instead, he wished Blair and his family well as emotion and
bonhomie marked Blair's last day in the House of Commons. He also
stands down as MP from Sedgefield constituency.
Cameron and other Conservative leaders admitted that they were glad
to see him ride into the political sunset, and said Blair will be a
hard act to follow. Blair has seen off several Conservative leaders
during his decade in office, including William Hague, Ian Duncan
Smith and Michael Howard.
MPs from all sides called a halt to the usual House of Commons
hostilities to pay tribute to him. Blair admitted he had "never
pretended to be a great House of Commons man" but he paid tribute to
the "noble" work of MPs and - in his final words to parliament -
said: "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well and that is that, the
end."
He also paid tributes to troops killed in Iraq, saying he was "truly
sorry about the dangers they face today".
Conservative leader David Cameron hailed Blair's "remarkable
achievement" in being prime minister for 10 years, praising peace in
Northern Ireland and Blair's work in the developing world which he
said will "endure". He wished Blair "every success for whatever he
does in the future".
Blair thanked Cameron for his tributes and said although he could
not wish the Tory leader well politically, "personally I wish both
him and his family very well indeed".
The Liberal Democrats leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, said that,
despite their political disagreements, Blair had been "unfailingly
courteous" and extended his party's best wishes to the outgoing
prime minister and his family.
A battery of journalists had gathered outside 10, Downing Street to
record every moment of the historic day. Blair emerged at the door
with his family for photo opportunities before driving off to the
Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation.
"We will not miss you at all", remarked Cherie Blair to the waiting
media, reflecting the uneasy relationship the Blairs have had while
in office. The Blair family included Leo, who was born during
Blair's prime minister-ship.
Several protesters had gathered along the route from Downing Street
to the Buckingham Palace with slogans criticising Blair's policy on
Iraq. They included family members of British army personnel killed
in Iraq. They wanted an early return of British troops.
Noting the thousands of Iraqis killed in Iraq, one slogan said: "How
many more Gordon?"
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