Blair Cancels Signings Amid Security Concerns

Tue, 07 September 2010 Courtesy of: The Sun Online

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a high-profile signing of his new book because of planned protests.

Mr Blair said he was concerned about the potential "hassle and cost" to the police of pressing ahead with Wednesday's event.

Eggs and shoes were thrown by demonstrators at a previous signing in Dublin and anti-war groups had promised a mass protest outside Waterstone's in Piccadilly, Central London.

“ the Metropolitan Police were "fabulous and they will do whatever we ask them to do"”

This announcement comes as separate reports indicate that personal protyection around Mr Blair is being stepped up.

The ex-PM said it was "sad" people wanted to disrupt such events, but indicated he would call it off amid evidence that hostile groups were set to join in.

Waterstone's managing director Dominic Myers said: "Our job as a bookseller is to bring books to our customers, and where possible enable them to meet authors as well.

"It is a matter of regret that because of the likely actions of a minority, our customers are now not able to meet a three-times elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, whose book has become our fastest-selling autobiography ever."

Speaking on ITV1's new Daybreak programme about his book — A Journey — this morning, Mr Blair said: "To be frank about it, I am concerned.

"I do not want to put everyone through a lot of cost and hassle on this Wednesday's signing so I am thinking about that."

He said the Metropolitan Police were "fabulous and they will do whatever we ask them to do" but should not be asked to commit resources unnecessarily.

He added: "The book is selling fantastically. There are people — particularly now the BNP apparently say they want to get in on the action — you end up just causing a lot of hassle for people and cost when there are better things for the police to do and it's not as if we need to do it.

"It is sad at the same time, frankly. If people want to have a book signed, people should protest but not try and physically prevent you doing it."

Mr Blair has donated all proceeds from sales of A Journey to the Royal British Legion.

A limited amount of signed copies of A Journey will be available from the Piccadilly store from 9am on Thursday, September 9. These will be sold on a first come, first served basis, one copy per customer.